September 9 -13
Mum Fundraiser
Many have asked about the mum fundraiser this year. Oak Lane will not be doing a mum fundraiser this year! We encourage you to shop with our local mum provider at Wade Farms or support other schools and teams who are selling mums to raise money. Oak Lane PTO will be doing our annual Invest in a Child Fundraiser in October and there will be more details coming soon!
Car Line Update
During morning drop off and afternoon dismissal, all cars need to enter the parking lot entrance closest to the wooded area. Cars are backing up and causing traffic to come to a stand still on Jim Morton Rd. in which no cars can get in or out of the parking lot. Please see the updated map below. Enter at the green checkmark. Do not enter at the red X.
Show Us Your Paws!
At Oak Lane, our Positive Behavior Intervention & Support Motto is "Show us your Cougar PAWS!"
The letters in PAWS serves as a reminder to students of our behavior expectations throughout our building: classroom, hallways, restroom, cafeteria, playground, gym, etc.
P = Practice Kindness
A = Act Safely
W = Work Responsibly
S = Show Respect
Please see the pictures below for additional information about our school-wide expectations in each of these areas.
Calling all Readers in 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade!
CLICK HERE to find out how third, fourth and fifth grade students can join this year's Battle of the Books club! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Goodwin at goodwinj@person.k12.nc.us.
Happy reading!
Shirt Sale!
Oak Lane’s 4th grade class is sponsoring an Oak Lane t-shirt and sweatshirt sale to raise money for their spring field trip expenses. Order forms will come home on Monday! If you would like to order some new Oak Lane merchandise, please complete the form below and return it to school along with the payment, labeled with your child's name and "T-shirt Fundraiser." Cash and checks are accepted. Please make checks payable to Oak Lane PTO. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bunnell at claytonka@person.k12.nc.us. All orders are due Friday, September 27th. Thank you for your support!
Oak Lane Fun Day Shirts!
We are selling Oak Lane t-shirts early this year so that our students have them for our field trips and Fun Days. Order forms will come home on Monday!
The PTO, in collaboration with Oak Lane staff is planning additional Fun Days and Motivational Celebrations through the year, and we want students to celebrate their school spirit by wearing their Fun Day shirts on these days. We want EVERY student to have a Fun Day shirt! Each class will have a different color t-shirt so we can spot each class easily on Fun Day and on field trips! Shirts are $10. If you would like to sponsor another child in the school, we welcome you to do so! Even better, if you work for a company who would be interested in sponsoring multiple students, please let us know! We want all students to feel like a part of their class team.
Parents are also able to purchase t-shirts. Make sure you include your size on the order form as well! Please return the order form and payment no later than Friday, September 27th (cash or
checks made payable to Oak Lane PTO). Shirts will be distributed to the students once
they are received. Please contact Mrs. Poindexter or Mrs. Bunnell with any questions.
Laptop Usage Fee Required for All Students K-5
An optional $50 laptop insurance fee is also available.
Visit the Online Payment Center to make your payment online or you can send in cash or check made payable to Oak Lane Elementary. Please send payment in envelope or baggie labeled with your child's name and "Laptop Usage Fee" and/or "Laptop Insurance."
PTO General Member PTO Information Session
Top 10 Myths about Parent Teacher Organizations
1. Myth: You Have to Volunteer All the Time
- Reality: Many parents believe that joining the PTO requires a significant time commitment, but that's not true. PTOs appreciate any level of involvement, whether it's helping out at one event or attending occasional meetings.
2. Myth: It's Only for Stay-at-Home Parents
- Reality: PTOs are for all parents, regardless of their work status. Many working parents are active members and contribute in ways that fit their schedules.
3. Myth: You Need Special Skills
- Reality: You don't need to have specific skills to join the PTO. Enthusiasm and a willingness to help are the most important qualities. The PTO often needs help with tasks like organizing events, sending emails, or even just spreading the word.
4. Myth: It’s a Clique
- Reality: Some people think PTOs are exclusive groups, but Oak Lane's PTO is welcoming and eager for new members. Joining the PTO is a great way to meet other parents and connect with the school community.
5. Myth: It’s Just Fundraising
- Reality: While fundraising is a part of what PTOs do, they are also involved in many other activities like organizing events, supporting teachers, and enhancing the overall school experience for students.
6. Myth: You Have to Attend Every Meeting
- Reality: PTOs understand that parents are busy, so attending every meeting isn't required. Many PTOs share meeting notes and updates so you can stay informed even if you can't attend.
7. Myth: It’s All Work and No Fun
- Reality: Being part of the PTO can be a lot of fun! You'll have the opportunity to meet other parents, get to know the teachers, and be part of making your child’s school experience better.
8. Myth: You Have to Spend a Lot of Money
- Reality: Joining the PTO doesn't mean you need to donate money. Your time and effort are just as valuable, and there are many ways to contribute without opening your wallet.
9. Myth: Your Voice Won’t Matter
- Reality: PTOs thrive on diverse opinions and ideas. Every member's input is valuable, and joining gives you the chance to have a direct impact on your child’s school environment.
10. Myth: You Need to Be an Experienced Parent
- Reality: Some parents think they need to have older children or previous experience with school activities to join the PTO, but that's not true. Whether you're a first-time kindergarten parent or a seasoned veteran, your perspective is valuable, and the PTO benefits from a mix of experiences.
Join the PTO!!
What is the PTO? The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a group made up of parents, teachers, and school staff who work together to support and enhance the educational experience at a school. The PTO is a volunteer-based organization that operates independently of the school, although it works closely with the school's administration and staff. Our PTO board is listd below, but they cannot do it alone! They need the support of all parents and guardians to help create a positive learning environment at Oak Lane!
- President: Brandi Whitt
- Vice President: Paige Whitfield
- Vice President: Samantha Wrenn
- Treasurer: Brittany Jones
- Secretary: Amber Scott
Purpose: The primary purpose of the PTO is to foster a strong relationship between parents and the school, encouraging parental involvement in school activities. The PTO aims to support the school in various ways, including:
Fundraising: Raising funds for school supplies, events, programs, and resources that may not be covered by the school's budget.
Organizing Events: Planning and hosting events such as family nights, school fairs, and teacher appreciation days to build a sense of community and support among students, parents, and staff.
Volunteering: Recruiting and organizing volunteers to assist with school activities, events, and programs.
Advocacy: Acting as a voice for parents and students, working with school administration to address concerns, and advocating for improvements or changes within the school.
Enhancing Communication: Facilitating communication between parents, teachers, and school staff to ensure everyone is informed and involved in the school's activities and decisions.
Why should I join the PTO?
- Support Your Child's Education: By joining the PTO, parents can have a direct impact on their child's educational experience. PTO members help fund and organize programs and resources that enrich learning and make school a more positive environment.
- Build a Strong School Community: The PTO fosters a sense of community by bringing together parents, teachers, and staff. As a member, you'll have opportunities to meet other parents, build relationships, and create a supportive network that benefits all students.
- Stay Informed and Involved: Joining the PTO keeps you informed about what’s happening at the school. You'll be in the loop about upcoming events, school initiatives, and any changes or issues that might affect your child. Your involvement allows you to have a voice in decisions that impact the school.
- Volunteer Opportunities: The PTO offers numerous ways to volunteer, whether you have a lot of time to give or just a little. Volunteering with the PTO allows you to share your skills and talents while making a meaningful contribution to the school.
- Advocate for Students: As a PTO member, you can help advocate for the needs and interests of all students. Your participation can help ensure that resources and programs are allocated in ways that benefit the entire student body.
- Make a Difference: Being part of the PTO allows you to make a tangible difference in the school community. Whether it's through fundraising, organizing events, or providing support to teachers and staff, your contributions will have a lasting impact on the school.
- Be a Role Model: By joining the PTO, you set a positive example for your child about the importance of education and community involvement. It shows them that you value their school and are committed to helping make it the best it can be.
How can I join the PTO general membership? Click on the PTO Membership Link and complete the google form to provide necessary information. Then pay your $10 memberhsip fee (all funds remain at Oak Lane to support your student(s) by 1. Send cash or check to school in an envelope or baggy labeled with your child's first and last name and PTO membership, 2. Click the Pay Membership fee via Venmo or 3. Click on Pay Membership fee via Paypal.
Join by August 30 to be entered for a drawing to win an Amazon Gift Card.
The homeroom that has the greatest percentage of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousings, neighbors, guardians, etc. by August 30 will win a pizza party!
Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Click the link below to access the Breakfast and Lunch Menus. Please take note to change the week to the current week once the menu appears. You can also use the drop down menu to see the menu for the month. The menu items are live links that you can click on the food item to get detailed nutritional and allergy information.
You can click on the second link below to set up an account for your child. This online payment option allows you to put money on an account so that students can purchase "extras" like ice cream, chips, cookies and more!
Baby Rockets Cheer
Hey, Oak Lane Cougars! Check out this opportunity to perform with the Person High School Cheerleaders at an upcoming football game!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdV3-4597Rq_qm9odXJIUUrvlVBGgKWQapNyILl6p9Twj0vEA/viewform
First Week in the Books
Week one was a tremendous success! We kicked off the school year by diving into the role of the school counselor, where students learned about how I support them throughout the year. Kindergarten and first-grade students had a blast creating their own "feeling monsters," a fun and interactive way to explore and understand different facial expressions and emotions. Through this activity, they practiced identifying various feelings, setting a strong foundation for emotional awareness and expression. It was a fantastic start, and I’m excited to continue our journey together in the coming weeks!
PAWS
This week we learned all about PAWS and how our students can show PAWS in their school! We have some fun rewards for students who follow these expectations so it will be great to review PAWS at home too.
Staff Shout-Out!
This week we want to give a very special thanks to our incredible kindergarten staff! They navigated the staggered entry with such grace and enthusiasm, ensuring each new kindergartner felt welcomed and supported from day one. Their dedication and care made a world of difference as we introduced our youngest students to the school environment. We are eagerly looking forward to having all of kindergarten bright and early next Tuesday, ready for a full week of learning and fun together. Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year!
Minute Meeting and Student Leadership Permission Slips
I’ve sent home both the minute meetings for all grades and the student leadership forms for fifth grade. Please ensure that the minute meetings are returned signed so I can schedule a SEL check for your child, which helps provide valuable data for our counseling department and allows you to access your child’s responses.
For fifth graders interested in student leadership roles, please complete and return the student leadership forms if you’d like your child to have a job at the school. Thank you for your cooperation!
Thank you for Joining us in the Counselor's Corner this Week !
Upcoming Dates
September 2: Labor Day Holiday - No School For Staff or Students
September 4: MClass Assessment Window opens (K-4)
September 4: 3rd Grade Beginning of Grade (BOG) assessment
September 5: My LIfe Matters After School Club Starts for students registered in grades 3-5 (3:00 - 5:15 PM)
September 9: PTO Informtional Meeting @ 6:30 in the Cafeteria
September 23: Teacher Workday - No School for Students
September 25: IReady Assessment Window closes
September 25: MClass Assessment Window closes
Cougar Pride Corner
Would you like to brag on your child or a staff member for a special accomplishment or achievement? For example, dance competition, ball tournament, gymnastics meet, martial arts achievement, a big catch/hunt, etc.), we want to know about it and celebrate it! Please answer the questions below! As space allows, submissions will be shared in the Cougar Pride Corner of our weekly Paw Print Newsletter!