February 20, 2024

Family Communication

Hello Otter families,

Hello Families,

We hope everyone enjoyed some down time this weekend, enjoy a movie this rainy weekend. The rain does mean that we will have some cooler weather for a while, so I hope everyone enjoys it.

We have few reminders related to arrival and dismissal. Pre-K families should continue to park and take their child to the arrival door each morning. Please use the crosswalk once we are in active dismissal. We begin unloading cars at 9:20. Students are expected to gather inside the gate until the first bell rings at 9:30. The tardy bell rings at 9:40 and as long as your child is on campus once gates are closed they will not be marked tardy. If you are wanting your child to have breakfast here at school, please remind them they should get a breakfast before going to class and it should be eaten quickly so they can start their instructional day.

There are a few safety concerns that need to be addressed. In the car loop, it is essential that when your car is moving you have your full attention on where you are driving. We have had multiple incidents this year that caused damage to the new fencing, the railings around the car loop, and now the fence windscreen. The speed limit when moving in the car loop is only 5 mph. We ask everyone to please be alert and focused when driving the car loop. Also, in the car loop when you have pulled up into the loading area, you should put your vehicle in park. There should be no movement in the loading area until you are signaled to leave. We have staff and students moving in these areas and we do not want anyone to get hurt.

The final safety concern to bring to everyone's attention is that children should never be dropped off in the parking lot and expected to unload and walk onto campus. Only those designated parties of PreK and safety patrol have permission to bypass the carline to park and drop off their children. Parking and walking your children up to school is not an open arrival procedure. If you business on campus in the morning, then you will need to park and check-in at the office. We understand that the car line is long and it can be frustrating to caught in it when you have an appointment or are late to work. We have almost 300 families using the car loop every morning and recently we have seen an increase of parents parking and walking up or just stopping at the end of the handicap spots and telling their children to get out. The parking lot is busy with cars parking and backing out, it not safe to allow children to walk freely. If you arrive late, this included safety patrol students, parents should plan to park and walk your child to the crosswalk. From there our staff will supervise them.

We appreciate everyone's understanding and support. The safety of all children is our priority and together we can ensure students arrive on campus each morning safely. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Dr. Steinacker, Ms. Leahy, & Mrs. Natal

🦦 In Otter News 🦦

Staff Recognition

In a world where acknowledgment is vital, families play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of appreciation within educational settings. Recognizing the dedication and hard work of teachers and staff, parents offer words of positive praise that resonate beyond the classroom walls. Through heartfelt gestures and expressions of gratitude, parents uplift educators, affirming their commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of future generations. In this symbiotic relationship between home and school, the power of positive reinforcement propels the journey of learning, creating a harmonious environment where students thrive and teachers flourish.

We are asking if families that would like to recognize staff for something specific please complete the following form and we will add to our weekly staff newsletters. The form will be included in all smores going forward.

Community Recognition of OES Staff

Home - School Connections

Homework serves as a valuable extension of the learning that takes place in the classroom. It reinforces concepts taught during the school day and provides opportunities for your child to practice and apply newly acquired skills independently. Here are several reasons why homework plays a crucial role in your child's development:

1. **Practice Makes Perfect**: Homework offers your child the chance to practice what they have learned in class. Repetition is key to mastery, and homework assignments allow students to reinforce their understanding of topics covered in school.

2. **Fostering Responsibility and Time Management**: By completing homework assignments, your child learns valuable lessons in responsibility and time management. They must allocate time effectively to complete tasks, teaching them essential skills for future academic and professional endeavors.

3. **Parental Involvement and Support**: Homework provides an excellent opportunity for you to engage with your child's learning process. You can offer guidance, support, and encouragement as they work through assignments, fostering a positive attitude towards learning at home.

4. **Feedback Loop**: Homework assignments also serve as a feedback loop for teachers to gauge your child's understanding of the material. Through homework, teachers can identify areas where students may need additional support or clarification, allowing for more targeted instruction in the classroom.

5. **Preparation for Higher Education**: Developing strong homework habits early on prepares your child for the rigors of higher education. In college and beyond, independent study skills are invaluable for academic success.

We understand that homework can sometimes be challenging for both students and parents. However, by emphasizing the importance of homework and establishing a supportive homework routine at home, we can ensure that your child maximizes their learning potential.

As partners in your child's education, we encourage open communication between home and school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding homework assignments or your child's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.

❤️February Kindness Campaign ❤️

Our amazing counseling team has organized our February Kindness Campaign to include some themed dress up days, as well as a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge.