March 2026 Family Newsletter

Dear OES families,

Being trustworthy means that a student is honest, reliable, and follows through on their commitments to peers and teachers alike. Throughout the month, our educators will highlight the importance of integrity and building strong foundations of character within our school community.

We are incredibly proud to recognize Mrs. Hay for her unwavering dedication and the profound impact she makes on her students every single day. Whether she is inspiring a love of learning in the classroom or showing her incredible school spirit, Mrs. Hay embodies the sense of belonging in our school community. Her passion for teaching and her genuine care for every child who walks through her door make her truly deserving of this honor.

This April, OES students in grades 3–5 will participate in the M-STEP. While specific dates are coming soon, here is some information to help your child feel confident and prepared.

Why Practice Matters The M-STEP is an online assessment using "technology-enhanced" tools like drag-and-drop and highlighting. Practicing ahead of time ensures students can focus their "brain power" on the actual math and reading problems rather than the computer interface.

💻 How to Help at Home While we are practicing at school, extra "reps" at home significantly reduce test anxiety. You can explore the platform and sample questions together using these links:

• M-STEP Online Tools Training (OTT) – Practice using the actual testing interface.

• MDE Online Practice – Subject-specific prep for ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

• M-STEP "Starting Smarter" Website – Family-friendly tips and sample questions.

🌟 Quick Tips for Success

• Stay Positive: Treat this as a chance for them to show what they know.

• Focus on Effort: Remind them the goal is simply to do their best.

• Prioritize Routine: A good night’s sleep and a solid breakfast are the best "test prep."

Thank you for partnering in your child’s education. We are so proud of their hard work!

Our 5th-grade students recently took center stage for our annual Spelling Bee, showcasing not just their linguistic skills but also their grit and academic dedication. It was a morning filled with impressive vocabulary and high-stakes focus! Congratulations to our winner, Abigail Eber!

Congratulations to our incredible January winners! These students have been recognized for consistently displaying the Tate Trait of being Humble. We are so proud of how you lead by example, lift others up, and remain modest in your achievements.

Keep shining and staying grounded!

Please ensure your child comes to school prepared with the following (LABELED) winter items every day:

• Warm Coat

• Boots

• Hat

• Gloves or Mittens

• Snow Pants

Thank you for helping us make sure every student can make the most of our snowy OES recess!

PBIS SCHOOL STORE! The students look forward to spending their hard-earned Paw Bucks at our school store! We need your help to make these exciting days happen!

Click here to help run our PBIS School Store

Join us at our next PTO meeting! Learn about what is happening at DA and OES, share your ideas, and sign up to volunteer for upcoming events. Childcare will be provided. Your voice and support make a difference. We hope to see you there!

Spring Break- No school from March 27th to April 3rd

Please take some time to read our Student Handbook with your child. It contains important information about school policies, expectations, and resources to help ensure a successful year. Thank you for your support!

As a public body under the Freedom of Information Act, the District has developed procedures and guidelines to implement and assure compliance with FOIA. The District has also created the following written public summary of the specific procedures and guidelines explaining how to submit written requests to the District and how to understand the District’s written responses, deposit requirements, fee calculations, and avenues for challenge and appeal.

More information about submitting FOIA requests can be found here:
https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/foia-procedures

FOIA requests may be submitted online at:
https://oxfordschoolsmi.nextrequest.com/

Marie Murphy
Principal
📧 Marie.Murphy@oxfordschools.org

Katy Horton
Administrative Assistant
📧 Katy.Horton@oxfordschools.org

Bri Overholt
Family School Liaison
📧 Brianna.Overholt@oxfordschools.org

Non-Discrimination Clause: The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 775 W. Drahner Rd., Oxford, MI 48371, (248) 969-5004.