Family Newsletter

Dear Owl Creek Families,

One of our biggest goals this school year at Owl Creek Elementary is to help our students develop a love for reading. We know that reading is not only an essential skill for learning, but it also opens the door to imagination, understanding, and lifelong learning.

This year, we want to give our students more opportunities to experience real books — stories and texts that are engaging, meaningful, and help them connect to the world around them. These are the kinds of books that spark curiosity, encourage deep thinking, and build a strong foundation for future success.

To kick off this effort, we are excited to announce that Owl Creek will be participating in One School, One Book during the month of September! This is a wonderful program where every family reads the same book together at home, while students also engage with it in school. Every K -4 students will be getting their own copy of Fenway and Hattie. It’s a great way to bring our community together around reading and show our children that reading is something we can all enjoy — at school and at home.

Please see the additional information included in this newsletter for more details about how One School, One Book will work.

We encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity to read with your child at home — whether it's bedtime stories, reading during breakfast, or setting aside 10–15 minutes in the evening. Every minute counts, and your involvement makes a big difference.

Thank you for partnering with us to build a strong reading culture at Owl Creek. We can’t wait to dive into this reading journey with you and your children!

Happy Reading,

Owl Creek Elementary Faculty and Staff

At our school, we believe that reading is one of the most important gifts we can give our children. One of the best ways to grow strong, confident readers is by reading together at home every night. Just 15–20 minutes a day can make a huge difference! We hope you enjoy our One School - One Read Event during the month of September. Please follow the calendar below for each night’s reading with discussion questions. Enjoy discussing “Fenway and Hattie” together!

Why Reading Together Matters

Builds stronger readers – Listening to stories and reading along helps children grow vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

Creates special memories – Sharing books gives you time to laugh, imagine, and connect with your child.

Supports school success – Children who read regularly at home develop stronger writing and thinking skills.

Tips for Making Reading Time Fun

✔ Take turns reading pages or characters in the story.

✔ Talk about the pictures, ask “What do you think will happen next?” ✔ Keep it relaxed and cozy!

✔ Celebrate growth—praise your child when they try new words or read with expression.

Together, we can build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning! See more about Fenway and Hattie at the following link.

Fenway and Hattie

Everybody Loves Reading “Fenway and Hattie”!

September Reading Plan for Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe

Week 1

September 3 (Wed)

Chapter 1 pg. 1-8

Fenway notices that Hattie is sad. He thinks it is because she can’t go play with him at the dog park. Is that the real reason she is sad? Explain.

September 4 (Thurs)

Chapter 2 pg. 9 -17

At the beginning of chapter two, Fenway notices that things have changed. Compare and contrast where they lived before and where they live now. What is the same and what is different?

September 5 (Fri)

Chapter 3 pg. 19 - 27

Fenway’s barks and thoughts often end with an exclamation point. What does this tell us about his character?

Watch Class Dojo for recordings of each chapter by staff members each night!

This month, we’re focusing on empathy and challenging students to make sure that everyone they interact with feels seen, heard, and valued. We are partnering with you to grow and develop empathy in your student at home. As a family, use these activities to reflect on and better understand the needs of others.

ENGAGE: Celebrate Differences Generate a list of each family member’s favorite things, such as their favorite ice cream flavor or favorite thing to do. Identify any similar answers and celebrate those things you have in common. Discuss how those similarities might impact your family and your relationships. Identify and celebrate each other’s differences. How might those differences impact your family? How do your differences make you strong? Use this example as a reminder for your child—and your family— to celebrate our unique differences. We are better TOGETHER!

EMPOWER: Build a Family Social Contract Schedule time to have a family meeting and develop a family Social Contract together. Ask everyone to answer these questions: • How do we want to treat each other? • How do we want to treat each other when there is conflict? Write down any words you identify as a family (respect, kind, honest) and ask each member to commit to the contract by signing it.

EXCEL: Find the Light. Be the Light. As a family, brainstorm a list of 3-5 individuals you typically encounter during the day who may not receive many notes or words of affirmation or appreciation. Consider people who make your day brighter or provide a needed service, like your mail carrier, the cashier at your local store, or a neighbor. Ask each person in your family to write a note thanking that person for “Being a Light.“

Conversation Starters:

What can you do to show people you care about them? How does listening to others help them know you care?

What can you do or say to show that you are listening to others? Describe what it means to “make someone’s day.”

Please make plans to attend the following events:

• September 18 5:30-6:00 Annual Title 1 Parent Meeting
• September 18 6:00-7:00 PTO Meeting
• September 19 5:30-7:30 Annual Owl Creek Elementary Campfire at the Creek! Watch for more information coming soon.

Exciting News!

All students in Fayetteville Public Schools will be eligible to receive one free breakfast each day. If you would like your child to eat breakfast please make sure they arrive to school no later than 8:00. We serve breakfast from 7:25-8:00.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

It's time to complete the Free Meal Application at www.myschoolapps.com!

Families must apply every year to continue receiving benefits.

Your application not only helps ensure your child continues to receive meals, but it also brings educational dollars to our schools!

Drop off Times:

Early morning drop off for car riders is on the west end of the building by the elementary gym from 7:25-7:55. In order to maintain safety for all students please do not drop off students prior to 7:25. We do not have staff on duty prior to that time. Please do not drop off car riders in any other location; including the front of the school. This is for the safety of your children and our staff.

At 7:55 our duty people must go to class so the doors at the gym will close. From 7:55-8:10 you may drop off students at the front of the school. At 8:10 or after you will need to park and bring your child into the building.

New Traffic Patterns:

The back drive of the school will now be one way. If your child is a car rider line , as you exit the pick up area you will need to be in the left lane if you wish to turn left onto Rupple and in the right lane if you wish to turn right.

Pre-K Parents

You must get in the car rider drop off line in the morning and park in the front of the school in the space marked Pre-K. You will need to sign your child into school each day.

Please feel free to contact our admin team if you have questions.

Principal

Tracy Bratton tracy.bratton@fayar.net

Assistant Principal

Ruth Mobley ruth.mobley@fayar.net

Administration Intern

Mr. K david.klotzbuecher@fayar.net