Oak Hill Observer
April 14, 2023
Hello, Wonderful Oak Hill Community!
Your Proud Principal,
Lori Komassa
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 18: STAAR Reading for 3rd-5th Grades
April 19: School Tour for prospective parents 3:30pm
April 25: STAAR Science for 5th Grade
May 2: STAAR Math for 3rd-5th Grades
May 23: Senior Walk 2:30pm
May 24: 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony 8:30am
May 25: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Drop & Swap is back!
It's "Drop & Swap" time! The Drop and Swap program is designed to get students excited about reading and encourage them to read during the summer. For the next 2 weeks we are having a book donation drive. All students are encouraged to bring books they have finished reading from their personal book collection (at least one grade level book is suggested). On May 11 & 12 classes will visit Drop & Swap and students will be able to choose a new book. ALL KIDS will go home with a book, regardless of if they donate or not. Please only send books appropriate for PreK- 5th grade and in good condition, chapter books and Spanish books are needed most. Kids and teachers can drop off their books in the "Drop & Swap" box by the office or the box on the front porch. We will be accepting book donations from Monday, April 17-28.
Cultural Heritage Spirit Day- Friday, May 5
Our No Place for Hate Coalition would like their fellow students to join them in celebrating everyone's cultural heritage with a Cultural Heritage Spirit Day on Friday, May 5. On this day, have your child(ren) dress up in something that represents their cultural heritage, so we can celebrate the diversity in our school! You do not have to buy something. Get creative with ways that you can show representation of your cultural heritage. We can't wait to see what everyone chooses.
Kinder Camp 2023
Starting Kindergarten next school year? Sign up for Kinder Camp to meet your teachers, classmates, and have fun before school starts!
Requesting Feedback about Testing
Beginning this summer and continuing through the 23-24 school year, we will engage in a transparent and inclusive process to develop a comprehensive assessment framework for Austin ISD. As we solidify the assessment plan for next year while this framework is in development, we will make every effort to minimize the amount of district mandated assessments and to provide rationale and purpose for those we do require. There are many requirements related to assessments that make this a challenging task.
The assessment planning survey is anonymous and can be accessed using this link: https://bit.ly/AISDAssessment2324 The survey will be open for responses through May 1st, 2023.
Opportunity for Free or Discounted Internet
Austin Free-Net is partnering with Austin ISD to offer free or discounted internet service to families who qualify through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program allows qualifying (income-based) households to choose the internet service provider of their choice and receive a significant discount to their internet bill (with current service packages in place, this is resulting in FREE internet).
Who is eligible?
Households who participate in free/reduced school meal programs are eligible to participate. If the entire school receives free meals, all households are eligible. The FCC estimates that 150,000 residents in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties are eligible but not enrolled.
How can my students and families enroll?
Austin Free-Net is dedicated to assisting all eligible Austin ISD students and families in enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program and can provide individualized support throughout the entire process. There is no expiration date, but take advantage of this great opportunity and current funding is still available. Please refer to these flyers and reach out to Austin Free-Net with any questions.
Website: austinfree.net
Phone: 512-236-8225
Email: access@austinfree.net
Address: 2209 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX 78702
About Austin Free-Net
Austin FreeAustin Free-Net is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists community members with technology resources and has been boots on the ground in Austin for over 28 years. Austin Free-Net specializes in basic digital inclusion and is a "one stop shop" for affordable devices, internet, training and support, especially focusing on marginalized communities including people of color, low income, veterans, seniors, immigrants and people experiencing homelessness, but their services are available to all. All public services are free and available in both English and Spanish.
James Bowie Silver Stars Spring Show
James Bowie Silver Stars Presents our annual Spring Show, Found in the Attic.
Thursday, April 27th
Friday, April 28th
Saturday, April 29th
All shows are at 7pm
Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at silverstars.org
Spring Show including Silver Stars, JV Star Dancers, Dance Department classes as well as local middle schools!
Announcing Improved Communication at OHE!
The PTA has heard your feedback and will be streamlining communication at OHE! We are excited to roll out our new communication platform, Konstella, which will allow you to receive communication from the PTA, the school, and your classroom(s) in one convenient place that can be accessed online or via a free mobile app. No more having to monitor multiple communication programs! Be on the lookout for more information on how to access the platform and how to set up your family's account after spring break. We think OHE families will love this new program. To see what the platform looks like, you can check out konstella.com.
Summer Opportunities
Blast Off into Reading!
WHO: Current K or 1st grade students
*If you are a current 2nd grader, please see your teacher for recommendation.
WHAT: Literacy camp providing hands-on, multi-sensory, and researched based activities. This program helps students build necessary phonics and phonemic awareness skills to improve reading knowledge helping them be successful learners.
WHEN: Session 1: June 5th-8th, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Session 2: June 12-15th, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
WHERE: Oak Hill Elementary
COST: $200 per child per week.
All materials needed will be provided in the class, including a snack.
If you are interested and wish to have your child participate please sign up below. If you would like more information please email: emily.kittredge@austinisd.org or renae.hernandez@austinisd.org
Payment Methods: Cash or check made out in full to Renae Hernandez. Payment due on or before first day of session.
Click HERE to sign up!
AISD Summer Theater Series
The Annual AISD Summer Theatre Series will be offered this year at the AISD Performing Arts Center. Please share information with teachers and students.
Students of all experience levels are welcome to shine on stage during the free Summer Theatre Series program. Current 5th through 12th graders in Austin ISD are invited to try out for the program’s summer series.
The program dates are: June 5, 2023 through July 24, 2023. The Summer Theatre Series will feature Mary Poppins as the musical production, Treasure Island as the black box studio production, and the Summer Theatre Series Rising Stars program—a one-week educational theatre camp that offers workshops in acting, dance, and voice.
Students interested in participating must register and submit video auditions to the STS Blend course by March 21, 2023.
Link to registration, audition, rehearsal, and performance information: https://www.austinisd.org/arts
Please contact Jessica Champion at Jessica.champion@austinisd.org with any questions you may have.
Art and Athletic Summer Camp Sign up
WHO: Previous school year Kindergarten-5th Grade OakHill Students, Coach Parra & Ms. Rettig!
WHAT: CREATE exciting art projects, PLAY awesome games, EXPLORE indoor and outdoor activities, and HAVE FUN with your OakHill friends!
WHEN: Session 1: July 10-13, 9:00-12:00; Session 2: July 10-13, 1:00-4:00; Session 3: July 17-20, 9:00-12:00; Session 4: July 17-20, 1:00-4:00
WHERE: OakHill Elementary
COST: $200 per child per week. Price includes all materials, and a t-shirt. Children should bring a packed snack each day. Coach Parra and I will be around during that hour for lunch if you just wanna spend all day with us and sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions- Just pack a lunch :)
Venmo @JoLynn-Rettig or Check Payable to JoLynn Rettig
*You may reserve a spot with a $50 deposit.
Click on link to sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyAmlb_Aw2ZYWCWQ0kjdIESzAx_I9R9itO4t9bBHFia2cwOQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
QUIEN: Estudiantes de Oak Hill de Kindergarten a 5to grado del año escolar anterior, Entrenador Parra & Ms. Rettig!
QUE: CREAR proyectos de arte emocionantes, JUGAR juegos impresionantes, EXPLORAR actividades de interior y al aire libre, y DIVERTIRSE con sus amigos de Oak Hill!
CUANDO: Sesión 1: Julio 10-13, 9:00-12:00; Sesión 2: Julio 10-13, 1:00-4:00; Sesión 3: Julio 17-20, 9:00-12:00; Sesión 4: Julio 17-20, 1:00-4:00
DÓNDE: Oak Hill Elementary
COSTO: $200 por niño por semana - El precio incluye todos los materiales, y una camiseta. Los niños deben traer un bocadillo cada día. Entrenador Parra y yo estaremos alrededor durante esa hora para el almuerzo si quieres pasar todo el día con nosotros y se inscriben para las dos sesiones de la mañana y la tarde (Sólo empacar un almuerzo para usted:)
Venmo @JoLynn-Rettig o Cheque a nombre de JoLynn Rettig
*Puedes reservar un lugar con un depósito de $50 o puedes pagar ahora.
Haga clic en el enlace para suspirar para arriba:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyAmlb_Aw2ZYWCWQ0kjdIESzAx_I9R9itO4t9bBHFia2cwOQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
SEL Trait of the Month-Responsibility
The SEL TRAIT for the month of April is “Responsibility”. Responsibility means to do the things you are expected to do, and accept the results (consequence) of your actions.
Some examples are:
-when your parents expect you to complete a chore like loading the dishwasher after dinner, but before playing, your responsibility is to put all dishes in the dishwasher first before you start playing.
-when your teacher expects you to complete the “must do” tasks first and then start with the math games, it is your responsibility to complete the must do tasks first.
Being responsible and accepting responsibility leads to earning trust from other people because they know they can count on you to do the right thing.
Healthy GO Snacks = Eating Smart!
Do not skip breakfast! Studies show that people who eat breakfast have a better attitude, are more productive and have better concentration and problem-solving abilities.
Teach your kids to start each day with a healthy breakfast. Be a CATCH MVP and try some of these quick and healthy GO breakfasts to get each day off to a healthy start:
• Low fat yogurt with diced fruit and granola.
• Whole wheat tortilla rolled around string cheese, and a piece of fresh fruit like mango or papaya.
• A hard cooked egg, whole wheat pita bread or toast along with a cup of skim milk and fruit.
STAAR Testing Dates
April 18: STAAR Reading- Grades 3,4,5
April 19: STAAR Reading Make-ups- Grades 3,4,5
April 25: STAAR Science- Grade 5
April 26: STAAR Science Make-ups- Grade 5
May 2: STAAR Math- Grades 3,4,5
May 3: STAAR Math Make-ups- Grades 3,4,5
*Please note that the campus will be closed to visitors and volunteers on this date.
AISD Budget Meetings
As we prepare for the FY2024 Budget year, please join us in conversations about Austin ISD’s 2023-24 budget. There will be several occurrences between January and May to attend. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the district's priorities, plans for staffing and programming, and how you can get involved in the budgeting process with your campus.
An updated calendar is available at https://www.austinisd.org/budget
Friday Assembly Reminders
- Due to space, participation is limited to the first 50 parents to sign up.
- Parents need to sign up HERE by noon the Thursday before.
- Once the form reaches 50 people, it will no longer accept responses.
- The next 3 Fridays are listed for now and we will add additional dates for the spring semester.
- Parents must enter the building through the front door only AT ALL TIMES.
- We ask that each parent that is attending sign up and assembly is limited to PARENTS only at this time.
- Please make sure you are able to attend if you sign up so as not to take that spot from someone else.
- Parents can only stand in the back of the assembly due to space concerns. Please do not sit in the line with your child.
- Please model appropriate assembly conduct for students by not having side conversations.
If you are able to sign up, the office will pre-print a badge for you and you can pick it up on the front porch beginning at 7:20. If you have not been on campus this year, you will need to check in at the main office with your ID before assembly to get your badge.
We will continue to add dates to this form, so you can use the same link (above) to sign up for future dates. Thank you for following the rules of the campus to make sure things run smoothly and everyone stays safe. We appreciate you!
ID's REQUIRED
Please remember to bring your ID with you EVERY time you visit campus. It is a requirement that we scan in your ID each time you come onto the campus. We appreciate you helping us to follow the procedures and keep our students safe!
Middle School Information Page
Hi 5th grade families!
This will be a one stop shop for all middle school information. We will update it as we receive new information from middle schools, so keep checking back periodically. Middle School Information 2022-2023
Oak Hill Elementary
Website: www.oakhillelementary.org
Location: 6101 Patton Ranch Road, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2336
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakHillElementary/
Twitter: @OakHillElem