We are on Winter Break from 12/23/24 to 1/3/25. School resumes on 1/6/24 have a great Holiday Break!

Dear OES Parents,

The holiday season is a magical time of year that brings people together, fosters connections, and creates opportunities for relaxation and reflection. For students, the break from school is not just a pause in their academic routines; it is a vital opportunity for personal growth and emotional well-being.

The academic year can be an intense period for students of all ages. With rigorous schedules filled with classes, homework, exams, and extracurricular activities, the stress can accumulate. The holiday break serves as a much-needed respite from these demands. It allows students to recharge mentally and emotionally, which is essential for their overall well-being. During this time, they can engage in activities that interest them, explore new hobbies, or simply enjoy the freedom to relax without the pressures of impending deadlines.

This break also provides students with a chance to develop social skills outside the classroom. Many choose to participate in holiday events or volunteer opportunities, helping them build a sense of community and empathy. Such experiences contribute to personal development and reinforce the importance of giving back to society. Furthermore, the holiday season instills values such as gratitude and kindness, which are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals.

While students enjoy their time off, it is critical not to overlook the tireless efforts of teachers. Educators play a pivotal role in shaping students' lives, often going above and beyond to ensure their academic and emotional success. During the holiday season, teachers also take a break from their daily responsibilities, allowing them to recharge and reflect on the year’s accomplishments.

The dedication of teachers is often evident in the way they cultivate a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. They are not just dispensers of knowledge; they are mentors, role models, and advocates for their students. During the holidays, it is an opportune moment for students and families to recognize and show appreciation for the hard work of teachers. A simple gesture, such as a heartfelt thank-you note or a small gift, can go a long way in acknowledging their commitment to education and their influence on young minds.

One of the most enriching aspects of the holiday season is the opportunity for students to connect with family and friends. This time away from school allows them to strengthen their ties with loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Family gatherings, festive celebrations, and even simple shared moments create lasting memories that are invaluable to children and adolescents.

The importance of these connections cannot be overstated. In an era dominated by technology and digital communication, face-to-face interactions are essential for developing communication skills and emotional intelligence. Spending quality time with family and friends provides students with a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings, building a foundation for healthy relationships in adulthood.

Moreover, the holiday break encourages the sharing of traditions and cultural practices. Students learn about their heritage, participate in community events, and engage in storytelling. Such activities enrich their understanding of identity and diversity and foster a sense of responsibility towards their families and communities.

Have a terrific break! Happy New Year 2025.

Sincerely,

John Osorio

Assistant Principal

651-744-6368 / john.osorio@spps.org

It is important for your child to show up to class on time everyday. If your child will be absent from class please contact Belinda Vang via phone or email at your earliest convenience.

Attendance Line: 651-744-4707

Attendance Email: oes.attendance@spps.org

How to report an absence:

• Student Name

• Parent Name

• Student # or DOB

• Date(s) of Absence

• Reason for being absent

December Newsletter: 12/2/24-12/20/24 Newsletter

Our Kindergarten newsletter shares our theme, the lessons and goals we have throughout the theme, and important dates. It also has links to the Big Skills Document, where you can see exactly what your child should have mastered at this time and a link to our Kindergarten Weekly Photo Drops. Please reach out with any questions, comments or concerns to 651-447-8866.

Check out our First Grade Newsletter here. There is new information on this link weekly!

Click here for the Second Grade Running Newsletter. There is new information on this link weekly!

It was so great meeting all the 3rd graders as I transitioned back to OES. Please take time to read the technology agreement and digital safety correspondence that was sent out last week and reach out with any questions. Have a great break!

Dear 4th Grade Families,

Have a great winter break!

Please contact me any time:

612-314-9961

michelle.smith2@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Hello 5th grade families!

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe two week break. This is a GREAT time to have students go through EVERYTHING in their TO DO or DRAFT folders - this is all of their missing work.

If those are both empty - help your student by encouraging them to read every day and quiz them on their multiplication facts!

Continue to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Starting in January, we are partnering with EveryMeal to provide an option for families to pick up a bag of food with shelf staples on Fridays at Como Park Elementary between 11-2 at the small parking lot entrance of Door 6. Families must fill out a survey to be eligible to pick up a bag of food. Bags will not be available other days of the week unless there is an appointment scheduled with an SPPS Online staff member. Please call Stephanie Abbas at 612-548-1841 with questions.Complete survey by Today for meals in January : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOSlFYPdw0MQ6N4E5zh30p-jUhyfsn2NLfqGmYOjReCI6y9Q/viewform

Please continue to reach out with questions and concerns!

Ms. E

jackelyn.doyle@spps.org

‪(651) 456-8606‬

All 5th graders at Online Elementary School will automatically be enrolled for 6th grade at Online Middle School.

December 14: Enrollment for 2025-2026 School Year opens online

January 2025: Schools will host open houses

February 14: Priority Application Deadline for ALL grades

March 2025: Priority Deadline Acceptance Notification

Do you have questions about your child transitioning to middle school? Check out this resource.

Kindergarten artists this week are using lines and shapes to create patterns in their art. They have been learning about different Winter activities and Family cultures, holidays and traditions. They created Winter Hat Self Portraits.

Third grade artists have been practicing using depth in their artwork. They created 3-D looking Snowpeople by use of curved lines and shading. Also, they created winter landscapes and showed depth by changing the size of objects as the objects get further away from the viewer!

The OES students helped with a special surprise for the office staff a few weeks ago. Ms. Zallaps, Ms. Jenson and Ms. Haug supported the students with creating winter art that was then printed off and hung up in the school office to decorate the office as a special surprise to our most amazing office clerks! It was a very fun project!

I hope you all have a safe winter break and that you can enjoy time with your loved ones! See you in the New Year!

Ms. Haug

jenna.haug@stpaul.k12.mn.us

612-568-5355

Feel free to join in on the exercises with us to get a workout also!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at 651-603-4652 or shaw.wiczek@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Check out what we are doing in Science in this Newsletter

Check out our Science video here: Science Presentation

Contact me:

Dr. Magalenn Cotton

magalenn.cotton@spps.org

612-615-2145

5th Grade Leadership has kicked off for the school year. Our 5th grade leaders are creating weekly newscast, challenges to engage with the entire school, and spirit weeks.

Ms. Claudia Perez Inzunza (Ms. P.I) and Ms. Sherri Silva work with all English Language Learners in OES Kinder- 5th grade. If you or your child needs support, please contact them via email, calls or text at claudia.perezinzunza@spps.org 651-419-6605

sherri.silva@spps.org 651-252-4470

The OLS MLL Team is continuing to administer the Spanish Language Proficiency evaluation: STAMPS to LCD eligible Spanish speaking students at OES in person at Como Park Elementary School.

Hello families! A reminder that special education services with Ms. Deacon are provided in the morning (before lunch) - having your child on time and present is the best way to maximize resource room services. Ms. L. also provides support throughout the afternoon, with homework support from 2 - 3 using the same code as services. Progress reports on IEPs will be shared in November around conference time. brooke.deacon@spps.org

Click here for the class newsletter for November: Zallaps' New Class Newsletter

Hello everyone! I’m Ms. Steph and I support families that work with Ms. Zallaps and Ms. Deacon. Please call, text or email me with any questions: stephanie.abbas@spps.org or ‪(612) 548-1841‬

Reading groups are in full swing! If your 3rd - 5th grader has a reading group with me, please help them attend daily.

My contact information is: molly.brown@spps.org or 612-568-4212 (call or text).

Please contact Kim Stout for support around family, community, or school stressors. kim.stout@spps.org or (651)401-5595

I'm Maki Love, the school counselor. For the next few weeks in our classroom counseling lessons, students will be learning about community and skills to help them be successful learners in school.

Have a question or need support?

Email: maki.love@spps.org

Google Voice Text or Call: 612-405-8056

I’m Ms.McConnell, I’m the Navigational Intervention Specialist in the Online Elementary school. Check out my newsletter here.

If you have needs, and may not be sure where to go, contact me at 6126994177 or at Kiowona.mcconnell@stpaul.k12.mn.us.

I’m Ms. Shanaz, the onboarding specialist. If you have questions, please call or text me at (612)568-6624.

There are 3 main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself) and stops making insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the insulin is no longer working properly. Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy and often goes away after the baby is born.

The American Diabetes Association reports that there are around 283,000 children under the age of 20 in the United States that have been diagnosed with diabetes (https://www.diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes). A person can get either Type 1 or Type 2 as either an adult or a child.

Here is a link to a book of a Disney character that has Type 1 diabetes: Coco Goes Back to School

Please contact Contact Nurse Jenny if you want more information on any other health related topic at 651-419-1219 or Jennifer.martineau@spps.org.

Visit the Neighborhood House for winter gear for children and adults. Monday - Friday, Starting October 28th, 9:30-12pm & 1- 3:30PM, Wellstone Center 179 Robie St. E. Saint Paul, MN 55105. For more information call 651-789-3602

If any additional needs, please reach out to Kim Stout our school social worker (651)401-5595 or kim.stout@spps.org

For quick at home fixes, call

Joshua Thao, iPad Manager: ‪

612-699-4161 / joshua2.thao@spps.org

For in person appointments to change out or fix technology, make an appointment below. ‬

Dear Parents,

We hosted our Annual Title I SCIP Meeting for Parents last night, Dec. 19, 2024. We recorded the meeting for parents to watch it during the break. This video will be available on Monday Dec.23, 2024.

Meanwhile, feel free to access the PowerPoint presentation used during the SCIP meeting. This presentation will be also available in our school website, in the Title I page, on Monday Dec. 23, 2024.

Title I: Online School Annual SCIP Meeting for Parents

Title I Resources and Important Links for Parents:

• Title I

• Family Engagement Plan 2024/25

• K-12 School Compacts 2024/25

• Parents Right to Know

• Online School SCIP Plan

• Needing Docs Translated?

• Resources for Parents

• Parent Volunteer Request

• MDE OES School Report Cards

Feel free to contact John Osorio at john.osorio@spps.org with any questions about Title I or any of these documents and services.

December 23 - January 3: No School, Winter Break

January 6 - School resumes

January 20 - No School, MLK Day

January 27 - No School, Staff PD Day

11/24/24

11/17/24

11/10/24

11/3/24

10/27/24

10/20/24

10/13/24

10/6/24

9/29/24

9/22/24

9/15/24

9/8/24