Oakland Owls News
December 2022
Monthly Message from Mr. LaFrance
Happy December, Oakland Families,
The cold outside doesn’t stop the learning going on inside the school. The current weather and the recent time change can make you feel like you are getting up in the dark and getting home in the dark. Fortunately, our Oakland families and staff can bring so much light! 💛
December will go by quickly, so let us make the most of this special time of year. ✨
· Model Well: Teaching and learning can be done through us as adults modeling behavior. I often see our students at school positively interacting with each other and wish for adults to view this kind of behavior. As opportunities come up this month to volunteer, serve others, and give instead of receive, model these values with your children. Studies are showing kids, and young adults are more self-centered than ever. Take time to teach and learn that life is about serving & giving to others instead of ourselves. There is true joy in putting others first.
·Deepen Relationships: It’s effortless to get caught up in the busyness of our schedules, to-do’s, and at times, isolation. Sometimes it’s easy to go into our homes, close the door and not interact with others. It’s easy to be on our phones, scrolling through whatever distraction they can bring. Let’s be intentional in modeling relationships with others. Maybe it’s a relative you only see once or a few times a year or a neighbor you’ve never really talked to before, or a person put in a perfectly planned place for you to meet and make their day just by spending time talking with them. This month will present you with various opportunities to build relationships.
· Celebrate Together: Spend time together, whether volunteering, getting a gift for someone, or carving out a few hours to enjoy a walk. Have your children present. Love, learn, laugh, and enjoy these special times. Our days are never promised, and there are times when you wonder where that hour, day, week, month, or even year went.
Use these moments to teach and learn with your children and yourself. Build relationships with those we meet daily instead of avoiding conversation or being on our phones. Do things together face to face!
We won’t ever get December 2022 back again. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The staff at Oakland Elementary School hope you and your family have a great holiday season.
Here are some tips to restore some sanity to your family and hopefully make for an enjoyable month:
1. Set manageable expectations.
Be realistic and upfront about what your family can do. Make a list of what is possible and prioritize your most meaningful events and activities. Then, pace yourself.
2. Acknowledge the past but look toward the future.
Determine to enjoy this holiday season for what it is. Acknowledging the past, whether it was good or bad, is appropriate. But, if you find that this year has been rough and you don’t anticipate having the best holiday season, try not to set yourself up for disappointment by comparing today with the “good old days.” Take advantage of the joys the current season has to offer.
3. Do something for someone else.
Even if this has been a challenging year for you and your family, helping others will also help you as you focus on what it means to serve and give back.
4. Enjoy free or cheap activities.
There are a lot of free or affordable holiday-related activities that will add to your family’s enjoyment this season. Take a drive to look at decorations, decorate your home as a family, or bake cookies.
5. Spend money responsibly.
The holiday season always brings a big temptation to spend lots of money. Don’t be afraid to say no to this temptation. Decide now to be financially responsible this holiday season.
6. Carve out some time for yourself.
Don’t take on all of the responsibilities of your family’s holiday celebrations by yourself. Share the load. Create some space during the holidays for you to recharge your batteries.
Even if you commit to a few of these suggestions, you’ll notice a remarkable difference in your month this year!
Educationally Yours,
David LaFrance
Let's Try for Perfect Attendance in December! It makes a difference.
Library News
Fall Book Fair Thank You
The Scholastic Fall Book Fair was a GRAND success! It was great to have so many Oakland families stop by the LMC and hear about what you’re reading at home! A special thanks to all the helping hands during the Book Fair week, especially the PTO members! The library will be able to purchase plenty of new books for the students to enjoy!
Book Checkout Information
If a book is lost or damaged please email Mrs. Martin for replacement cost information.
Overdue notices will be sent home periodically throughout the quarter. Please be careful with your books over the holidays!
Parents Needed for PTO Support
Golden Ticket Target
Our Golden Ticket Target for December is being a PEACEMAKER. At school we are going to be looking for students who are using conflict resolution strategies calmly as well as helping their peers problem solve during tough situations. We are also looking for students that stand up for others and take a stand against bullying. Here are some strategies you can try at home to help encourage your own PEACEMAKER.
Role Play. Give your child a tough situation and ask them how they would handle the situation. Some examples could be to ask them what they would do if someone cut in front of them in line, tagged them too rough when playing tag, or said something unkind to them. Your child may already have a great solution, and if they don’t, now is your opportunity to share safe ways to handle these moments.
Discuss Empathy. If you hear your child saying something unkind or being unkind, talk to them about how the other person felt. Ask them how they feel when others are unkind to them. Showing and explaining empathy to children can increase their ability to want to help others.
Share Stories. Did someone pick on you when you were younger? Tell them about the experience, how it made you feel, and what you did about the situation.
Use Their Voice. Encourage your children to speak up if they see someone being bullied. Our teachers and staff want to make sure everyone feels safe at school so if they see something, say something
Nurse's Corner
It’s cold outside: Make sure to wear your winter coat, hat and gloves. We do go outside for recess if the temperature is 20 degrees or above. If you do not have a coat, and need one, please let us know.
Vision Exams are due for Kindergarteners and students entering an Illinois school for the first time.
Medication Authorization forms and Diet Modification forms need to be completed by both parent/guardian and your doctor every year, if your child needs medicine or a restricted diet at school.
If your child has Asthma, please make sure to send your child's inhaler to school with a signed medication authorization form.
If your student has a food allergy make sure to complete a food allergy form and let your teacher know.
If you send cough drops or chapstick with your child, they will not be able to use either of these things without a signed medication authorization form.
Students who have a fever of 100 degrees or above, diarrhea, vomiting, rash or illness, should not attend school that day. They should be free of the illness or condition for 24 hours before returning to school.
If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me: Nurse Colleen @ 309-662-4302 or spaniolc@district87.org
Student Attendance
- All student absences should be reported to the office by 9:30am on the day of the student's absence. The phone number for the school is (309)662-4302. State law requires schools and parents to attempt to contact each other when a child is absent. Please assist us by calling first. You can also report a student absence by sending an email to oaklandattendance@district87.org
- For students that are tardy or leaving early, the student sign-in/sign-out slips are now located in the office- See Mrs. Immke.
- If it is after 9:00, DO NOT let your child out of the car at side circle. Pull around to the front of the school to sign your child in.
Dashing through December dress up days
December Calendar
5- Panera Dine to Donate
6- 4th & 5th Grade Field Trip- ISU
10- Parent's night out- Just 4 Kicks
22- Music Program (students only)
23- January 6- Winter Break
Oakland Elementary
Email: oaklandattendance@district87.org
Website: https://www.district87.org/Domain/11
Location: 1605 East Oakland Avenue, Bloomington, IL, USA
Phone: 309-662-4302