Friday, August 29, 2014

I can't believe the first week of school is already finished!  Weren't we just in summer?  Check out some of these first week pictures.








First, let me thank you for your patience with the buses.  This is always a challenge each year.  There are some stops that have about 90 students getting off of the bus.  That is way too many for one bus so some students might be assigned to another bus- even though it is the same stop!  Plus students can have one bus in the AM and another in the PM.  Mrs. Baxter is working diligently to ensure all students arrive home safely.  Don't hesitate to call if you have questions.

A huge shout-out to the families that brought snacks for the lounge this week.  Snacks are always appreciated, especially when teachers ate in the cafeteria this week with their students.

Speaking of the cafeteria.  We are requesting that all parents eat on stage with their child again this year.  Many of our classes use every cafeteria seat, and I don't think it is fair to ask another student to move from his/her seat, so a parent can sit down.  For the tables that might have an extra seat and a parent sits there, it appears that we have different standards for different parents.  We also have several students with severe food allergies this year and specific accommodations must be made for those students.  For the safety and fairness for all students, please eat on stage or picnic tables with your child. If you would like to discuss this further, just let me know.

I guess many of you have seen my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  I felt honored to be nominated by one of our students, Caroline L.



This is a reminder to send lunch money in an envelope with your child's name on it.  The cafeteria already has over $30 uncounted for this week!.  I would suggest always sending money in an envelope with the student name and where the money goes.  I always see students with cash on them and they can't ever tell me why they have it.

A huge thank you to our grants committee.  Between the Intel Grant and the Dollar General Literacy Grant, OHE received almost $9000 this week!  This is an addition to the 22 teachers who received A+ Grants this summer.  I am so proud of all this hard work and financial support for our students.

We are trying to be more structured and timely during assemblies this year.  We are starting promptly at 7:30 and will not be adding items to the agenda past Wednesday night.  Often Mr. Cumings was adding items Friday morning causing the assemblies to get very long.

Today we celebrated our Summer Reading Challenge Winners.  It is amazing how much reading happened.  I am ashamed to admit, I wasn't even close!  Due to so much reading, OHE met the challenge and had music played at lunch.  Students will also receive extra recess time.  Here are our winners.  Ryan- 120, Ian -117, Bailey -91, Emil -128, Carlos - 94, Emma - 249, Kai - 107, Ella - 90, Ellie -43, Kelly - 40, Lydia -12, Mrs Hamelwright 27, and parent Beth Thorton- 26.  Total we reading over 2500 books this summer!  That is awesome.



Don't forget Monday is a Holiday and that Back-to School Night is September 3rd for Kinder - 2nd grade and September 4th for 3rd - 5th grade.  Both nights start at 6:00.

Have a great extra long weekend.  I think both students and staff can use the extra sleep!

Friday, August 22, 2014

What a successful Eagle Encounter and Meet the Teacher.  Everyone was so excited to learn who their teacher was and put all their supplies in their classrooms.

There was even a line at the PTA membership booth.  We couldn't do it without them.  
Speaking of the PTA, we would like to thank them for breakfast this week. As well as Mrs. Suggs for helping us with a new system for printing out the postcards.  THANK YOU.

Please remember that traffic will be hectic on Monday.  The building opens at 7:10 and there isn't much traffic then.  All students/families entering the building prior to 7:30 are asked to wait in the cafeteria until we dismiss.  Then to lessen the congestion in the hallways, we dismiss classes one at a time.  

We look forward to seeing everyone Monday.  Have a great last weekend!

Friday, August 15, 2014

It is hard to believe that teachers start back to work next week.  Throughout this week, all the new OHE teachers have been on campus setting up their rooms and learning about Oak Hill.  Did you know that there will be 7 new to Oak Hill teachers and 1 new Teacher Assistant?  It is a great group with lots of experience.  Mrs. Bentley will support their learning this year and "be on call" if they need something.

Four of our 3rd grade rooms are currently receiving new floors.  Mrs. Grimm, Mrs. Tarpley, Mrs. Peterka, and Mrs. Hunter (Smith) have been patiently avoiding their rooms so this could get done before school starts.

Postcards identifying teacher name will be mailed late Tuesday.  Be on the lookout.  Don't forget about the Eagle Encounter/Meet the Teacher on the 22nd between 4:00-5:00pm.  School supplies will be delivered to each student's class prior to the Eagle Encounter. (If you have supplies that you purchased on your own, please bring them on Friday but do not label any.)  We hope this reduces the congestion in the cafeteria. There will still be booths for the Easy Eagle, SOARing, Eagle Gear, Scouts, Banking, and after-school care so do stop by while you are on campus.  Remember Meet the Teacher is an informal event and not a time to conference with the teacher about your child. If you would like to conference with the teacher, please schedule another time.  Teachers will also ask you how your child will be leaving school the first day, so please have that information ready like the bus name.  Parking is quite limited - please be patient. Kona Ice will be here at 4:30 for you to enjoy on your way OUT of the school. Please do not bring Kona Ice into the school.

There are two more Kinder playdates at the annex playground: Saturday at 9am and Tuesday at 9am. This is a great time to bring your child to meet some new friends. Someone from the PTA will be there on Tuesday to answer your questions.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers that helped in the gardens and with the chickens this summer. Our gardens and chickens are doing well!

I look forward to seeing everyone next week.  Have a great weekend.