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November Newsletter - Orca Soundings

Posted Date: 10/31/24 (12:46 PM)

ORCA SOUNDINGS

ORCA SOUNDINGS November 2024 | Olympic View Elementary School ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
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ORCA SOUNDINGS

From the Desk of our Principal

Dear Orca Families, 


As we step into November, we have much to reflect on and appreciate. This month, our Character Strong trait is gratitude, defined as “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” It’s a wonderful time to encourage our students to recognize and express gratitude, whether it’s for friends, family, or the simple joys of everyday life.


November also brings us Veterans Day on the 11th, a special opportunity to honor our strong military community. Please take a moment to acknowledge and thank the veterans in your life. Our school community is filled with military connected families and the sacrifices of these individuals should be acknowledged. Our third graders will be performing at their annual Veterans Day performance on November 14 at 6:30pm.


As the temperatures drop, please remember to send your children to school with appropriate clothing for the season. Warm coats, hats, gloves, and appropriate footwear will help ensure that they stay comfortable during outdoor activities and recess. Keeping our students warm allows them to fully enjoy their time outside. Please reach out to the office if you would like help acquiring cool weather clothing for your child. 


As a reminder, Parent Teacher Conferences are on November 7 and 8. Please be sure to get signed up for the opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher. 


Finally, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to work at Olympic View Elementary. Every day, I am thankful for our wonderful students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together, we create a nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth.


Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Wishing you all a joyful and grateful November!


Please reach out if you have any or need support, 


Sara Lucero, Principal


General Office Contact Information

Office contact number: 360-279-5150

Office contact email: oveinfo@ohsd.net


Attendance: 360-279-5159

Attendance email: oveattendance@ohsd.net


Important Upcoming Dates:

  • Daylight Savings| 3 Nov. set clocks back 1 hour
  • Early Release Monday | 4 Nov. @ 2:20 pm
  • PTA Meeting | 4 Nov. @ 5:15 pm Rm C-101
  • Parent Teacher Conferences | 7 & 8 Nov. (No School)
  • Veterans Day | 11 Nov. (No School)
  • Gr. 3 Music Program | 14 Nov. @ 6:30 pm
  • Early Release Monday |18 Nov. @ 2:20 pm
  • Penny Wars Fundraiser | 18 - 22 Nov.
  • Early Release Monday | 25 Nov. @ 2:20 pm
  • Thanksgiving Break | 27 -29 Nov.


A Peak at Third Grade Science

Ms. Byers’ class learned about force and motion today by using a spring scale to see how far their cars would go.






NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

  • We want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of our parking lot policies, specifically regarding the use of handicapped spaces. These designated spots are essential for our families and visitors who have mobility challenges.

    • Only park in handicapped spaces if you have a valid permit displayed in your vehicle. This ensures that those who truly need these spots have access to them.
    • Be mindful of those in need: Parking in these spaces without a permit can create difficulties for families who rely on them for access to our school.
    • Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and accessible environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and support!

  • Tardiness to School: Key Points for Parents and Students

    • Importance of Punctuality: Arriving on time helps students start their day positively and engage fully in lessons.

    • Morning Routines Matter: Establishing a consistent morning routine can reduce stress and improve time management.

    • Set Clocks Ahead: Try setting your clocks a few minutes fast to create a buffer for unexpected delays.

    • Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes, pack bags, and plan breakfast in advance to save time in the morning.

    • Communication is Key: If your child is frequently late, please reach out to teachers or counselors for support.


  • Change to end-of-the-day transportation. Please remember to call the office before 2:45 p.m. if you are changing your student's mode of transportation home. On Monday please call before 1:45 p.m. This ensures that we are able to inform the students and their teachers in a timely manner.

Student's Outerwear:

Winter is coming, make sure that your student is dressed appropriately for the weather. If you need assistance with coats, hats, gloves please let our Office staff know.

The Dean's Den

Understanding Attendance and Truancy Requirements

Dear Olympic View Families,


We hope this message finds you well. At Olympic View Elementary, we prioritize student success and believe that regular attendance is vital for your child's academic growth. To ensure clarity and consistency in our attendance policies, we are sharing some important guidelines regarding excused and unexcused absences, along with the steps we take when attendance issues arise. We ask for your cooperation in understanding these requirements, as your partnership is key to helping your child succeed.


Excused Absences


We understand that there are times when your child may need to miss school for valid reasons, such as illness or family emergencies. If your child reaches 5 excused cumulative absences, we will send a letter home as a reminder of the importance of regular attendance. However, if the number of excused absences increases, the following actions will be taken:


  • 5 excused absences in one month or 10 cumulative excused absences: A conference will be scheduled to discuss attendance and develop a plan to support your child’s regular attendance.

  • Note: If a doctor's note is provided, or an academic plan such as an Absence Contract is established in advance (for example, arranging to complete work while on a family trip), a meeting may not be necessary.


Unexcused Absences


Addressing unexcused absences promptly is critical to avoid further attendance issues. Our policy outlines the following steps:


  • 1 unexcused absence: A letter will be sent home to inform you of the unexcused absence and emphasize the importance of regular attendance. 

  • 3 unexcused absences in a month or 3 cumulative unexcused absences: A meeting will be arranged to discuss the reasons for the absences and explore any support needed, especially if a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) is warranted. 

  • At 6 unexcused absences: An attendance agreement will be established to ensure your child meets the attendance requirements going forward. 

  • 7 unexcused absences: The case will be referred to the Community Engagement Board (CEB), a step taken to provide additional resources and support to improve attendance. 

  • 15 unexcused absences: A petition will be filed with Truancy Court to address ongoing attendance concerns. 


Reporting Absences

Please call the attendance line (360-279-5159) any time your child is absent to notify the school of the reason for the absence. This helps us keep accurate records and ensures we can work together to support your child's academic success.

Your child’s education is our top priority, and we are committed to working with you to overcome any barriers that may impact regular school attendance. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at the school office. Together, we can help ensure that every student at Olympic View Elementary has the opportunity to thrive.


Thank you for your continued support.


Sincerely, 

Michael D Howard 

Dean of Students 

Olympic View Elementary School

Cell phone: 360-969-2652


Gallery Walk in the CKLA Ancient Asia Unit

Mrs. Croucher and Ms. Thacker's 2nd graders participated in a gallery walk featuring images from their upcoming CKLA Ancient Asia Unit. Students shared their thoughts and questions through writing and drawing, collaborating to group pictures by themes, including some they found intriguing yet uncertain.


The activity fostered creativity and dialogue, encouraging students to express themselves freely, knowing perfection wasn't the goal. They look forward to revisiting their contributions to reflect on their learning journey.






NEWS FROM OUR NURSE

Seeing an Increase Nation Wide of "Walking Pneumonia"


Counselor's Corner

We are fortunate to have Ms. Brittney Meier, a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) at Olympic View Elementary. Ms. Meier offers valuable support to students affected by military life, including those with parents or guardians currently deployed. She runs lunchtime groups focused on deployments and friendships, and she also provides one-on-one counseling for students.

This resource, provided by the Department of Defense, is designed specifically to address the unique challenges that military children and families face. To participate in any of her programs, students must have a parent or guardian in the military and a signed consent form.


If you haven’t signed the consent form yet or if you have any questions for Ms. Meier, please reach out to her directly at 360-279-5997.


Stacey Mahoney
School Counselor, OVE


2nd Grade Pumpkins

Mrs. Brodt's class painted pumpkins for fun Friday.






PTA UPDATES

PTA Contact Info

Click to Volunteer

School Yearbook


Olympic View PTA Facebook Page

Please join our Olympic View PTA

For more information please contact them at:

Email: pta4ove@gmail.com

Website: https://pta4ove.givebacks.com/

or use the button below for Facebook



Staff Showcase

We are thrilled to feature the exceptional staff at OVE. Each month, we will showcase a selected group, including their photos and brief bios.

Walter Gruenwald & Caitlin Loeding

Mr. Gruenwald

  • 17 years as our Orca Occupational Therapist
  • Favorite color is clear.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is our mascot.

Ms. Loeding

  • 1st year as an Orca and is our COTA
  • Favorite color is green.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is how kind everyone is.
Janet Sodano, Marisa Croucher, & Bree Higingbotham

Mrs. Sodano

  • 17 years as an Orca, she is a Title 1 Teacher
  • Her favorite color is purple.
  • His favorite thing about OVE is that we are a family and genuinely care about one another.

Mrs. Croucher

  • 10 years as an Orca and is our ELL Teacher.
  • Her favorite color is blue.
  • His favorite thing about OVE is our students.

Mrs. Higingbotham


  • She has been an Orca for 3 years and is a Title 1 Teacher.
  • Her favorite color is green.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is our Team Spirit.
Terri Bates-Jackson, Corrie Wells, & Elizabeth Loftus

Mrs. Jackson

  • She has been an Orca for 2 years and is a Resource Teacher.
  • Her favorite colors are blue & green.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is that showing kids how much they are loved and valued is a priority that is put into action daily so they can grow & learn.

Ms. Wells


  • It is her 2nd year as an Orca.
  • Her favorite color is pink.
  • She loves working at OVE because of the wonderful students and staff that she get to see everyday.

Ms. Loftus


  • She has been an Orca for 15 years and is a Resource Teacher
  • Her favorite colors are grey, black & green
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is the co-workers.

Alisa Wareham, Michelle Vance & Jessica Neal

Mrs. Wareham


  • Has been an Orca for 2 years & is our School Psych
  • She loves all the beautiful colors in a garden
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is the way everyone works together to help the kids and each other.

Mrs. Vance


  • Her 4th year as an Ocra, and our Speech Pathologist
  • Her favorite color is teal.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is the kids.

Ms. Neal



  • This is her 1st year an an Orca and is our Speech Pathologist
  • Her favorite color is blue.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is "the students, of course!"
Stacey Mahoney, Brittney Meier

Ms. Mahoney


  • Has been an Orca for 2 years and is our Counselor
  • Her favorite color is green.
  • Her favorite thing is about OVE is the students and staff make OVE an awesome place to be.

Ms. Meier


  • Has been an Orca for 2 years and is our Military Counselor
  • Her favorite color is forest green.
  • Her favorite thing about OVE is the high morale, she loves it.
Michael Howard

Mr. Howard


  • He has been an Orca or 5 years and is our Dean of Students
  • His favorite color is black.
  • His favorite things about OVE is the students, staff, and parents.


Free Meals for 2024 - 25 School Year

November Menu


Please fill out Free & Reduced Lunch Form (click here)


About Olympic View Elementary
Our office hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Please feel free to contact us for any questions or information that you might need.

Email: oveinfo@ohsd.net
Website: www.ohsd.net/oves
Location: 380 Northeast Regatta Drive, Oak Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: 360.279.5150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olympicviewelementaryschool


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