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“SEPTEMBER NEWS”

Sept. 5th-School Opens Grades 1 thru 5 Sept. 5th-6th-Conferences for Kindergarten Sept. 6th-7th-Conferences for half day Prek Sept. 7th, 8th & 11th-Staggered entrances for Kindergarten Sept. 8th, 11th & 12th-Staggered entrance for half day prekindergarten Sept. 11th-Back to School Night-6 pm Sept. 12th-First day for Kindergarten students Sept. 13th-First day for half day Prekindergarten Sept. 20th-Omega Man 9:45 am-Pre K-2 2:45 pm-Pre K, 3-5 Sept. 22nd-School Picture Day Sept. 22nd-PTA General Meeting & Ice Cream Social-6:30 pm Sept. 28th-WATCH DOGS Pizza Night-6:00 pm

Page 1-2-Principal’s Message and Calendar Page -3-5-School News Page 6-School Counseling Page 7-School Calendar Page 8-9-Parent Connect Page 10-11-Health Room News Page 12-13-Parent Link Page 14-Every Student Flyer

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@OdentonESAACPS

ODENTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ms. Tracey Ahern, Principal Mr. Pete Thompson, Assistant Principal

410-222-6514 410-222-6516 (fax)

The Anne Arundel County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability sexual orientation or familial

status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs .V-Soft by Raptor Ware-Thank you for your continued support in providing a safe environment for

our students and utilizing the V-Soft system at Odenton. Every visitor must have a tag. Please remember you must check in the office upon entering and checking out in the

main office before leaving. Odenton Elementary School is equipped with a video camera system. It covers selected interior and exterior public portions of the building and

grounds. It is NOT monitored constantly, but it is monitored during emergency situations. During certain events, when the safety or security of students may be in question,

authorized personnel from local, state, or federal police or fire emergency units may be given access to view images projected on the camera system. If you have any

questions about the system, you should call the Supervisor of School Security at 410-222-5083.

Welcome back OES! We have had an amazing start to the school year. The new

wing is open and looks beautiful! I can’t believe that finished everything in one

year. Enrollment has already hit 500 students! In the first weeks of school, we

have been busy establishing classroom communities, setting routines and high

expectations, and getting down to the business of learning. Classroom meetings

start each day to set a positive tone for the learning environment. We are

focused on creating a POSITIVE learning environment for each and every person

that walks into our school.

We are excited to see everyone on Monday, September 11th at 6PM for our Back

to School Night. This is the time parents will have the opportunity to learn about

classroom rules, routines and expectations.

Our School Improvement Plan is focused on four major ACTION STEPS this year

and each month we will explain how the ACTION STEP is meant to improve

student performance with the goal of students meeting or exceeding grade level

standards. (See following page) The ACTION STEPS focus on the same skills as

last year, with a focus on the next steps. In the October Newsletter, we will

focus our discussion on the Reading action step.

We will continue to teach students about the importance of developing a “Growth

Mindset” and understanding that learning is a process of practice, mistakes, and

progress. What is a Growth Mindset? Check out this link to learn more

https://www.mindsetkit.org/growth-mindset-parents

We want to thank the West County Library for hosting OES for the 5th

consecutive summer and support our Summer Reading Nights. For six weeks, we

enjoyed books read by our wonderful teachers. Each week student’s received a

brand new book thanks to our Scholastic Book Fairs. We will be celebrating

students who completed the summer reading challenge on Friday, September 22nd.

Make sure students return their reading logs.

If you are wondering why you have not heard anything about Boosterthon yet –

don’t worry! We just had to bump it until November due to the later start of

school. We are excited for the Castle Quest theme and will focus on the following

character traits: FOCUS, SELF-AWARENESS, RESPECT, TRUSTWORTHINESS,

CREATIVITY, and being a LIFE-LEARNER. Boosterthon is two amazing weeks

that ends with a Fun Run. Each year we have raised an incredible amount of

money to support OES and PTA initiatives. Keep your eyes out for more

information as the time dates get closer.

We are looking forward to a WONDERFUL school year! Ms. Ahern

ACTION STEP

READING

ACTION STEP

MATH

ACTION STEP

WRITING

ACTION STEP

PBIS/SCHOOL LEARNING

COMMUNITY Build teacher

capacity to plan

differentiated

guided reading

instruction

through:

Formative

assessment based

on CCSS based

leveled questions

•Data driven

student

conferences

based on miscue

analysis and

student

observation

Build teacher

capacity to:

•Engage students

in productive

struggle through

the use of

rigorous problems

and tasks (pose a

problem,

conceptual task,

TASK TYPE

and/or authentic

activities within

each lesson)

•Communicate

Mathematical

ideas by

promoting

constructive

discourse through

the use of: 1.

Talk moves , 2.

The 5 Practices,

3. Mathematical

journal writes 2-

3 times a week

(to include Task

Type questions)

•Embed the SMPs

(Standards of

Mathematical Practices)

within math

lessons through

explicit

instruction /

discussion

Refine writing

instruction (K-5)

to increase

students’ mastery

and application of

the writing

process through:

Opportunities

to write to

source across

all content

areas.

Increase student understanding

and coping skills regarding

bullying, relational aggression,

emotional regulation and

harassment through consistent

and systematic use of:

•Morning Meetings- to include

explicit Lessons on emotional

regulation, empathy, self-

control, diversity and grit.

•Class Dojo

•School Wide Assemblies

•Implement school wide cool

down corners in the classroom

and Zen Den for emotional

recovery.

OES 2017-2018 School Improvement Plan

Interpreter Help Students of Spanish speaking parents can

receive help from our Bilingual Outreach

Facilitator, Ingrid Munoz. She can be

reached at 410-440-2538.

School Lunch Prices 2017-2018 Breakfast (Full price, all schools) $1.50

Breakfast (reduced price, all schools) Free

Adult Breakfast $1.90

Lunch (Full price, all schools) $2.75

Lunch (reduced price, all schools $0.40

Adult Lunch $3.65

Milk (1/2 pint) $0.55

To sign up for Free and Reduced Lunch Program:

Link is http://aacpsschools.org/nutrition/apply-

for-free-or-reduced-price-meals/. Applications

must be submitted every year. Last year’s status

will expire on October 13th. For questions, please

call Food and Nutrition Services at (410)-222-

5900. New Staff Members

Gretchen Compere-Third Grade

Rebecca Ritenour-Band Teacher

Kimberly McCollum-Strings Teacher

Andrew Posner-Part Time Music Teacher

Brittany Aley-Part Time P.E. Teacher

Kathryn Hipp-Part Time Art Teacher

Jody Junior-K/1 Grades Regional Teacher

Marley Llinas-5th Grade Regional Teacher

Kristin Miller-2nd/3rd Grade Regional

Nancy Jones-Part Time Speech Teacher

Alexandra Benedict-Part Time Media Assistant

Staff Members Who Changed Positions

Eleanor Lehman-Special Education Teacher

Esther Haynes-2nd Grade Teacher

Elaine Sylvester-5th Grade Teacher

We encourage parents to celebrate their child’s birthday

during the school year. Treats must be store bought and are

usually distributed during your child’s lunch time. Please

contact the classroom teacher to let them know if you are

sending in a birthday treat. If you have any questions, call

410-222-5800 to learn of AACPS food policies.

Meal Pay Plus Plan **Parents: please be aware that the

MealPayPlus plan for student lunch accounts

has changed to mypaymentsplus.com- this is a

wonderful program that keeps you updated on

your student’s lunch account and even notifies

you when it is time to add more funds! Link to

sign up for free/reduced meals is

On Friday, September 29, 2017, your child will bring home a Federal Impact Aid Survey Form. Please assist us by filling out

the information requested on the form and return to your child’s teacher.

The U.S. Department of Education has now requested a separate survey form for each child, the complete address of the

Parent/Guardian’s employer if they work on Federal Property, the complete address of the Federal Property on which they work

and each survey form must be signed and dated by the Parent/Guardian. If needed, additional forms may be obtained from the

school or from the AACPS website. The Federal Impact Aid Survey form for 2017-2018 will be available to download on

September 29, 2017. We will also be using our Connect-Ed automated telephone notification system to remind everyone about

the significance of completing and returning the survey. The school system receives approximately $2 million in funding from

the Federal Government in support of our children after the forms are processed.

Thank you in advance for your support and assistance. Should you have any questions regarding this information,

please contact Donna Barker at 410-222-5200.

SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

OPEN DOOR Open Door before and after school

program provides students with

breakfast before school, after

school snack and choices of

activities. Hours are 7am till 6pm.

Please call 410-825-6300 for more

information.

VOLUNTEERS Ever considered volunteering at Odenton? Do you have time during the day? Well if you answered yes to any of these 2 questions, OES appreciates our parents, grandparents, etc. to help. Some are reading to classrooms, working in the Media Center and copying for our teachers just to name a few things. Email Mrs. Trammell, Counselor at htrammell@aacps.org. if you are interested.

2017-2018 School Year

President-Gina Curry

Ariana Ascherl - Vice President

Amy Adkins - Secretary

Melissa Griner - Treasurer Parents are welcome to look at our

PTA

Page, www.odentonpta.org, join our

Facebook page,

http://facebook.com/odentonpta and

Twitter page,

Twitter:odentonESAACPS.

Information will also be sent home if

any parents are interested in joining

our PTA.

Looking forward to a great year at

Odenton!

During each school year, various drills are conducted at every school to ensure that staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency. These drills include monthly fire/evacuation drills. In additional 5 drills with scenarios developed by the school System’s Office of School Security and based upon various possible emergency scenarios are done each year. These include, but not limited to: evacuation for natural gas, shelter for tornado and earthquake, shelter for outside hazardous materials release, lockout for danger outside the school building, reverse evacuation back into the school for students and staff outside and lockdown for a person with a weapon inside of the school. These drills are discussed with staff prior to the drill, evaluated once the drill is complete. In some cases, the drills may be discussed with students before they take place.

PICTURE DAY IS COMING

Friday, September 22nd.

Flyers will be coming out as it

gets closer to the date!

SCHOOL NEWS

OFFICE REMINDERS

1. For the safety of all students, all visitors are required to bring a driver’s license and check

into the office when picking up your student or volunteering.

2. Emergency cards will be coming home, please make sure to look over all information

and make changes such as new phone numbers, new address or any other changes

before sending back to the school so that our system can be updated. Students who

are being picked up by another person for early dismissal, must have a written

note or phone call to the office. This is for the safety of the student.

Emergency contacts that are listed on the emergency cards are for if your child is

being picked up in the health room.

3. Custody Issues-Parents who have court awarded custody of their child must give the office a

copy to be filed in their student folder. Otherwise, if a parent is listed on the birth

certificate, by law we can let them go home with them. A phone call will also be made.

4. Dress Code-Students are not permitted wear flip flops to school for safety purposes.

Inappropriate language or images on shirts, hats, short shorts and spaghetti strap shirts are

examples of dress code violations. Parents will be notified to bring the appropriate clothing or

shoes.

5. Cell Phones-Used for emergencies only. Students may not have them with them during the

school day. They must be stored in the students’ back pack. If any student is seen using

his/her phone during the day, they will be asked to give to an adult and will be returned to

them at the end of the day. Second offence, a phone call to parent to pick up will occur.

6. Toys- Toys should not be at school. The only exception is during indoor recess. Please contact

your classroom teacher if you have questions about expectations. Fidget spinners be allowed.

If a student needs a “fidget” we are happy to find an appropriate one for use in the

classroom.

7. Dismissal Plans – Please contact the office by 3:30 if there will be a change in dismissal

procedures.

It’s amazing, we already have five positive referrals! Charlie Curtis, Kaia Zuber,

Noel Williams, Richie Vickers and Byron Johnson-Green!

Wednesday September 20th is Superhero Day! We have OmegaMan, our very

own superhero coming to visit our school! He will spread his message of H.E.R.O.-

Helping Everyone Respect Others!

Thanks to Faith United Methodist Church for providing babysitting for parents who

attended the General PTA and Volunteer Orientation.

Morning Meetings are happening in each classroom this year. Morning meetings support our

effort to make every student feel included, safe and welcome in their learning environment.

Classes have all been invited to tour the Zen Den and see the new space where they can practice

and develop their own mindfulness techniques. This month we are talking about What Is A

School Counselor, Bucket Fillers and Positive Referrals when I visit the classrooms.

Now is a perfect time to start new routines and habits with your students. Set up a homework

station in a quiet place in your home with supplies and encourage independently working there

at the same time each day to set the new habit.

Habits take approximately 6 weeks to create!

HEALTH ROOM NEWS

Jennifer Fernandez, School Nurse

Reshawnda Russell, Health Assistant

410-674-5863 When do I Keep my child home from School?

Temperature of 100F or higher (fever free for 24 hours before returning to school )

Vomiting, diarrhea Severe pain

Shortness of breath, wheezing Undiagnosed rash

Abdominal pain Productive cough and fever

Red, draining eyes Suspected communicable disease

Chest pain Head injury

Earache Adverse medication effect

Ringworm, scabies and head lice Fractures

1. Please be sure to inform you school nurse about your child’s health conditions or other special

health needs in order to plan for safe management at school. Chronic health conditions include

asthma, seizures, diabetes or life threatening allergies.

2. Remember to provide your school nurse with current emergency contact information.

3. Tell your school nurse if your child’s health condition interferes with school attendance.

4. Make sure to tell your school nurse about medications and medical treatments your child

requires during the school day.

5. Tell your school nurse about any changes in your child’s health or mobility status or about any

infectious disease.

6. Speak to the school nurse if you need to obtain information about health insurance for your

child.

Any questions or health related concerns, please contact our school nurse, Jennifer

Fernandez, BSN, RN at 410-674-5863.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR!

Anne Arundel County Department of Health School Health Services

The Department of Health offers all school

required vaccinations, by appointment only, for

children up to age 18, who are uninsured,

underinsured or who have medical assistance.

Please call to make an appointment at one of the

following locations:

Glen Burnie Health Center

416 A Street SW

Glen Burnie, MD 21061

410-222-6633

Parole Health Center

1950 Drew Street

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-222-7247