Oster Newsletter
November 15, 2023
November 20-24: No School, Thanksgiving Break
We are thankful for YOU!
As we prepare to take time off from school for the Thanksgiving break, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families.
Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security for students and adults.
Please take steps to keep your child healthy and send them to school unless they are truly sick. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.
We thank:
Our students and their families who do their best to show up to class every day even when it isn’t easy.
Our teachers who have gone above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment where students can thrive.
Our admin office staff who help us work together to ensure we are healthy and safe, feel a sense of community and experience the excitement of an engaging learning environment.
Our many, many helpers - the support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need.
May these days off be restful and healing.
Traffic and Safety Reminders
The safety of our students is a top priority at Oster School, and we kindly ask for your cooperation and attention regarding traffic regulations in and around our campus.
As our school community continues to grow, we urge all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to the traffic and safety rules when dropping off and picking up students. Your cooperation plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Here are some essential guidelines we ask you to follow:
Maintain Safe Speeds: Please adhere to the 15 mph speed limit when driving around Oster School. Slowing down ensures the safety of pedestrians and enhances the overall safety within our school zone.
Respect Pedestrians: Use designated crosswalks, and remember that pedestrians have the right of way. Being mindful of those on foot ensures a safe environment for all.
Mindful Parking: Avoid blocking neighborhood driveways and red zones. Keeping the bus zone clear during morning and afternoon drop-offs is crucial for the safety and efficiency of school transportation.
Bike Safety: If your child rides their bike to school, ensure they wear a helmet and understand and follow the rules of the road. Stopping at stoplights and using crosswalks is essential for their safety.
Your attention to these details is immensely appreciated. By collectively following these guidelines, we contribute to a safer environment for our students and everyone in the Oster community.
Report Cards
Report cards from the first trimester will be sent home this week. Please look over the Report Card with your child, and spend some time praising them for their accomplishments. It is also a good time to set reasonable goals for the remaining two trimesters. Please remember to put report cards in perspective. They measure how a student is doing in school. A report card does not measure a student's worth as an individual, nor does it judge your success as a parent.
Save the Date for the Science (FOSS & TCI) Curriculum Preview for Families
Over the last two years, our teachers have been reviewing various California state recommended curricula for science and have chosen Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) for our K-5 students and Full Option Science System (FOSS) for our 6-8 students as their curriculum selections. Before finalizing our recommendation to bring to our school board, who finalizes all curricula adoption, our process includes gathering feedback from our community and parents/guardians. We look forward to sharing the TCI Science and FOSS Programs with you and to gather your feedback.
Later this month, we will be hosting a curriculum preview. Please drop by anytime between 4:30-6:30pm on Tuesday, November 28 at the District Office located at 5175 Union Ave. Materials will be available for your review and representatives from TCI and FOSS will be available to answer any questions you may have.
You will also be able to view the curriculum virtually in case you aren’t able to attend in person. More information on this option coming soon!
INSURANCE FOR CHROMEBOOKS:
The deadline for parents to OPTIONALLY purchase insurance ($37 for the year) is 12/1/23. The newest Chromebooks cost $450, and the insurance is a bargain for screen breakage (which is usually the cost of the entire machine since it’s a touchscreen device). Flyers are located here: SPANISH and ENGLISH
Starting Arts & Oster Elementary School present: Willy Wonka Jr.
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.
This is a full production with scripts, sets, costumes, props, lighting/sound design and a directing and tech team.
Please double check all dates/times. Performers can miss a maximum of 3 rehearsals and all tech rehearsals/performances are mandatory.
General Information:
Grades: 3rd-5th grade
Start Date: January 24, 2024
Rehearsal Days/Times: Wednesdays- 1:20 pm - 2:50 pm AND Friday- 2:45pm-4:15pm
Mandatory Tech Rehearsals: April 1st-3rd, 2:45pm-6:45pm
Mandatory Performance Dates: April 4th-5th, 2024
Cost: $275
All rehearsals and performances take place at Oster
All refunds must be requested prior to the start date
Enroll online at: StartingArts.com/enrollment
Only 60 spots available
For more information email michelle@startingarts.com
Yearbook Cover Art Contest
All entries are due this Friday, November 17th, 2023
All K-5 students are invited to enter their original artwork into our 2023-2024 yearbook cover art contest!
It’s time to celebrate with your entry for this year’s Cover Art Contest. The theme this year is OSTER EVENTS. The HSC plans events to connect people in our community so draw up your favorite Oster event (Foam Party, Movie Night, Harvest Festival, Book Fair, Walk-a-Thon, theater or any other events from this year or past years) in any creative way you want.
There will be two winning designs this year. 1 from the primary grades (K-2nd) and 1 from the upper grades (3rd-5th). The primary grade winner’s artwork will be featured on the back cover and the upper grade winner’s on the front cover.
Requirements for Submission:
Create original artwork on WHITE paper only. Artwork should be in vertical/portrait orientation on an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper. (Same orientation as this flyer)Artworks need to be hand drawn. Please no digital art or clipart.
Must include the school name: Oster Elementary, and school year: 2023-2024
Please submit your original artwork to your teacher by Friday, November 17, 2023.
Please include full name, grade, and teacher in light pencil on the back of your artwork.
(We cannot return artwork that is not labeled.)
Tips for a Winning Entry:
Make sure all of your text shows up clearly. Use large text for the TITLE.Use the entire sheet of paper – the bigger your design is, the better, but please keep any text at least a half inch from the paper’s edge.
Spelling counts! Especially when it comes to OSTER ELEMENTARY.
Use bright and bold colors to fill the page, including the background.
Use a mix of art supplies, like crayons, watercolors, markers, colored pencils, etc.
Questions? Email Sophie Wu at sophiewu4499@gmail.com
Talent Show
Calling all super stars!! Oster is bringing back their Talent Show! We are still in the planning stages and want to gauge the interest of our Oster community. If this is something you think your student would be interested in participating in please send an email to talentshow@osterhsc.org. Also be sure to let us know if you would be interested in volunteering to help make this fun event happen! Tentatively set to take place next May.
Doughnuts for a Great Cause: 10/23 - 12/1
Oster Home and School Club is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Beginning October 23 until December 1, 2023, over 60% of your order will be donated back to Oster Home and School Club to help fund our upcoming 5th grade science camp when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code. Treat yourself or even gift them to friends and family
Visit:https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/15638
Choose the quantity & order delicious dozens.
Frozen Friday
A favorite Oster Tradition, Frozen Friday, happens each week! Stop by after school on Fridays outside the cafeteria to purchase a frozen treat and hang with friends! All treats are $1 or $2. Small bills are appreciated or we can take ApplePay! OR, purchase a Frozen Friday Card here!
Sign up to Volunteer! This is a great opportunity to get involved with HSC & Oster’s connected community and only takes an hour or so on Friday afternoon!
Stay up to date on all the latest Home & School Club News!
Register your Membership Toolkit by visiting www.osterhsc.org!
Get Involved! Check out the variety of volunteering options at: www.osterhsc.org/sign_ups.
Like & Follow:
Facebook @OSTERHSC
Instagram @OSTERHSC1855
November 20-24: No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 6: HSC Board Meeting
December 21-January 3: No School, Winter Break
January 8: USD Board Meeting
Join the Union School District Team!
Get a full or part time position (Teaching, Instructional Assistant, Office, Food Service, and Extended Care positions). Apply today on EdJoin.
Become a noon duty aide. Contact the front office for more information.
Oster Elementary School
Principal: Lisa Taormina
Email: taorminal@unionsd.org
Website: https://oster.unionsd.org
Location: 1855 Lencar Way, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 408-266-8121