Dear Otter Community,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! As we embark on this journey together, I am thrilled to introduce our inspiring theme: “LEGO of Limits, Build a Path to Your Personal Best.” This message encourages us all—students, teachers, and parents—to push beyond boundaries and reach new heights.

Like the endless possibilities of LEGO bricks, our potential is limitless when we work together. Each of us plays a crucial role in building a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. By supporting one another, we can create a community where every individual thrives and grows.

This year, let's focus on breaking through our limits, nurturing creativity, and striving for excellence. Together, we can build a strong foundation for success and inspire our students to achieve their personal best.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Grades K-5 at our Open House Events on Monday, August 19th. PreK students and families are invited to attend an Open House on Wednesday, August 21st.

At our Open House event on August 19th, we will be collecting school supply donations as well KCup donations for the staff lounge. Also, if you have any extra LEGOS laying around that you have been looking for an opportunity to get rid of, we would love to have them!

Thank you for your continued dedication and enthusiasm. Here’s to a remarkable year of learning, growth, and achievement!

Otterly Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

• Mrs. Thompson, Secretary to the Principal

• Mrs. Wimmer, 11-month Records Secretary

• Mrs. Mettlen, PreK Teacher

• Mrs. Atkins, 1st Grade Teacher

• Ms. Waskiewicz, Teacher Apprentice (Mrs. Lay will serve as her supporting teacher)

• Mrs. Hancock, PE Teacher

• Mrs. Buster, PE Teacher

1st Grade

Mrs. Sealey, Teacher

2nd Grade

Mrs. Furr, Teacher

Mrs. Lay, Teacher

3rd Grade

Mrs. Morris, Teacher

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

Please click on the links below to access public calendars.

As we plan our return to school for the 2024-2025 school year now is a great time to find your laptop and charger. Please run all of the updates and make sure that it is working order. Chargers are to remain at home.

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.

The online application process to apply for free and reduced meals for the 2024-2025 school year is open. Click HERE to access information about the process and the application.

Kindergarten: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

• Kindergarten families should plan to attend at any point throughout the 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm time frame. Our Kindergarten teachers will be available to greet students, show them the classroom, and accept school supplies prior to the first day of school.

Grades 1-5: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

• Families of students in grades 1 - 5 should plan to attend at any point throughout the 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm time frame. Our teachers will be available to greet students, show them the classroom, and accept school supplies prior to the first day of school.

The first day of school for students in grades K-5 is Wednesday, August 21st. Prekindergarten students' first day of school is Thursday, August 22nd.

Prekindergarten Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 21st at 10:00 am.

Classroom assignments will be available at the Open House event. Please be aware that no classroom changes will be made on the day of the Open House.

The SMCPS website has information for parents regarding Back to School. Included in the link below is information related to:

• Open House
• Registrations and Vaccinations
• Buses and Transportation
• Student Handbooks
• Food and Nutrition
• Supply Lists
• Back to School Photos

Please click the link below for information regarding your child's bus number, bus stop location, and pick-up and drop-off times. If you have specific questions regarding bus transportation, please call the Department of Transportation at (301)-475-4256.

For all parents of Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students: An adult must be present at the bus stop when students are being picked up or dropped off. If an adult associated with a Prekindergarten or Kindergarten student is not present at the bus stop at the end of the school day, the bus driver will return the student to the school and the parents will be contacted to come to the school to pick up the student.

Our Boosterthon Fund Run event is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 5th. The Fun Run event will be held on Friday, September 13th.

Much more information will be shared about the Fun Run in a couple of weeks.

Tentatively scheduled for September 16th.

Retakes are tentatively scheduled for November 15th.

More information will be provided as the dates draw closer.

Hello OES Otter Families,

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 25 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!

All medications must be accompanied by an order before they can be given at school. We CANNOT give any medication without the medical order. Please contact me beginning on August 14th with any questions.

See you all soon!

FAQ for the start of the year:

When should I keep my child home from school?

• Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
• Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
• Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department

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: lpanderson@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