Family Newsletter

Dear Owl Creek Families,

We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday. We are excited to begin the second semester and to see our students return ready to learn, grow, and reconnect. This half of the year is so important, and every day matters. One of our key focuses is strong school attendance, as being present consistently makes a powerful difference in both academic success and confidence.

We are also encouraging families to partner with us in reducing screen time and increasing reading at home. Time spent with real books—talking about stories, characters, and ideas—builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a lifelong love of learning.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make this semester a strong one for all students.

Warmly,
Mrs. Tracy Bratton
Principal, Owl Creek Elementary

Please order your yearbook here. Orders are due by April 1.

Yearbook Orders

Capturing Kids' Hearts

This month, we’re focusing on respect, which comes in many forms: respect for life, for property, for parents, for elders, for nature, and for the beliefs and rights of others. Respect includes being courteous and polite, as well as respecting yourself by avoiding self-criticism. We can model respect for our children regarding how we speak to and treat them. Respect is not only an important character trait, but it can also be a source of real joy! Respect implies a certain appreciation, which makes us more aware of other people’s needs and feelings.

ENGAGE: Honor Each Other As a family, create an Honor Board where family members and friends can write affirmations to the person of honor. (Make sure each family member gets to be the honoree.) The Honor Board can be made of construction paper, poster board, or a blank piece of paper. Once the board is complete, encourage the family member to display it so they can see it often and remember the great things others see in them.

EMPOWER: Practice Forgiveness Everyone makes mistakes. Ask each family member to share a story about a time they made a mistake (at school, work, home, etc.) and discuss what lessons they learned. Share this quote: “Mistakes don’t define us, but how we respond to mistakes will.” Ask, “How can we show honor for each other, even when we make a mistake or disagree?” Process each person’s response and thank everyone for their willingness to share. Challenge each other to respond to mistakes this week with love and respect.

EXCEL: Honor Those Who Serve Celebrate members of your community who lead through service to others. Write “Thank You” notes to someone that has helped or served your family. Consider people in your community like veterans, teachers, nurses/doctors, ministers, bus drivers, police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, etc. Deliver these notes with a special treat.

Conversation Starters:

What is something you want MORE of this next year? Why? What makes you feel respected? Disrespected? Why? What is the biggest lesson you learned last year? What is something you want LESS of in the next year? Why?

SAVE THE DATE

Please make plans to attend the following events:

January 19 No School MLK Day
January 22 Winter Read 5:30-6:30
February 12 Valentine Parties 2:00
February 13 and 16 No School
February 26 World Culture Night 6:00-7:30

Owl Creek PTO

If you would like to volunteer with our PTO please email them at

owlcreekpto@gmail.com

School Shirts

Please place orders by January 20th.

Owl Creek Elementary – Rock House Designs

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to volunteer at school please click the following link.

Parent Volunteers (Padres voluntarias/voluntarios)

Bell to Bell, No Cell

For more information on the Bell to Bell , No Cell Law Click this Button

Free Meals Form

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!

Early Morning Drop Off and Traffic Patterns

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.