VO News You Can Use
Dr. O's Weekly Parent Newsletter
February 21, 2018
Dear Village Oaks Families,
As an educator I’m exposed to many things from week to week that bring a smile to my face and make me beam with pride to be part of one the most noble professions in our society. From hearing the laughter of children playing together after they’ve resolved an issue on their own during recess, to seeing students persevere as they work through challenging problems with their teachers--I love observing these things! I thoroughly enjoy watching kids develop their ability to empathize with their peers through different thinking routines in our classrooms such as the “Step Inside” where they become a character from a book they’ve read then explore the different perspectives from the characters in the story which teaches them how to see things from different points of view. To help students understand the power they possess as change-agents we participate in a wide range of service projects as a school which teach them how their actions can positively impact the world around them. These are a few examples of the types of things that bring me joy from my daily work. With all of the amazing things that take place in our classes, unfortunately horrific events do occur in schools such as the tragic shooting in Parkland Florida last week which caused us all to reflect on the ills of society and the safety of our students while in school. As the principal of VO the physical/emotional safety of our students is paramount in my daily decision making process. As a staff we work closely with our Novi Police Department and participate in ongoing training to prepare us for emergency events that might put our students' safety in jeopardy. Please watch the video below featuring Dr. RJ Weber our Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services to learn about the ALICE training that our staff has been trained in to protect our students against violent intruders.
Sincerely,
Alex
VO School Day Conversations
During our Villas last week we focused on “Thinking Win-Win”. When was the last time you thought of a way for everyone in your group at school to be happy when they weren’t agreeing with each other?
During an emergency drill at school what are the expectations for students (be quiet, listen to the directions from adults, if you're in the hallway by yourself immediately get to the closest classroom, etc.)?
What is something that you did in school last week that you are proud of doing?
NCSD Elementary Teacher of the Year--Lisa Rice
A huge congratulations to Lisa Rice for being recognized as the 2017/2018 NCSD Elementary Teacher of the Year! Lisa is a star teacher who is loved by her students, admired by her colleagues, and respected by parents because of her commitment to the kids she serves everyday at VO. We applaud Lisa for all of her hard work. Enjoy the attached write-up on Lisa and the other deserving recipients from our district.
Villas--"Think Win-Win”
Last week during Villas our students learned how to “Think Win-Win” so everyone they work with can win. Check out a few pictures from our Villas.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration has started for the Class of 2031. Your child needs to be 5 years old by 9/1/18. To register your child, please call Centralized Enrollment at 248-675-3400.
VO’s Kindergarten parent meeting is on April 17, 2018 at 7pm.
*All students need to be registered prior to attending the parent meeting.*
VO Enrichment Classes
There is still time to sign up for some fun after school classes! See the flyer attached.
AAUW-NN "Let's Read Math" Program
2nd and 3rd grade parents please see the attached flyer. The AAUW-NN Let’s Read Math series will again be held at the Novi Public Library from 1-2:30 pm March 10, 17, and 24. Each session begins with literature and is followed by math extension activities. Each week there will be a focus on a different grade level appropriate math concept. Parents are expected to attend with their children.
A Note from Ms. Elster
Dear Village Oaks Parents:
This letter is to regretfully let you all know that I will be resigning from my position as school social worker at Village Oaks Elementary on February 23, 2018 as I have accepted a position at a school that is much closer to home. This decision is very bittersweet as I am looking forward to a much shorter commute, yet will truly miss everyone that is part of the Village Oaks Elementary School community. Your children have all touched my heart greatly and I have enjoyed working with each of you as we strive to give your children the best start possible. I thank you, sincerely, for your time and effort.
Yours truly, Elizabeth Elster, LMSW, SSW
A Note From Mrs. Budlong
Dear Parents,
It's time for English learners in grades K-12 to begin taking the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs. All students who are required to be tested will take a reading, writing, listening, and speaking test from February 5 – March 23, 2017.
**If your child will be absent for an extended period during the testing window, please contact your child’s teacher to let them know your schedule as soon as possible.**
Please read the information sheet that came home with your recently. It has information about the test.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email me. I look forward to seeing how much the students have improved this year!
~Kristin Budlong
ESL Teacher, kristin.budlong@novik12.org
VO Yearbook Sales
Compassion in Action
Attached is our Jan./Feb. Compassion in Action Newsletter from our Social Worker, Elizabeth Elster.
Thank You PE Volunteers!
Thank you to all of our parents and grandparents who came in to support our students during the skating unit in Physical Education!
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
PTO is CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Your support to our school in the volunteering of your time is extremely valuable to all of us! We cannot help our students and staff in the planned activities without YOU! Please consider signing up for one of our committees at the link below: VOICE Link
Your time is so greatly valued and appreciated!
Snow Pants Donations
If you have snow pants that your child has grown out of, VO would love to put them to good use. Feel free to drop off any snow pants donations to the main office. Thank you!
VO Flags
One of the things that makes our building so special is our diverse student population--we have families in our community who come from all over the world! To celebrate our global diversity we have hung flags in our cafeteria that represent many of the countries of our VO families. As a gift from our retirees from last year we were given ten flags of the following countries: Israel, India, England, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, South Korea, China, and USA. Thank you to our parents who have also donated the following flags: Poland, Singapore, Japan, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Nepal, Greece, Pakistan and Armenia. If you would like to purchase a flag of your country of origin or to represent one of the many nationalities of our school please visit Amazon and search for an ANLEY 3x5 flag: VO Flags
Before purchasing and donating the flag to our school’s collection please contact me or one of our secretaries with the flag information so we can make sure that another family has not already ordered the same flag.
Spotlight on Students
Valentine's Day and 100th Day of School
Check out a few images from 100th day of school and our different Valentines Day Celebrations!
Playworks
Village Oaks & Orchard Hills Elementary are proud to be part of the Play movement as the first two schools in the Novi School District to make play a priority with Playworks! Playworks is the leading nonprofit in Michigan and nationally using play to transform schools. A Playworks recess creates a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills. Please click on the link below and read the attached Playworks article to learn more about our partnership and Patrice our Playworks Coach!
Check out a few images from recess...
Looking Ahead
2/19/18: Mid-winter Break - No School
2/20/18: Mid-winter Break - No School
3/1/18: 4th Grade Parents Reproductive Health Preview 6:30pm at Novi Woods Elementary
3/7/18: Title One Math Event 5:15pm
3/13/18: 3rd Grade Concert 6:30pm
3/15/18: VOICE-McDonald’s Night 5-7pm
Parent Pick-up/Parking & Bus Stop Expectations
As you pick up your children before/after school please be mindful of our neighbors and do not park in front of their driveways or mailboxes. We also ask that parents please park in our parking lot and keep your pets in your cars. Thank you for your understanding.
Please remind our students that VO expectations/rules apply at our bus stops. We ask that all students are on their best behavior as they wait for their bus.
Please do not drop off children before 8:55am. We do not have any supervision outside prior to this time. If you arrive late, please walk your child into the office and sign them in. Thank you.
CARE
Please remember if there is a change in your child's CARE schedule you need to notify Holly no later than 3:15. She will then contact the teachers. Holly Bengle can be reached at
holly.bengle@novik12.org or (248) 449-1307.
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Village Oaks Elementary
VO school hours: 9:08 am-4:00 pm
Office hours: 8:15 am-4:15 pm
Attendance line: 248.449.1301
Office phone number: 248.449.1300
Email: Alexander.ofili@novik12.org
Website: www.novi.k12.mi.us/vo/
Location: Village Oaks Elementary School, Willowbrook Drive, Novi, MI, United States
Phone: 248.449.1300
Twitter: @NoviVillageOaks