Oak Crest Family Tiger Topics

November 1, 2024

NOVEMBER is HERE!

We survived the excitement of October, MEA break, Halloween, and more. As we turn the page to November, the first special event is a big one...Election Day. Votes are being cast to determine leadership and direction. I encourage you to exercise your right to be an informed voter.

Awareness is our theme for November at Oak Crest and awareness is hugely important this election day and the weeks to follow as many people's belief systems, opinions, hopes and dreams will be impacted by the results. Please have care and empathy for others no matter your political stance.

At Oak Crest, we define mean, rude, or bullying actions/words that attack the identity of another as harassment. Political beliefs or party alignment can be a huge part of somebody's identity so we need to be careful. Please encourage your children to either avoid the political conversation at school or have extreme care and kindness in their interactions as we do not always know the impact our words and actions may have on others.

Thank you for your empathy over the next few days as this election could be challenging for kids, adults, and communities and we appreciate your efforts to educate, support, and coach your children through an important time.

Enjoy the extra long weekend. No School on Monday, November 4.

Ben Tressel

Principal, Oak Crest Elementary

In the month of November, it is a natural time to think about appreciation and gratitude. Our Tiger Strong theme this month is AWARENESS, as it is our awareness that helps us recognize our blessings, appreciate our strengths, and have empathy and compassion for those around us. This month, we will not only try to increase our self-awareness, but also our awareness of others.

Important Dates.

Mon. 11/4 (NO STUDENTS, TEACHER PD), Tues. 11/5 (day 1), Wed. 11/6 (day 2), Th. 11/7 (day 3) & Fri. 11/8 (day 4)

Nov 4 - No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
Nov 6 - All School Meeting 8:25am & 3rd Grade Mini Concert

(8:25-9am - 3rd Parents welcome for the meeting and mini concert)

Nov 11 - Veteran's Day program. Visitors welcome. 8:45am-9:30am
Nov 13 - Tiger Strong 5/6
Nov 13 - Annie Performance for 5th/6th
Nov 18-22 - Scholastic Book Fair (students can shop during media time and conferences)
Nov 19 - Fall Conferences (3:30-7:30pm)
Nov 20 - Tiger Strong 3/4
Nov 21 - Fall Conferences (3:30-7:30pm)
Nov 27-29 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec 4 - All School Meeting
Dec 11 - Tiger Strong 5/6
Dec 18 - Tiger Strong 3/4
Dec 20 - BE RED DAY
Dec 21 - Jan 1 - NO SCHOOL WINTER BREAK

Fall Conferences : Nov 19 & 21 : Schedule your meeting now!

Use this link to sign up for a 15 minute window of time with your homeroom teacher. If you would like to connect with other staff members, please reach out by email to reserve a time.

https://ptcfast.com/schools/Oak_Crest_Elementary

*The Book Fair will also be open all week and during conference nights from 3:20-7:20pm.*

One way you can thank teachers for their hard work and positive impact on the lives of our children is to donate a food item to our dinner. On Tuesday the 19th, we will have a Taco Night. Please consider this opportunity and use the link below to sign up to contribute and take one thing off of a teachers plate by putting some food on it!

THANK YOU! Teacher Dinner Donation - Sign Up Genius

MCA Reports in Backpacks Today

Parents,

Please take time to read the ISR sent home with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students who took the MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) at Oak Crest last spring. The ISR is the Individual Score Report that shares your students overall performance on the statewide assessments and also includes the average scores for our school, district, and state. This is very good information for you to consider as you support your child's academic growth. If you have questions, I encourage you to bring the report to conferences with you and ask your teacher for any clarification or insight.

WINTER WEATHER REMINDERS!

**Our playground is not protected from the wind, so it feels 10 degrees colder here than what it says on your weather app. Send layers, and put names on those clothes in case they are left behind! Thank you!

Minnesota Timberwolves Read to Achieve is currently going on at Oak Crest. The program runs from October 28- December 8. Students who read 500 minutes will receive a Timberwolves ticket offer. Students can turn their tracking sheet into Ms. Ritter in the Media Center by December 13.