McAuliffe News Shuttle
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
August 14, 2024
WELCOME BACK!!!
Welcome back to the start of another exciting school year at McAuliffe! I hope this summer has been filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable moments with your loved ones. As we prepare to kick off a new academic year, I am thrilled to welcome both returning and new families to our vibrant school community.
Our team has been busy over the summer, working diligently to ensure that McAuliffe is ready to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for all our students. Our classrooms are set, our materials are organized, and our staff is eager to welcome your children back for another year of learning and growth.
Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to supporting each child’s individual needs and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. We encourage you to stay involved and communicate with us regularly. Your partnership is crucial in creating a successful and enjoyable school year.
As we look forward to the months ahead, please mark your calendars for our upcoming Back-to-School Night on September 11, 2024, where you will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn more about the year’s activities and expectations.
Thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. Together, let’s make this school year a memorable and successful one for all our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Willis & Mrs. Holohan
Daily Schedule
Gates open at 8:25am
School begins at 8:55am
School dismisses at 1:05pm Thursday 8/15 and Wednesday 8/16
OUSD District Cell Phone Policy
We are excited to share our new cell phone policy, "During the Day, Off and Away," for the 2024-2025 school year (Board Policy 5131.8). Our goal is to create a safe and focused learning environment for all students by minimizing distractions and promoting their mental well-being.
Key Points:
Cell Phone Usage: Students must turn off (ringer/tone/sounds off) and store their phones in their backpacks upon entering campus. Phones should stay off until they leave.
Exceptions: Students with specific accommodations (IEPs, 504 plans, or medical conditions) may have phone access as specified.
Communication: Classrooms have landlines for students to contact parents when necessary. Phones will be accessible in emergencies.
Academic Benefits: Reducing phone usage helps students stay focused and engaged in class.
Safety and Security: This policy helps prevent cyberbullying, ensures students focus during emergencies, and reduces the risk of theft or loss.
Support and disciplinary measures are in place for policy violations to help students adjust.
Thank you for your support as we work together to enhance our students' learning experience and well-being.
Student Devices
Protect Your School Device!
A Chrome Device Protection Plan is now available through OUSD.
Cost of the Protection Plan:
$20 per year for up to 2 incidents per device.
$60 per year cap, per family, for up to 2 incidents per device.
What is covered?
Accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid spills, theft/loss, fire, flood
What is NOT covered?
Chargers, willful acts of abuse or neglect, and tampering with or any attempt to repair devices.
For more information visit:
To purchase the plan visit:
Do Not Delay!
The window for purchasing the Chrome Device Protection Plan for the 2024-2025 school year opens August 1, 2024 and runs through the month of September. The protection plan will cover your device through June 12, 2025.
Update Contact Information
Emails, text messages and phone calls from OUSD including those from your principal, teacher and the district office will be directly sent to you using the email address and phone number you provided in Aeries during data confirmation. It’s important that all the emergency contacts listed in Aeries have updated contact information so everyone can receive important messages from OUSD.
You no longer need to download any third party apps to receive messages from your school.
Counselor's Corner
Upcoming Events
1st Day of School
August 15 - Minimum Day
Minimum Day
August 16
TK/K Early Dismissal
TK/K students will dismiss at 1:05pm
8/15-8/30
E-Bike Safety
Important reminders as we share the road with e-bike riders.
OUSD Chain of Communication
We know there are times when issues come up that need to be resolved. OUSD has created a chain of communication that allows for an efficient resolution process. This is now located on our school’s website under “Our School” called Chain of Communication
Blackboard Communication Platform
OUSD messages families using a platform called Blackboard Communications. This allows teachers and staff to send an email, text or voice message directly to the email address or phone number you have listed in Aeries. You no longer need to download any third party apps to receive messages from OUSD. The only district supported app that families should download is the OUSD app. It’s important that all the adults in your student’s life have updated contact information in Aeries so everyone can receive important messages from your student’s school.
McAuliffe Elementary Breakfast/Lunch Menu
Breakfast and Lunch menus are now available online.
You are now able to do the following on our interactive menus!
- View images and descriptions for our menu items
- View nutritional information for each entree and food item
- Translate the menus into multiple languages
- Filter the menu for specific food allergens
- Rate foods and see carb counts!
Please use the link below to access the breakfast and lunch menus.
PTO
OUSD Mission and Vision Statement:
All students graduate college and career ready, prepared to be responsible global citizens and ambitious future leaders
VALUES
Students First: Our students are our highest priority. Every decision is made to maximize our students’ well-being.
Educational Equity: Every student receives the academic, social, and emotional support needed to thrive. Resources are allocated to address achievement and opportunity gaps.
Diversity: Our learning community’s diverse cultural experiences and intellectual variance drives our collective and individual success.
Collaborative Relationships: We foster learning environments where meaningful collaboration occurs. Members of our learning community forge respectful relationships based on integrity, empathy and dignity. Our community schools initiative and the support to military-affiliated students are just a couple ways OUSD continues showing up for everyone in the district.