Ocean Avenue Friday Notes

• 11/03: Fourth Grade Fieldwork, Mackworth Island, 11:20 AM-1:30 PM
• 11/11: NO SCHOOL ~ Veterans' Day
• 11/12: Math Game Night, 5-6 PM
• 11/13: Picture Retake / Make Up Day
• 11/20: Grade 4 Poetry Celebration in the Gym, 11:15 AM-12 PM
• 11/25-11/27: NO SCHOOL ~ Thanksgiving Break

It’s that time again—when we “fall back” and turn our clocks back one hour! That means brighter mornings, darker evenings, and sometimes… sleepy (or wide-awake!) kiddos at odd hours. Here are some easy, fun ways to help your child’s body adjust to the time change:

Open those blinds first thing in the morning. Sunshine helps our brains know it’s time to wake up and start the day!

🛌 2. Stick to your bedtime routine.
Keep your usual bedtime rituals—bath time, story time, snuggle time. Routines help little bodies feel calm and ready for sleep, no matter what the clock says.

🪷 3. Move bedtime in stages.
If you can, shift bedtime by 10–15 minutes over a few nights. Slow and steady helps everyone adjust more easily.

🏃🏻‍♀️ 4. Get moving!
Play outside during the day—jump in leaves, ride a scooter, or take a walk. Fresh air and daylight make bedtime smoother later on.

😊 5. Be patient and cozy.
It can take a few days to get used to the new schedule. Be kind to yourself and your kiddos—extra hugs (and maybe an extra snack!) can help.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep, and happy “falling back,” everyone!

Getting enough sleep is crucial for children in grades K-5 to do well in school. Well-rested kids are happier, healthier, and ready to learn every day.

Why Sleep Matters for School

Sleep is when a child's brain grows and organizes information. It helps them:

• Focus: Pay attention in class and listen to their teachers.
• Learn: Remember facts, solve problems, and be creative.
• Behave: Manage their feelings, control their actions, and get along with friends.

When children are tired, they struggle to concentrate, may feel grumpy or stressed, and find it harder to complete schoolwork.

How Much Sleep Is Needed?

Experts recommend that children aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. Getting this amount of sleep helps them:

• Perform better on tests and assignments.
• Stay alert and participate in class activities.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards learning.

Tips for Better Sleep

Families can help their children by creating a regular, calm bedtime routine:

• Stick to a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Create a calm space: Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet.
• Turn off screens: Avoid phones, tablets, and TV right before bed.

When children arrive at school rested, they have the energy and focus needed for a successful and fun day of learning. Prioritizing sleep is a key part of supporting a child's education.

Check out the links below to find out what learning is happening at your child's grade level. We hope you find this helpful and informative. Any further questions, reach out to your child's teacher! 🙂

Back Cove Books is proud to host an in-store book fair to benefit the elementary schools of the Portland Public School District on Wednesday, November 11th from 9am - 6pm!

Back Cove Books is located at 651 Forest Ave in Portland. BCB will be filling the store and Odd Fellows Hall (located on the 2nd floor) with all of the things you love about a classic book fair - books, books, stickers, tiny journals, bookmarks, books, and more books!

It is extremely important to BCB that every member of our community sees themselves in the books and stories we have on our shelves. As such, we are proud to present an offering of titles that covers a wide range of reading levels, is diverse in character/author/topic, and is not cost prohibitive to participating families.

The extra magical part? 20% of every purchase will be donated back as a store credit to the Portland elementary school of your choosing!

Can't make the fair in-person? No worries! Back Cove Books will be hosting an online portion of the fair from November 11th - November 13th at backcovebooks.com/bookfair (webpage launching November 11th).

Questions? Contact the store at hello@backcovebooks.com

Cases of head lice have been on the upswing throughout Ocean Ave and other schools. Head lice are very common and are more active during the cooler part of the year when children are indoors and in close proximity. Please check your child's head closely and if lice are found, take appropriate measures to treat the child's hair. If one person in your home has lice, it is necessary to check everyone in the household. If you have any questions, please reach out to Nurse Carrie.

The Dental Clinic is coming back soon for the Fall/Winter at Ocean Ave! Greater Portland Health's Children’s Oral Health Program provides dental services on-site at your child’s school. By enrolling your child, you provide them with access to on-site dental cleanings with a Greater Portland Health Dental Hygienist.

Please complete the Children’s Oral Health Program Enrollment Form at the following link - Enrollment Form - to allow your student to receive dental cleanings at their school. Enrollment is optional and open to all students, regardless of where they get their primary care.

Our clothing closet is in need of boy's sweatpants in sizes 5/6 and 7/8. If you have any "gently used" or new sweatpants you would like to donate, we would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you for your donations!

Thanks to the hard work, generosity and participation of our school community, our school raised $705.00 through the 2026 Hannaford Helps Schools program. These funds will help us continue creating a positive, thriving environment for every student.

Your support has made a meaningful impact on our school and your involvement and encouragement truly make a difference for our students, teachers and staff. Thank you for your continued dedication to our school community!