The OWL News

April 2024

We appreciate your Support!

Congratulations OHS Feeder Pattern Families! Your commitment to our Feeder Pattern Improvement Goal- “to increase the percent of students not chronically absent in each student group by 5% or maintain 95% or above” is working!

Our chronic absentism has decreased from 18.1% in 2023 to 12.5% in 2024!

Please click on the link below and watch the video.

OES Feeder Attendance Video 3

SAFETY FIRST

If your child arrives after 9:15 am, then a parent or guardian must come inside with the child to sign them in.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program April 15 - May 3

MCAP encompasses all state assessments and is designed to provide information that helps strengthen instruction and improve performance so that graduates are ready to move into the workforce or postsecondary studies. They are given in English language arts/literacy and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in designated high school courses. Taking the MCAP Algebra 1 and English 10 exams is a graduation requirement.

MCAP Resources:

Everyday it is essential to arrive on time to participate in instruction.

Our doors open at 8:45 and instruction begins at 9:15.

When a child arrives late, it is challenging for them to join in the routines and structures during the day especially during testing.

Third and Fourth grade students are taking the assessment later in the day. If your child leaves early and misses the testing session then they will participate in make-ups.

DATES to REMEMBER

Monday, April 15 - Friday, May 3 - MCAP Grades 3-5

Monday, April 22 - Earth Day

Wednesday, April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day - Our front office staff is amazing.

Ms. McKenna, Ms. Carliss, and Ms. Chang

Friday, April 26 -- PTA Hootenanny 5:00-8:00 pm

Thursday, May 2 - Two Hour Early Dismissal Dismissal begins at 1:45 pm

Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10 - Staff Appreciation Week - Our staff is fantastic.

Mental Health Awareness Week - More information regarding activities during the week will be shared the week of April 29.

Tuesday, May 14 - No School Election Day

Monday, May 20 - Chorus Concert at Oakdale High School 6:30-7:30 pm

Mr. Mathis, Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Tucker will share more information at a later date regarding field day.

Wednesday, May 22 - Kindergarten / First Grade Field Day

Virtual PTA Meeting 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 23 - Second / Third Grade Field Day

Band and Orchestra Concert at Oakdale High School 7:00 pm

Friday, May 24 - Fourth / Fifth Grade Field Day

Friday, June 7 - LAST DAY of SCHOOL - Students dismiss at 1:45 pm.

CHORUS START TIME has CHANGED

Doors open for chorus at 8:10 am and close at 8:20 am.

Students should not be dropped off prior to 8:10 am as there is no adult supervision.

FIFTH GRADE FUN - Mark your Calendars

If you have not submitted your child's shirt information for the 5th grade celebration please do so ASAP! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWKOFobvxgWlmPZskN_jDdCVVrwWAPWN8aaxCskuI7v8pPJQ/viewform

Fifth Grade Slide Show

Complete the form below to submit up to 2 pictures of your 5th grader.

Pictures are due by April 30, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kramer at mimik2025@gmail.com.

https://forms.gle/NC7jgmAfitZ881yL9

The slide show will be played in all 5th grade classrooms and at the 5th grade ceremony as people arrive and dismiss from the ceremony.

Fifth Grade Panoramic

Monday, May 6 at 11:45 am

-5th Grade Ceremony: The 5th Grade Ceremony will be where each student is introduced and walks across the stage to receive a certificate. Adult family members are invited to attend and this will be held at Oakdale High School. More information is coming soon.

** When: Tuesday, May 28th at 10:15 (Doors Open at 9:45)

Fifth Grade Celebration

When: Friday, May 31 from 12:30-3:30 (rain date 6/3)

Where: Oakdale Elementary School

Why: For our 5th graders to have some fun together before moving onto Middle School!

There will be a DJ, tug-o-war tournament, pizza, kickball games, water games and a tie dye station for their fifth grade t-shirts!! Students will also be able to enjoy flavored ice, a photo booth and just time to hang out with each other and their teachers outside!

This event is for students and volunteers only. Volunteer sign up will be coming out shortly, but parents are welcome to come enjoy their students during this time. You must complete the volunteer training at FCPS.org and sign in the front office before going to the playground. If you have questions, please contact Jen Carney at vpfundraising@oakdaleowlspta.org.

If you are planning on signing your 5th grader out early, please do so before 3:15 so the front office can focus on a safe dismissal.

-Clap Out: This OES tradition has the 5th graders parading through the school with all other students and teachers clapping for them! Parents are allowed to come and watch. There will be a designated area for you to stand outside so you are able to see the entire grade (you will see the signs pointing you to the right direction).

** When: June 7th starting promptly at 9:45

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Attention ALL Volunteers!

All parents/visitors are required to complete the parent volunteer training yearly, in order to attend classroom parties, volunteer in the classroom, field trip chaperones and any event taking place at the school during school hours.

Per FCPS policy, you will NOT be permitted to participate in any activities if the training is not completed.

You can complete the form at https://fcps-volunteers.ezcommunicator.net/edu/fcps-volunteers/login_form.aspx?app=0

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Front Office Reminders:

A parent/guardian is required to come in to the office to sign their child in if they arrive after 9:15 am. It is for your child's safety that this is an expectation.

Please remember to send all attendance notes, early release and transportation changes IN WRITING with your student or email to Oakdale.ES@fcps.org by 2:00pm.

If you need to pick your child up early, please arrive at the school before 3:15pm this allows the front office staff to focus on a safe and orderly dismissal.

Reminder: All absences need a parent note or they are unexcused and marked unlawful. Be sure to include the child’s first and last name. Even if you have called the school to report an absence, we still require a note upon returning to school. Please send note to Oakdale.ES@fcps.org.

If your child is leaving early or has an appointment, a written note to the office is appreciated. This not only lets the teacher know to have them ready, but assists the office staff with identifying the parent/guardian of the student and prevents delays.

Any changes in your child's transportation home needs to be shared with the front office. Please send a note or call the office. If you email the teacher please also email the office at the following email address Oakdale.ES @fcps.org.