The Olive Branch 2.27.26

IN THIS BRANCH

Principal Message

iWatches/Wearables

5 Essentials Reminder! - We need 1% more!
Kids Heart Challenge is Here!

STEAM Night Info

STEAM Night Wind Turbine Challenge

Summer U Registration - Coming Soon!

Important Dates

Dear Families,

Over the last several weeks we have noticed an increase in students saying "just joking" when they have said or done something unkind. We have started to have conversations about this at school and encourage families to also discuss this at home.

Why 'Just Joking' Isn’t a Joke

As adults, we often hear children say something hurtful to a friend or sibling, quickly followed by, “Just joking!” While it may seem harmless, this phrase can be confusing and even damaging, especially when it's used to cover up mean or inappropriate comments.

It’s important to talk with our children about the power of words. Saying something unkind and then adding “just joking” doesn’t erase the impact of what was said. It can make others feel embarrassed, hurt, or excluded, and it teaches children to avoid responsibility for their actions.

Here are a few tips for starting this conversation at home:

Explain the difference between a real joke and a hurtful comment. A joke should make people laugh with you—not at someone else.
Ask your child how they would feel if someone said something mean to them and then brushed it off with "just joking."
Encourage empathy and accountability. If they say something hurtful, even unintentionally, teach them to apologize sincerely instead of trying to hide behind humor.

Let’s help our children build kind and respectful relationships by showing them that joking should never come at the expense of someone else’s feelings.

Sincerely,

Erin, Julia, and the OMS Staff

We need your help! We have seen an uptick in students using these devices to communicate with others, including parents, during the school day. Please note that the Parent/Student Handbook (page 39) prohibits using these devices during the school day unless given permission by school personnel.

OMS is a safe environment. It is important that students connect with the staff members with whom they have meaningful relationships to support them if they are feeling sad or having difficulty. Our staff is ready and willing to help students process conflicts or problem-solve any issues. We will also reach out to parents if we feel it is necessary.

Please remind your child to keep their electronic watches in the off position while they are at school. Cell phones should also be off and in their backpacks during the school day. If necessary, staff members will ask students to keep these devices in their backpacks.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

19% of our Parent Community has responded!

🚨NEED 20% Parent Participation by March 13!

We are asking our parents to please participate in the 5Essentials Survey:

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

Thank you for your support of the American Heart Association. We have 89 families signed up and 13 families have completed Finn's Mission. Together we have already raised over $8,000!

Here’s how you can help:

Sign Up Today or download the AHA Schools app.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Share with family and friends through social media, text and/or email so they too can learn the warning signs of stroke and Hands-Only CPR.

Thank you for supporting our school and students in saving lives!

STEAM NIGHT IS COMING - MARCH 12th!

Q: What is STEAM Night?

A: A fun hands-on/interactive night for families to come and explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math impact our everyday lives. Older and younger siblings are welcome, but families must remain together.

Q: When is STEAM Night?

A: Steam night is Thursday, March 12. It starts at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm. The 4th graders will also have two brief concerts in the commons during the evening.

Q: I’d love to attend - do I need to register?

A: No, hope to see you there!

Q: Who will be there?

A: Harper College and many other community businesses and service providers will be at our STEAM night, with over 30 different hands-on stations to visit!

Q: Will I get to see it all?

A: Unlikely. We have designed the evening to be available for EVERYONE to attend; therefore, you will NOT be able to hit every station. And that’s okay, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to flow throughout the space, therefore you won’t have a long wait at any one station. Know that you won’t get to every station, and that’s OKAY!! Please also take a minute to help your children understand there won’t be time to explore all of the stations, and that’s by design. We want to avoid disappointing children at the end of the evening.

Q: Is this a drop off event?

A: No. This event is for FAMILIES to interact together and have fun traveling throughout the school as a group. You are to stay with your child at all times. We want this to be a fun, interactive night for parents and kids!

Q: I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

A: If you have any additional questions, please reach out to swatanuki@sd25.org