Blog/Newsletter

December 1, 2023

 

Dear OSE Families,

 

It is hard to believe that December is here already and 2023 is coming to an end! We will have a busy couple of weeks before we go on winter break. 

 

We have sent home forms for families to update addresses and phone numbers. Completing the form and returning it to school is extremely important and helpful; thank you for attending to this matter. Please remind your children that toys are not allowed at school, with the exception of fidgets and special items for show and tell, which should be coordinated with classroom teachers. As you have noticed each time you visit campus, we have a very beautiful and clean school. One way it stays this way is because we do not allow gum on campus. Please remind your child to keep their chewing gum at home.

 

For those of you who are new to Ocean Shores Elementary School, we have a very special opportunity for our students twice per year. This is called the Cougar Paw Store. Throughout the year, students are given Cougar Paw coupons for following school-wide expectations. Students save these Cougar Paws to use for shopping in December and June. The store is resourced with donated items, some brand new and some gently used. In December, students usually shop for gift items to give to their family and friends. In June, they usually shop for things they would like. It is a huge event and students look forward to it throughout the year.

 

There are several activities and events planned for December. 

• December 12 Winter Program 6:00 OSE gym

• December 13 Cougar Paw Store all day in library

• December 13 Jr/Sr High Winter Concert 6:30

• December 14 Grade 6 Field Trip to the Nutcracker

• December 14 Partners in Education (PIE) meeting 5:15 OSE library

• December 15 Early release; students depart at 12:15

• December 18-January 1 NO SCHOOL Winter Break

Thank you so very much for your continued partnership and support of your child’s education. Enjoy your holiday break and we will see you in 2024!

In learning,

 

Jennifer Sikes, M.Ed.

Principal

November 1, 2022

 

Dear OSE Families,

 

October was a busy month, which concluded with Student of the Month recognition on Friday and Halloween classroom celebrations on Monday, October 31, 2022. November is rounding out to be another busy month of learning. 

 

For November, we will recognize the character trait of Gratitude; this means, “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Ocean Shores Elementary and to serve the staff, students and families here.

 

We have been fortunate to see an increase in the number of volunteers we see on our campus. Yet, our students would benefit from the service of more caring adults in their school days. We have plenty of opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life, if you, or folks you know, have some hours during the week to donate.

 

There are several activities and events planned for November. 

 

November 7 - Half day for grading, students dismissed at 12:15

November 8 - Half day for conferences, students dismissed at 12:15

November 9 - Half day for conferences, students dismissed at 12:15 - evening conferences pre-arranged

November 9 - Parent Meeting Title I Policy Review 4:30

November 10 - Half day for conferences, students dismissed at 12:15

November 10 - Veterans Day Assembly 10:00

November 11 - No School Veterans Day

November 17 - Site Council OSE Library 4:00 pm

November 23 - Half day, students dismissed at 12:15

November 24-25 - No School Thanksgiving 

November 30 - Indigenous Peoples Celebration 5:00-6:00

 

We are finding that mindfulness and meditation practices are having a positive impact on our students. Here are some sites that you might enjoy using at home: mindful.org, youtube (guided meditation for children). Teachers are using some of these calming techniques during independent practice time in their lessons and students are better able to focus and accomplish their work. 

 

Please continue to read with your child daily. Also, please stay in touch with your child’s teacher via email or phone calls. Students do much better in school when they know we are partnering with their parents. As always, Mr. McConnell and I are available if you have any questions, concerns, or advice. Have a great month!

Jennifer Sikes                 Curis McConnell

Principal                          Assistant Principal

October 6, 2022

 

Dear OSE Families,

 

It has been a very busy first month of school. Most students have settled into the routines and expectations of school. I am sure many of the children come home exhausted. It takes a little while for us to develop the stamina required for learning after summer vacation.

 

It was fantastic to recognize one Student of the Month from each classroom who demonstrated the trait of Respect throughout the month of September. For October, we will recognize the trait of Responsibility; this means, “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.”

 

We realize that many parents and guardians need to work during the school week. However, students thrive when their education is supported by parent and community volunteers. If you have an hour or more a week that you could volunteer on campus, it would make a tremendous difference to our students’ success. There are so many possibilities including assisting with supervision at recess and lunch, being a reading buddy, sharing your expertise, organizing extra clothing and school supplies, etc. If you have an idea, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the office. Adult involvement helps students to learn the importance of their place in our society.

 

There are several activities and events planned for October. 

 

• Recycling Project - monthlong

• Pink Week - October 17-21

• Kindness Day Wear Orange October 19

• Site Council October 20 4:00-5:00

• Family Reading Night October 26 6:30-7:30

• Read-in/PJ Day - October 31

 

We would like to have 3-5 parents participate in our Site Council. OSE Site Council meets on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00 in our school library. If you are interested in joining our Site Council, please attend our meeting on October 20 at 4:00.

 

Please continue to read with your child daily. Also, please stay in touch with your child’s teacher via email or phone calls. Students do much better in school when they know we are partnering with their parents. As always, Mr. McConnell and I are always available. Have a great month!

Jennifer Sikes                        Curis McConnell

Principal                                 Assistant Principal

 

September 14, 2022

 

Dear OSE Families,

 

We have had a great start of the 2022-2023 school year; it is so great to have all our students in school, in person full time. While we know the Covid 19 virus is still in the air, it feels like we are getting back to some kind of normal in life. For this, we are grateful.

 

As we settle into the new year, we are noticing some issues that we could use home support to overcome. The first is that students are bringing toys to school. This causes a variety of problems and we ask that you let your child know that we do not allow toys at school. The good news is that we have an amazing playground offering a variety of activities for students to enjoy. 

 

A second concern is that some students are not following the directives of adults. When asked to follow school routines, we face defiance such as students saying “no” and walking or running away from the adults directing them. Not only is this a demonstration of disrespect, it creates an unsafe environment. Please have a conversation with your child about the importance of following routines and the directions that they receive from adults. Our goals at school are for the students to be safe, to learn, and to have fun. Remember, our district goals of high expectations, efficacy, and education rely on all members of our school community working together.

 

The district has adopted the Character Strong curriculum for Social Emotional Learning. The character trait focus this month is Respect. Respect is seeing value in all people and things and treating them with care. On the last Friday of this month one student from each class will be recognized for consistently demonstrating the trait of Respect throughout the month.

 

We have several activities and events planned for October. 

• Recycling Project - monthlong

• Pink Week - October 17-21

• Read-in/PJ Day - October 31

•  

We would like to have 3-5 parents participate in our Site Council. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 4:00. If you are interested in joining our Site Council, please call the office at 360.289.2147.

 

Please continue to read with your child daily. Also, please stay in touch with your child’s teacher via email or phone calls. Students do much better in school when they know we are partnering with their parents. As always, Mr. McConnell and I are always available. Have a great month!

Jennifer Sikes                                             Curis McConnell

Principal                                                      Assistant Principal