The OWL News

We had a very smooth and exciting start to our school year! Seeing the smiling faces in the halls remind us every day why we do what we do- thank you for sharing your children with us! The Owl News is a monthly newsletter that will share important information.

Back to School night information is listed below. There will be two sessions each evening that will go over the same information in each session. These presentations are meant for parents and guardians. Your child is not required to attend.

The Parent-Student handbook and FCPS Code of Conduct are linked below in this newsletter and contains important information. FCPS designed the Code of Conduct to support the partnership between families, students and staff. We hope you take time to review both of these documents.

We will be welcoming parent/guardian volunteers starting on October 2nd. Please be on the lookout for a volunteer interest form in your child's Thursday folder. The volunteer training information is below in the newsletter. Per FCPS policy, this training must be completed prior to volunteering or going on field trips.

We are excited to work together as partners in helping your child to have the most successful school year.

Ms. Dayhoff, Ms. Hartman. and Ms. Warren

#OEStogether

Wednesday, September 13: Back to School Night Grades PreK-2 (6:00-7:00)

• First session 6:00-6:25, Second Session 6:35-7:00

Thursday, September 14: Back to School Night Grades 3-5 (6:00-7:00)

• First session 6:00-6:25, Second Session 6:35-7:00

Friday, September 22: 3.5 hour early dismissal; Teacher Work Session & Mid Term

• Dismissal begins at 12:15
  

Monday, September 25: NO SCHOOL; Yom Kippur

September 26 - 29: OES Safety Week

• Students and staff will be completing required safety drills during this week. For more information check out the FCPS website linked HERE.

-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.

If your student 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 with identifying the parent/guardian of the student and prevents delays.

Any changes in your child's transportation to 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.

Please sign up through the website once every year.

PTA will have several raffles through the first semester for members to win cool stuff.

https://oakdalepta.membershiptoolkit.com/

Owl Sprint, keep an eye out for Thursday flyers with details starting Sept 14

Virtual meeting Wednesday 20th ** we will be voting on the budget**

If you are interested in receiving supplementary weekend food packs for your child, please email Christen.Renken@fcps.org or call 240-236-3350

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

• Electronics (including cell phones and smart watches): It is OES and FCPS policy that smart watches and cell phones are not used during the day. Cell phones are to be kept in your child’s backpack. Students may not play games, accept calls or make calls on their smart watches/cell phones during the school day. Students will be asked to put their smart watch in their backpack if it becomes an issue.

FCPS Regulation 400-18 Electronic Devices - Student Use

Definition:

Portable electronic communication devices (hereafter referred to as electronic devices) are devices that emit an audible signal, vibrate, display a message or visual, or otherwise summons or deliver a communication on behalf of the possessor.

Student Possession/Use Student possession and use of electronic devices on school property and at school sponsored events on and off campus is a privilege, not a right.

Student Tracking Safety Devices The use of Student Tracking Safety Devices is prohibited on FCPS property. In the event of medical necessity, parents should seek permission from the school principal for his/her child to wear a student tracking safety device during the school day. Requests shall be reviewed by the principal and approved by the Department of Technology Infrastructure. All approved exceptions must meet the following conditions: a. The device is managed by the parent, and the parent recognizes and accepts that FCPS is not liable for any damage or loss of the device. b. The parent acknowledges in writing that they understand under Maryland wiretap and privacy laws they are not permitted to listen in or record others, and they affirm the listening device will be disabled during the school day or at school related activities. c. FCPS reserves the right to rescind the approval if use proves to be disruptive to the educational environment or infringes on the rights of others. d. The parent has signed and accepted the terms and conditions of the Device Permission Form, provided as Exhibit 1 of this regulation.

FCPS has provided a link for parents to
view whether your child's bus is late or not running.

https://apps.fcps.org/transportation/status