Otter Outlook
November 30, 2017
In this issue...
A Message from the Principal
Need to Know!
Parent Workshop - Problem-Based Learning
It's Almost Here! Night of the Arts
Ocee Tech Fair Register Now!
What's Happening in the Learning Commons?
Ryan's Resource
From Our PTA
The Giving Tree
Upcoming Spirit Nights
Bingo Night and Basket Raffle/Silent Auction
Community News
Jr. Cougar Spring Boys Lacrosse
Holiday Resources
Reminders
Please Don't Bring in Edible Birthday Treats
Dates to Remember
Nov. 30 - Get Air Spirit Night 3-7 p.m.
Dec. 1 - Ocee Spirit Day
Dec. 1 - 2nd AR Period ends
Dec. 5 - 5th Grade T-shirt Day
Dec. 6 - SGC Meeting 7 a.m.
Dec. 6 - Chorus Performs for Grades PK-2
Dec. 7 - Last Day for Giving Tree Donations - DEADLINE EXTENDED
Dec. 7 - Chorus Performs for Grades 3-5
Dec. 7 - PTA Ocee Spirit NIght at Panera, North Point Mall
Dec. 7 - Ocee Night of the Arts 5 p.m. (Chorus performs at 6 p.m.)
Dec. 12 - Ocee Spelling Bee 8 a.m.
Dec. 14 - College Spirit Day
Dec. 14 - Parent Workshop - Problem-Based Learning w/Ann Scott Hanks 7:15 a.m.
Dec. 15 - PTA Executive Committee Meeting
Dec. 19 & 20 - Class Parties
Dec. 21 - Read In/Pajama Day
Dec. 22 - Jan. 7 WINTER HOLIDAYS - NO SCHOOL
A Message from the Principal
Good Afternoon Ocee Families!
It is hard to believe that we have already reached the end of November and are in the middle of the holiday season! It is an exciting time at Ocee Elementary School, and I was lucky enough to come back from the Thanksgiving break as a participant in this year's 5th grade Rock Eagle Trip! We had an amazing time with our 5th grade scholars, and I was so impressed with their wonder, respectfulness, and positive attitudes during the trip. Our staff and chaperones had a great time listening to our students rejoice and laugh during this experience and I thank all of them for their support and participation! A trip to the great outdoors would not be complete without a campfire and a principal selfie...see the pictures below!
As we approach the end of first semester, there is more cause for celebration! Ocee Elementary has earned Silver Performance Awards for the Greatest Gains Category and Highest Performance Category on the Single Statewide Accountability System for 2016-2017! We are so proud of the performance of our students and staff at Ocee Elementary, and we are dedicated to continuing our tradition of Outstanding Character and Educational Excellence!
Best Regards,
Ryan Moore
Principal & Ocee Parent
Need to Know
Parent Workshop - Problem-Based Learning
What does “Problem-Based Learning” mean? How is Ocee implementing ProBL? What does it “feel like” in the classroom? How is it different from what I experienced in school as a child? How does it help my child grow as a scholar?
Come to our next Parent Workshop on December 14 at 7:15am in room B104 with Miss Hanks to find out answers to these questions. We will discuss what Problem-Based Learning is and isn’t, and you will have a chance to work through several problems using hands-on materials and primary sources.
It’s Almost Here! - Ocee Night of the Arts
The time for Ocee’s Night of the Arts is almost here! On Thursday, December 7th, Ocee will hold its fifth annual Night of the Arts. On this night, you have the chance to see Ocee Chorus’ winter performance as well as a framed art show featuring a piece of art from every student in the school. During this art show, you have the option to purchase your child’s framed artwork and reproductions of his/ her work for $25 each. In addition, there will be 4 free art activities for students to participate in. We look forward to seeing you there!
Can’t come that night? That’s okay! Order forms will be sent home for pre-show orders in a week. If you wish to order, please send in the order form and check or cash payment to Ms. Cessna OR go online to oceeotters.com and click on the OSP button on or before December 7th. Sorry, because of the quick turnaround, orders after December the 7th cannot be accepted.
*Please Note: We are able to take check or cash only in person if you plan to buy your child’s framed work. If you do not wish to buy your child’s artwork framed, artwork will be returned to students after the art show.
What's Happening in the Learning Commons?
Our Wild West Book Fair and Literature Night were both huge successes! We had over fifty volunteers who helped advertise, decorate, and run the events. We are overwhelmed by our Ocee community and staff support. Thank you so much. The impact that we, as reading advocates, make as a community on our kids through these events will have lasting effects. Here at Ocee, we truly believe in fostering a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
Ryan's Resource
This week's article discusses how to raise resilient children. As a parent of one of our Ocee Otters, I always appreciate a few tips from those that have been there. As the principal of the school, I see a huge need for our community and society to build resiliency in our children. Our students are intelligent, charismatic, and compassionate, but there are times when small bumps in the road become major concerns due to a lack of resiliency. I found this article insightful and I hope you do too!
I hope you enjoy this week's article: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/to-raise-kids-that-are-exceptionally-self-reliant-resilient-jeff-bezos-his-wife-mackenzie-say-do-this.html
Sincerely,
Ryan Moore
From Our PTA
THE GIVING TREE
November 11th ~ December 1st DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DEC. 7!!
We are wrapping up our Giving Tree donation drive! Please see here for the list of requested items.
Donations should be new & unwrapped, & may be dropped off in collection bins in the lobby.On behalf of Creative Community Services, Inc., we thank you for your consideration in participating in our annual Giving Tree event! Please contact fran_rissland@hotmail.com with any questions.
UPCOMING SPIRIT NIGHTS
TONIGHT! November 30 ~ 3pm-7pm
GET AIR JOHN'S CREEK Spirit Night
3975 Lakefield Ct, Suwanee, GA 30024
See flyer in today’s Thursday Papers for details!
Next Thursday ~ December 7 ~ 4pm-8pm
PANERA BREAD Spirit Night
North Point Mall, 6480 Northpoint Pkwy
Hold onto the flyer being sent home in Thursday Papers today, and bring it with you to Panera if you plan on participating! Present it at the register (or screenshot the flyer shown below & show to the cashier) in order to give credit to Ocee ES. Thank you!
Thank you to all of our fabulous 2nd and 3rd grade parents who provided a delicious spread of brunch items for our teachers and staff today. It was much appreciated! Our next parent sponsored teacher and staff luncheon will be hosted by PK, K, and 1st grade parents in March.
Bingo Night & Basket Raffle/Silent Auction
We are busy preparing for our annual Bingo Night & Basket Raffle which will be held in January, and we are accepting donations for the Basket Raffle/Silent Auction portion of the evening. You may look at Bingo Night primarily as a fun night out for Ocee families, which it certainly is, but the Basket Raffle (and this year the added Silent Auction) are a major fundraiser for our PTA. The school needs the PTA’s help more than ever with the current spending freeze, which means we need YOUR help in order to make the Basket Raffle & Silent Auction a roaring success! If you have a connection to a business or group who is able to donate goods or services, please let us know! Donations are tax deductible and should be received by Dec 31st. Please visit http://oceepta.com/basket-raffle for a list of suggested items, contact information, and a donation form. Thank you for your support!
Community News
2018 Jr. Cougar Spring Boys Lacrosse Registration is NOW Open! (2nd-8th Grade)
Registration for the 2018 Spring Season is open now through December 16th. All skill levels are encouraged to join us. Whether you have never held a lacrosse stick or are a seasoned player, come join this exciting sport with us! The season begins mid-late January with the first game at the end of February. Please contact us with any questions or if we can help guide you with information about the league or sport. Contact Don at dehavenlax@gmail.com. REGISTER at www.jrcougarlax.com. Looking forward to your son playing with us!
Holiday Resources
Lift Up Atlanta, a non-profit organization that helps the homeless and low income families in the metro Atlanta area will be hosting a pre-Thanksgiving meal and food basket giveaway. Families in need are invited to join on Saturday, November 18th from 11:30 – 1 p.m. at the Fulton County Oak Hill Center (2805 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA). Lift It Up is also accepting client applications for families in need for Christmas toys. Interested families should email liftupatlanta@yahoo.com or call 678-245-4622.
Reminders
Please Don't Bring in Edible Birthday Treats
Recently, several parents have brought in cupcakes in to celebrate their child's birthday. Please remember that due to concerns about allergic reactions, the School Governance Council and the School Leadership team decided to restrict celebratory birthday treats to either non-food items or non-allergenic treats ordered from our school cafeteria beginning in this school year. Please remember when you are planning for your child’s birthday at school to send in simple non-food items (i.e., decorated pencils or stickers) or order one of the treats that our cafeteria can provide which do not contain nuts and are not made on shared-equipment. Thank you for your support as we do all we can to ensure the safety of our children.
If parents or students bring birthday treats into the school, we will send them back home for your child to enjoy with friends and family outside of school hours.
Outstanding Character Educational Excellence
Ryan Moore, Principal @oceeprincipal
Jennifer Rosenthall, AP
Shannan LaPorte, CST
Anna Aronowitz, Counselor
Email: fowlerjj@fultonschools.org
Website: www.oceeotters.com
Location: 4375 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA, United States
Phone: 470-254-2960
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OceeElementary
Twitter: @oceeotters