News in a Nutshell #1

Welcome! Home & School Association (H&S) is the school’s parent volunteer organization which raises money and organizes most school activities. Over the years, we have purchased most of the playground equipment, bookcases, computers, iPads, gym equipment including an updated sound system, our outdoor classroom as well as a Gaga Pit for our playground. It is a BIG hit with our students! Through various fundraisers, including a big Fun Run event (scheduled for April 12th, 2024), H&S can allocate its yearly funds to maintain over 20+ committees. Please join us Tuesday, September 5th 7-7:30pm in the school library: all parents are welcome!

In October, we are excited to bring back Afterschool Rec events for 2nd through 5th grade students. These are fun events occurring right after school (until 4:30), where your kids will participate in an outdoor activity and a service project. Click on the link below to sign up and please consider volunteering!

• 2nd/3rd grade: Tuesday, Oct 3rd (click here to sign up)
• 4th grade: Thursday, Oct 5th (click here to sign up)
• 5th grade: Thursday, Oct 12th (click here to sign up)

Please help our Kindergarten & 1st graders feel comfortable in the cafeteria. We are looking for four volunteers from 11:00-11:45. You will help/remind the students the flow of their lunch hour. Click here to help.

If you have never been to a Home & School Meeting before, we would love to have you join us on Tuesday, September 5th in the Oak Ridge library at 7 PM! Meetings will be short (30 minutes) and child care will be provided. Can't make it in person? Join us on Google Meet using this link.

We are looking forward to a great Back to School Bash on Friday, September 15th (note the updated date!) from 5:30-7:30 PM. For returning families, please note that we will not be collecting money for the event. Our Home & School Board wants to invite everyone to come bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a water bottle, and your family to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as we jump into the new school year. Soft pretzels, fruit, and other snacks will be provided. DJ Kelly will be in the house and the photo booth will be back again. There will also be a spirit wear sale. KONA Ice will be available for purchase, so if you would like to enjoy that please know that KONA Ice accepts cash, card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Grab those water bottles and join us on Friday, September 15th! Want to help lend a hand with handing out pretzels, snacks, or other tasks? See this SignUp Genius to volunteer - alumni helpers are also welcome!

Do you want to be included in the Directory? Would you like to help with Activities? Are you eager to volunteer in the classroom or help with Homeroom events? Please complete the DASH (Directory, Activities, Special/Classroom Volunteers, Homeroom) by September 15th! Click here to complete the DASH!

The online Spirit Wear Store is here! check out this link to see what's on sale. Additional items not offered from the online store will be available at the Back to School Bash on September 8th. Stop by and check out what we have!

Our Yearbook coordinator, Ashley Bilotti, is always looking for your photos to enhance the yearbook. Please send in your photos from the first day of school and from September events like the Back to School Bash to orelemyearbook@gmail.com. A big shout-out to Ashley for an amazing yearbook last year (see the picture of the cover below)!! Your photos help make it great, so keep them coming!

To stay engaged between newsletters, join our Oak Ridge Elementary Home & School Association group on Facebook! This is a great place to learn about what's coming up next and to ask questions between meetings.

Past President: Heidi Geist

President: Jill Hewlett

Vice-President: Laura Lawson

Treasurer: Jessica Moehrle-Focht

Secretary: Rachel Holler

We are so excited to meet you at one of our events this year!

To help or if you have questions, please email: oakridgehomeandschool@gmail.com