In "Otter" News - Week #5

Dear Otter Community,

What an incredible week! Our Otters are off and swimming strong!

We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity and support, our Otter Fun Run fundraiser surpassed its goal and raised over $20,000. These funds will directly benefit our students by supporting educational experiences, MTSS/PAWS incentives, community events, classroom resources, and field trips. Your contributions make a real difference in the daily lives of our students, and we are deeply grateful.

To give you a peek into the wonderful things happening each day, we've posted a Week in Review video. Be sure to check it out see our Otters in action!

Looking ahead:

• This is a short week. Thursday will be a two-hour early dismissal, and there will be no school for students on Friday while staff take part in professional responsibilities and professional development.
• SMCPS is hosting an Attendance Spirit Week for this week. Check out the details below!
• On Thursday evening, join us for Popsicles and Puzzles with the Principal, hosted by our PTA. It's a great opportunity to connect with other families, celebrate the start of the school year, and spend some fun time together. I'd love to see you there!

"The Maryland Center for School Safety and the Maryland State Police Department have asked that we pass along A Parent’s Guide to Firearm Storage to help avoid tragedy and make Maryland a safe place for children."

Finally, here are this week's PAWS and Zones Tips to help connect school and home:

PAWS Parent Tip

At home, try asking your child: "What does it look like when you're showing your Personal Best?" Encourage them to give examples from school and from home. This helps reinforce PAWS expectations across settings.

Zones of Regulation Parent Tip

All Zones are okay! At school, we teach students that it's normal to have a range of feelings an energy levels throughout the day. What matters most is using strategies to manage the Zone they're in so they can still do their job as a learner. At home, you might say: "I can see you're in the Blue Zone and feeling low energy. What's something you can do that will help you get your homework done even while you're feeling this way?"

Combined PAWS + Zones Tip

PAWS and Zones work hand-in-hand: students learn that showing Personal Best, Act Responsibly, Work Hard, and Safety First is possible no matter what Zone they're in. You can practice this at home by linking the two: "I know you're in the Yellow Zone right now and feeling frustrated. What an "Act Responsibly" choice you can make while you're in this Zone?"

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. Our school community is strongest when we come together, and this week has been a perfect reminder of just how special OES truly is.

Otterly Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Please click on the links below to access public calendars.

See below for our grade levels weekly rates of attendance in addition top our current school attendance rate. We strive for a 94% or better attendance rate. Our whole school attendance rate for SY25-26 is currently: 95%

PreK: 97% (+4%)

Kindergarten: 98% (+3%)

1st Grade: 96% (+2%)

2nd Grade: 94% (+4%)

3rd Grade: 92% (-3%)

4th Grade: 94%

5th Grade: 97% (+1%)

We did it! We exceeded our goal of raising $19,000 for our school. As of the time of this SMORE, we are currently sitting at a total of $20,730. Donations will be accepted through the next week as well! Well done Otter community!

Teachers have already been reaching out about exciting field trip opportunities they are interested in exploring for their students! How exciting to be able to offer these field trips at little to no cost to students thanks to your generous support!

Check out our new PAWS visuals that have been placed around the school building! As part of the package, we also received digital images. You can see several of them used throughout this SMORE. Teachers have access to these images as well!

We strongly encourage families to utilize My School Bucks not only for your child's meal account, but also for collecting money for things like field trips, school fines, or classroom level events. The OES Store has been established on My School Bucks and is available to all students and their families.

The online application process to apply for free and reduced meals for the 2025-2026 school year is open. Click HERE to access information about the process and the application.

Oakville Elementary currently receives 40% Free and Reduced Benefits. These benefits allow all students to receive a free breakfast everyday. Please complete the forms below so that we may continue to provide this service for all students.

Student Arrival

Student safety is our top priority during morning arrival. Please review the procedures below to ensure a smooth and secure start to each school day:

• Students may begin entering the building at 9:00 AM.

• No student may be dropped off or left unattended before this time, including in the front office.

• Arrival after 9:15 AM is considered tardy and requires an adult to sign the student in at the front office.

Car Riders

• Students arriving by car prior to 9:00 AM should use the Car Rider Line.

• Follow the line of cars and pull all the way forward to the designated adult on duty.

• Students should exit from the passenger side of the vehicle and enter the building independently.

To keep the line moving safely and efficiently:

• Keep the goodbyes brief

• If your child needs extra time, please park in the parking lot and walk them to the front

• Remain in the driver’s seat at all times

• Do not pass other cars that are unloading

• Do not park or leave your car unattended in the drop-off line.

If your child is hesitant or refusing to get out of the car:

• Please exit the Car Rider Line and either:

• Park and walk your child to the front entrance or

• Rejoin the Car Rider Line and try again when your child is ready.

Important Traffic Reminder

• No vehicles are permitted in the bus loop between 8:40 AM and 9:30 AM.

• This area is reserved for school buses during morning arrival.

• If a vehicle enters the bus loop during this time, you will be asked to move your vehicle to the parking lot.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly arrival process for all students.

Check out a message from our School Counselor, Mrs. Curtis!

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) students use the Internet and other instructional computer resources in school. It is important that you and your student review this information each year. Within this policy is the Google Workspace for Education Additional Services Agreement. Students in grades PreK - 5th grade do not need to complete an AUP this school year. They will not be accessing additional services within Google Workspace for Education beyond the core features.

All SMCPS laptops come with the same responsibility of care and upkeep as any other loaned resources. Textbooks, novels, laptops and chargers can incur a debt if lost or damaged. Please refer to the student accountability newsletter that has been added to our weekly school newsletters. Chargers are to remain at home.

Students are expected to:

• Stay seated in their assigned seats

• Use a calm, indoor voice

• Follow the driver’s directions at all times

• Follow all relevant school rules while on the bus

Parents are encouraged to review these expectations with their child and watch the Bus Safety Video available on the SMCPS Transportation website.

Special Notes for Pre-K & Kindergarten

• Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will exit the bus first and must be met at the bus door by a responsible person at least 13 years old.

• If no adult is present, the student will be returned to the school.

• Repeated failure to meet this requirement may also result in a loss of bus-riding privileges, as outlined in the SMCPS Handbook.

Bus Passes

SMCPS will only transport students who are assigned to a bus route. Temporary bus passes are approved only in cases of emergency.

• All requests for temporary bus passes must be directed to the main office and will be reviewed by the principal or their designee.

• Approval is not guaranteed and will be based on the nature of the request and the availability of seating.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure safety and consistency in daily transportation routines.

The Student Handbook and Code of Conduct presentation will be reviewed with students over the first week of school. Please take some time to review it with your children at home, too. It is linked below.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is launching a comprehensive Facility Utilization and School Boundary Study initiative to guide how our schools serve students and families in the years ahead. Your input matters. Whether you join a meeting, offer feedback, or follow along with updates, your voice will help shape the future of education in St. Mary’s County.

For more information please click on the link below

• Redistricting Information

Our school has a parent representative and staff representative on the district-wide Community Engagement Redistricting Team. The representatives will help ensure communication of the work, timeline, and community engagement opportunities by sharing information on surveys and community engagement events through school, community, and social media resources. You can reach out to them for additional information or to share your perspective.

OES Community Engagement POCs:

• Staff Representative: Laurel Anderson (lpanderson@smcps.org)
• Parent Representative: Kimberly Sterbenz (oakville.pta.treasurer@gmail.com)

The most recent Board of Education Meeting was held on Wednesday, August 27th @5:00 pm. Click HERE to view the meeting.

A Week

Monday, September 15th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• SMCPS Attendance Spirit Week: Jersey Day - We are working as a team to hit the 94% attendance rate! Come to school sporting your favorite jersey.

Tuesday, September 16th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• SMCPS Attendance Spirit Week: Dress Like a Royal Day - Attendance is the key to the throne. Dress in your finest royal attire. Be present and proud to be part of your school kingdom!

Wednesday, September 17th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• SMCPS Attendance Spirit Week: Dress Like it's '94 - Throw it back and show up in your best '90's look! Being at school is totally RAD!

Thursday, September 18th

9:00 am - 1:45 pm

TWO HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL - PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• SMCPS Attendance Spirit Week: School Spirit Day - School pride starts with being present! Come to school showing off your school's colors!
• PTA Event: Popsicles and Puzzles with the Principal (See below for more information)

Friday, September 19th

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STAFF

Scheduled for September 26th.

Retakes are scheduled for November 4th.

More information will be provided as the dates draw closer.

Hello Oakville Families!

My name is Tonya Hall, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Oakville community as your new school nurse. I have been a nurse for 17 years, this being my 7th year as a school nurse. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know every student and their family. I am committed to supporting your child’s medical needs.

You can expect to hear from me in situations that may require follow-up, such as head injuries (whether minor or more concerning), illnesses that meet the criteria for going home, or when a student’s concern is beyond what I can manage in the health room. After every visit to the health room, your child will receive a pass detailing the reason for their visit. These passes will be placed in their take-home folder for your review. If you ever have any questions or concerns about what’s listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I welcome communication in whatever way is easiest for you—feel free to send an email, call the office, or stop by the school to chat in person.

As a gentle reminder, if your child has any specific medical needs—chronic or acute—please reach out to me directly. This includes new diagnoses, required medications or treatments while at school, or any communicable illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, or others.

I’m so excited to begin this journey with you and to be a part of your child’s support team here at Oakville!

Warmly,

Mrs. Hall

FAQ for the start of the year:

When should I keep my child home from school?

• Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
• Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
• Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department

Save the Dates!

OES PTA Meetings | 2025–2026 School Year

Mark your calendars:

• October 22, 2025

• December 17, 2025

• March 12, 2026

• May 20, 2026

Join the OES Otters for a year of connection, collaboration & community!

Meetings will include updates, events, and ways to get involved!

Stay tuned for times and locations.

One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.

Community is important to us. We strive to have the words "goal-oriented", "fun", "inclusive", and "thriving" used to describe our community. We believe that children learn and adults work best in an environment where they feel respected and safe. We are focused on four areas in our development of community: 1) Cultivating respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents, 2) Emphasizing common purposes and ideals, 3) Providing opportunities for service and cooperation, and 4) Providing opportunities for independence and influence.

Email: lpanderson@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org