OC Elementary Principal's Update

Our theme for the year, Built to Learn, Driven to Succeed, reflects our commitment to helping every student become an engaged, confident, and successful learner. It reminds students that success begins with the choices they make each day.

Throughout the year, we will encourage our students to demonstrate five important learning behaviors:

1. I think.
2. I participate.
3. I try—even when it is hard.
4. I stay focused.
5. I take pride in my learning.

These behaviors will help students become active participants in their education, persevere through challenges, and recognize the value of their effort and growth. Families can reinforce the theme at home by asking children what they are learning, encouraging them when something feels difficult, and celebrating the effort that leads to success.

Together, we can help every Oakland-Craig Knight build the confidence, skills, and determination needed to succeed!

• Lunch Balances and Payments: Your child’s lunch balance can be viewed through PowerSchool. Lunch payments may be made online by selecting the E-Funds link on the school website or by sending cash or a check to the elementary office. Please include your child’s name with all payments.

• Beginning-of-the-Year Paperwork: Please continue to complete and return any remaining beginning-of-the-year forms to the elementary office as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us make sure our records are complete and up to date!

• Absences and Appointments: If your child will be absent due to illness or an appointment, please be sure to call the elementary office and let us know.

We have had a wonderful start to the school year! Students have been learning and practicing schoolwide expectations while also working hard to complete their beginning-of-the-year assessments. We are proud of the effort they have shown and their commitment to doing their best. Assessment results will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

Students have also practiced fire, lockdown, and tornado drills. These drills help everyone learn what to do and allow us to practice our safety procedures. If your child has questions or concerns at home, please reassure them that these drills are for practice and are an important part of keeping our school prepared and safe.

We are continuing our PBIS ticket system this year! Staff members recognize students with tickets when they demonstrate our schoolwide expectations by being respectful, responsible, and safe.

Students may save their tickets and use them at our PBIS Store to purchase small prizes, privileges, and special opportunities. This system is a fun way to celebrate positive choices and encourage students to continue showing our school values each day.

We are proud of the great choices our students are already making and look forward to celebrating their positive behavior throughout the year!

We are excited to introduce Ice Cream Fridays! On the last Friday of each month, students will have the option to purchase ice cream during lunch.

The cost of the ice cream is in addition to the regular lunch cost, and students must have enough money available in their lunch account to make the purchase. Please check your child’s lunch balance through PowerSchool and add funds ahead of time if your child would like to participate.

We are excited to introduce a new House system at Oakland-Craig Elementary this year! This idea was inspired by the House system used at our high school, where students from different grade levels come together with the same staff member throughout their high school years.

Our elementary Houses include students from multiple grade levels who will remain with the same House teacher and group. Unlike the high school Houses, our groups will meet approximately once or twice each month for activities focused on building relationships, school pride, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

During their first House meeting, students met their House teacher and fellow group members, created a name for their House, and designed a Knight shield poster to represent their group. It was exciting to see students of different ages working together and beginning to form new connections. We look forward to watching our Houses grow throughout the year!

September 1- Picture day for those that did not get one at Back 2 School Night

September 7- No School- Labor Day

October 2- No school for students- Teacher Inservice

October 13- Picture Retakes

October 26- Student Health Bus

Contact Info:

Oakland-Craig Elementary School

Principal: Mrs. Becky Rennerfeldt

Email: brennerfeldt@ocknights.org
Location: 400 N Brewster Ave, Oakland, NE, 68045
Phone:402-685-5631