Kramer Elementary

We hope everyone had a wonderful week! As we head into our 1st weekend of November, we are reminded how much we have to be thankful for in our Kramer community. Our students and staff continue to make each week special through learning, laughter, and kindness. Thank you for being such an important part of our school family! We hope you have a relaxing weekend, and we look forward to another great week at Kramer!

Have a wonderful weekend, Kramer Families!

Our Lost & Found is overflowing with treasures waiting to find their way home! Please take a moment to check for any missing jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunchboxes, and other belongings.

Don't let your lost treasures become someone else's!

Any items not claimed by Friday, November 20th will be donated.

Let's find those missing items before they find a new home!

Dear Kramer Elementary Families,

We are excited to announce that our entire school is partnering this year to implement a powerful, evidence-based strategy called the PAX Good Behavior Game (PAX GBG).

What is the PAX Game?

The PAX Game is not a separate curriculum or a set of strict rules. Instead, it is a set of strategies used by all teachers and staff throughout the school day to help students build self-regulation, focus, and teamwork.

"PAX" is a Latin word meaning peace, productivity, health, and happiness. By using PAX school-wide, we create a unified, positive environment in our hallways, cafeteria, playground, and classrooms.

Key Terms Your Child Will Use

• PAX Behaviors: The positive actions, cooperation, and focus we want to see more of at Kramer Elementary.

• SPLEEMS: Minor disruptions, distractions, or behaviors that get in the way of learning and harmony. We work together to notice and reduce these.

• PAX Quiet: A quick, gentle signal (using a harmonica and a hand signal) used by staff to gather students' attention instantly and calmly.

• Tootles: The opposite of "tattling." Students write these small notes to recognize and appreciate kind or helpful acts by their peers.

• PAX Prizes: Fun, 30-second activity breaks (like "Granny's Wacky Prizes") that classrooms earn for working together to keep SPLEEMS low.

Bringing PAX Home

Because PAX is a school-wide effort, you can easily use these same concepts at home! You can support your student by asking them:

• "What did PAX look like in the cafeteria or on the playground today?"

• "Did anyone write a Tootle for you, or did you write one for a classmate?"

• "What kind of PAX choices can we make while we get ready for bed tonight?"

Thank you for partnering with us to make Kramer Elementary School a peaceful, productive, and joyful place for every student to learn and grow.

Warmly,

Mrs. Ashley Tebbe, Principal

Kramer Elementary School

Come meet with the Superintendent at the Administrative Offices at 131 W. Chestnut Street Oxford, OH 45056:

November 2, 2026 at 4 PM to share informational items on the new Attendance Law, 40 by 2040 federal funding, and Talawanda financials

November 13, 2026 at 7:30 or 8 AM to share information regarding property taxes, school funding, and Talawanda financials

Bring your coffee and we can share information.

• This event is proudly coordinated by TOPS, Oxford Kiwanis, and Kramer K-Kids, with all donations going directly to the Talawanda Oxford Food Pantry.
• Our goal this year is to break the record of 576 boxes of cereal.
  We need your help to do it!
• Donation Dates: October 26- November 9
• What to Bring: Boxes of cereal (any brand or type!) Ask your family, friends, and neighbors to join in! They can drop off cereal at Kramer, or you can bring donations with you to school.
• Let's work together to help our community and make this our biggest cereal drive yet!
• The class that brings in the most boxes gets to pie a Kramer staff member in the face!

2026 Class @ the Court

Greater Oxford Educational Collaborative

Miami University Athletics & Talawanda Elementary Schools

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026 our students once again have the fantastic opportunity to attend the Miami University Women’s basketball game “Class at the Court” at Millett Hall during the school day. Thanks to the generous support of Miami University and our educational partnership our students will attend the game free of charge.

We will leave school shortly after we take attendance, heading to Millett Hall at 9:30AM, and will return to school after the game. Any student that has NOT arrived at school on 11/11/26 before 9:30AM, will not be able to participate in this activity. Please make note of this.

We will contact the parent of any student that experiences illness or behavior issues and the parent will need to pick their student up at Millett Hall.

Permission slips have been sent home today. Please fill out and return to school.

Wear Your Miami Gear!

Let’s fill the court with RED & WHITE and cheer on our RedHawks!

Dear Fourth Grade Families,

We are working hard in music class to prepare for our upcoming fourth-grade concert, and I am excited for the students to share all of their hard work with you! Our concert is next Wednesday, November 11, at 7p.m in the Kramer Cafeteria. Students should look nice, but be comfortable as we are going to square dance. Students will line up with their class by the music room ramp at 6:50.

A concert is a team effort, and every student plays an important part in making it successful. I have been very proud of the students who come to class ready to participate, follow directions, show respect, and give their best effort. Their positive attitudes and hard work are making a difference!

As we continue preparing, I want to remind everyone of my expectations. All students are expected to participate, follow directions, stay on task, and demonstrate respectful behavior during music rehearsals. This includes singing, playing instruments, learning movements, and working cooperatively with classmates.

Unfortunately, participation and behavior have been concerns for some students during our rehearsals. We need everyone on board in order to put together the best concert possible. Choosing not to participate, distracting others, or not following directions takes away from the learning experience for the entire class.

Please take a few minutes to talk with your child about the importance of being a responsible member of the group. I want every student to feel successful, confident, and proud of what they contribute to our concert.

Thank you for your support and for helping us make this a positive experience for everyone!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kelly

The Oxford Lions Club Sight Saving Committee is collecting used eyeglasses (including sunglasses), as well as glasses cases! These glasses and cases are donated all over the world to children who are in need. The lenses and frames from the donated glasses are modified to meet individual children's eye needs. Every year, Oxford Lions Club collects and sends 900-plus pairs of glasses to children in need!

Please send any glasses donations to Betsy Beaton (Marshall Elementary School) or Shaunna Tafelski (Board Office) by mid-December. We are happy to swing by and pick up glasses donations or they can be dropped off at Marshall or the Board Office. Thank you for supporting the Oxford Lions Club!

Meet the Instruments of the orchestra and hear exciting live music. Friday November 20, 2026 @7:30 Hall Auditorium, Miami University. Free admission. Approximately 1 hour with no intermission. Hear violins, flutes, trumpets, drums, and more. Learn how an orchestra works as a team. Miami student-athletes help introduce the instruments. Come enjoy a fun evening of music, learning, and teamwork!

Please make sure all dismissal changes are communicated to the office before 3:15 PM.

Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and running smoothly!

Monday- B

Tuesday-C

Wednesday- N/A

Thursday- D

Friday- A

Kramer Elementary is implementing a NO TOY POLICY.

Students should leave toys and other non-school-related items at home. This will help us keep our classrooms focused, safe, and free from distractions.

We appreciate your help in reminding your child to leave toys and personal items at home each day.

Exceptions: Exceptions will be made for medical needs that are supported by a note from a medical provider.

Thank you for helping us create a safe and focused learning environment for everyone!

As we continue with our volunteer policy this year, please remember that any adult volunteer who wishes to enter the school building must have a volunteer application on file with the office every school year. After a parent’s second visit to the building, or if they plan to chaperone, assist with a field trip, they are required to complete fingerprinting and a background check through the Central Registration Office. Please plan to complete this process at least 3 weeks prior to the event. This allows adequate time for the background check to be completed and for the appropriate information to be provided to the school administrator for planning purposes. Once completed, your background check is valid for 5 years.

Central Registration Office:
Ruth Michael
📞 513-273-3101

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our students, staff, and school community safe. Public schools have implemented these regulations to comply with state and federal safety requirements regarding volunteers and visitors in schools.

Thank you for helping us make safety a priority at Kramer Elementary!

Student Fees:

Fees have been loaded to Payschools Central If you wish to pay online. You can also pay in the office with cash or check.

Lunch Accounts:

As a reminder, you are able to add funds to your student's lunch account through the Payschools Central system. If your student's account reaches -$50 it will be rolled into your school fees. Please be mindful and keep your student's account current. You can use Talawanda EZ Pay, send a check or cash to the school office to take care of your student's balance.

Free and Reduced:

If you would like to apply for free or reduced lunches, please reach out to the Kramer office or Kramer social worker, Chelsea Pike. We can help walk you through the online application or help you fill out a paper form in the office. If you qualify for FREE lunch, your fees will also be waived. If you qualify for REDUCED, fees will be reduced by 85% and meals will be FREE.

Final Forms:

Remember, if you have any changes to your information (phone number, address, who can pick up your student, etc) throughout the school year, change it in Final Forms! The office is notified of these changes and will update our information. IF you have an address change, you must submit new proof of residency to the office before we will update your address.

Building Strong Foundations for Reading

Phonological and phonemic awareness are important early literacy skills that help children develop the foundation they need to become successful readers and writers.

What is phonological awareness?

Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and work with the sounds in spoken language. Children develop this skill by recognizing rhyming words, clapping out syllables, identifying words that begin or end with the same sound, and playing with sounds in words.

What is phonemic awareness?

Phonemic awareness is a specific part of phonological awareness. It focuses on identifying, hearing, and manipulating individual sounds, called phonemes, in spoken words. For example, children may identify the first sound in the word sun, blend the sounds /c/ /a/ /t/ to say cat, or change a sound to make a new word. These skills help children connect spoken sounds to letters and build the skills needed for reading and spelling.

What is Phonics?

Phonics is the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent. Children learn to connect written letters and letter combinations with sounds to help them read and spell words.

For example, children learn that the letter B represents the /b/ sound, as in ball, and that the letters sh represent the /sh/ sound, as in ship.

Fun Phonemic Awareness Activities to Try at Home

• Rhyming Time: Say a word, such as cat, and ask your child to think of words that rhyme with it, such as hat, bat, or mat.

• Clap the Syllables: Clap the parts of family members’ names or everyday words. For example, ap-ple has two syllables, while ba-na-na has three.

• Sound Detectives: Choose a letter sound and ask your child to find objects around the house that begin with that sound.

• Beginning Sound Game: Ask your child what sound they hear at the beginning of words such as moon, dog, or fish.

• Blend the Sounds: Say individual sounds slowly, such as /m/ /a/ /p/, and encourage your child to put them together to say map.

• Change a Sound: Ask your child to change the first sound in cat from /c/ to /b/. What new word did they make? (Bat!)

Fun Phonics Activities

• Letter of the Day: Choose a letter and practice its sound. Find objects around the house that begin with that sound.

• Sound It Out: Help your child say each sound in a simple word, such as /c/ /a/ /t/, and blend the sounds together to read cat.

• Letter Match: Match uppercase and lowercase letters and practice saying their sounds.

• Build a Word: Use magnetic letters or letter cards to build simple words like sun, dog, and map.

• Read Together: While reading a book, point out familiar letters and words. Encourage your child to identify letters and connect them to their sounds.

Remember: Learning should be fun! Just a few minutes of playful sound activities daily will help children strengthen their early literacy skills and build confidence as they begin their reading journey.

You are welcome to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress in Reading Corner. geshanc@talawanda.org, kobermanc@talawanda.org or waltersh@talawanda.org

For important updates check join our PTG Facebook page

Attention Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade families: Please return your RAH sheet every week by Wednesday!

Kramer RAH (Reading At Home) is a voluntary program from K-2nd graders that builds a home-school connection by rewarding students for reading at home. Each week students record the books they've read and turn-in record sheets for rewards. Rewards alternate between a student selected book and a small prize.

Family support and involvement are important! Here’s how it works:

Read a book, color a book. Books can be read to, by, or with your child. Books can be read multiple times and you can color a book for each time a book is read. Ten pages of a chapter book counts as one book. Fill the page with 20 books read.

Send the completed sheet to school with your child on WEDNESDAYS. The first sheet is on the back of this flyer, but any paper with your child’s name and teacher’s name is fine; just draw a star (or other symbol/shape) to represent each book read.

Your child will receive a prize for each sheet with 20 books completed!

Students will only receive 1 prize a week. However, you may send in up to 2 completed sheets if your child reads beyond 20 books in a week. We will hold on to the extra sheet, using it if your child has missed a Wednesday or forgotten their sheet. Any remaining extra sheets will be tallied at the end of the year.

Classrooms that read 1,000 books every 6 weeks will receive a class reward!

Grades 3-5 - Moving to a Traditional Letter Grading System (A-F)

We are excited to shift our grades 3–5 to a traditional letter grade system (A-F) to provide a more detailed look at your child's overall performance and academic habits. This change aligns our 3rd-5th graders with the expectations they will meet in middle and high school, fostering greater accountability and preparing them for future success.

For families, this transition offers a familiar and intuitive way to track progress. While the numerical scale focused on specific milestones, letter grades allow for a wider range of feedback to distinguish between meeting basic requirements and consistently exceeding them. This system ensures a clearer dialogue between teachers and parents, highlighting exactly where a student excels or may need extra support.

Here is the breakdown of the traditional letter grading system:

A - 90-100%

B - 80-89%

C - 70-79%

D - 60-69%

F - 0-59%

Grades K-2 - Remaining with the Numerical Grading System (1-4)

Grades K–2 will continue using the numerical (1–4) grading system to best support our youngest learners. At this foundational level, education is focused on the progressive development of core skills and meeting specific developmental milestones rather than a cumulative letter grade. The 1–4 scale provides a precise way for teachers to communicate exactly where a student is in their learning journey—from beginning to explore a concept to achieving mastery—ensuring that families have a clear understanding of their child's growth in these critical early years.

As a reminder, here is a breakdown of the numerical scores:

4 - Consistently/Independently Meeting the Standard

3 - Meeting the Standard

2 - Approaching the Standard

1- Not Yet Meeting the Standard

We are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at improving how we share information with you. Talawanda School District is launching Peachjar this 2026-2027 school year! Peachjar is an innovative digital flyer management system. It transitions our schools from paper handouts to electronic flyer delivery, and assists with ADA compliance to meet the new Ohio law mandates in this area.

Why Are We Making the Switch?

• Eco-Friendly: Saves thousands of sheets of paper annually.

• Highly Convenient: Delivers school and community resources straight to your inbox.

• Accessible: View important updates anytime on your phone or computer.

• Saves Time: Frees up valuable administrative and classroom instruction time.

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What to Expect as a Parent/Community Member:

You do not need to take any action to register. If your email address is on file with the district, Peachjar will automatically create an account for you.

• You will receive a weekly digest email containing school-approved flyers.

• You can view flyers by clicking the Peachjar button on our school website.

• Your email address is kept entirely confidential and is never shared.

• You can opt out or adjust your email frequency at any time.

November

9- Big Brother Big Sister After School

11- Class at the Court & 4th Grade Concert 7pm

12- Big Brother Big Sister After School

13- End of 1st Trimester

16- Big Brother Big Sister After School

19- Big Brother Big Sister After School & Title Night @ Library

23-27- Thanksgiving Break

30- Big Brother Big Sister After School

December

3-Big Brother Big Sister After School

7- Big Brother Big Sister After School

10-Big Brother Big Sister After School & 5th Grade Concert 7pm

14- Big Brother Big Sister After School

17- Big Brother Big Sister After School

21- January 5- Winter Break

January

6- First Day Back

18- No School (MLK Jr. Day)

February

10- 2nd Grade Concert 7pm

15- No School (President's Day)

24- 3rd Grade Concert 7pm

26- End of Second Trimester

March

9- Conferences 4:00-7:30

10- 4th& 5th Grade Author Visit

11- Conferences 4:00-7:30

22-26 Spring Break

29- No School

April

May

3- No School (Data Day)

4- No School (Professional Development Day)

27- Last Day of School for Students