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In "Otter" News - Week #39

June 2nd - June 6th

In "Otter" News- Week #39June 2nd - June 6th

Message from the Principal

Dear Otter School Families,


It’s hard to believe we’re entering our last full week of the school year! As the finish line comes into view, we’re looking forward to a joyful week of celebrations, memories, and time spent together in the sunshine.


On Monday, June 2nd, we’ll be hosting our beloved End-of-Year Picnics for PreK through 4th grades. Each grade level will enjoy a designated time to gather outside, share lunch, and soak up some well-deserved fun (see below for times). Families are warmly invited to join the festivities! Remember to pack a lunch for your family and bring a blanket or lawn chairs so you can picnic in comfort alongside your child. As a sweet finale, we will serve Rita’s as a cool treat for everyone, and we’ll take a few moments to recognize students with some end-of-year awards. Student will still be able to get lunch at school during their regularly scheduled lunch times.


Then, on Thursday, June 5th, it’s time to celebrate our amazing 5th graders as they mark the end of their elementary school journey with a special picnic at Dorsey Park. Families are welcome to join for the whole day or simply for the brief recognition ceremony at 1:00 PM. Be sure to check the latest communication from the 5th grade team for all the important details.


We’re so proud of all our students and grateful for the strong partnerships we share with each of you. Let’s make this final full week a memorable one—full of laughter, sunshine, and school spirit!


Important Dates!


Please mark your calendars with these important dates.


5th Grade EOY Dates

  • June 5th - EOY Picnic


PreK - 4th Grade EOY Picnics

  • June 2nd
    • PreK - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
    • K and 1st Grade - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
    • 2nd and 3rd Grade - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    • 4th Grade - 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm


June 10th - Last day for PreK Students

June 11th - Last day for grades K-5 (Two-Hour Early Dismissal)


Otterly Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

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Updates from the Front Office Updates from the Front Office

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

SMCPS and OES Calendar

Please click on the links below to access public calendars.

SMCPS System Calendar
Click the button for quick access to the SMCPS Calendar!
OES School Calendar
Click the button for quick access to the OES School Calendar!

Attendance Matters!

Our school's overall attendance rate, as reported to MSDE, for the school year so far is 93.7% (+0.1%). The goal is 94%.


Here are the weekly attendance rates for the week of May 27th - May 30th.


PreK: 93% (+5%)

Kindergarten: 92% (+5%)

1st Grade: 97% (+4%)

2nd Grade: 98% (+9%)

3rd Grade: 97% (+5%)

4th Grade: 98% (+5%)

5th Grade: 96% (+11%)


I would like to celebrate the number of students attending school regularly has increased over the past three years by 10%! We are not quite back up to pre-pandemic levels, but we are definitely making huge strides in the right direction! Check out the stats!

School Year 2018-2019 - 88.3%

PANDEMIC YEARS

School Year 2021-2022 - 70.8%

School Year 2022-2023 - 76.2%

School Year 2023-2024 - 80.9%

Lunch at the Library

Summer Meals will be provided at the Lexington Park Library. Students up to age 18 may eat for free and the Department of Social Services will cover the cost of the adult meals. June 16th-August 15th, M-F, 12:00-1:00, Closed June 19th and July 4th. More information is forthcoming.

Sun Bucks

SUN Bucks puts groceries on the table when school is out. Eligible children receive $40 in June, July, and August, for a total of $120 per child for the summer.

Summer 2025 Meals

OES is a location for summer meals pick up!

MySchoolBucks

MySchoolBucks

MySchoolBucks

Pay for school meals and fees securely online! With MySchoolBucks, parents can also view cafeteria purchases, access meal balances, register for activities, purchase event tickets, browse school items, and more.

launch myschoolbucks.com

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Counselor's Corner Counselor's Corner

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The Week Ahead The Week Ahead

June 2nd - June 6th

Monday, June 2nd

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

  • PreK EOY Picnics - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
  • K and 1st Grade EOY Picnics - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • 2nd and 3rd Grade EOY Picnics - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • 4th Grade EOY Picnic - 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
  • PTA Meeting (Virtual) @4:00 pm


Tuesday, June 3rd

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

  • School Store open for K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade students during lunch/recess


Wednesday, June 4th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

  • School Store open for 4th and 5th Grade students during lunch/recess


Thursday, June 5th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

  • 5th Grade EOY Picnic at Dorsey Park


Friday, June 6th

9:00 am - 3:45 pm

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Next Level Info - Upcoming Events Next Level Info - Upcoming Events

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Technology

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.


Now is a great time to find your laptop and charger. Please run all of the updates and make sure that it is working order. Chargers are to remain at home.


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.
OES Technology Implementation Plan

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Update from the Nurse Update from the Nurse

Note from the Nurse

Good Morning Otter Families,


I wanted to let you know that I will be retiring at the end of this 24-25 SY. I have really enjoyed being the school nurse for the past 3 years. I have lots of great memories, I have loved greeting all the kids in the morning at the front door, and taking care of the kids and the staff.


Oakville has made me feel at home with family and I will miss everyone. I will not say goodbye, but see you around town.


Thank you for EVERYTHING!!

Nurse Pratz


FAQ:


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

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Update from the PTA Update from the PTA

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

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About Us

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

Laurel Dietz
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