OES Monthly Newsletter

Hello, Otsego Elementary Families!

We had a great start to the school year at Otsego Elementary, and I hope your students did, too! Getting back into school year routines can be an adjustment—for kids and adults—but establishing consistent routines early in the year can make a big difference.

At school, we spend time teaching and practicing routines and expectations throughout the building so students know what to expect and feel confident navigating their school day. Ask your child about what it means to Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible at school!

Home is another important place to establish routines that support a successful school year. Some helpful routines include:

• 📚 Having a consistent time and place for homework and daily reading
• 🌙 Establishing a bedtime routine with a consistent bedtime
• 🎒 Setting out backpacks and clothes the night before
• ☀️ Creating a predictable morning routine that includes a healthy breakfast

When students have consistent routines at home and at school, they are better prepared to learn, participate, and have a successful day. If you have questions or would like support establishing routines at home, please give us a call and ask to connect with our Student Support Team, Alicia Stocklen or Betsy Danner. We are always happy to help!

This year, we will send a schoolwide newsletter on the first Friday of each month. The newsletter will include school wide highlights, upcoming events, important dates, and sign-ups for things such as conferences, yearbooks, picnics, and other school activities. On the remaining Fridays, you will receive shorter messages with reminders and information about upcoming events and important dates.

We truly value our partnership with you! Please never hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. My goal is for every family to feel informed, connected, and supported as we work together to make this a wonderful school year for our students. Thank you for being such an important part of the Otsego Elementary community!

Warmly,
Kelly Kudla
Principal, Otsego Elementary

September 7-21: Sign up for Fall Family Picnic HERE. Picnic on Friday, September 25th.

September 8-10: Popsicles on the Playground from 6-7 at the OES Playground. Click HERE to volunteer.

• Grades 3 and 4 - Tuesday, September 8th
• Grades 1 and 2 - Wednesday, September 9th
• Kindergarten - Thursday, September 10th

September 11: Bus Evacuation Practice (during school hours)

September 12: Stop by and visit at the Otsego Prairie Festival! Our booth will be open from 10-4.

September 14: October 5: Butter Braids on sale. See info below

September 17: Constitution Day, America's 250 Year Anniversary (Observed). Wear red, white and blue.

September 17: September PAC Meeting, OES Media Center, 4:30- 5:30

September 24: ALICE Student Drill #1, Alert See Parent/Guardian Letter HERE.

September 25: Fall Family Picnic. See details HERE

September 30: Picture Retakes

October 1: October PAC Meeting, OES Media Center, 4:30- 5:30

Fall Conferences: October 8, 13, 14

NO SCHOOL: October 14, 15, 16

• All students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch per day free of charge.
• Meal menus are available at on the new site HERE. Select Site and Menu at the top of the page.
• A la carte options are available for students to purchase from the District Food Service program. Parents/Guardians have the option to limit these selections for their student(s) by completing the No A la carte Request Form available on the District website under Food Service.

Students qualifying for benefits increases federal and state funding to support learning experiences for ISD 728 students. Please help ISD 728 students by completing the application! Qualifying for benefits also helps your family reduce fees in other areas of your child's school experience. The online Application for Educational Benefits must be completed each year and is available through Infinite Campus Parent Portal. You can print a paper copy from the website or pick one up in the school office.

OES is in need of classroom donations. If you would like to donate please go to the Parent Portal under School Store to donate. Click HERE for step by step directions. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you for supporting our school.

Click HERE for important Health Services reminders that help ensure a safe and healthy year for all students.

Through our partnership with Every Meal, students are offered a free weekend food program. Every meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. Sign up HERE - no questions asked, no requirements. For more information click HERE. If you have questions, please contact: Alicia Stocklen, School Counselor at alicia.stocklen@isd728.org.

Please take a moment to read our birthday celebration letter HERE.

Fall Student Council fundraising event starts soon!

WHAT: Butter Braid/Cookie Dough Sales

WHEN: Monday, September 14th through Monday, October 5th. Curbside pick-up at OES on Tuesday, October 20th from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

HOW: Sales take place online. Please see the REGISTRATION FLYER to get started. PLEASE NOTE: when asked for a registration name, please put your STUDENT'S name not your name. Once you register you will get an email with your personal store link. Then start selling!

Click HERE for a letter from Student Council Lead, Ms. Cooley, with more information.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Fundraiser Starts: Monday, September 14th

Turn in Order Form: Monday, October 5th

Delivery Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20th - 4:00-5:30 p.m. Curbside

At ISD 728, we continue to use THE GREAT BODY SHOP to teach your child about the human body and the skills needed to stay safe and healthy. The success of the program requires a team effort, involving you, your child, the teacher, and trusted adults.

Please review The Great Body Shop Curriculum Parent Letter HERE.

Shortcuts to grade level letters:

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

Car Lane Tags

ISD728 Student Handbook (OES Section of the Handbook HERE)