Mustang Family Newsletter

Twin Oaks Elementary

August 21, 2023

Dear Twin Oaks Families,

The beginning of the school year is getting closer. The first day of school for our Kindergarten students is Wednesday, September 6th. The first day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Thursday, September 7th.

Classroom teachers will be sending a welcome email to their families on Friday, September 1st. We hope you can attend the Meet and Greet Family event on Tuesday, September 5th. This is an opportunity to meet your child's teacher and visit the classroom.

We have 3 new classroom teachers who have joined the Twin Oaks Community. Ms. Katelin Finkbeiner and Mrs. Danielle Biedenharn will be teaching Kindergarten. Mrs. Renee Beard is one of our fifth grade teachers. Some of our staff have changed positions. Ms. Jenna Hoagland is our school secretary. Ms. Lauren Reed is now our Instructional Coach. Mrs. Jolene Williams will be supporting students as our Behavior Support Assistant.

You may have received an email this morning from the Eugene School District sharing information about ParentSquare. ParentSquare is a new form of school-to-home communication for the Eugene School District 4J. This communication platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed. All district and school, grade level and classroom information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. Twin Oaks Elementary will continue to use Smore to create our Mustang Family Newsletter as well as classroom newsletters.

If you have family, friends or neighbors who will have children that will be attending Twin Oaks please share that we are enrolling students. Our goal is to get all students enrolled before September 5th. If your child attended Twin Oaks last year you do not need to complete any paperwork. They are already enrolled.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Denisa Taylor

Twin Oaks Elementary Calendar (link)

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Important Dates:

School Office open 7:30am-3:30pm

Thursday, 8/31, 4:00-4:45pm - Kindergarten Play Date for all incoming kindergartners
Tuesday, 9/5, 4:00-5:00pm - Twin Oaks Meet and Greet for families and students
Wednesday, 9/6 - First Day of School for Kindergarten Students ONLY
Thursday, 9/7 - First Day of School for Grades 1-5.

Family Events, Holidays and No School Days will be provided in future newsletters.

Save the Date! Family Event in October

Back to School Information

SCHOOL HOURS:

Twin Oaks Elementary's school hours are 7:55am-2:25pm (MTuThF). On Wednesday school hours are 7:55am-1:10pm. Students should arrive no earlier than 7:30am. Buses arrive at our school at 7:30am. Students wait in the cafeteria until 7:45am. They can eat breakfast if desired. Classroom doors open at 7:45am. Please ensure your children are in class ready to learn by 7:55am or they will be marked tardy.

EARLY RELEASE DAY:

Wednesday is now the early release day for the school district. Last year it was Fridays. Students will be dismissed at 1:10pm.

TWIN OAKS MEET AND GREET:

The Meet and Greet with families is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th, 4:00-5:00pm. We hope that all families can join us. This event is an informal Open House. If your family is unable to attend the teachers will be ready to greet the students on their first day of school.

CLASS LISTS:

We continue to work on enrolling students into our school. As we enroll students we balance our classrooms. Class lists have not been finalized. Families will receive an email from their child's teacher on Friday, September 1st after 3:00pm welcoming them to their classroom. We will not be posting class lists.

KINDERGARTEN SMART START:

The Eugene 4J Instruction Department, with feedback from Kindergarten teacher representatives, have created a schedule for how all district Kindergarten students integrate into school at the beginning of the school year. The Kindergarten Smart Start schedule will be different than our other students. The first day for all Kindergarten students is Wednesday, September 6th. Only Kindergarten students attend on this day. Students in grades 1-5 start school on Thursday, September 7th. Between September 7th-9th half of the Kindergarten students will attend school each day. On September 13th all Kindergarten students attend school together. There is no school for Kindergarten students ONLY on Thursday, September 14th and Friday, September 15th. Kindergarten teachers will be connecting with each family individually on these days. Please review the Kindergarten Smart Start calendar included in this newsletter. For more details please connect to the Eugene 4J webpage at https://www.4j.lane.edu/2023/07/kindergarten-smart-start/

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST:

The school district is purchasing and providing basic school supplies for all elementary students. We do not have an additional list of requested items. When the school year begins teachers may reach out for donations of tissues, Clorox wipes, zip lock bags and snacks. If you happen to see these items on sale please consider purchasing them in advance.

BACKPACKS AND WATER BOTTLES:

We require that families provide a backpack and a water bottle for their child. Please make sure the backpack is big enough for a 3 ring binder.

NO COST BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES:

School meals will continue to be free for all students in 4J schools for the 2023-2024 school year, regardless of family income. For more information regarding 4J meals connect to Eugene 4J webpage at https://www.4j.lane.edu/2023/08/free-meals-2023-24/.

PROJECT HOPE BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY:

Project Hope is an event coordinated by community members and organizations with the intention of providing backpacks, shoes, socks and games to students. Every student must have a ticket and be present at the event to receive supplies. Tickets will be available starting Friday, August 18th. You request a ticket at https://2023ATA.eventbrite.com. The event is scheduled at two locations, ATA Middle School and Howard Elementary on August 27, 1-4pm. I have included a flyer for more information.