October Newsletter
October 2019
A Note from the Principal
Dear Orion Families,
It is hard to believe that the first quarter of school is nearly behind us. It has been wonderful seeing students transition to a new school year!
We are excited about our upcoming Parent Teacher conferences. If you have not signed up online already, I encourage you to get in touch with your child’s teacher to set up a conference day and time to meet.
Also, School Spirit Week is coming Oct. 21st – Oct. 25th. I know students are excited about a week of showing school pride and spirit. When selecting an outfit for spirit week, I respectfully request that you keep the following in mind:
• Safety is important! Masks or anything that obstructs a child’s view is discouraged. Also, no items that might make your child trip and fall.
• The outfit needs to be appropriate for a school setting.
• Finally, limit the amount of face painting or hair dye. Again, these items can be hazardous in a school setting.
• Please be mindful that costumes should not be worn on October 31st.
• Please ensure that your child does not bring candy, gum or other unhealthy treats to school.
We are looking forward to School Spirit Week and want it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please check the calendar of important dates for further information about the exciting events happening at Orion Elementary School. As always please feel free to call or stop in for any concerns.
Yours in education,
Brenda Cheathon - Principal
Orion Wellness Initiative!
As part of the Anchorage School District’s initiative to prepare students to function optimally as global citizens and workers, Orion Elementary School focuses on taking personal responsibility for one’s health through an active, healthy lifestyle that fosters a lifelong commitment to wellness and healthy eating. This year we have implemented 30 minutes recess and 30 minutes lunch break for students! Please feel free to join your child for lunch any day of the week!
Lunch and Recess Schedule
Kindy 11:00am – 11:30pm / 11:35am – 12:05pm
1st/2nd 11:35am – 12:05pm / 11:00am – 11:30am
3rd/4th 12:50pm – 1:20pm / 12:15pm – 12:45pm
5th/6th 12:15pm – 12:45pm / 12:50pm – 1:20pm
Student Conferences will be held October 23th – 25th! Please go online to the district website to sign up for a conference time to meet with your child’s teacher! The Conference scheduler will go live on October 14th. Please log in early to reserve your time! We look forward to seeing you!
Notes from Nurse Wurm
Hello Orion families!
In this first month of school, I am starting to see students with “pink-eye”, the medical term for this is conjunctivitis. This is a condition that can easily be spread from student to student.
The attached Pink Eye Facts for Parents and Teachers gives a good over view of the types of pink eye and most importantly how to prevent it from spreading.
Many students are dealing with colds, sore throats, coughs and other viral illnesses. The best prevention for this is frequent handwashing, covering of coughs and staying home from school if fever is present.
Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you!
Mrs. Wurm, RN
907 742-0266
Health/ SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
Aloha Parents,
During the beginning of October, we will continue to focus more about “Safety.” Our safety units will cover being safe at school, at home, and in our community. Some of the various topics that will be included are: personal safety, fire safety, bicycle safety, moose safety, bear safety, first aid, and seatbelt safety. According to the National Safety Council, accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Preventative safety measures can help keep our children from harm. Below are the units for the various grade levels:
K - How to Stay Safe
1 - Look Out
2 - Let’s stay Safe
3 - Safe At Home, Safe Away
4 - Community Safety
5 - First Aid Facts
6 - Keep This Body Safe
The 1st Quarter Personal Safety lesson will be taught during your child’s Health class time. The age-appropriate lessons will be presented in a non-threatening way, along with the skills needed for self-protection.
The lesson content is part of the Anchorage School District’s plan to enact the Alaska Safe Children’s Act and will be handled in a sensitive, respectful manner.
For more information on the topic, please visit our website.
http://www.asdk12.org/healthpe/safechildrensact/
If you wish to inquire about opting your child out, please contact the school office for an opt out form to be signed by a parent
The last two weeks of October we will be studying Body Systems. Below are the grade level topics:
K The 5 Senses, 1st Head to Toe, 2nd How You Think, 3rd The Better to See You, 4th Let’s Talk Teeth, 5th Brainstorms: Your Central Nervous System, 6th Cells
Ms. Anny Hunsucker / Health Specialist /hunsucker_anny@asdk12.org
Orion Battle of the Books is starting in October.
3rd and 4th grade students that have a signed permission slip will meet in the library starting October 8th during their lunch.
5th and 6th grade students will meet in room 130 starting October 15th during their lunch time.
Teams will meet once a week to practice.
Orion's 6th graders are hosting a Yankee Candle Company fundraiser. We are raising money for the school to support field trips. Orders can be made through the catalog, sent home on Monday, or online at www.yankeecandlefundraising.com . Catalog sales run through next Friday, October 11. Online orders can be made anytime between now and January 8, 2020. Orders made through the catalog will be delivered to Orion and distributed before November 8. Orders placed online will be shipped directly to the person making the order. Just be sure to use our group number 990057226 to credit Orion.
Thank you for your support!
Important dates to Remember
4 - Panda Express Fundraiser
8 - 1st grade Field trip
10 - Fire Prevention Assembly
10 - Red Ribbon School wide Picture@Paxton Park
17 - Award Assembly
18 - In-service Day
21 ~ 24 Spirit Week
- 21 - Crazy Hair Day
- 22 - Superhero vs. Princess Day
- 23 - Wild Hat Day
- 24 - School Spirit Day
23 & 24 - Parent-Teacher Conference
25 - In-service Day