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News and events
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December 1, 2023
A message from the principal
This month we are focusing on the character trait: Empathy! Our Character Strong curriculum defines empathy as understanding and connecting to other peoples' feelings. Showing empathy is a big part of learning how to thrive in a school environment. It is also a key part of problem solving. We work hard to help students learn to see how their actions affect those around them and how their perspective might be different from a classmate. Adults and kids alike: How do you show empathy to those around you? Share your ideas with each other. I'm excited to see how our students practice empathy throughout this month here at school.
Mrs. Monson
Enrollment Applications for 2024-2025 due January 15th
Applications for in-district transfer and open enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year must be completed by January 15. In-district transfer and open enrollment applications are available to download on the district enrollment page or for pickup at school.
The priority application period for NorthWest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) specialty schools is October 16 through December 31.
Report Cards are going Green!
Elementary school report cards will be available to view online only beginning Trimester 1.
New for the 2023-24 school year, elementary school report cards will be available online and will no longer be sent through postal mail or student’s backpacks. Families will be able to access report cards by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.
The switch to online report cards means that information is available to review at the conclusion of each trimester. Schools will notify families when the report cards are available to view. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s report card online.
Oxbow Creek report cards will be available to view on December 13th.
To ensure access to the report cards when available at the conclusion of Trimester 1, families are encouraged to make sure they have their login information now. Currently, report cards from last school year are available for viewing. If you are having difficulty logging in or do not know your login credentials, please contact 763.506.4357 or email 506HELP@ahschools.us.
Parent Education Series: Upcoming Parent Engage 360 Event- Tuesday, December 5th
The first Parent Engage 360 event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coon Rapids High School auditorium and will feature author and co-founder of TILL360 Joe Beckman. Over the last 20 years, Beckman has spoken all over the world with one mission, to reclaim human connection.
Beckman is an engaging and dynamic speaker who combines humor, authenticity, heart, and soul that will help attendees find self-worth, resilience, confidence, joy, and human connection. Beckman is the author of Just Look Up Five Life-Saving Phrases Every Kid Human Needs to Hear. Attendees at this event have the chance to win one of four free copies of Beckman’s book.
Register for this event (registration is not required, but helps with planning).
REMINDERS
- Fri. Dec.1st - NO SCHOOL, Staff Planning
- Mon. Dec 4th - NO SCHOOL, Staff Development
- Thurs. Dec 7th- Holiday Gift Shop, 4:30-7:30pm
- Sat., Dec 23rd - Tues., Jan 2nd, 2024 - NO SCHOOL; Winter Break
- Mon. January 15th, 2024 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr Day
Items to Note
- Lost & Found: The lost & found is overflowing with lots of items! Please take some time to come in the building and look for your student's missing items. Any items that remain will be donated over winter break.
- Please have your child dressed for outdoor recess all winter long! We go outside for recess every day unless the temperature drops below zero or the windchill is below -10 degrees.
- With colder weather upon us, please consider sending in a complete set of extra clothes for your student. Sometimes, the little ones don't quite make it in time when removing the extra layers as well as clothing can become wet from the snow and ice.
- The Health Office needs your help! Would you consider donating a new package of boys or girls (size small) underwear? We are going through approximately 6 changes of clothes a day here in the Health Office and are running out of smaller sizes.
- We are committed to helping families in need of assistance with food, clothing, household items and some basic services. Please contact Oxbow Creek's Social Workers if your family is in need. All communication is confidential.
Ann Parisian (Grades K, 2, 5) 763-506-3825 or ann.parisian@ahschools.us
Gina Newlander (Grades 1, 3, 4) 763-506-8384 or gina.newlander@ahschools.us
Volunteer news
Volunteers are a large part of our amazing school and there are SO many things that wouldn’t happen without them!
If you haven’t already, please fill out these forms to join our team of volunteers at Oxbow: Volunteer application and Background Check Form.
Total number of volunteer hours this year: 1600+
Volunteer Coordinator News and Updates
Culver’s Night Update: Thank you so much to all that showed up to support our PTO fundraiser on November 21st at Culver’s in Champlin! We were able to raise $690.43 toward bringing in a special speaker, Bryan Skavnak, with Be the Nice Kid to our school!
Holiday Gift Shop: This event is on December 7th from 4:30-7:30pm. It’s a great opportunity for students to secretly shop with an elf for gifts for their loved ones. All gifts are under $13 and will be gift wrapped for your student. Many additional volunteers are needed to make this event run, sign up to volunteer here: Holiday Gift Shop
Expo Committee: Please consider joining the Art & Academic Expo Committee. This is a fun way to get involved and get to know other parents! We really need 4-5 people to join this team. Our annual Expo event night will take place Thursday, February 29th from 5:30-8pm. Planning will start in a few weeks! Please email Alece at Alece.Henderson@ahschools.us with questions or to join the committee!
Yearbook: Please share photos you have taken at our events with the yearbook staff! Email them to oxbowyearbook@gmail.com. Include any information available such as grade, classroom and event.
Enrichment groups: Have you ever thought about working with students in a small group setting? Enrichment groups are forming now and we'd like to add at least 5 more groups! For more information contact Alece at Alece.Henderson@ahschools.us or fill out the Enrichment interest form.
Finally, a special thanks to all the amazing volunteers that help make our PTO math night and Scooter World a great success! A special thanks goes out to creative geniuses, Josie Parkhurst, Jessica Ploehn and Jessica KC. It was so much fun to see so many families enjoying all of the activities together!
Haley Belongia
Alece Henderson
Volunteer Services Coordinators
Oxbow Creek Elementary
763-506-3830
From Oxbow's School Social Workers:
As if life isn't already anxiety producing and stressful enough, throw in all of the after effects from pandemic. Then, add the busy holiday season and looooooong winter looming. Parents are often feeling stressed and overwhelmed, which then likely (unintentionally on our part) trickles down to our children, who tend to express it through various emotions and behaviors.
Check out these articles from Child Mind Institute (a GREAT resource for ALL things mental health!) for reminders and ideas on how to help relieve stress for both you and your child(ren)!
How To Take the Stress Out of the Holidays
How To Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
Parenting Guides and Resources
Oxbow Creek has two Social Workers, feel free to reach out with questions/concerns regarding mental health and/or basic needs!
Ann Parisian (Grades K, 2, 5) 763-506-3825 or ann.parisian@ahschools.us
Gina Newlander (Grades 1, 3, 4) 763-506-8384 or gina.newlander@ahschools.us
This e-newsletter is published by Oxbow Creek Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.