Dear OQS Families,

On Thursday, we celebrated the first Golden Paw awards of the year at our Wolf Pack Assembly. These monthly awards are presented to students who have consistently demonstrated one of our character strengths over the course of the month. Recipients were given a purple Wolf Way pin signifying "joy" and enjoyed an extra morning recess.

Our school participated in lead-in-water testing this fall. While most of our taps were clear, we had a few problem areas that were immediately closed off and have been marked for replacement. Please see the attached letter for more details.

We can't wait to see you next week for Student-Led Conferences! We would appreciate your feedback after your child's conference. I look forward to dropping into some conferences, and you'll also see me around the school asking students and families for ideas for HSD's Vision of a Graduate.

See you soon!

Amelia Donahey

Principal

11/1: Beginning of Native American Heritage Month

11/3: Daylight Savings Time ends (set clocks back 1 hour)

11/4: Early Release Day (12:45) for Student-Led Conferences

11/5: No School - Student Led Conferences and Election Day (Registered voters, remember to vote!)

11/7: Picture Retake day; PTO Meeting, 6pm in the library

11/11: Veterans Day -- No School

11/13: Hartford School Board meeting (6pm) : Elementary principals presenting on new teacher academy

11/15: Community Conversation - Cookies with the Principal, 2-2:40pm

Experience at school:

• What brings you joy at school?

• How have you shown respect and kindness at school?
  

• Do you have any worries at school?

Relationships:

• Who or what makes you feel like you belong?

• Who do you count on at school?
  

• How do you make friends?

• What do you appreciate about your friends and peers?

Learning:

• What do you feel proud of?

• What challenges you?

• How do you use perseverance?

• How do you feel like you've grown as a ___ [e.g. person, student, supportive classmate, reader, mathematician, artist] this year?
  

Specific assignments:

• How did you learn to ___?

• What helps you remember ___?

• What is your next step in ____?

• How will you know when you’ve met your goal?

Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher at a Student-Led Conference

What can I do at home to help my student develop a growth mindset?

What can I do at home to support my child to develop their joy of reading?

What resources (book recs, electronic options, programs, camps, etc.) could we use to continue learning as a family?

Pneumonia cases (especially those caused by the mycoplasma bacteria; “walking pneumonia”) have increased across the country and the state of Vermont. In our school district, we have also noticed a rise in the number of cases being reported. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. The onset of symptoms is typically gradual and can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. The cough is usually a dry cough without phlegm and tends to slowly increase over a period of two to three weeks until it becomes almost constant. The bacteria are spread by inhaling respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

As with other respiratory infections, some strategies to prevent the pneumonia bacteria from spreading include staying home when a person is feeling really ill or coughing persistently, increased handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes. Any person experiencing symptoms should follow the school’s illness protocol and return criteria; contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns about this.

If your child becomes ill with a worsening or persistent cough, fever, and/or sore throat, please call your medical provider for guidance as many times antibiotics are needed to help shorten the illness and move toward recovery.

Stop by the lobby during student-led conferences for the fourth grade “market” where you can find baked goods, snacks, drinks, crafts and goodies for sale! All proceeds will go toward the annual field trip to the Boston Freedom Trail as a part of our unit of study on the American Revolution. We appreciate your support with this amazing learning opportunity for our fourth graders!

Cash only please.

Photo: Fourth Graders on the Freedom Trail, April 2024

OUR SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER SHOP IS LIVE NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 12

• SHOP HERE through November 12th and the PTO will receive $5 from each item sold! Check out sweatshirts, hats, t-shirts, and more! This year all items are emblazoned with our NEW WOLF WAY logo and school Character Strengths.

JOIN OUR NEXT PTO MEETING NEXT WEEK:

• Join us THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH 6-7 pm in the school library or via Google Meet: meet.google.com/ehm-cqtn-xvh

VOLUNTEER & DONATION OPPORTUNITIES:

• NEW Thursday, November 20 & Friday, November 21- All School Wolf Way Celebration- Donuts in the Forest! Check out all volunteer opportunities by class HERE.

• Saturday, December 7th- WINTERFEST: Please consider signing up to volunteer at Winterfest OR donating breakfast items. Check out the sign-up HERE and consider grabbing a slot!

• Seeking Donations of Raffle Prizes- if you own a local business, are super crafty, or have an item you would like to donate to our raffle or silent auction, please email OQSPTO@gmail.com

• Do you own a loud Bluetooth speaker with a microphone? The PTO is looking to borrow one for our annual Winterfest on Saturday, December 7th. Please email us at OQSPTO@gmail.com if you have one!

The Curiosity Corner will return next week. Until then, feel free to catch up on the last 6 weeks!

Preview: When we talk about gender inclusivity, people often think it’s about making space for transgender and other gender diverse folks. But the truth is, it’s essential for boys too. Let’s talk about why.

The facts are alarming: American boys and men are increasingly grappling with loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges. A staggering 65% of young men say that "no one really knows me well." This emotional disconnection starts early, when boys are discouraged from showing vulnerability or empathy for others. This is costing lives—boys commit suicide at four times the rate of girls.

At the same time, rigid gender norms often fuels homophobia, transphobia, and violence against women. When boys are policed with phrases like "that’s so gay," they internalize harmful ideas that also drive bullying and sexual harassment. Studies show that boys who engage in homophobic behavior are more likely to sexually harass girls.

Check out this trailer for an excellent documentary, The Mask You Live In that follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity.

Following a series of data reporting and regional planning sessions with education leaders, the Vermont Agency of Education invites educators and the broader public to participate in discussions about Vermont’s education goals and to support development of the Agency’s strategic priorities. See the Listen and Learn webpage to for the most up to date public engagement schedules, links for virtual sessions and information on language accessibility. While not required, pre-registration is encouraged using the online registration form, Listen and Learn Registration (cognitoforms.com).

Schedule
November 4 Virtual Meeting (ASL interpreter available), 6-8pm
November 6 Virtual Meeting (ASL interpreter available), 6-8pm