Bully Prevention Program
(OLWEUS)
Oatville Elementary adopted a Bully Prevention program last school year and will again implement the various components of this important program. The most important component of the Olweus program is classroom meetings. These meetings will be used during the months of August and September as a means for resolving playground issues and reviewing procedures. The classroom meeting format will also provide a forum for teachers to begin passing along important concepts about bullying and positive relationships. Through classroom meetings, students begin to learn how to communicate thoughts and feelings about peer relationships and have an opportunity to gain understanding about how others think and feel … in other words … to gain empathy; a sensitivity to feel what others feel. The development of empathy helps reduce the likelihood that a student will hurt, taunt or isolate others. Classroom meetings are different than a simple class discussion. Teachers attempt to create a relaxed conversational setting in which students are active participants. In addition to discussing bullying and relationships, the classroom meeting may also be used to address any number of other relevant topics. Ask your child about their classroom meetings and what is being discussed. We will have more information about our Bully Prevention Program in future newsletters and bulletins as well as information at upcoming parent meetings. Last year we provided Stop Bullying T-Shirts for all students. We will do this again this year for our Kick-off in October. We are looking for businesses to help sponsor this endeavor. If you know of someone who can help, please contact Mrs. Yorgensen.
Battle of the Books
This year USD 261 4th and 5th grade students will have an opportunity to be involved in America's Battle of the Books, a reading incentive program. Students will read books, then come together to demonstate their abilities and test their knowledge of the books they have read. The competitions are similar in style to the TV series, "Family Feud", but the structure and format of the competitions may vary depending on the needs, resources, and personal preferences at various school sites. To get more information regarding the program visit http://www.battleofthebooks.org and watch for additional information on this website.
Parents May Request Teacher Qualifications
Each school year, any parent who has a child attending any school receiving Title I funds may request and receive, in a timely manner, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers. In addition, the parents may also ask whether the child is provided services by a paraprofessional and if so, his or her qualifications. Get a request form
Accelerated Reader and Math
Now you can check your child's progress in Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math from home. Renaissance Learning has released a Home Connect program. Follow this link and use the same log in information your child uses at school. Click Here for HOME CONNECT
Volunteers Needed
The school is looking for parents to help with several projects around the school and building. As always, the teachers are in need of volunteers to read with students, tutor students, make copies and various other tasks. In addition, there are some outside areas that need attention. If you are willing to help, please call the office at 554-2290.
School Hours
School starts at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:35 p.m. Students can go to their classrooms beginning at 8:20. There is no adult supervision available for students before 8:00 a.m. unless you use Latchkey services. Students who arrive after 8:00 and before 8:20 will need to go to the library. Please do not use the bus drive to drop off students. When dropping off students, please have them enter through the front doors on the north side of the building. Afternoon kindergarteners who do not eat lunch at school should not arrive until 12:50 p.m. Your help in these matters are greatly appreciated.
Child Will Not Be At School, Call the Office
Please remember to call the office when your child will not be in school because of illness or appointments by 9:00 AM. Our phone number is 554-2290. If your child arrives at school after 8:30 AM, he/she will need to come to the office to sign-in. Students will be recognized for their attendance.
