Tiger Tracks

Welcome to 2025! I hope each of you were able to rest and enjoy some quality time with your family over the winter break. I had a nice time with my daughters and wife, catching up on some binge-watching, grand-dog sitting, and board game playing.

We are already one week into the 2nd semester of the 2024-2025 school year. Can you believe it? We are halfway finished with the year! Even though it seems to have gone quickly, we still have a lot to accomplish. Teachers are busy screening students to see where they currently are, we will be looking at some data digs to compare data, and then plan our interventions and WIN Time to push students even further with their academics! We are excited for this push, and can't wait to see the growth our students show at the end of the year.

Don't forget that report cards came home in backpacks today. Don't hesitate to reach out to any teachers if you have questions. Have a wonderful weekend and hope for warmer weather!

~ Mr. Jagels

Due to ongoing concerns with overdue lunch accounts, we are making a change when ordering "Extra" options. This change will be more in line with other elementary schools within Westside. Currently, any student in grades three through six can order an extra item on the menu (ie. extra slice of pizza, extra hot dog, extra hamburger, etc.). They are also able to order a bottle of water, extra milk, fruit, or vegetable. These extra items get charged to each student's individual lunch account. Many times, parents are unaware that their child is charging these items. For example, if your child orders an extra slice of pizza ($2.00) and a bottle of water ($.75), their whole lunch just cost you $5.50. Those two items just doubled the cost of the lunch. If a student qualifies for free or reduced lunches, these extra items cost the same. Many of our students are ordering extra items when their lunch account balance is below zero. We have allowed this, but are realizing it is getting out of hand as we have a large outstanding balance of overdue lunch accounts.

Starting January 6th, students will no longer be able to order extra items if they do not have sufficient funds in their lunch accounts. Every morning, students select if they want anything extra. That list will be sent to the front office to check account balances of these students. If they are below zero, the student will not be able to order anything extra. To be clear, no student will ever be denied a hot lunch. They will just not be able to order extra items. Our hope is to clear as many of the outstanding negative account balances as we can.

An easy way to ensure your child has money in their lunch account is to set up an account with MySchoolBucks.com. Westside uses this program to manage their lunch accounts. If you need help setting up an account, please contact the front office.

Explore, Create, and Compete with Robots

Are you a curious and creative problem-solver? Do you love working with your hands or learning new things? Then the Oakdale Elementary Robotics Club is for you! This exciting after-school club is open to all students from Kindergarten to 6th grade, and no prior robotics experience is needed.

What’s it all about?
The Robotics Club is a place for students to explore the world of robotics, coding, and engineering in a fun, hands-on environment. Each week, we’ll meet after school to work on building and programming robots that can complete challenges. Whether you’re a future inventor, engineer, or just love trying new things, there’s something for everyone!

When and Where?
The Robotics Club will meet once a week on Tuesdays, and we’ll be working hard to get ready for the big Robotics Expo in April. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creations and skills, and it promises to be a fun and educational experience for everyone involved!

Who Can Join?
Any Oakdale Elementary student from Kindergarten through 6th grade is welcome to sign up! Whether you're a beginner or already have some experience with robotics, we’ll make sure you have a great time while learning new skills. All we ask is that parents commit to having their student at all meetings for the club. Dates are included in the registration form. Please do not take a space if you cannot commit to the entirety of the club program.

How Do I Sign Up?
Click on the button below to register your child for the program. It has all the details you need to join the club and start your robotics journey.

Why Should You Join?

• Have Fun: Build and code robots in a creative, friendly environment.
• Learn New Skills: Discover the basics of engineering, programming, and problem-solving.
• Make New Friends: Work together as a team and collaborate on exciting challenges.
• Be Part of Something Special: Get ready for the Robotics Expo and show off what you've created!

Whether you're a tech whiz or just looking to try something new, the Robotics Club at Oakdale Elementary is the perfect place to explore, learn, and grow. We can't wait to see what amazing robots you’ll build!

Click the image above for more information about Westside's Excellence in Youth Program

Great news! The students pictured below were selected to have their written work for the Young Writers' Scary Tales Contest published! We are so proud of all of our writers! These students received a certificate and will have an opportunity to buy the book in which their work will be published! What a great experience and opportunity for our young Oakdale writers. Keep up the good work!

For your child’s safety and for the safety of others, all medication, including cough drops/throat lozenges, must be kept locked in the health office and must be in the original package. All medication needs to be accompanied by a medication form signed by the parent or guardian. All prescription medication forms must be signed by the doctor (or the doctor's office can fax it to us at 402.390.2164). Whenever possible, the medication should be administered at home.

Get ready--the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! SAVE THE DATE for March 4th-6th!

Be on the lookout for January's High 5 Drawing, making snow with Mrs. Alli G. Save those High 5's and enter the drawing at your own risk!

Each quarter, we hold drawings for our Golden High 5 winners. Throughout the quarter students earn Golden High 5's for going above and beyond the three be's (safe, respectful, and responsible). They get to take their Golden High 5's home to share with parents, but they enter a drawing for either an extra recess, gym time, or lunch and a movie in the gym. All these prizes not only include the student, but also their entire class! Congratulations to this quarter's winners: Watson P. - Gym Time, Elon S. - Extra Recess, and Rosie B. - Movie and Lunch in the Gym. Congratulations to each of these student's classrooms as well since they also were able to participate in the win!

Linked you will find our year long Oakdale Calendar. This is not an all-inclusive calendar and is subject to change throughout the year. However, it will provide a general outline of events to pencil in on your calendar.

In addition, we encourage you to access our Oakdale Calendar through our Website, the Westside Community Schools App, or to subscribe so that this information shows right up on your own calendar for iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other Google Calendar subscribable platform.

January

14 Community Club Meeting, 6:30

20 NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr Day

21 NO SCHOOL for students - Teacher Professional Learning Day

24 Talent Show Auditions, 3:30 Oakdale Gym

February

1 Donuts with a Grownup, 8:00

13 Don & Millie's Night

13 Valentine's Parties, 2:30

14 NO SCHOOL for Students - Teacher Work Day

17 NO SCHOOL President's Day / Teacher Work Day

19 Talent Show Rehearsal, 6:00 WMS

21 Talent Show Performance, 7:00 WMS

We know it is important to consider both the physical and social-emotional wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. We continue to be committed to providing regular instruction and support for studying in managing thoughts and feelings.

If your child is experiencing particular difficulties and you would like to explore options for additional support we encourage you to contact our School Counselor, Mrs. Mary McPadden (mcpadden.mary@westside66.net) or our School Psychologist, Mrs. Olivia Rosol (rosol.olivia@westside66.net), who can help in coordinating additional support and resources.

Congratulations to several winners for being randomly drawn from their entry at last month's Don & Millie's Family Restaurant Night! Each student received a Don & Millie's cinch sack and a free kids meal! Don't forget to drop your name in this month's drawing on December's Don & Millie's Family Restaurant Night on January 9th!

The Oakdale School Community Club offers a FREE online family directory each fall containing the names of students by class, as well as names of parents, with their home addresses, phone numbers, and email information. Only families who submit information to the Community Club or give permission through the Returning Student Registration Process will be included in the directory. If you have not already logged in to the website, please log in and update your information OR new parents can create a new login.

Oakdale students and their grown ups are encouraged to stop by Oakdale for a free donut and juice or coffee from 8:00am - 9:00am. This event will be hosted in the cafeteria. Make sure to get your photo taken at the selfie station!!

Oakdale Night Live!

Calling for all talents to be shared. Here's what you need to know for the tryouts:

Tryouts: Friday, January 24th - Immediately after school in Oakdale Gym

Acts should be fully conceptualized at tryouts. We don’t expect perfection!

Sign up HERE (under the Information Forms section).

Performance Requirements:

• Length must not exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds
• Follow the Three Be's (Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe)
• Participation is limited to Oakdale students, one act per student (with the exception of 6th graders who participate in the group number)

Participation Requirements:

• Tryout on Friday, January 24th at 3:30 PM at Oakdale Elementary School (gym)
• Rehearsal date: February 19th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Westside Middle School (auditorium)
• Performance on February 21st at 7:00 PM at Westside Middle School (auditorium)

Head to Pickleman's on January 23rd to raise funds for Community Club! They will donate 30% of the proceeds back for orders placed at the 114th & Dodge location from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Be sure to mention Oakdale to the cashier (or give them this flyer)!

Online & delivery orders are not eligible for the fundraiser. More details on the flyer linked above and sent home with students.

Email the Book Fair Co-Chairs for more information: Libby Burrows (libsd@hotmail.com) and Shannon Christensen (sbergin23@gmail.com).

Westside Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital/parental status, military/veteran status or any other category protected by law in its programs and activities or in admission or access to, or treatment in, hiring and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following District personnel have been designated to coordinate compliance and can address inquiries about the District’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures:

For questions or concerns by students, parents or others:

• Coordinator of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator – ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. Omaha (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinator@westside66.net
• Director of Special Services/ADA & 504 Coordinator (disability/accommodation) ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. E-mail: ADAcoordinator@westside66.net

For questions by District employees or applicants:

• Ass’t Supt. for Human Resources/Lead Title IX Coordinator - 909 So. 76th St. Omaha, NE (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinatorHR@westside66.net

For further information about anti-discrimination laws or to file a complaint of discrimination you may also contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106,
Tele. (816) 268-0550, Fax (816) 268-0599, (TDD) (800) 877-8339, or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.

Oakdale Elementary's mission is to ensure academic excellence and to serve the unique needs of all learners.

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• (Be Kind)

Email: jagels.glen@westside66.net
Website: westside66.org/domain/13
Location: 9801 W Center Rd, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Phone: 402-390-6460
Facebook: facebook.com/OakdaleTigers66
Twitter: @oakdaletigers66