OTES English E-News

Welcome back, Texans! We are excited to reconnect and jump back into our school routine. Texas weather always has a few surprises for us as we head into winter. Sometimes it’s sunshine, and sometimes ice. Please know that as we experience colder weather that we will operate following the district guidance on all outdoor activities concerning recess and physical education. When temperature or wind chill is from 30° F to 20° F, - Staying indoors for Recess and PE is required. Visit Roundrockisd.org/inclement-weather-protocols/ if you would like to review additional guidance and protocols that the district follows for inclement weather.

Inclement Weather Resources - As a blast of winter weather blankets the region, Round Rock ISD is dedicated to connecting our families to community resources to help stay safe and warm. Listed are several agencies ready to help.

OTE Science Fair

All 3rd through 5th grade students are invited and encouraged to participate in this year’s Old Town Elementary Science Fair on January 17, 2025. This is a great opportunity for

students to explore their interests and develop new ones! Project titles are due no later than January 12. PeachJar Flier

Please remember to fill out the project entry form by this Sunday, January 12th by scanning the qr code on your flyer. Extra flyers are in the office

Jan 12, 2025 - Project Entry Form Due

Jan 17, 2025 - Old Town Elementary Science Fair

Feb 22, 2025 - Greater Austin Regional Science & Engineering Fair

Reminder-Campus Visitors

As a standard practice anytime you wish to enter the campus you must be signed in using our Raptor system located in the front office. This requires that you provide the front office with your identification. Visitors will not be permitted to enter our campus without identification. This can sometimes lead to disappointments, but I truly appreciate your understanding and our commitment to putting student safety first.

Safety Reminders at Arrival and Dismissal

Please remember to utilize the crosswalks during arrival and dismissal. We have two crosswalks near the front of the school that staff members support to help students and families navigate traffic safely during arrival and dismissal. We have had families crossing through traffic as the car line is moving. We really appreciate your understanding and support in keeping everyone safe.

EARLY PICKUP PROCEDURES:

If a student needs to be released early from school for an appointment, we kindly ask that parents/guardians come to the front office intercom with a Photo ID to check the student out.

If someone other than the parent/guardian will be picking up the student, let us help you with this request. The person picking up must be listed as one of the student’s emergency contacts. Parents/Guardians should email the school registrar (angie_castro@roundrockisd.org) at least 24 hours in advance to add any additional people to the emergency contacts. The email should specify the name and phone number of the person picking up.

If you need to pick up your student near the end of the day, students will be released no later than 2:30 p.m.

• To preserve instructional time, students are called to the office once the parent arrives.

• Parents/Guardians/Emergency Contact will need to bring a valid photo ID

• Old Town begins dismissal for our pre-kinder students and students in special programming at 2:40 each day.
  Our K-5 dismissal begins with our youngest Texans at 2:50.

We greatly appreciate your understanding in allowing a smooth dismissal for all students and families, these guidelines help all students remain safe during dismissal at Old Town.

Pre-K Open Spots

Old Town Elementary is excited to offer both non-tuition and tuition-based Pre-K4. Please visit the Round Rock ISD Pre Kindergarten webpage for the online registration link and additional information. Link: https://prek.roundrockisd.org/

Pre-K Extended Day

Do you need after school care for your child? Old Town Pre-K Extended Day is here to provide your kids supervised fun as soon as the school bell rings until 6:00pm. Care is provided at Old Town Elementary in a State-licensed classroom with childcare staff meeting all State licensing requirements. Kids will enjoy enrichment activities, crafts, snacks, story time and more! Learn More

Effective August 2024 - State mandated change regarding Over-The-Counter medications during the school day. Administration of OVER-THE-COUNTER medication during the school day needs a physician's signature AND a parent/guardian's signature to be administered by a nurse.*

More information form RRISD Health Services

Please have this form completed when dropping off any medication to be administered.

Pk-2nd grade will be meeting author Greg Pizzoli on February 5th. If you'd like to purchase one of his titles from another source and want it signed, send it with your child to school by February 5th. There are some vendors that carry some of his books translated into other languages if you'd prefer.

Author Flier

Happy Birthday Book Club opportunity! Would you like to honor your child on his/her birthday and help the library program as well? You may dedicate a book to the library in your child’s name. The cost is $20.00. Please make your checks payable to Old Town Elementary or click HERE to pay online with a credit/debit card. Please complete the following form and return it to the library no matter the payment method.

https://sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/oteslibrary/home

Flyer for Walsh Middle School Parent Mtg for Rising 6th graders

Kindness Week is Jan 27-31. Use the following calendar to spread Kindness all month long!

• Tuesday, January 7 - 24 - Kids Heart Challenge Fundraiser

• Wednesday, January 8 - Popcorn Day

• Sunday, January 12 - Deadline for grades 3-5 to enter science fair

• Friday, January 17 - Science Fair grades 3-5

• Monday, January 20 - Staff and student holiday

• Wednesday, January 22 - Popcorn Day

• Thursday, January 23 - 5th grade visits Walsh

• January 24-31 - Kindness Week

• Monday, January 27 - Walsh rising 6th grade parent meeting in OTE cafeteria @ 8:00 am

• Wednesday, January 29 - Student holiday/staff development

• Thursday, January 30 - 5th grade parent night at Walsh Middle School @ 5:30 pm

• Saturday, February 1 - Round Rock Learning Community UIL event at Great Oaks Elementary School

• Wednesday, February 5 - Author visit for Prek-2

• Wednesday, February 5 - Popcorn Day

• Thursday, February 13 - Spring individual & group pictures

• Friday, February 14 - Valentine’s Day Parties

• Monday, February 17 - Student Holiday/YOU Day for Staff

• Wednesday, February 19 - Popcorn Day