In "Otter" News - Week #8 (B Week)
For the Week of 10/18 - 10/22
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Message From the Principal
Good Evening Oakville Otter Families!
It seems as though this week has flown by! We are continuing to settle into our routines here at school. As we settle into those routines, we are continuing to work with students and families to adjust to a return to school five days a week. While we are so excited to be back to school five days a week, we acknowledge that we all are still building our stamina to be "on" all day in a way that is different from the virtual learning experience or the hybrid schedule. We continue to work diligently with students regarding social-emotional needs and rebuilding their capacity to be a part of an in-person classroom community. We are "Working Hard" (P.A.W.S. language!) to support student needs and celebrate student victories! I am inundated with "Buzzer Blasts" from all school staff each day to buzz in or drop by classrooms to celebrate students' positive accomplishments. This week we had our first student-to-teacher "Buzzer Blast"! It was an awesome moment to see a student reach out to me to let me know an adult in the building should be celebrated, too! It is definitely hard work to reestablish stamina and persistence for in person learning, but we are buckling down, digging deep, and remembering to celebrate successes every day!
Next week we will celebrate Unity Day. You can find more information below. If you are able, be sure to wear orange on Wednesday to celebrate. Mrs. Curtis has been working on a special project with all grade levels to be completed on Unity Day. Stay tuned for an awesome addition to "our" tree at the front of the school to show our support as a school community for the message of Unity Day.
I would also like to let you know of a change to the way I have been directed to notify our school community of positive COVID-19 cases. Previously, I was directed to send notifications to only the classroom and bus of students or staff who had tested positive. Beginning last Thursday, the procedure was changed to send notifications to the entire school community. Each time you see an email come from me regarding a positive COVID-19 case, it is because I have been notified by the SMCPS COVID-19 team to do so and that it refers to a new case reported. I encourage you to reach out to Nurse Frangenberg if you ever have any concerns over symptoms your child may be showing and what procedure to follow. Please know that Nurse Frangenberg and myself are in constant contact about specific cases throughout the school and are also communicating with the SMCPS COVID-19 team when necessary. We are committed to keeping everyone safe and healthy while at school during this very challenging time. I also want to say THANK YOU to all of our parents who are doing an amazing job of staying vigilant and working positively with the school when necessary. This is a difficult time for us all and because we have such a positive relationship, we are able to do what is necessary and then get back to the business of learning!
Finally, for this week, don't forget about the PTA Fall Festival on Saturday (10/23). It promises to be a day for family fun with games, food, and even a pumpkin for students that attend. Trunks will be decorated for the "trunk or treat" portion of the event and I can't wait to see all the awesome costumes for the contest! Volunteers are still needed. See below for the link to sign up. It promises to be a fun day to just relax and connect as a community! I hope to see you there!
"Otterly" Yours,
Ms. Dietz
Office hours during the regular school year will be Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
P.A.W.S. Matrix
Top Level Info - Need-To-See for the Week Ahead
Student Schedule for the Week Ahead
B Week
Monday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
- Chipotle Spirit Night (4:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Tuesday : 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Flu Vaccination Clinic
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Unity Day - Wear orange to show your support!
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm
- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
- OES School Store Open
Saturday: PTA Harvest Festival: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
School Spirit Tastes Great!
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Oakville ES. Come into Chipotle in Lexington Park on Monday, October 18th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Oakville ES.
Unity Day
Wear and share orange to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.
Fall Festival Volunteers
Calling all volunteers! We need you to help us with making our Fall Festival Great. Please consider donating your time on 10/23 from 11 to 1 to help our otters enjoy the fall season and all that it offers.
Lunch Menu October 2021
Counselor's Corner
Please click on the PDF below to check out the Counselor's Chat the Mrs. Curtis gave at the most recent PTA Meeting. For more information, please contact Mrs. Curtis!
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Next Level Info - Upcoming Events
Save the Dates!
Red Ribbon Week 2021
This year's theme for Red Ribbon Week is "Drug Free Looks Like Me". See below for how to show our commitment to remaining a drug-free community!
Click below for the SMCPS Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
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Update from the Front Office
Employment Opportunities within SMCPS
SMCPS has multiple positions available to support our students and staff, including full-time and part-time positions in various areas. Employment opportunities can be found on the SMCPS website: https://www.smcps.org/hr/employment-opportunities
The Abacus Corporation provides part-time/temporary positions to support SMCPS as well. Various positions are also available through the Abacus Corporation and can be found on their website: https://www.abacuscorporation.com/find-jobs
Schoology Guidance for Parents/Guardians
Parent’s View of Schoology. This guidance will help all to understand the best ways to navigate Schoology and help their child’s instructional success. Questions can be sent to schoology@smcps.org.
School Photos
Our P.A.W.S. bulletin board at the front entrance to the school is filled with the pictures of our Otters who are demonstrating expectations in a "PAWSitively" fantastic way!
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Update from the PTA
Small Actions Add Up to Big Benefits for Our School Community
Please consider using the following methods to help the PTA support our school community. These little actions could add up to big benefits!
Link Your Harris Teeter VIP Card to the OES PTA
Use the OES PTA AmazonSmile Account When Shopping on Amazon
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Turn in Your Coca-Cola Product Bottle Caps
Check Out the New Way to Redeem Your Boxtops for OES
Update from the Nurse
Nurse Frangenberg
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 100.4 or higher
- Chills or shaking chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
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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