News and events
December 2, 2022
A message from the principal
This month, we are focusing on the character trait: Empathy! Empathy is one way to show kindness. It means understanding and connecting to other people's feelings. It seems easy in theory, but try practicing it during a time you're upset. It can be very challenging to understand how someone else feels when you feel differently or when you are upset. To help gain empathy, try seeing things from someone else's point of view. You know the phrase, "You can't understand someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." It's true! While we aren't really talking about wearing someone else's shoes, it does help us illustrate the need to think about how others might feel. How can you work on empathy at home? This month, I will be looking for students who show empathy at school. I'm excited to work on growing empathy and I can't wait to hear what our students learn.
Missy Monson
Enrollment Applications for 2023-2024 due January 15th
Applications for in-district transfer and open enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year must be completed by January 15. In-district transfer and open enrollment applications are available to download on the district enrollment page or for pickup at school.
The priority application period for NorthWest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) specialty schools is October 16 through December 31.
REMINDERS
- Fri. 12/2 - NO SCHOOL, Staff Planning
- Mon. 12/5 - NO SCHOOL, Staff Development
- Fri. 12/23 - Mon. 1/2/2023 - NO SCHOOL, Winter Break
- Mon. 1/16/2023 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr Day
Calendar Updates
- Staff Planning - No School, Dec. 2
- Staff Development - No School, Dec. 5
- Holiday Gift Shop - Dec. 8, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- Spirit Day - Pajama Day, Dec. 22
- Winter Break - No School, Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 2023
Items to Note
- Please have your child dressed for outdoor recess all winter long! We go outside for recess every day unless the temperature drops below zero or the windchill is below -10 degrees.
- Dropping off items students forgot to bring? When items are dropped off, we will email the teacher, but will not call into the room during instruction time. If an item is for lunch or for winter recess, we will attempt to get those to the class if they are not picked up in a timely manner.
- New phone number or email? Please log onto your AH Connect account, go to "My Student Info" and click on "online registration". Then go to "back to school verification" . Thank you for updating your contact information, it is imperative that we have the correct information for your student.
- We are committed to helping families in need of assistance with food, clothing, household items and some basic services. Please contact Oxbow Creek's Social Workers if your family is in need. All communication is confidential.
Ann Parisian (Grades 1, 4, 5) 763-506-3825 or ann.parisian@ahschools.us
Gina Newlander (Grades K, 2, 3) 763-506-8384 or gina.newlander@ahschools.us
Volunteer news
Volunteers are a large part of our amazing school and there are SO many things that wouldn’t happen without them!
If you haven’t already, please fill out these forms to join our team of volunteers at Oxbow: Volunteer application and Background Check Form.
Filling out these forms is the best way to hear about all the opportunities to volunteer at school!
Total number of volunteer hours this year: 1050+
Volunteer Opportunities
Holiday Gift Shop: A one-day event on the evening of December 8th from 4:30-7:30pm is a chance for students to secretly shop with an elf for gifts for their loved ones. All gifts are under $10 and will be gift wrapped for your student. Sign up to help at this event: Holiday Gift Shop.
Book Fair Committee: Please consider joining the book fair committee. This is a fun way to get involved and get to know other parents! We really need at least two more people to join this team. Book Fair will take place February 13th-22nd this year and planning will start in a few weeks! Please email me at Haley.Belongia@ahschools.us with questions or to join the committee!
Yearbook: Please share photos you have taken at our events with the yearbook staff! Email them to oxbowyearbook@gmail.com. Include any information available such as grade, classroom and event.
Talent Development (TD): Have you ever thought about working with students in a small group setting? Talent Development/Enrichment groups are forming now and we’d love to add 3-5 more groups! Contact your classroom teacher for more information or email Alece at Alece.Henderson@ahschools.us
Finally, a special thanks to all the amazing volunteers that help make our PTO math night and Scooter World a great success! It was so much fun to see so many families enjoying all of the activities together!
Haley Belongia
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Oxbow Creek Elementary
763-506-3830
Social Workers' Scoop
As if life isn't already anxiety producing and stressful enough, throw in a pandemic and all the after effects from that. Then, add the busy holiday season and looooooong winter looming. Parents are often feeling stressed and overwhelmed, which then likely (unintentionally on our part) trickles down to our children, who tend to express it through various emotions and behaviors.
Check out these articles from Child Mind Institute (a GREAT resource!) for reminders and ideas on how to help relieve stress for both you and your child(ren)!
How To Take the Stress Out of the Holidays
How To Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
Oxbow Creek has two Social Workers, feel free to reach out with questions/concerns regarding mental health and/or basic needs!
Ann Parisian (Grades 1, 4, 5) 763-506-3825 or ann.parisian@ahschools.us
Gina Newlander (Grades K, 2, 3) 763-506-8384 or gina.newlander@ahschools.us
This e-newsletter is published by Oxbow Creek Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.