In "Otter" News - Week #11

Dear Otter Community,

We’re excited to begin another great week at OES! Thank you for continuing to partner with us to build a community where every Otter feels safe, supported, and proud to be part of our school.

Red Ribbon Week

This week, we’re celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide initiative that promotes making healthy, safe, and respectful choices. Each day, we’ll have a simple theme or activity to remind students that showing kindness, caring for our bodies and minds, and making responsible decisions helps us be our very best selves, at school and beyond!

Please take a few minutes to talk with your child about what it means to make healthy choices and how those choices help them stay ready to learn, play, and grow.

Important Forms to Complete

Please take a few minutes this week to complete both of the following online forms, which are vital to our school operations and student safety:

• Federal Impact Aid Form: Completing this form helps ensure our school receives important federal funding that directly supports student programs and resources.
• Emergency Information Update Form: Keeping this form current ensures we have accurate contact information in the event of an emergency.

Elementary Standards Based Report Cards for Marking Period 1 will be available in the Home Access Center (HAC) on the morning of Tuesday, November 4th. Narrative comments will be emailed to parents by the homeroom teacher by 5:00 pm the same day.

Finally, here are this week's PAWS and Zones Tips to help connect school and home.

PAWS Parent Tip

This week’s PAWS focus is on “Acting Responsibly”—especially in our school restrooms. Talk with your child about what it means to take care of shared spaces by using supplies appropriately, washing hands, and leaving the area neat for the next person. These small acts of respect make a big difference in our community!

Zones of Regulation Parent Tip

Before, during, or after using the restroom, students may experience different feelings—perhaps being in a rush (Yellow Zone) or feeling relaxed (Green Zone). Encourage your child to pause and use strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk to stay calm and focused.

Combined PAWS + Zones Tip

Remind your child that acting responsibly includes managing emotions and behavior in all settings. Using their Zones tools to stay calm helps them meet PAWS expectations and care for our school environment, showing responsibility in action!

Thank you for partnering with us to keep accountability at the center of how we learn and grow together. We are proud of our Otters and excited for all the learning and community events ahead!

Otterly Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

SMCPS is gearing up to start evening counseling. Counseling services are 9 weeks in length, free, short-term, and open to SMCPS students. Parents can sign up to be contacted about these services by filling out this form or scanning the QR code on the flyer below. Once slots are filled, a waitlist will be generated.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) invites community members, staff, and stakeholders to participate in shaping the upcoming school years’ operational calendars. In accordance with SMCPS policy, the Board of Education will adopt the official calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years. To ensure community perspectives are considered, a Calendar Survey is now available for public input. The survey will be open until October 31, 2025. Following this feedback period, recommendations for the upcoming two school years will be presented to the Board of Education on January 8, 2026. Public comments on the proposed calendars will be accepted during the Board of Education meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026. The Board is then expected to make a final decision on the calendars at their meeting on February 4, 2026.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) is currently collecting Federal Impact Aid and Emergency Information Update forms. Your cooperation in completing these forms no later than Friday, November 21, 2025, is greatly appreciated.

The federal government provides funding to the public school system in lieu of paying taxes on federal property. This funding is based on the number of students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) are federally connected. This includes active-duty military personnel and federal employees who work/telework, or live on federal property. It is very important that SMCPS provides an accurate count to ensure we gain the maximum funds for your child’s education. All information is strictly confidential.

Online Federal Impact Aid Forms are now available through the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online Impact Aid form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Federal Impact Aid Survey forms is Friday, November 21, 2025. For more guidance on how to access the Federal Impact Aid Survey, please visit HERE.

Effective communication is critical to the success of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). This will be crucial not only for emergencies but for our ability to communicate with families in general. On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a revised Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15). The key updates include new race/ethnicity fields, which incorporate a combined race/ethnicity question and the addition of a new “Middle Eastern and North African” category. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) considers school year 2025-2026 a “transition period” and anticipates full implementation of the new directive in school year 2026-2027. To that end, we are asking all families to provide updated information regarding students’ ethnicity designations.

Online Emergency Information Update Forms are now available through the parents’ Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online Emergency Information form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. It is vital that all information is updated in eSchool. The deadline for the online submission of Emergency Information Update forms is Friday, November 21, 2025.

If you have any questions regarding these questionnaires, please call your child’s school. We appreciate your cooperation with this important task.

Click the link below to access the 2025-2026 PTA Family Directory. If you would like your information added to the directory, please contact the PTA by email: oakville.pta@gmail.com

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Please click on the links below to access public calendars.

See below for our grade levels weekly rates of attendance in addition top our current school attendance rate. We strive for a 94% or better attendance rate. Our whole school attendance rate for SY25-26 is currently: 95%

PreK: 90% (-1%)

Kindergarten: 88% (+5%)

1st Grade: 89% (-2%)

2nd Grade: 96% (+2%)

3rd Grade: 93% (-3%)

4th Grade: 91% (-2%)

5th Grade: 91% (+1%)

We strongly encourage families to utilize My School Bucks not only for your child's meal account, but also for collecting money for things like field trips, school fines, or classroom level events. The OES Store has been established on My School Bucks and is available to all students and their families.

MySchoolBucks App

The MySchoolBucks app provides on-the-go access to your child's meal balances, purchases, and lets you make payments directly from your phone. You can manage lunch accounts by adding funds, setting up account automatic replenishment, and tracking purchases - all in one place. You can also pay for field trips, and a variety of school fees using your credit/debit card online or through the app.

Benefit of MySchoolBucks

• Convenience - Available 24/7 on the web

• Efficiency - Eliminate the need to write checks and for students to bring money to school

• Flexibility - Make payments using credit/debit cards and electronic checks

• Security - MySchoolBucks adheres to the highest security standards, including PCI and CISP

Enrollment is easy!

To get started with MySchoolBucks for your school's communications and payments, visit the MySchoolBucks website or download the mobile app to create an account and sign up for free.

1. Go to the MySchoolBucks website or download the "MSB Parent" app from your device's app store.

2. Click "Sign Up for Free" and create a new account
   Add your child using the name of the school they are attending, and either their student ID or birthdate.

3. You will receive a confirmation email that your account has been established.

4. Once your account is set up, you can add funds, view balances, and make payments for various school items and fees

Customer Service

• Email: parentsupport@myschoolbucks.com

• 1-855-832-5226

• Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com and click on Help/FAQ’s

Report Cards/HAC

Oakville Elementary uses a standards-based report card for students in Grades Pre-K through 5. This format provides clear, consistent information about how students are progressing toward grade-level expectations.

• Report cards are issued four times per year, at the end of each marking period.

• Special area teachers (Art, Music, PE, Media) report progress twice per year—at the end of the second and fourth quarters.

• Narrative Reports are written by classroom teachers each quarter to share insights not captured on the standards-based report card. These personalized updates are emailed to parents on the day of report card distribution.

• Students receiving special education services will receive a quarterly IEP progress report via email on the same day report cards are distributed.

• Report cards are posted in the Home Access Center (HAC) for digital access.

• Contact the Records Secretary if you need assistance accessing HAC.

Report Card Distribution Dates (2025–2026 School Year):

• Quarter 1: November 4th

• Quarter 2: January 27th

• Quarter 3: April 15th

• Quarter 4: TBD (based on the adjusted end-of-year calendar)

Parent Conferences

Conferencing between teachers and parents is highly encouraged and plays an important role in supporting student success.

• A 2-hour early dismissal day in October is designated on the SMCPS calendar for parent conferences. However, this limited window does not allow for meetings with every family.

• Teachers will proactively reach out to schedule conferences if a student’s progress indicates that a conversation is needed.

If you would like to request a conference and have not been contacted, we welcome you to reach out to your child’s teacher directly. When making the request, please share any specific concerns or topics you’d like to discuss. This allows the teacher to come prepared with relevant work samples, assessment data, and other information to support a productive conversation.

Teachers will make every effort to offer a mutually convenient time to meet. Families are also encouraged to request conferences at any point throughout the school year if questions or concerns arise.

Check out a message from our School Counselor, Mrs. Curtis!

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) students use the Internet and other instructional computer resources in school. It is important that you and your student review this information each year. Within this policy is the Google Workspace for Education Additional Services Agreement. Students in grades PreK - 5th grade do not need to complete an AUP this school year. They will not be accessing additional services within Google Workspace for Education beyond the core features.

All SMCPS laptops come with the same responsibility of care and upkeep as any other loaned resources. Textbooks, novels, laptops and chargers can incur a debt if lost or damaged. Please refer to the student accountability newsletter that has been added to our weekly school newsletters. Chargers are to remain at home.

Students are expected to:

• Stay seated in their assigned seats

• Use a calm, indoor voice

• Follow the driver’s directions at all times

• Follow all relevant school rules while on the bus

Parents are encouraged to review these expectations with their child and watch the Bus Safety Video available on the SMCPS Transportation website.

Special Notes for Pre-K & Kindergarten

• Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will exit the bus first and must be met at the bus door by a responsible person at least 13 years old.

• If no adult is present, the student will be returned to the school.

• Repeated failure to meet this requirement may also result in a loss of bus-riding privileges, as outlined in the SMCPS Handbook.

Bus Passes

SMCPS will only transport students who are assigned to a bus route. Temporary bus passes are approved only in cases of emergency.

• All requests for temporary bus passes must be directed to the main office and will be reviewed by the principal or their designee.

• Approval is not guaranteed and will be based on the nature of the request and the availability of seating.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure safety and consistency in daily transportation routines.

The Student Handbook and Code of Conduct presentation will be reviewed with students over the first week of school. Please take some time to review it with your children at home, too. It is linked below.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is launching a comprehensive Facility Utilization and School Boundary Study initiative to guide how our schools serve students and families in the years ahead. Your input matters. Whether you join a meeting, offer feedback, or follow along with updates, your voice will help shape the future of education in St. Mary’s County.

For more information please click on the link below.

• Redistricting Information

Recently added information as of October 9, 2025 is available in the above link under "New Information" and includes:

• Community Event - Frequently Asked Questions

• SMCPS invites you to participate in our Community Event - Frequently Asked Questions on October 28, 2025 at Leonardtown High School in the auditorium from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Your input is vital in the process and will help guide our work. School system staff will be presenting answers to questions received during the community forum, survey, and registration link for this event. The event is not a public forum or public hearing. The event will also be recorded and uploaded on the school system's YouTube channel at (https://www.smcps.org/streaming) several business days after the event.

• Please register and submit your questions on the redistricting webpage: Registration Link

• Community Forum #2

• Registration for Community Forum #2 – Possible Options - Coming October 13, 2025

  • The same presentation and options will be presented on each night at each session. Attendance at one session will allow as many community members as possible to participate.
  • November 12, 2025 at George Washington Carver Elementary School
  • Session 1 - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Session 2 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • November 13, 2025 at Chopticon High School
  • Session 1 - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Session 2 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • November 14, 2025 at Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center
  • Session 1 - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Session 2 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Our school has a parent representative and staff representative on the district-wide Community Engagement Redistricting Team. The representatives will help ensure communication of the work, timeline, and community engagement opportunities by sharing information on surveys and community engagement events through school, community, and social media resources. You can reach out to them for additional information or to share your perspective.

OES Community Engagement POCs:

• Staff Representative: Laurel Anderson (lpanderson@smcps.org)
• Parent Representative: Kimberly Sterbenz (oakville.pta.treasurer@gmail.com)

A Week

Monday, October 27th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Red Ribbon Week Spirit Day: Wear Red

Tuesday, October 28th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Red Ribbon Week Spirit Day: Jersey Day

Wednesday, October 29th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Red Ribbon Week Spirit Day: Mismatch Day

Thursday, October 30th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Red Ribbon Week Spirit Day: Pajama Day

Friday, October 31st

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Red Ribbon Week Spirit Day: School Spirit Day

Fall Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th.

Check out the upcoming dates of student performance for this fall!

The PTA will host a spirit week in December to get us pumped up for Winter Break! Finally, we will host a spirit week in March to coincide with Read Across America Week and the PTA Read-A-Fun.

Every Friday is Otter Spirit Day and students are encouraged to wear their Otter spirit wear! On Community Gathering days, students are encouraged to show their grade level spirit and wear their grade level colors. See the image below for grade level colors.

Hello Oakville Families!

My name is Tonya Hall, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Oakville community as your new school nurse. I have been a nurse for 17 years, this being my 7th year as a school nurse. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know every student and their family. I am committed to supporting your child’s medical needs.

You can expect to hear from me in situations that may require follow-up, such as head injuries (whether minor or more concerning), illnesses that meet the criteria for going home, or when a student’s concern is beyond what I can manage in the health room. After every visit to the health room, your child will receive a pass detailing the reason for their visit. These passes will be placed in their take-home folder for your review. If you ever have any questions or concerns about what’s listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I welcome communication in whatever way is easiest for you—feel free to send an email, call the office, or stop by the school to chat in person.

As a gentle reminder, if your child has any specific medical needs—chronic or acute—please reach out to me directly. This includes new diagnoses, required medications or treatments while at school, or any communicable illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, or others.

I’m so excited to begin this journey with you and to be a part of your child’s support team here at Oakville!

Warmly,

Mrs. Hall

FAQ for the start of the year:

When should I keep my child home from school?

• Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
• Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
• Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department

Save the Dates!

OES PTA Meetings | 2025–2026 School Year

Mark your calendars:

• October 22, 2025

• December 17, 2025

• March 12, 2026

• May 20, 2026

Join the OES Otters for a year of connection, collaboration & community!

Meetings will include updates, events, and ways to get involved!

Stay tuned for times and locations.

One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.

Community is important to us. We strive to have the words "goal-oriented", "fun", "inclusive", and "thriving" used to describe our community. We believe that children learn and adults work best in an environment where they feel respected and safe. We are focused on four areas in our development of community: 1) Cultivating respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents, 2) Emphasizing common purposes and ideals, 3) Providing opportunities for service and cooperation, and 4) Providing opportunities for independence and influence.

Email: lpanderson@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org