The En"Corner"

The Golden Encore Trophy is awarded to classes that consistently demonstrate outstanding behavior during their Encore (Specials) classes.

Week 5 winners:

• Recorder: Ms. Daley
• PE Shoe: Mrs. Campos
• PE Shoe: Mrs. Copenhaver
• Spoon: Mrs. Middleton
• Book: Ms. Oriwo
• Heart: Ms. Wright
• Heart: Mrs. Grabowski
• Paintbrush: Mrs. Campos
• Mrs. Campos's 2nd grade class with the Golden Shoe and Paintbrush (Picture above)

Classes earn this recognition by:

• ⭐ Showing respect to classmates, teachers, and materials.
• ⭐ Following our school's 30 Essentials every day.
• ⭐ Listening and following directions the first time.
• ⭐ Participating with a positive attitude.
• ⭐ Being safe, responsible, and kind in all Encore classes.

The winning class will proudly display The Golden Encore Trophy for that Encore class in their classroom until the next award is presented. We can't wait to recognize classes that make our Encore classrooms positive places to learn and grow!

Upcoming Dates

• Spirit Days: Pink out days October 13, October 19th, October 26th
• Field Day
• Concerts
• Art Show
• STEM Night
• Book Fair Oct 5.-Oct 9.
• PE events
• School-wide Events:

  This year, Title 1 will be having evening meetings (usually 6-7 pm) to help families understand what parents and families can do at home to support their learner. We will share resources and answer questions. We started with kindergarten Oct. 7th . On November 2nd, we will have Parent Teacher Conferences and Title 1 will be available 9-11 am and 1-4 pm to answer questions after your conferences. We will also offer resources and materials for 1st grade families! (2nd grade Family Information Night will be Dec. 2nd.)

  
  

• 🏃 PE – Fall Fitness Fun: Take a family fall walk and see how many different colored leaves you can spot, or play a backyard game together.
• 🎨 Art – Pumpkin Picasso: Draw, color, or decorate a silly pumpkin character. Give your pumpkin a name!
• 🎵 Music – Spooky Sounds: Create and clap a “spooky” rhythm together. Have someone copy your rhythm, then switch!
• 📚 Library – Cozy Fall Reading: Find a comfy spot, grab a favorite book, and read for 20 minutes. Bonus: read with a flashlight for a cozy October feel!
• 💻 Technology – Terrific Typing: Practice typing for 10 minutes. Try typing a list of your favorite things about fall—pumpkins, leaves, apples, costumes, or anything else!

What are students learning?​

5th Grade students are learning about Forms of Energy and they are about to move on to Motion. 4th Gradestudents are exploring the Solar System. All other grade levels will be starting their first science units later thismonth. ​

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Family Connection:​

Please make sure that you have signed your child's Science Safety form so that they can participate in hands-onlearning experiences. ​

Does your home run off of solar energy or have you seen solar panels on buildings before? Our new school is partially ran off of electricity transformed from our Sun! If you see any out and about, try to point them out. ​

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  • K and 1st are reviewing shape and line aswell as various art media ( crayon, marker,colored pencils, etc.)​

  • 2nd through 5th are finishing up their 4corners connection project. Each studentmade a 6x6 square that. Connects with theirtable mates 6x6 square to make a connectedpiece of artwork.​

  • We will be moving on to a new projectstarting the week fo September 21st.​

•What are you learning?

•October starts off with our Scholastic Book Fair. The Fair Opens on Monday October 5 and ends Friday October 9th. Each grade level will have shopping times everyday. Our Family Night is Wednesday October 7. The fair will be open until 5:45.

•We are starting our 2nd Virginia Reader's Choice Book: We Are Definitely Human By X. Fang

Connections at Home- Make time to go through the Scholastic Book Fair Flyer with your students and choose books to read together. Shop together either online or here at school.

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Correction: Music Clubs starting October 19th.

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• • Grade-level skills (examples)
    • K-2: Parachute activities, Manipulatives and Throwing and catching
    • 3-5: Fitness Testing, throwing and catching

  Family Challenge

  • Walk together for 20 minutes.
  • Practice throwing and catching.
  • Complete a family fitness challenge.
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks one day this week.

  Reminders

  • Wear sneakers on PE days.
  • Bring a water bottle.
  • Tie long hair back.
  • Avoid boots, sandals, or Crocs if possible.

  
  

  
  

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Throughout the month, students will participate in age-appropriate and developmental lessons that help them understand what bullying is, what it is not, and how to respond when they see and hear it happening. These lessons are designed to empower students to recognize bullying behaviors, support their peers, and feel confident speaking up or seeking help from a trusted adult.

Bullying can have a significant impact on a child's social and emotional well-being. At Occoquan, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and secure. By working together, we can help foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion for all students. We want to make Occoquan the BEST school!

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• Building reading fluency
• Asking and answering questions about the text
• Summarizing stories and informational passages
• Learning new vocabulary
• Practicing teamwork and active listening

How Families Can Help at Home

• Read together for 15–20 minutes each day.
• Ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
• Discuss new vocabulary words and use them in conversation.
• Encourage your child to read aloud to build confidence and fluency.

• •In October, I will move to support a new group of teachers and students. I am excited to be working with Mrs. Grabowski (3rd), Mrs. Day (K), Mrs. Lemen (2nd), Mr. Hernandez (K), and Ms. Valenti (2nd). I look forward to meeting a whole new group of students!

  
  

  •Connections at Home – Please continue to search your world for numbers and math because math is all around us. Help your child get more comfortable with numbers! For example, when you go shopping, ask your child to count items in your cart (younger) or add up rounded the prices (older). Help little ones to practice counting a set of items. Older students can practice their addition or multiplication facts.

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Our teacher for Aug/September:

____________Mrs. Pick_________

• My name is Mrs. Darlene Pick and I have been so blessed by my time here at Occoquan Elementary as Mrs. Jenning's substitute while she was on maternity leave. I first fell in love with music right here at old Occoquan, in the music trailer back in the 1980's when I was a student! I even played on many of the same instruments we used last year, which is why I have been just as excited as the kids for the new instruments and space. I went to Shendoah Conservatory for Music starting as music education, but eventually realizing I wanted to teach all subjects and went on to GCU for elementary education. I taught preschool just down Occoquan Rd for nearly 10 years before deciding to switch to public schools and substitute teaching. I have seen a lot of kids who were in my class when they were 2 or 3 here in music class and it has been absolutely wonderful. My hobbies are arts and crafts and singing in choirs, and spending time with my two teenage daughters and playing board games with family.

Check back for October.......