September 10, 2012
Dear Oliver Parents and Families,
Welcome back to a new school year. The first week of school went well and I was very proud of all of our students for demonstrating our three school rules. Our community was safe, responsible and respectful and we started the 2012/13 school year. Thank you, families, for all of your help and support in getting the year off to a good start!
A few things for you to be aware of this year:
- Back to School Night(s)– Kindergarten:Thursday, September 20th from 5:30 – 7:00pm
– All School:Thursday, September 27th from 5:30 – 7:00pm
In a change from the past, our Back to School Nights this year have an adult-focus. Please take advantage of the child-care provided that night at school or arrange for child-care at home. Teachers will meet with the parents of their students to let them know how they can best support learning at home and what parents should know about their child’s classroom.
- Oliver Community Day(s)– Last Wednesday of Every Month
On the last Wednesday of every month we will be celebrating our Oliver Community at school. On this day each month we will have an all-school assembly to recognize individual students who have demonstrated the life-skill of the month (for September the life-skill is “Respect”). Parents and families are invited to attend – times will be posted on our school web-site.
Additionally, the last Wednesday of each month will also be when classrooms celebrate all birthdays and events for the month. There will not be individual birthday parties or holiday celebrations in our classrooms this year, instead we will celebrate as a school at the end of each month. The exception to this is Valentine’s Day – each class will have a Valentine’s Day Celebration to honor friendship and cooperation.
- Oliver Elementary School – An Oregon Priority School
You may already have heard about Oliver Elementary School’s designation as an Oregon Priority School. In the past, we have been designated as a school “In Need of Improvement” as identified by the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. In 2012, Oregon applied for (and was granted) a waiver to that legislation resulting in new criteria for evaluating school success. Under these new criteria, which take into account both student achievement and individual student growth over time, Oliver was identified as a Priority School. We will be working this year, with help from the State Department of Education, to evaluate our practices and plan for continuous achievement. In order to make these efforts as successful as possible, we need parent and community help! If you are interested in serving on our school’s Site Council or volunteering in other ways, let us know!
Again, thank you so much for your support in getting our year off to a good start. If you have questions or want to talk, always feel free to call, email or stop in at the office.
Looking forward to a great year!
Ben Egbers
Principal
Oliver Elementary School