In "Otter" News
For Week #6 - 9/26 - 9/30 - B Week
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Good Evening Otter Families!
Our final total from our Boosterthon Fun Run was just over $15,000! A huge shout out to our grandparents, extended family, and family friend group of supporters. They made up about 77% of our total pledges! Students were treated to my promise of kissing a pig this past Wednesday! The representative from Lakeshore Learning, an SMCPS-approved vendor, was in the building on Thursday and should have a more complete rendering to me sometime next week! We are moving along with the completion of our Otter Community Room!
If you are in need of free or reduced meal status and have not completed the meal application form, you are strongly encouraged to do so ASAP! Please be advised that there are a lot of additional benefits to submitting a meal application form. These perks include waivers on college applications, dual-enrollment courses with the College of Southern Maryland, and discounted fees to participate in St. Mary’s County Parks and Rec programs. Families can request more information by contacting SMCPS' Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301.475.4256, Option 5, or via email at foodservice@smcps.org.
Finally, our Grandparent's and Special Friends Bingo Night will be on Friday, September 30th. I have heard a lot of buzz among families about how much they are looking forward to the event! If you are interested in preordering Chick-Fil-A for dinner, please complete the link below ASAP!
Otterly Yours,
Mrs. Anderson (My email remains the same for now, lpdietz@smcps.org)
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The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
UPDATES FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
Seeking Tennis Balls
SNACKS AT LUNCH
Please be sure to have a conversation with your child about whether or not they should be buying snacks at lunch and be sure to check the mySchoolBucks account to monitor their activity.
INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOL MEALS
Current meal benefits submitted for the 2021-2022 school year will lapse on 10/6/2022. Please be sure to complete a new application for the 2022-2023 school year.
Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, students will have to pay for breakfast and lunch. It will not be provided free of cost or at a reduced rate unless a student qualifies. A link to complete the online application for free or reduced meals can be found below.
CHECK YOUR MYSCHOOLBUCKS ACCOUNT
Parents of children with charge balances approaching the threshold ($25.00) will be contacted by the school counselor, Mrs. Curtis. If a student reaches the threshold for charging meals, they will be provided with an alternate meal.
IMPORTANT! ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AND FORMS
Acceptable Use Policy: Families must complete the Acceptable Use Policy for SY 22-23. The links are below. Students MUST have the form on file to use Google Apps for Education and for Schoology.
Elementary Link: https://bit.ly/22022-2023_Elementary_AUPForm
Secondary Link: https://bit.ly/2022-2023_Secondary_AUPForm
MEAL MENUS
Top Level Info - Need-To-See for the Week Ahead
STUDENT SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK (09/26 -09/30)
Snacks will be offered for 2nd-5th graders at lunch this week. Please see above for information about snacks.
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- PTA Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- PTA Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- PTA Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- PTA Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- PTA Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
- PTA Grandparents and Special Friends Bingo Night
PTA Fundraiser
Grandparent's and Special Friend's Day Event - 9/30 @6:00 pm
We will have Chick - Fil - A Chicken Sandwich Box Meals and Chick - Fil - A Nugget Box Meals for sale to be purchased at our Grandparents & Special Friends BINGO night (9/30/22) for $10.00 each.
**Please note: that the box meal includes a cookie and chips!**
Beverages will be available to purchase at the OES PTA concession stand at the event.
Due to limited availability .. all purchases must be pre-ordered and paid at the event.
(Please Note -> This form will close on 9/26 .. and all Chick-Fil-A Pre-Orders must be placed by then!)
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Next Level Info - Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATES!
Fall School Yearbook Pictures
Tentatively scheduled for October 5th
Retakes are tentatively scheduled for November 15th
More information will be provided as the dates draw closer.
Click below for the SMCPS Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.
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COUNSELOR'S CORNER
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UPDATES FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Welcome Back!
FAQ
When should I keep my child home from school?
- Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
- Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
- Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department
What are COVID-19 like illness symptoms?
- New-onset of cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell,
- Fever of 100.0 or higher
- Chills or shaking chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
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UPDATES FROM THE PTA
Theme
"Community"
Simple Ways to Contribute
- Amazon Smile - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7077075
- Harris Teeter VIC Card - As of August 1st, your VIC card can be linked to Oakville Elementary School
- Spirit Nights at local businesses - More information will be shared as they are scheduled.
- Bring or send in Coke product bottle caps and Box Tops
- Help out our Otter Community by starting the year with coffee/ tea (and other k-cups) for staff as well as any extra school supplies for a student in need by dropping off the items on August 22nd at Open House
Be on the lookout for opportunities to sign up to join the PTA at Open House and our first Spirit Night of the year at Sweet Frog!
We are looking forward to a great school year!
President: Stefanie Wines, oakville.pta@gmail.com
Treasurer: Beth Johnson Hill
Secretary: Kim Burroughs
Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Russell
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5th Grade Division!
Johnny Appleseed
One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.
ABOUT US
Email: lpdietz@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org
Twitter: @OES_smcps