And just like that, 2021 is over and in comes 2022. Believe it or not, winter break is over and school resuming is upon us. We are excited to get students and staff back and into a "school routine."

A few reminders as we return to school:

*Weather will fluctuate, please put your child's name in their jackets/coats so that if they are left outside, we can return them to the rightful owner.

*With Covid cases on the rise again, masks are still encouraged but not required.

*The district has moved us to Level 3 which limits visitors to the campus. We will continue with lunch sign up for the foreseeable future.

*Current collection of "lost" jackets will be donated at the end of January. Please remind your children to look at them during p.e time and claim their jackets.

*If your child is experiencing Covid or flu-like symptoms or running a fever, please keep them home. Call the front office to let us know that your child is sick.

*If your child has tested positive for Covid, please notify the school nurse or do the self report under the student SSO.

We are looking forward to a healthy and happy 2021!

*School attendance is important for learning. Students should be at school daily unless they are sick.

*Doors open at 7:35 with school starting at 8:00 a.m. Tardies begin at 8:01 am. Please help us reduce tardies this semester by making it a goal to be at school on time.

*Dismissal begins at 3:10 p.m.

*Change of transportation call ins are for emergencies only and must be called in by 2:30 p.m.

*Early pick up ends at 2:45. If you arrive after 2:45 you will need to join the car rider line.

*Coming of the I-45 feeder, car rider line starts on Oak Ridge School Road. If you enter our driveway, the right turn lane will be blocked forcing you to turn left and find the end of the line.

*Parents may not park and walk students to the building in the morning nor to pick them up in the afternoon.

Oak Ridge Elementary's 2020 -2021 Accountability Summary has been posted on our school's profile page. This can be found by following the steps below:

From the district webpage:

*Go to Oak Ridge Elementary webpage

*Go to "Our School/Campus

*Select "Accountability Reports"

*Click "2020-21"

*Select "2021 Accountability Summary"

As we begin to open back up and allow parents to volunteer on campus or on accompany students on field trips, parents will need to complete the Volunteer Background check at the link below:

https://apps.conroeisd.net/volunteer/

Welcome our new nurse, Tina Smith. Tina has worked side by side with Audra Sims for a couple of weeks to learn the ropes at Oak Ridge and will make the transition easily for all of us. She has been with the district for a little over a year and we are excited to have her.

Tina is the Mom of 2 girls and is excited to have home in CISD!

Welcome to our new registrar! Melissa Hill will be joining our staff as our registrar. Mrs. Vera is no longer with us. We are excited to have Melissa join us. She is coming to us from another elementary in the district and brings her experience as a registrar.

If you have any questions or concerns about attendance or registration, you can reach her at mjhill@conroeisd.net.

We are excited to share that this year we have a Parent Liason join our team. Mrs. Carroll has been and will continue to follow up on absences as well as support parents in a variety of ways. If you have any questions or concerns or needs, please reach out to Mrs. Carroll. Mrs. Carroll is fluent in English and Spanish.

A reservation button has been added to our campus home page. Please use that as we continue having a reservation system for lunch. Remember that we do have tables outside so if it is raining, we will cancel for that day and ask you to reschedule. Also, if you feel the weather is too cold to sit outside, we ask that you reschedule.

Link to your homepage - https://ore.conroeisd.net/

*Lunch

Here's what you need to know:

*Sign up using the reservation link below.

*Parents are restricted to only ONE day per cycle so that we can allow more parents to visit.

*No more than 2 people per child will be allowed based on space.

*Parents will need a valid ID and will enter the front of the building.

*Go straight to the cafeteria to meet your child and bring them to the patio tables.

*Lunch tables are on the patio by the playground. Unfortunately they are not covered so if it is raining, you will want to cancel and reschedule your day.

*When lunch is over, parents must leave. Parents cannot attend recess nor visit the child's classroom per Level 3 restrictions.

Our attendance has been hovering about 93% and our goal for the year is 96%. Unless your child is ill, it is important for them to be here at school, on time and stay all day long.

Tardies - We begin counting tardies at 8:01 a.m. We do, however, monitor the line. We take note of the last car in line at 8:01 and all cars after that, the students are counted tardy. Currently, we have a much shorter line between 7:45 - 7:55. If you consistently arrive about 7:55, try adjusting your morning schedule by about 10 minutes, you will not have to wait in line to drop off your child. Student drop off and pick up is the line closes to the building. Do not drop off or pick up on the other side the covered drive as it is unsafe for everyone involved.

Did you know that meal applications assist in so much more than just meals?

If you are on free/reduced lunch, there are a few more benefits to your family than just food.

*AP tests - Reduced registration fee

*Most sports - free or discounted pay to participate

*Internet Access - Eligible for discounted internet access services.

*P-EBT-Eligibility for any future P-EBT benefits for the 21-22 school year.

*College Application Fees - Discounted rate on fees associated with applying for college.

*School funding - Maintains funding for student programs and services.

*Assistance as is available for back to school clothing, school supplies, and Christmas gifts.

Conroe ISD families can complete an online meal application now!

Applying is FAST and EASY at www.myschoolapps.com.

If you need assistance applying, you can contact the Glorimar Carroll, campus parent liason, at 832-592-5900.

January

5 - Students return to school

8 - Western Art Show

17 - School holiday

January

3 - Maria Falcon - librarian

11 - Pako Esparza - fourth grade math teacher

13 - Alyssa Dishong - Kindergarten teacher

22 -Kai Henderson - counselor