The Howler: April 17, 2026

Hello OQS Families! Happy April Break! The kids have been working so hard in recent weeks to do their part to continue improving our school. I have continued my visits to the grades / grade clusters to talk about kindness, gratitude, patience, and other ways we can all contribute to creating the best version of OQS. I was really impressed with the 1st graders this week who were incredibly patient hosts for a fun discussion about OQS that then drifted into a lengthy and hilarious Q & A about wild animals. Never do know what you’re going to get when visiting those primary gardes…call on a raised hand in those classrooms at your own risk!! The middle primaries are also working super hard on being kind and have shown excellent patience in the classroom during lessons. Ms. Fisk’s 2nd graders were incredibly proud to teach me all about syllables and a clever trick to count them. The upper primaries have been doing some serious science work and assorted writing projects that are very impressive to watch. Many students are excited to share their work when I go into the room. The upper primaries also let me join in a game of World Cup at recess earlier in the week. All grades are also working on doing a better job of cleaning up after lunch and taking pride in the cafeteria. Hoping to take this increased pride in our building to the outdoors in the coming weeks to do a little greening up / tidying up around the building. Great way to spend an hour on a sunny day! All in all the students are very busy making themselves and their learning community better and their efforts and accomplishments are much appreciated! Very proud of the Wolves for their hard work and appreciative of the staff for supporting them and guiding them toward these goals. It feels like everyone has earned a week off! Please enjoy the time away and be ready for the final academic push when we all return to school on April 27th. Stay safe and have fun.

Jeff Moreno

Acting Principal

HELP CELEBRATE OUR TEACHERS & STAFF!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4–8! This year’s theme is “Teachers Are Like Good Books… They Change You Forever.” Each day will be represented by a different book as we celebrate our amazing staff.

Thank you to our community for helping make this week possible, and a special thank you to The Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock for their generous support.

Families can help by signing up to donate items or volunteer HERE, and by visiting our Appreciation Station outside school on 5/4 and 5/5 during drop-off and pick-up to leave a note of appreciation. Notes may also be sent in from home—your words mean so much!

CONSIDER JOINING THE BOARD OR A COMMITTEE NEXT YEAR:

The Ottauquechee School PTO is still seeking a Secretary for next year, as well as volunteers for our event committees, including Winterfest, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Fundraising. These are great ways to get involved, support our school, and help bring our community events to life.

If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, please email us at OQSPTO@gmail.com and join us at our next meeting on May 6 from 6:00–7:00 PM in the school library to learn more!