News Details

Dear OHS Families,

We have come to an exciting moment as we start the new school year together this week.  This year has been like no other. Our teachers and staff have been working diligently to prepare and be ready for the start of the year. I am endlessly proud of their effort and focus, especially during these unusual times.

I have a few things to share with you as we move into the start of the year.

Instruction

As you know, the first week of school is typically all about building a connection between the students and the teacher.  This year, more than ever, this focus is important and I have encouraged our teachers to use the first days to build strong relationships with their cohorts of students.

I am also encouraging teachers to make as much use of the in-school portion of the day for instruction.  The follow-up at home will focus on opportunities for students to practice what they are learning in school.  The shortened schedule limits the amount of independent work time that can happen in school.  For example, in a third grade class, if the teacher’s teaching point has to do with making predictions in a story, in school the teacher might present the topic, practice it with the students, and review the task for their independent work.  They also might begin the independent work in school.  At home, that afternoon for the AM cohort or the following morning for the PM cohort, students would spend some of their at-home time continuing the independent work reading and jotting predictions on sticky notes.  At the students’ next in-school session, students will discuss the predictions as a whole class, small group, or individually with the teacher. 

Using this as a model for as much of the learning as possible will take advantage of our hybrid model and the daily in-person time.  It will also hopefully alleviate some of the stress at home.

To start the year, the at-home work may look like independent reading, math practice or applications, and other activities that will be easily accessible to students.  The expectations for at-home time will increase as students become more comfortable with the new structure.

Morning Announcements

For those of you here with us last year, you know we made our morning announcements as videos and posted them to our OHS Whole School Announcements Classroom in Google Classroom.  As a way to bridge our Remote Learners with our Hybrid Learners, we are going to continue posting our video morning announcements to this Classroom. To join this Classroom, use the Class Code lqbynxk.  Anmarie Galgano and I will be the primary announcers, though I am sure we will have special guests throughout the year!

Ordering Bagged Lunch

See 9/14/2020 Principal Message for updated Lunch information.

Adjustments to Arrival/Dismissal

Wednesday and Thursday’s Run-Through Visits were a great way for us to test our arrival and dismissal logistics.  We learned from feedback from families and staff and have made some adjustments. 

Our kindergarten AM cohort will notice a change to arrival. For all students in kindergarten, we have line up points in front of the school for each class and staff members will take them to the appropriate classroom.  This will help ensure an easier transition into school until our youngest students become more comfortable.  We will also have KM and 1W enter through the kindergarten common doors in front of the Lower Grade Car Loop. They will exit through these common doors for dismissal as well. This will cut-back on the need to walk around the back of the school for our youngest students. 

For dismissal, please note if you are attempting to use the Upper Grade Car Loop and it appears backed up, feel free to pick up from the Lower Grade Car Loop. When we put the number into the system, the student will know to go to whichever loop you are in.

We will keep learning and adjusting and greatly appreciate your patience as we go.

Mask Wearing on School Grounds

Please note, if you are on school grounds, it is imperative that adults wear face masks too.  This is especially important during arrival and dismissal when many people are moving about the grounds.  Please maintain social distance as much as possible.  Thank you for following these important guidelines as we work to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Thank you, PTA!

Over the last week, our PTA has found some creative and generous ways to support our staff during the opening. 

On Tuesday, the staff was treated to some delicious bag lunches and a variety of treats, organized by Lisa Nishiyama.  It was a delicious treat and creatively handled to meet this year’s safety parameters. Thank you to Lisa and everyone who helped serve!

On Friday, we received a special delivery of classroom signs, beautifully made by Emily Lusk and Rachel Parrish, with inspiration from Ashley McGuire.  The signs will be on either the inside of the exterior door or in the window so at arrival, students will recognize their rooms more easily.  Thanks also to Mrs. Galgano, who helped hang all the signs on Friday.

Our co-presidents, Jennifer Kelley and Catherine Yarmosh, have been supportive and caring this summer, reaching out many times to offer help and counsel.  I appreciate all they are doing for our community.

I hope your child(ren) have a wonderful return to school this week. I look forward to seeing them and you in the coming days.

David

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