Otter Families!

Prior to the start of the December 18th - January 1st winter break from school, we are grateful to everyone for helping to maintain a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra time off before the winter break. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as to connect to their peers and teachers.

We thank:

● Our students and their families who do their best to show up daily even when it isn’t easy.

● Our teachers who go above and beyond to make school a welcoming and safe place for all students to learn.

● Our many, many healers and helpers - the support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need.

We appreciate each one of you. May the coming days off be restful and healing.

● If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to Mrs. Curtis, School Counselor, or Mrs. Pratz, School Nurse, for help.

● We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on Tuesday, January 2nd.

This SMORE will contain information for the week before break and the week after break. Thank you for partnering with us!

"Otterly" Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

Celebrate our "P.A.W.S.ome" Otters!

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The office will be open by appointment only Monday, 12/18 - Friday, 12/22.

The office will be closed Monday, 12/25 - Monday 1/1.

Evening Counseling: SMCPS is once again offering School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS students. Counseling support focuses on the following areas: Healthy Relationships, Social Skills, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Worry, Sadness, and Emotional Regulation. Services will be located at Margaret Brent Middle School and Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday evenings from 4-7:30 p.m. Please complete the Parent Contact Form for Evening Counseling to request services.

Our school's overall attendance rate, as reported to MSDE, for the school year so far is 94.51%. The goal is 94%.

All SMCPS laptops come with the same responsibility of care and upkeep as any other loaned resources. Textbooks, novels, laptops and chargers can incur a debt if lost or damaged. Please refer to the student accountability newsletter that has been added to our weekly school newsletters.

All parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete an Acceptable Use Policy each school year. Click HERE to complete the Google form. School staff will be in touch with all families to complete the form throughout the month of August and September.

There are so many fantastic things happening in our efforts to support SMCPS students with disabilities. Please use this survey to share your praise, story, or news about successes in your school or department!

This survey is generated and reviewed by the SMCPS Department of Special Education.

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING WINTER EVENTS FOR EDUCATING AND CELEBRATING. You can email Mrs. Curtis directly, kvcurtis@smcps.org, or use the link below to submit events.

A WEEK

Monday, 12/11

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• The CHS Peacepipers will visit OES to carol throughout the building

Tuesday, 12/12

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• PTA Texas Roadhouse Spirit Night

Wednesday, 12/13

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, 12/14

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• Winter Concert @6:30 p.m. in the Cafetorium

Friday, 12/15

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• Spirit Day - Candy Cane Day
• Extra Recess and Popsicles for P.A.W.Sitive Office Referrals
• Community Gathering and Holiday Sing A Long

B WEEK

Monday, 1/1

All SMCPS Schools and Offices Closed

Tuesday, 1/2

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• Schools Reopen

Wednesday, 1/3

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, 1/4

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

• Spirit Day: Color Wars - Wear your Grade Level Color

Friday, 1/5

8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Hello OES Otter Family,

I am Hannah Pratz, and I am so excited to be returning to the OES family this school year! I have been a school nurse for 24 years and have loved every minute! I love what I do and my door is always open! Don't hesitate to pop in the health suite or cut through!

See you all soon!

We are looking forward to a great school year!

President: Beth Johnson Hill

Vice President: Stefanie Wines

Treasurer: Kim Burroughs

Secretary: Megan Russell

One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.

Community is important to us. We strive to have the words "goal-oriented", "fun", "inclusive", and "thriving" used to describe our community. We believe that children learn and adults work best in an environment where they feel respected and safe. We are focused on four areas in our development of community: 1) Cultivating respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents, 2) Emphasizing common purposes and ideals, 3) Providing opportunities for service and cooperation, and 4) Providing opportunities for independence and influence.

Email: lpdietz@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org
Twitter: @OES_smcps