The Olive Branch 4.17.20

What's Up At The Nest...

Principal's Message

OMS Families,

It is with great sadness that we send this Olive Branch. As you have probably heard by now, Governor Pritzker announced schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year. While we knew this decision was probably coming it doesn't make it any easier to hear. Our staff will continue to work hard to plan remote learning days and lessons for our OMS owls. The Landing Page for next week April 20-24 will be posted to our website on Sunday evening.

Even with this sad news, we are doing our best to brighten spirits. We hope that you and your children will enjoy this video of our staff sharing our hearts.

Olive Hearts

Please continue to reach out to us with feedback, questions, or concerns. We are grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Erin, Julia, & OMS Staff

CoronaVirus A Book for Children

This informative and accessible guide for young readers defines the coronavirus, explains why everyday routines have been disrupted, and lays out how everyone can do their part to help. With child-appropriate answers and explanations, the book addresses several key questions.

CoronaVirus A Book for Children

Mental Health Resource

The Illinois Department of Human Services launched a free emotional-support text line for Illinoisans experiencing stress related to COVID-19: Call4Calm. This isn’t a crisis hotline, but a source of support.

If you want to speak to a counselor, text TALK to 552020, or HABLAR for Spanish speakers.

You can also access a wider array of supports using the same number on your mobile phone. Text 552020 with keywords such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to receive information to help you navigate getting assistance.

5th Grade - Robert Crown

Dear 5th Grade Parents/Guardians,

As we are unsure of our return date to school, we have made some alternate plans for programs that usually happen in the spring. Specifically, your 5th grader was scheduled to participate in the Robert Crown presentation Life Begins at school. Life Begins teaches reproductive science, beginning with the development of the reproductive organs and continuing through fertilization, implantation, gestation, and delivery. The information in this program is important, so we are excited to share our plan to make sure that your child can still access the information.

Life Begins will be moved to 6th grade for the upcoming school year and will take place during PE class. Additional information regarding the 6th grade Life Begins presentations will be shared with you next school year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at MZenisek@sd25.org.

Melanie Zenisek

Science & Social Studies Coordinator

Kindness Campaign!

From April 14th-May 1st, join us in participating in an OMS Kindness Campaign! Please click here to view the calendar of activities. Feel free to tweet @AHSD25Olive with hashtag #owlsforothers while completing your kindness activites. Let's continue to spread the joy!