The Olive Branch 8.21.26

In this Branch:

Dismissal Update
Reminder about Pets on School Property
Curriculum Night Presentation Times
Sponsor A Book Library Fundraiser
Cell phones/Wearables Reminder
Mr. DeMarco Needs Your Help
Heritage Fest - Volunteers Needed
Lunch Menu
Save the Date

Principal's Message

Dear OMS Families,

We had a FANTASTIC first two days at the nest! It was wonderful to see "Olive" our students' smiling faces back in the building. The OMS Branch is our weekly communication where you will find important information and reminders. Please mark you calendars for our upcoming Curriculum Night on Wednesday, August 26th. More information can be found below.

We hope to see many of you at the Back to School Bash tonight from 5:30 - 7:30 on the OMS playground!

Erin, Nikki, and the OMS Staff

Dismissal Update

The past two days we have noticed the blacktop is very hectic at the end of the day with K1, K2, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders all exiting that side of the building. In order to help create a better flow we are asking for families to stand away from the building and closer to the basketball court area. This will allow our students to safely exit the building. All 2nd-5th grade students will be directed to walk around the green electrical box area while our kindergarteners will stay in the little square area next to the building.

If you pick your 2nd-5th grader up, please create a pick up location where they can walk out to meet you.

Thank you in advance for your continued patience as we kick off the 26-27 school year!

Reminder No Pets on School Property

We absolutely love our four-legged friends and know how much they are a part of our families! 🐾 However, to help keep all of our students, staff, and furry friends safe, pets are not permitted on school property, including during arrival and dismissal. We appreciate your help by leaving your pets at home when visiting OMS or by remaining on the grassy area between the sidewalk and Olive Street.

Sponsor a Book Library Fundraiser

Join the OMS library staff in the Commons on Wednesday, August 26, during Curriculum Night for our "Sponsor a Book" fundraiser! With a $10 donation (cash, check, or Zelle), you can sponsor a new book in your child's name. A personalized bookplate sticker will be placed inside, and your child will be the very first student to check it out! Your support helps us expand our collection with exciting new titles for everyone to enjoy.

No time to shop for a book to sponsor? Pick up a donation form at our table and send it back by Friday, August 28.

A Quick Reminder for Families

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind families of our expectations regarding cell phones and other electronic devices at school, including wearables. These expectations are designed to help students stay focused on learning, minimize distractions, and support a positive school environment.

Middle school students are expected to turn off electronics and store devices in their middle school locker during the school day.
Elementary students are expected to leave electronics in the “off” position and in their backpacks throughout the school day.
A supervising teacher may grant permission for them to be used or if needed during an emergency.
They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules.

The District will provide access to students who do not own a mobile learning device in circumstances when its use is required for instructional purposes during the day. Electronic devices may be used during the school day if:

Use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP, or
Permission is received from the student’s teacher with administrator approval

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students be present, engaged, and ready to learn each day. Please take a moment to review the flyer to the right, along with the full policy in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Mr. DeMarco NEEDS your help!

Dear parents and students, the Art Room needs your help! Bring in a photo of something you created over the summer. Some ideas include:

- A drawing
- A painting
- Something sewn
- A LEGO creation
- Sidewalk chalk art
- Something you cooked or baked
- A poem you wrote
- And more! Be creative!

I’ll hang what you bring in on the bulletin board outside my room! Please make sure your name is on the item so I can add a custom name tag to your displayed work. Only one submission per child please. Submissions are due to Mr. DeMarco by Friday, September 4th, 2026. Thank you for helping me celebrate the creativity of "Olive-us"!

D25 Families: Heritage Fest Is Looking for Booth Hosts

Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Arlington Heights Historical Museum
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights

Heritage Fest is looking for families to host booths celebrating their culture, traditions, and heritage. If your family has participated in a D25 Multicultural Fair, this could be a great opportunity to share your culture with the broader Arlington Heights community.

Sign up to host a booth

Heritage Fest is presented by the Arlington Heights Park District, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Village of Arlington Heights.