The Otter Overview

Happy May, Otter families!

Our end of year state testing is well underway! Kindergarten and 1st grade are done, 3rd and 4th are currently testing, and 2nd grade if finishing final preparations to test next week. So far, we are very pleased with our students' efforts!

We have 17 more school days left this year. Crazy right?! We will continue to work hard preparing each otter for their future. They deserve it!

Attendance Matters

3rd grade has just inched past 2nd to take the lead on attendance. NICE JOB 3RD GRADE!!

Our daily attendance rates for April are:

Kindergarten: 93.81%

1st Grade: 95.50%

2nd Grade: 95.50%

3rd Grade: 95.71% 🏅

4th Grade: 94.90%

Daily attendance is vital in helping students stay on track academically, building strong relationships, practicing social and communication skills, and increasing connection and a sense of belonging. Studies show that increased absenteeism, even one day per month, can lead to lower achievement and increased emotional concerns.

If your student is struggling with a situation and hesitant to come to school, please reach out to their homeroom teacher, one of our counselors, or one of our administrators. We are all here to help!

If your student will be absent, please let our attendance clerk know by emailing ocesattendanceclerk@bentonvillek12.org or calling 479-286-9500.

Remember that instruction in the classroom begins at 7:50 am each morning. Please ensure your student(s) is inside no later than 7:45 so they can get to their classroom, put their belongings away, and get started on a successful day.

Sincerely,

Jessie Lisenbee, OCE Principal

Molly Johnson, OCE Assistant Principal

From talent shows to culture fairs, we are loving every moment spent celebrating our students and families at Osage Creek! 🦦💙 Our school community is full of joy, connection, and pride.

The diversity of our Otters is what makes us strong, unique, and truly special. We are here for each Otter—celebrating who they are and the community we build together each day! 🌎✨

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8! We have the BEST teachers and cannot wait to celebrate them!

Osage Creek PTO and admin are partnering to make their week amazing! The OCE PTO could use your help.

Sign up to help here: https://www.evite.com/signup-sheet/5672699784593408

You may have seen other Bentonville schools posting online about becoming a Project Adam Heart Safe School. We are excited that it is almost our turn!

The goal is to learn and practice how to respond to a cardiac emergency situation, delivering life-saving aid until first responders can arrive. Our students have learned that if they see something unusual or someone in trouble, their job is to get an adult, stay calm, and listen to directions.

You can learn more by visiting:

https://projectadam.com

https://www.heart.org

This is the first year that Osage Creek has alumni graduating from high school! We are so excited to welcome graduating seniors back to our halls to walk and celebrate with us! Our senior walk is May 22nd at 8:15 am in conjunction with Creekside Middle School. If you know an Osage Creek alumni graduating high school, please let them know.

All parents received a message from Mrs. Lisenbee on April 20th. Here it is again in case you missed it:

Dear Osage Creek Families,

I want to take a moment to share a bittersweet update. Next school year, I will be transferring to Bentonville West High School as an assistant principal. It has been an incredible privilege to serve the Osage Creek community. I am grateful for the support, partnership, and trust you have shown during my time here. I love and believe in the community of Osage Creek and will forever be an Otter.

I am pleased to share that Tracey Wood will serve as the next principal of Osage Creek. Tracey is a strong and proven leader in our district with many years of experience, most recently serving as principal of Apple Glen Elementary. I am confident she will lead Osage Creek to new levels of excellence.

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of this amazing community.

Sincerely,

Jessie Lisenbee

Join us on the Summer Book Bus! 📚🚌 The fun starts June 4 and runs through July 23, with the bus rolling every Thursday night from 5:00–7:00 PM.

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy books, connect with our community, and keep the love of reading going all summer long! See below for specific stops and times—we can’t wait to see our Otters there! 🦦💙

Our May core value is Perseverance: refusing to give up when life gets hard. Here is information from our counselors Ms. Nulty and Ms. Niebruegge:

Looking at options for summer camps? Here are some ideas from Ms. Nulty and Ms. Niebruegge:

Summer Camps 2026

Let them know if you have any questions!

Ms. Nulty - cnulty@bentonvillek12.org

Ms. Niebruegge - mniebruegge@bentonvillek12.org

Osage Creek follows the Bentonville Schools academic calendar. You can find the calendar HERE.

4/28 - ATLAS Testing - 3rd and 4th Grade

4/29 - ATLAS Testing - 3rd and 4th Grade

4/30- ATLAS Testing - 3rd and 4th Grade

5/1 - ATLAS Testing - 3rd and 4th Grade

5/1 - Ollie Trolley!

5/1 - Gold Rush Race

5/1 - National Principals Day!

5/1 - School Lunch Hero Day!

5/4-5/8 - Teacher Appreciation Week!

5/4 - ATLAS Testing - 2nd Grade

5/5 - ATLAS Testing - 2nd Grade

5/6 - ATLAS Testing - 2nd Grade

5/7 - Kindergarten Celebrations

5/7 - 3rd grade field trip

5/8 - Kindergarten Celebrations

5/12 - 3rd grade field trip

5/12 - 4th grade field trip

5/13 - Arkansas Naturals National Anthem game

5/15 - Otter Romp

5/15 - 3rd grade field trip

5/15 - May PTO Meeting

5/18-5/22 - PTO Coin Wars

5/21 - Spring musical

5/22 - 4th grade celebration and picnic

5/25 - No School - Memorial Day

5/26 - Field Day

5/27 - Last Day of School!

All students are welcome to bring their lunch from home or eat in our fantastic cafeteria.

To add money to your child's account, visit bentonville.familyportal.cloud and log into your account. Need help? Feel free to call us at 479-286-9500.

Breakfast and lunch menus for the district can be found here:

https://bentonville.nutrislice.com/menu