Ottawa Area Center Parent Link

• November 25-29 - No School for Students and Staff - Thanksgiving Break
• December 6 - OAC Holiday Program - Save the Date
• December 15 - Early Dismissal - - Student busing starts at 1:25pm, expect students home 1.5hrs early
• December 23-January 3 - Holiday Break for Staff and Students

1. Medication and Feeding Prescriptions :
Prescriptions for medication and feeding, originally due July 1, 2024, are still missing for some students. We need new forms every school year. Last years orders are not valid for this school year. As of December, 2, 2024, our nursing staff will be unable to administer feeds or medications for students without prescriptions on file. Michelle Brothers and our nursing staff have been reaching out to families to assist with this process. If you need help, please contact the office immediately. Michelle Brothers can send forms to your doctors if you sign a release form to process the forms for you. The medication & treatment information form is attached, and can be found at this link.

2. Enrollment Forms:
We are also in need of parents to complete this year's online enrollment forms, which were sent out via email in the spring. If you are unfamiliar with how to complete the online enrollment process, please contact Michelle Jaarsma for assistance.

Your prompt attention to these matters is greatly appreciated as we work together to ensure our students' needs are met. If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Phase One Update:

The first phase will begin on November 25 and is expected to finish before we return from the Holiday Break.

This phase will close our pool and small/large gym. Tom Dryer will be adapting PE time and pushing into classroom to provide their physical education time.

OAC will present their Holiday Program December 6 at 1:30pm. All Family and friends are welcome to attend. Students will be bused directly home following the conclusion of the Holiday Program.

****If you plan to attend the program and will be taking your student home with you, please notify your classroom teacher and bus driver prior to the day of the program.****

Any time your child is absent from school for a medical appointment, please send in a Dr. excuse note to the office or to your teacher. The office will code the absence as a medical appointment and then the absence does not count towards the overall absence total. We can only mark it as a medical appointment if we have documentation from the doctors office.

Any person who volunteers at OAC must complete the volunteer form and have a background check done before volunteering in a classroom, attend any school outing or classroom field trip. This process does take several weeks to complete the background check process, so please plan accordingly to get your volunteers forms turned into the office or your classroom teacher. well before the date you would like to attend a field trip or volunteer in the classroom. The forms must be completed each school year. Please contact the office if you would like volunteer forms sent home in backpacks.

Volunteer Form

OAC needs substitute aides and teachers. If you are interested in a flexible schedule where you work on the days you want, this is the job for you. If you have any questions please call Michell at 616-738-8960 ext. 4608.

Want to sub at OAC - Contact Edustaff
Start an Application

Call Edustaff at

877.974.6338

We’re excited for another Diverse Needs Parent Café, a supportive space for caregivers of children with diverse needs.

This month, we’ll focus on building social connections and supporting knowledge of parenting and child development.

🗓 Date: December 10, 2024

⌚Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
📍 Location: Herrick Library North Branch (155 Riley, Holland)
🍲 A light meal will be provided at 5:00

Whether you’re seeking connection, support, or just a community that understands your journey, the Diverse Needs Parent Café is here for you.

Please note that childcare is currently unavailable for this Parent Café.

➡️ Register here: Parent Café Registration

One Saturday a month, a parent and/or guardian caregiver will be able to leave their disabled child with trained staff to enjoy a fun filled day which will include: crafts, gym time, activities, games, a movie, snacks, and more.

Registration is limited to ensure that we can adequately serve the needs of anyone who wants to participate

Caregivers give so much every day, often with little time to recharge.

We see you.

We understand the weight of the responsibility—the long nights, the stress, and the emotional toll.

It’s time for renewal and filling up YOUR tank.

Come share a day with caregivers and those who love them.

Be rejuvenated in mind and spirit.
This day is all about you.

Imagine a day where you can step away from your daily demands; a day where you’re not just acknowledged but deeply valued. A day to treat yourself to connection with others on the same journey.

This isn’t just another event-it’s a sanctuary for your soul. You’ll find laughter, maybe shed a few tears, and most importantly, a supportive community of people who truly understand your journey.

Save your Seat

This is your one stop location for parents/guardians to go for community supports and resources. Please check out this resource at Social Work/OCSN Resource Warehouse. Bookmark this resource on your computer and refer back often. It will be continually updated with fresh and new information.

All outside resources and links featured in this newsletter are provided for informational purposes only. Ottawa Area Center does not endorse, sponsor, or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy, or reliability of these resources. Please use your discretion when accessing and utilizing any external materials.

Full Day – 8:37am-3:03pm

½ Day – 8:37am-11:50am

Early Dismissal – 8:37am-1:35pm

Student AM Bussing begins at 8:27am

Student PM Bussing begins at 2:53pm

Early Dismissal Bussing begins at 1:25pm

1/2 Day Bussing begins at 11:40am

Email: bseymour@oaisd.org
Website: www.oaisd.org/schools/ottawa-area-center
Location: 10160 96th Avenue, Allendale, MI, USA
Phone: (616)738-8960
Facebook: facebook.com/OttawaAreaCenter/