OES Family Newsletter

Anyone that enters Oakland Elementary School must show a government issued ID. You must have a physical photo ID, not a picture of it on your phone. Thank you for adhering to our safety procedures.

Thursday, February 6, 2025 - Early Dismissal (Parent Teacher Conference/Report Cards Distributed)

Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. - Family Engagement Night

Monday, February 17, 2025 - No School (Presidents' Day)

Thursday, February 27, 2025 - First Semester Awards (Details Below)

Friday, February 28, 2025 - First Semester Awards (Details Below)

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - No School (Professional Learning Day)

Spring/Class pictures have been rescheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Thursday, February 6, 2025 is an Early Dismissal Day as well as Parent Teacher Conference in the afternoon. Please see your child's teacher for an appointment.

Also, we will be celebrating our students reaching 250 caught being good cards in each grade level at a glow in the dark celebration. Students are encouraged to wear neon colors or items that glow in the dark.

As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all our students, we kindly remind families that food and candy items may not be sent in for other students to consume. This policy helps us ensure the safety of students with food allergies and dietary restrictions.

If you would like to send in something special for a celebration or event, we encourage non-food items such as:
🎨 Stickers
📎 Fun pencils or erasers
📖 Small books or activity pads
✨ Glow sticks or bracelets

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students! If you have any questions, please reach out to the front office.

We have recently noticed an increase in student absences due to extended travel. While we understand that family trips are valuable experiences, prolonged absences result in missed instruction that cannot be fully replicated. Our teachers work hard to provide engaging, high-quality lessons each day, and extended time away makes it challenging for students to keep up with new learning.

Per SPS policy, these absences are unexcused, and while teachers will always support students in catching up, they are unable to reteach multiple weeks of instruction on an individual basis. Regular attendance is essential for student success, and we appreciate your partnership in ensuring that your child is present and engaged in learning each day.

Thank you for your support and commitment to your child’s education.

If you are interested in being a presenter please complete the link provided HERE.

THANK YOU!

Regular school attendance is foundational to a child’s educational success, social development, and future opportunities. By understanding the critical role attendance plays and actively working to prevent truancy and chronic absenteeism, parents can significantly influence their children's academic journey and overall well-being. Encouraging consistent attendance not only benefits the individual student but also contributes positively to the broader community and society as a whole.

If you’re experiencing challenges related to your child’s attendance, consider reaching out to your us here at OES for support and resources. Together, parents and educators can create a supportive environment that fosters regular attendance and sets the stage for lifelong success.

Attendance is an important part of your child's academic success! Both excused and unexcused absences affect academic progress and state reporting/accreditation status. Please keep students in school as much as possible. We want your child to be successful and our school to remain Fully Accredited!

If your child must be absent from school please be sure to notify the front office. You may send in a paper note or email our attendance clerk, Mrs. Moore at robinmoore@spsk12.net.

It is extremely important that parents communicate in writing how their student(s) will be getting home. It is recommended that parents stay as consistent as possible with transportation to and from school. If you would like your child to ride the school bus home please have them ride the bus to school. This helps eliminate confusion at dismissal time.

If at anytime parents need to change transportation, please communicate this with your child's teacher in writing.

Student Drop Off - 9:00 - 9:25 a.m. (Only at Door #4)

• Please have students exit the car nearest the sidewalk (passenger side).
• Parents are asked to remain in their vehicle.
• Please do not pass cars or double park, forcing students to walk in traffic.
• Please follow the direction of the car rider staff.
• Drop off is at Door #4. Students should not be dropped off at the front entrance unless they are late for school.
• Students that arrive after 9:25 a.m. have to be escorted in the building through the front entrance by a parent/guardian.

Student Pick Up - 3:40 - 4:00 p.m.

• Your 2024-2025 Tag must be visible until your child is in the car with you.
• Please be prepared to present your photo ID.
• Please refrain from lining up for pick up prior to 3:30 p.m. to avoid traffic backup on Godwin Blvd.
• Please follow the direction of the car rider staff.
• Parents are asked to remain in their vehicle.

Those arriving after 4PM may need to enter through the front entrance and sign their student out from the front kiosk.

Dear OES Parent/Guardian,

This school year parents can reach out to me directly to check-in on students using this Google form. Unless it's an emergency, I will pull the student during their resource time and talk to them. If you should have any concerns for your child, please feel free to complete this form. I will be in contact with you. Please give me 24-48 hours from receipt of the request to follow-up with you.

If you have any questions or concerns about referring students please contact Kandace Taylor-Tysinger, Professional School Counselor at kandacetaylor-tysinger@spsk12.net.

Bravely,

Kandace Taylor-Tysinger, Ed. S.

Counselor Experience/Focus Areas: Adverse Childhood Trauma, Developmental Disorders, Case Management, Outpatient Therapy, Assessment, Education, Advocacy, Mental Health Disorders, Crisis Counseling and Community Outreach, CAMS

Link to School Counselor Parent Referral

Parents are welcome to have lunch with their student(s). Due to limited space parents will need to make reservations in the front office for lunch. There are certain days when guest are not allowed for lunch. Please be sure to sign up a head of time.

We've seen an increase in parents trying to bring snacks for his/her students' classmates. While we truly appreciate this form or kindness, sharing food is discouraged for many health reasons. If you must bring in a snack for the class please ensure your items are on the SPS approved list.

Approved Snack List

Below is a list of suggested snacks that parents may bring for classroom celebrations and school parties:

Fresh Fruit
Special K Red Berry Bars
Frozen Yogurt
Quaker Rice Crisps
Baked Cheetos
Oven Baked Potato Chips (Frito Lay)
Raisins
Wheat Thin (Nabisco)

See the Amazon Healthier Generation Smart Snacks online store for additional items such as:

Pepperidge Farm, 100 calories Whole Grain Cheddar Goldfish
Doritos, Reduced Fat
Nutri-grain Cereal Bars- Mixed Berry
Honey Maid, Teddy Grahams
Cheetos, Cheese Puffs Reduced Fat
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Whole Grain
General Mills, Simply Chex Snack Mix
Cheetos, Fantastix Flamin Hot

More details on SPS policy linked here.

Just a few safety reminders:

• Morning drop off is from 9:00 - 9:25 a.m. Parents should remain in his/her vehicle and join the car rider drop off line to drop students off at door number 4.
• If students arrive anytime after 9:25 a.m. parents must park and escort his/her student into the building and sign the student in as tardy. Be sure to have a government issued photo ID.
• Please always have a government issued photo ID available when coming to Oakland Elementary.
• When entering the building you may only enter through the main entrance (door 1) and must ring the buzzer. (Please do not allow others into the building, everyone must be buzzed in by office staff.)

If you wish to volunteer at any Suffolk Public School please complete the Volunteer Connect form linked here. Teachers and school staff will reach out to you with volunteer opportunities.

Please make sure that the school keeps updated contact information on file for you. We should have an updated phone number, email address, and mailing address. This information is used to keep you informed of upcoming events and important school topics.

Also, please check Home Access Center (HAC) frequently to ensure that you are updated on your students' academic progress.

Website: oes.spsk12.net
Location: 5505 Godwin Boulevard, Suffolk, VA, USA
Phone: 757-923-5248
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOaklandElementary
Twitter: @OES_Braves