March 7, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

Parking:

Please refrain from parking in the handicap spots in front of the school unless you have a permit. We want to ensure that handicap spots are available for those who need them.

Otter Olympics:

Parents thank you so much for all your contributions and support in our Otter Olympics. As of March 7, we have raised over $14,000 towards our $35,000 goal! We truly could not do this without your support. As a reminder, Quarter 3 ends on March 10! We are so proud of our Otter’s and all their hard work.

Parents:

Please take a moment to check if your child has an overdue book.  Notices were sent home last week if your child was missing a book.

Upcoming Events

March 7

Our 2nd and 3rd grade Performance, Singing Around the World, is on March 7th.  2nd grade Otters will perform at 6:30 pm, and 3rd grade Otters will perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance.  Please have your child wear their nicest outfit for this very special performance on the Oakstead stage!

 

March 8

Otter Olympic Team Spirit Day: Students should wear their grade level team color:
Pre-K/Kindergarten/5th grade Wear Blue
1st/2nd grade Wear White
3rd/4th grade Wear Red

 

March 9

Otter Olympic Event.  No Lunch Visitors this day.  Densday Wheel Spinning will be on Thursday, March 9th.  Students will wear their den color on this day. We will have events throughout the day in which students can earn points for their den. Students will run the Otter Olympic Course during their specials times. We will only be able to host volunteers for this event. Please follow the PTA Facebook for pictures capture throughout the day.

 

 

March 13-20

Spring Break is the week of March 13 to 20th.  We look forward to our students’ return on Tuesday, March 212st!

 

 

March 22

Otter Olympics Closing Ceremony: 3:00 PM.  Students should wear their grade level team color.

March 23

Dairy Queen Night is on Thursday, March 23rd from 5 to 7 pm.

Other News

Grain and Berry:

Parents if you get a chance, Grain and Berry is a sponsor for our Otter Olympics. They are opening a new location this week and you are invited to this event on Thursday and Friday to the soft opening at the Bexley Hub. The grand opening is March 11th.

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers Needed on Thursday, March 9th for Otter Olympics: Only volunteers can attend this event!

Otter Olympics is successful because of our amazing volunteers- please make sure you have filled and have been APPROVED by the Pasco County School Board.  

We’re using SignUp.com to organize our event

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aca72ea5fc1-otter#/

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is in March.  Date to be announced.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is April 18 at 7 pm.  Due to scheduling conflicts, there will not be a March meeting.

February 28, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

Otter Olympics:

We are excited to have our 5th annual Otter Olympic fundraiser hosted by PTA. On Friday March 3rd, we will kick off Otter Olympics with our opening ceremonies including the running of the torch and class flags.  On Thursday March 9th is the Otter Olympic event, students will participate in an obstacle course with many of our sponsors during their specials. Closing ceremonies will be on Wednesday, March 22nd, team, class, and student winners will be announced. This annual fundraiser provides funds for the school to assist with continuous improvements to the Otter Pad and new umbrella system, campus enhancements, staff appreciation, school wide programs, and student incentives. Our goal this year is $35,000.

Students will register on the Get Movin Fund Hub site on Friday, March 3rd. This site is where students can collect donations. Donations will continue to be collected until Tuesday, March 21st. More information will be sent home on Friday, March 3rd.  

Parents:

Please take a moment to check if your child has an overdue book.  Notices were sent home last week if your child was missing a book.

Upcoming Events

March 3

Opening Ceremonies at 10:15 AM.  Students should wear their grade level team color.
Pre-K/Kindergarten/5th grade Wear Blue
1st/2nd grade Wear White
3rd/4th grade Wear Red

 

 

March 7

Our 2nd and 3rd grade Performance, Singing Around the World, is on March 7th.  2nd grade Otters will perform at 6:30 pm, and 3rd grade Otters will perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance.  Please have your child wear their nicest outfit for this very special performance on the Oakstead stage!

 

March 8

Otter Olympic Team Spirit Day: Students should wear their grade level team color:
Pre-K/Kindergarten/5th grade Wear Blue
1st/2nd grade Wear White
3rd/4th grade Wear Red

 

March 9

Otter Olympic Event.  No Lunch Visitors this day.  Densday Wheel Spinning will be on Thursday, March 9th.  Students will wear their den color on this day. We will have events throughout the day in which students can earn points for their den. Students will run the Otter Olympic Course during their specials times. We will only be able to host volunteers for this event. Please follow the PTA Facebook for pictures capture throughout the day.

 

 

March 22

Otter Olympics Closing Ceremony: 3:00 PM.  Students should wear their grade level team color.

Other News

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers Needed on Thursday, March 9th for Otter Olympics: Only volunteers can attend this event!

Otter Olympics is successful because of our amazing volunteers- please make sure you have filled and have been APPROVED by the Pasco County School Board.  

We’re using SignUp.com to organize our event

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aca72ea5fc1-otter#/

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is in March.  Date to be announced.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is April 18 at 7 pm.  Due to scheduling conflicts, there will not be a March meeting.

February 21, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

Otter Olympics:

Opening Ceremony is Thursday, March 9th. There will be more information to come! 

Volunteers and sign-up times: 

10:00-10:30 PTA board and 3 PK parents 

10:30-11:55 1st/2nd  

11:50-1:15 4/5 

2:00-3:30 K/3 

Parents:

Please take a moment to check if your child has an overdue book.  Notices were sent home last week if your child was missing a book.

Upcoming Events

February 28-

Spring Picture Day is Tuesday, February 28th!  Order your pictures at giganteproductions.com Oakstead Picture Day February 28th by Gigante Productions

 

 

March 7

Our 2nd and 3rd grade Performance, Singing Around the World, is on March 7th.  2nd grade Otters will perform at 6:30 pm, and 3rd grade Otters will perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance.  Please have your child wear their nicest outfit for this very special performance on the Oakstead stage!

 

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is in March.  Date to be announced.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is April 18 at 7 pm.  Due to scheduling conflicts, there will not be a March meeting.

School Lunch Menu Change:

There will be a school lunch change on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your flexibility.

Wednesday:

Chicken Cobb Salad

Macaroni & Cheese

Breadstick, Garlic

Melon, Cantaloupe, Chunks

Pear, Diced Cup

Caesar Side Salad

Cauliflower, Roasted Garlic

Sandwich, Alternate Allergen

Juice, Fruit Blend

Sandwich, PBJ

Thursday:

Yogurt Dipper Box

Fish Nuggets

Crackers, Goldfish, Cheddar

Apples, Slices

Dried Cranberries

Garden Side Salad

Sweet Potato Savory Fry

Sandwich, Alternate Allergen

Juice, Fruit Blend

Sandwich, PBJ

February 14, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

Car Loop:

Please remain off your cell phone wile you are in the car line, this will ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.  Please make sure you have your car tags with you when you pick your child up in the car line.

Den Shirt Order Form

We are reopening our Den Shirt ordering and there is no wait time because we have them in stock! Thank you all for supporting our OES Den System! 

Upcoming Events

February 16

Our next Dairy Queen Night is Thursday February 16 from 5 to 7 pm.  Location is the Ballantrae Dairy Queen.  We hope to see you there!

 

March 7

Our 2nd and 3rd grade Performance, Singing Around the World, is on March 7th.  2nd grade Otters will perform at 6:30 pm, and 3rd grade Otters will perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 15 minutes prior to their scheduled performance.  Please have your child wear their nicest outfit for this very special performance on the Oakstead stage!

 

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is in March.  Date to be announced.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is February 14th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center.

School Lunch Menu Change:

There will be a school lunch change on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your flexibility.

Wednesday:

Chicken Cobb Salad

Macaroni & Cheese

Breadstick, Garlic

Melon, Cantaloupe, Chunks

Pear, Diced Cup

Caesar Side Salad

Cauliflower, Roasted Garlic

Sandwich, Alternate Allergen

Juice, Fruit Blend

Sandwich, PBJ

Thursday:

Yogurt Dipper Box

Fish Nuggets

Crackers, Goldfish, Cheddar

Apples, Slices

Dried Cranberries

Garden Side Salad

Sweet Potato Savory Fry

Sandwich, Alternate Allergen

Juice, Fruit Blend

Sandwich, PBJ

February 7, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

STEM Showcase:

The District STEM Showcase was amazing, and our students represented OES with excellence! Below you will find the names of our District Showcase winners. Please celebrate these students; being a District STEM Showcase Winner is a huge accomplishment!

  • Aria Bagdanov Martinez
  • Benjamin Bergeron
  • Rylan Bramlett
  • Kenzi Bryan
  • Sophie Cuviello
  • Olivia Hambleton
  • Jimena Perez
  • Dominic Rodriguez

Den Shirt Order Form

We are reopening our Den Shirt ordering and there is no wait time because we have them in stock! Thank you all for supporting our OES Den System! 

Upcoming Events

February 7

Kindergarten and 1st grade will perform tonight in the cafeteria, we can’t wait to see all their hard work! Kindergarten Otters perform at 6:30 pm and 1st Grade Otters perform at 7:30 pm.  

 

February 16

Our next Dairy Queen Night is Thursday February 16 from 5 to 7 pm.  Location is the Ballantrae Dairy Queen.  We hope to see you there!

 

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is February 13th at 8:40 AM in the Media Center.  It is a General Membership meeting.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is February 14th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center.

Lunch Time:

We have our new umbrellas set up on the Otter Pad to provide additional shade.  We want to thank our PTA for all their hard work in making this happen!  Parents, please make sure you supervise your children while you are having lunch with them.

January 24, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

FAST Parent Night

We will hold two Parent Informational sessions for each grade on January 26, at 6 pm and at 6:30 pm. Information in each session is specific to those grade levels.

The Kindergarten through 2nd grades sessions will be held in Oakstead’s Cafeteria.

Grades 3 through 5 will be held in Oakstead’s Media Center. 

Please make sure to return the form that went home with your child on Tuesday, so we can have your child’s Individual Data Reports for you.

 

Den Shirt Order Form

We are reopening our Den Shirt ordering and there is no wait time because we have them in stock! Thank you all for supporting our OES Den System! 

Upcoming Events

January 26

We will hold two FAST parent informational sessions on January 26.  Your child’s teacher has sent home information about this.

January 28

Our Intermediate Social will be held this Friday, we look forward to this fun event!

February 7

Kindergarten and 1st grade will have a performance of The Bremen Town Musicians on February 7. Kindergarten Otters perform at 6:30 pm and 1st Grade Otters perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 30 minutes prior to their scheduled performance and please have your child wear their nicest outfit to perform on stage.  *Please note the School Safety Guard will not be on campus for this event*

 

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is February 13th at 8:40 AM in the Media Center.  It is a General Membership meeting.

January 17, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

FAST Parent Night

We will hold two Parent Informational sessions for each grade on January 26, at 6 pm and at 6:30 pm. Information in each session is specific to those grade levels.

The Kindergarten through 2nd grades sessions will be held in Oakstead’s Cafeteria.

Grades 3 through 5 will be held in Oakstead’s Media Center. 

Please make sure to return the form that went home with your child on Tuesday, so we can have your child’s Individual Data Reports for you.

 

School Lunch

Make sure your student’s lunch status is current.  If you have paid, reduced or free lunch status, it is the same for breakfast.  Breakfast is no longer free for everyone.

Den Shirt Order Form

We are reopening our Den Shirt ordering and there is no wait time because we have them in stock! Thank you all for supporting our OES Den System! 

Upcoming Events

January 19 and 20

Field Day for K through 2nd grade is Thursday, January 19th.

Field Day for Grades 3 through 5 is Friday, January 20th.

January 26

We will hold two FAST parent informational sessions on January 26.  Your child’s teacher has sent home information about this.

February 7

Kindergarten and 1st grade will have a performance of The Bremen Town Musicians on February 7. Kindergarten Otters perform at 6:30 pm and 1st Grade Otters perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 30 minutes prior to their scheduled performance and please have your child wear their nicest outfit to perform on stage.  *Please note the School Safety Guard will not be on campus for this event*

 

Other News

Cell Phones

Please remember that cell phone usage during school zone is prohibited. Please be aware that we have a lot of movement during arrival and dismissal and it is imperative to have your undivided attention. Cell phone use continues to be an issue in the car line. On October 1, 2019 Florida Statute 316.301 went into effect. The statute restricted ALL wireless devices, including cellular phones, to handsfree operation only while operating a vehicle in a school zone.

What does this mean for OES car line users?

*Car line drivers are not authorized hold the phone up to their ear, type anything on their screen or keyboard, or hold the phone in their hand to read the GPS

       *Please cease all hands-on cell phone use prior to entering the school zone.*

We appreciate your support as we try to make arrival and dismissal safe for everyone.

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: We want to thank our PTA for organizing the Dinosaur Exhibit. Our otters loved the opportunity to learn about fossils and dinosaurs!! Our next PTA meeting is February 13th at 8:40 AM in the Media Center.  It is a General Membership meeting.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center.

Kindness Campaign

Our upcoming Kindness Campaign begins Wednesday, February 1st and continues through February 28th.  Our Theme is KINDNESS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

Students will be challenged to complete Random Acts of Kindness and classes can win prizes! Our staff is participating in Wellness Challenges also. You and your child can also participate by dressing for any of the Theme Days.

Our Theme Days are:

  • Wednesday, February 1st- Peace, Love and Kindness.  Wear a peace sign or tie dye shirt
  • Friday, February 10th- Team up for Kindness! Wear a favorite team jersey/shirt
  • Tuesday, February 14th- Kindness Makes the World Go Round; Spread the Love! Wear Valentine’s Day themed colors/attire
  • Thursday, February 23rd- Be a RAINBOW in Someone Else’s Cloud! Staff and Students wear their Grade Level Color
    • PreK/K- wear Red
    •  1st grade- wear Orange
    • 2nd grade- wear Yellow
    • 3rd grade- wear Green
    • 4th grade- wear Blue
    • 5th grade- wear Purple
  • Monday, February 27th- Change the World with Kindness! Dress as a superhero or someone in real life who has changed the world.

Thank you for your support of this year’s campaign! We couldn’t do it without you all!

Katie, Madison, Maryvic & OES PTA

January 10, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

FAST Parent Night

We will hold two Parent Informational sessions for each grade on January 26, at 6 pm and at 6:30 pm. Information in each session is specific to those grade levels.

The Kindergarten through 2nd grades sessions will be held in Oakstead’s Cafeteria.

Grades 3 through 5 will be held in Oakstead’s Media Center. 

Please make sure to return the form that went home with your child on Tuesday, so we can have your child’s Individual Data Reports for you.

 

Hockey Sticks from the Tampa Bay Lightning

Students who ride home by Car/Walker/Biker/PLACE will receive their hockey sticks on 1/10.  If your child rides the bus, we will send home their hockey stick in February.

Den Shirt Order Form

We are reopening our Den Shirt ordering and there is no wait time because we have them in stock! Thank you all for supporting our OES Den System! 

Upcoming Events

January 12 and 13

Our PTA has sponsored a Traveling Museum to come and visit Oakstead on January 12 and 13!  Students will enjoy a Dinosaur Presentation where they will get to inspect real Dinosaur relics in front of a 10 foot tall volcano!  

Table Stations Include:

  • Rocks and Fossils
  • Insects and Plant Life
  • Life Cycles and A Fossil Rub
  • Ocean Life

January 12-

Dairy Queen night from 5 to 7 pm at Ballantrae Dairy Queen.  A percentage of the proceeds from takeout and dine-in sales during this time will be donated to Oakstead.  Drive-thru orders do not count.  See you there!

January 19 and 20

Field Day for K through 2nd grade is Thursday, January 19th.

Field Day for Grades 3 through 5 is Friday, January 20th.

February 7

Kindergarten and 1st grade will have a performance of The Bremen Town Musicians on February 7. Kindergarten Otters perform at 6:30 pm and 1st Grade Otters perform at 7:30 pm.  Please drop your child off at the music room 30 minutes prior to their scheduled performance and please have your child wear their nicest outfit to perform on stage.  *Please note the School Safety Guard will not be on campus for this event*

 

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is February 13th at 8:40 AM in the Media Center.  It is a General Membership meeting.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center.

January 3, 2023

Grade-Specific Information

2023 Bell Schedule Change

Oakstead’s Bell schedule has been changed to 9:26 AM for the Arrival bell and 9:36 AM for the Tardy bell. Please note that morning bus schedules may have changed as well.  We also have school on a previously non-school day, February 20th.  These changes were made District-wide due to the time of for hurricane situations this school year.  Call our office if you have any questions.

Star Lab

Our Star Lab will be set up in the Media Center Wednesday through Friday this week.  Grades 2 through 5 will have the opportunity to view the stars and night sky through this interactive lab.

Dens Information

Our Otter Pond Principle for January is UNITY.  We are relaunching our Den System for the second half of the 2022-2023 school year. Please see the attached letter with information on how we will be using the Den system at Oakstead!

Den Parent Information

Upcoming Events

January 12 and 13

Our PTA has sponsored a Traveling Museum to come and visit Oakstead on January 12 and 13!  Students will enjoy a Dinosaur Presentation where they will get to inspect real Dinosaur relics in front of a 10 foot tall volcano!  

Table Stations Include:

  • Rocks and Fossils
  • Insects and Plant Life
  • Life Cycles and A Fossil Rub
  • Ocean Life

January 12-

Dairy Queen night from 5 to 7 pm at Ballantrae Dairy Queen.  A percentage of the proceeds from takeout and dine-in sales during this time will be donated to Oakstead.  Drive-thru orders do not count.  See you there!

January 19 and 20

Field Day for K through 2nd grade is Thursday, January 19th.

Field Day for Grades 3 through 5 is Friday, January 20th.

Other News

PLACE Parking

PLACE parents, please refrain from parking in the bus loop. It is unsafe to load and unload in the bus area from 8:00-4:30. You need to park in the main parking lot when sending children to PLACE. We appreciate your understanding; this will ensure the safety of our students!  

Car Loop Extension:

The much-anticipated car loop extension project is starting this month! Gilbane Building Company has been onsite since December 19th, and they plan to complete the new loop and associated work in the beginning of February. The work includes a new loop, (25) new parking spaces and new 6’ permanent fencing and gates. The contractor will be taking advantage of weekends, and student breaks/holidays to complete the work as quickly as possible. The work zone will be accessed from Joy Drive, to alleviate any additional congestion on Lake Patience.

Car Loop Link

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is January 9th at 8:40 AM in the Media Center.

SAC meeting: Our next SAC meeting is January 17th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center.

December 13, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Lost and Found:

Our Lost and Found is now located in the Cafeteria. Please have your child look to see if they are missing anything. We will be donating all items that are not picked up during Winter Break.

Field Day Shirts

Field Day shirts are now on sale through January 6th on Rycor.

Upcoming Events

December 13-

Chorus Concert is Tuesday December 13th at 7:00 pm

December 16-

The end of Quarter 2 is Friday, December 16.

Other News

Car Loop Extension:

More information to come on this project, which will help our carline families and the surrounding community.

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is on December 13 at 8:45 am.

December 7, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

F.A.S.T. Testing Window

Students will begin testing on November 28. Testing continues through December 16.  Click here for more information about F.A.S.T. testing. https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/arm/page/fast-testing

December Calendar

Upcoming Events

11-30 to 12-9

The Holiday Shop will open 11/30 to 12/9. The Wonderland Gift Shoppes will provide an opportunity for the students to shop for their family. Gift prices start at less than $1, with 70% of gifts priced under $6, and all gifts are under $20. An envelope was sent home with your child with information. Visit Winter Wonderland Gift Card Option to see how family and friends can sponsor your child from afar without sending in cash. Note: It could take up to 24 hours for gift card funds to become available. They also accept cash or check.

December 7-

Our last Early Release Day of the school year is Wednesday, December 7th.  Dismissal starts at 1:50.

December 13-

Chorus Concert is Tuesday December 13th at 7:00

December 16-

The end of Quarter 2 is Friday, December 16.

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our next PTA meeting is on December 13 at 8:45 am.

Toy and PJ Drive

Our National Elementary Honors Society students are doing a school wide Toy and Pajama drive for kids in our community. Please feel free to bring in Toys and PJs that are new.

Field Day Shirts

Field Day shirts are now on sale through January 6th on Rycor.

November 29, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

F.A.S.T. Testing Window

Students will begin testing on November 28. Testing continues through December 16.  Click here for more information about F.A.S.T. testing. https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/arm/page/fast-testing

December Calendar

Upcoming Events

11-30 to 12-9

The Holiday Shop will open 11/30 to 12/9. The Wonderland Gift Shoppes will provide an opportunity for the students to shop for their family. Gift prices start at less than $1, with 70% of gifts priced under $6, and all gifts are under $20. An envelope was sent home with your child with information. Visit Winter Wonderland Gift Card Option to see how family and friends can sponsor your child from afar without sending in cash. Note: It could take up to 24 hours for gift card funds to become available. They also accept cash or check.

December 1-

We are excited about our Winter Fest on Thursday Dec. 1st at 6:00 – 8:30. The evening will include many fun activities, food, and shopping. Our OES Chorus will be performing at 6:30 on the covered court for a holiday sing along. Activities, games, and bounce houses will be throughout the courtyard for students to enjoy. The $10 band will allow the students to participate at the booths throughout the evening. You may prepurchase the $10 band on Rycor in the parent portal. Food trucks will be available: Pizza Creator, Tacos & More, Kelley’s Hotdogs, Thirsty Lemonade, and IceDreammm. In the cafeteria there will be many vendors for you to shop for the holidays including Maria’s Farmhouse Boutique, Aromatherapy Bracelets, 5 Flags Apparel, Sugar Vibe, Branch and Vine Farm, Holistic Facialist, Cathy’s Chapstick’s, Alex’s Soap & Suds, Interiors by Cassandra, Hello Love Bug, Thirty-One Bags, Norwex and DoTerra, Chiropractor Dr. Patel, Tampa Homemade, Chateau Macaron, Face painting with Joy, Make Ur Creations, Peace + Plants Hippie Bakery, Rayda & Company, and KK Creations. Hope to see you there!!!

Wristbands are $10 on Rycor: https://www.studentquickpay.com/pasco/

December 7-

Our last Early Release Day of the school year is Wednesday, December 7th.  Dismissal starts at 1:50.

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Our PTA will have a booth set up at the Winter Festival. Please stop by for information about how you can be part of this great organization.

Great American Teach-in: Thank you to our participants who made this day amazing. Our otters loved the opportunity to learn about all the different jobs.

Toy and PJ Drive

Our National Elementary Honors Society students are doing a school wide Toy and Pajama drive for kids in our community. Please feel free to bring in Toys and PJs that are new.

November 15, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

F.A.S.T. Testing Window

Students will begin testing on November 28. Testing continues through December 16.  Click here for more information about F.A.S.T. testing. https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/arm/page/fast-testing

Square 1 Art Fundraiser

The Square 1 Art fundraiser information was sent home. We wanted to share the link in case you still would like to purchase keepsakes and gifts featuring your child’s art.

Simply search for your child’s art using Art Search https://shop.square1art.com/Shop/artwork/Search,  and enter state, school name, and your student’s name. Your student’s art and code will appear, and you may order!  Order by: 11/17/2022

You can also upload additional art if you like, using Art UploadIf you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online https://www.square1art.com/contact/.

Thank you for supporting our school!

Ms. Grob and Mrs. Cuedek

Square 1 Art fundraiser coordinator

square1art.com/shop

Upcoming Events

November 16-

Great American Teach In Event!

11-30 to 12-9

The Holiday Shop will open from November 30 – December 9. This program will provide an opportunity for the students to shop for their family.  More information to come home soon.

December 1-

Oakstead’s Winter Fest will be held on Thursday December 1st from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.  There will be tons of Winter Activities to enjoy!  Meet Santa Otter Style, Winter Putt Putt, Bounce Houses, Dance Party, Glow Fun, Hot Cocoa Stand, Food Trucks, Community Vendors, and More!  Wristbands are $10 on Rycor: https://www.studentquickpay.com/pasco/

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is December 12th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

SAC meeting:  Tuesday, November 15th at 7:00 P.M. in the Media Center.  There is no December SAC meeting.

Thanksgiving Break

We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving Break is November 21- November 25. We will welcome back students on November 28.

 

November 9, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Read-A-Thon: 11/1-11/9

This Wednesday is the last day to support our school Read-A-Thon. We appreciate your support; we have raised over $16,000 so far. We have 2 more days to reach our goal of $20,000! Here’s how to register for the Read-A-Thon!  School Identifier is: 5db6eef79c8a4

Upcoming Events

November 9-

Picture Retakes Day

November 11-

Veterans Day and Progress Reports Released 

November 16-

Great American Teach In Event!

November 17-

Square One Art Orders due

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA meeting: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is November 14th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

SAC meeting:  Tuesday, November 15th at 7:00 P.M. in the Media Center

November 1, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Great American Teach-in: November 16th:

We would like to invite you to join us for our annual Great American Teach-In to share your career with the students at Oakstead Elementary School. This is always a fun-filled day that exposes our students to many new experiences and stresses the importance of your education, training, and how it has helped you to achieve your goals. Each presentation should be at least 20 minutes long but no more than 30 minutes. The first presentations will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the last will end at 2:45 P.M. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Zahrobsky at szahrobs@pasco.k12.fl.us     Great American Teach In.docx 

Read-A-Thon: 11/1-11/9

We are excited to announce our Fall Fundraiser. Our first ever Read-A-Thon will be a fun-filled event that will encourage students love for reading. This event will help to raise funds for staff appreciation, campus enhancements, classroom needs, student incentives, and school-wide events.  Here’s how to register for the Read-A-Thon!  School Identifier is: 5db6eef79c8a4

Upcoming Events

November 2 and November 8-

Health screenings will begin on November 2nd and November 8th for K, 1, and 3rd grade students. If you have not completed the Parent Bill of Rights Consent section on the Parent Portal, please do so.

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is November 14th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

Lunch with Children:  Visitors must have an ID present and Raptor into our system. Students must be released with their teacher and prepared to walk with the class after lunch.  Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child, weather permitting. Due to our enrollment growth and safety commitment for all students, we limit our lunchtime visits to outdoor seating only. To ensure the safety and supervision of all children, parents may only have lunch with their children. No other children will be removed from the cafeteria. We ask that you limit your visits to once or twice a month. Lunchtime is one of the few times of the day where children can socialize with their classmates. Some students might choose to bring in a snack that can be consumed quickly due to an earlier or later lunchtime (i.e., granola bar). 

October 24, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Great American Teach-in: November 16th:

We would like to invite you to join us for our annual Great American Teach-In to share your career with the students at Oakstead Elementary School. This is always a fun-filled day that exposes our students to many new experiences and stresses the importance of your education, training, and how it has helped you to achieve your goals. Each presentation should be at least 20 minutes long but no more than 30 minutes. The first presentations will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the last will end at 2:45 P.M. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Zahrobsky at szahrobs@pasco.k12.fl.us

Read-A-Thon: 11/1-11/9

We are excited to announce our Fall Fundraiser. Our first ever Read-A-Thon will be a fun-filled event that will encourage students love for reading. This event will help to raise funds for staff appreciation, campus enhancements, classroom needs, student incentives, and school-wide events.  Registration will be on next week’s parent communication!

Upcoming Events

October 28-

Walk to School Event: Our PE Department will be hosting our annual Walk to School event on Friday, October 28th.  If you plan to participate, please meet the PE coaches at the Oakstead clubhouse at 9am. On Friday, October 28th, the students, and staff will enjoy a musical assembly from the Sunlake High School band members, who will share their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

October 31st:

Our 2022 Book Character Parade is Monday October 31st at 10:00 am. Students may come dressed in their book character costumes with their book if they’d like to participate in the character parade at school.  Costumes MUST be school-appropriate and not scary, no weapons or props and no inflatable costumes. Parents are welcome to watch from the parent viewing area in the front of the school.  Please do not cross onto or through the parade route. The Parking is very limited at Oakstead, please consider walking or carpooling on Parade day.

Following the Book Character Parade, we will have Family Literacy Day. After the parade parents may come on campus until 11:00 to read with their child/children in the courtyard. Please use the link below to indicate if you are going to participate in Family Literacy Day. If multiple parents are participating, please complete the form for each person. Volunteer Mach Form: https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=33193

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Other News

Health Screenings:

Health screenings will begin on November 2nd and November 8th for K, 1, and 3rd grade students. If you have not completed the Parent Bill of Rights Consent section on the Parent Portal, please do so.

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is November 14th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

Lunch with Children:  We will open our campus during Quarter 2 for families to have lunch with their children. Visitors must have an ID present and Raptor into our system. Students must be released with their teacher and prepared to walk with the class after lunch.

Family Literacy Day: On Monday, October 31st, we will have Family Literacy Day following the book character parade. After the parade parents may come on campus until 11:00 to read with their child/children in the courtyard. Please use the link below to indicate if you are going to participate in Family Literacy Day. If multiple parents are participating, please complete the form for each person.
Volunteer Mach Form: https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=33193

October 17, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Grades 3-5 Science Week:

STEM Showcase Launch Week is here!  Students in grades 3-5 will take time each day during the week of October 18th to learn about the world of Space Exploration, Engineering, and Coding and discover the innovative work of scientists who are changing the world!

They will conduct classroom investigations and think about ways they use science to solve problems. Friday, October 21st is My Science Superhero Day. We encourage all students to dress like a scientist. Be creative and let’s celebrate science!

All Grades: Book Fair:

Book Fair is taking place Wednesday, October 12th – Friday, October 21st, and we are looking for volunteers to help!!  Thank you for your time and support and making this a successful event for our Otters!!! Please click on the link if you are interested!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aca72ea5fc1-fall

All Grades: Parent Teacher Conference Nights:

Several teachers are participating in Parent teacher conferences. Teachers should have reached out to families to schedule a conference for the nights of 10/18 or 10/20. If they did not reach out to you and you would like to meet with them, please contact your child’s teacher.

Upcoming Events

Red Ribbon Week:

October 24th begins Oakstead’s celebration of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign focused on drug abuse prevention and healthy choices. Through fun activities and creative approaches, we strive to promote positive choices and a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for supporting Red Ribbon Week from home by encouraging participation and discussing these events with your child!

October 28-

Walk to School Event: Our PE Department will be hosting our annual Walk to School event on Friday, October 28th.  If you plan to participate, please meet the PE coaches at the Oakstead clubhouse at 9am. On Friday, October 28th, the students, and staff will enjoy a musical assembly from the Sunlake High School band members, who will share their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

October 31st:

Our 2022 Book Character Parade is Monday October 31st at 10:00 am. Students may come dressed in their book character costumes with their book if they’d like to participate in the character parade at school.  Costumes MUST be school-appropriate and not scary, no weapons or props and no inflatable costumes. Parents are welcome to watch from the parent viewing area in the front of the school.  Please do not cross onto or through the parade route. The Parking is very limited at Oakstead, please consider walking or carpooling on Parade day.

Following the Book Character Parade, we will have Family Literacy Day. After the parade parents may come on campus until 11:00 to read with their child/children in the courtyard. Please use the link below to indicate if you are going to participate in Family Literacy Day. If multiple parents are participating, please complete the form for each person. Volunteer Mach Form: https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=33193

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

SAC: Our next SAC Meeting is 10/18 at 7 P.M in the WOW Room.

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is November 14th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

Lunch with Children:  We will open our campus during Quarter 2 for families to have lunch with their children. Visitors must have an ID present and Raptor into our system. Students must be released with their teacher and prepared to walk with the class after lunch.

Family Literacy Day: On Monday, October 31st, we will have Family Literacy Day following the book character parade. After the parade parents may come on campus until 11:00 to read with their child/children in the courtyard. Please use the link below to indicate if you are going to participate in Family Literacy Day. If multiple parents are participating, please complete the form for each person.
Volunteer Mach Form: https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=33193

October 11, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Book Fair:

Book Fair is taking place Wednesday, October 12th – Friday, October 21st, and we are looking for volunteers to help!!  Thank you for your time and support and making this a successful event for our Otters!!! Please click on the link if you are interested!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aca72ea5fc1-fall

Family Literacy Day:

On Monday, October 31st, we will have Family Literacy Day following the book character parade. After the parade, parents may come on campus until 11:00 to read with their child/children in the courtyard.  Please use the link below to indicate if you are going to participate in Family Literacy Day. If multiple parents are participating, please complete the form for each person.  https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=33193 

Parent Teacher Conference Nights:

Several teachers are participating in Parent teacher conferences. Teachers should have reached out to families to schedule a conference for the nights of 10/18 or 10/20. If they did not reach out to you and you would like to meet with them, please contact your child’s teacher.

Red Ribbon Week:

October 24th begins Oakstead’s celebration of Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign focused on drug abuse prevention and healthy choices. Through fun activities and creative approaches, we strive to promote positive choices and a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for supporting Red Ribbon Week from home by encouraging participation and discussing these events with your child!

Upcoming Events

October 13-

Our Next Dairy Queen Night is Thursday, October 13th from 5-7 P.M. A proceed of all sales will go to Oakstead.

October 17-

Teacher Planning Day on Monday, October 17- No School

October 28-

Walk to School Event: Our PE Department will be hosting our annual Walk to School event on Friday, October 28th.  If you plan to participate, please meet the PE coaches at the Oakstead clubhouse at 9am. On Friday, October 28th, the students, and staff will enjoy a musical assembly from the Sunlake High School band members, who will share their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

SAC: Our next SAC Meeting is 10/18 at 7 P.M in the WOW Room.

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is November 14th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. The PTA membership is only $8 per person or $15 for two family members.

Lunch with Children:  We will open our campus during Quarter 2 for families to have lunch with their children. Visitors must have an ID present and raptor into our system. Students must be released with their teacher and prepared to walk with the class after lunch.

Hurricane Information:

After consulting with the state, we have now confirmed that we will have to make up some of the lost student instructional time we experienced due to Hurricane Ian. To preserve both the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, the District intends to make up the needed instructional time during Semester 2, so there are no changes to our calendar in Semester 1. The make-up time will occur as follows:

          January 3, a Tuesday, will now be a regular school day for students and staff. January 3 is currently on the calendar as a teacher planning day and a non-student day. Instead, both teachers and students will return for the Second Semester on January 3 as a regular school day. After consulting with the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) regarding the impact of this change on the second quarter planning day for teachers, it was agreed that teachers would be permitted to complete their normal planning day activities at a time and manner of their choosing provided final second quarter and first semester grades are submitted on or before Friday, January 6, 2023. Providing this flexibility negates the need for teachers to return a day early from Winter Break, on Monday, January 2, 2023, for a rescheduled second quarter planning day.

  • February 20, a Monday, will be a regular school day for students and teachers. It is currently on the calendar as a non-school day for students and teachers and is Presidents Day.
  • All Early Release Days in Semester 2 will be full school days. That includes January 11, February 1, March 8, and April 12. The remaining Early Release Days in Semester 1 will remain in place as scheduled.

*Please make sure you make arrangements as necessary to accommodate this plan.

October 4, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Book Fair:

Book Fair is taking place Wednesday, October 12th – Friday, October 21st, and we are looking for volunteers to help!!  Thank you for your time and support and making this a successful event for our Otters!!! Please click on the link if you are interested!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aca72ea5fc1-fall

Upcoming Events

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is October 10th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center. This meeting will be a board meeting.

Vendors- We are looking for vendors for our Winter Fest December 1st from 6:00-8:30. There will be a $30 fee to participate (All community sponsors vendor fees will be waived). If you are interested in becoming a community sponsor, please reach out to Oakstead Elementary PTA. If you are interested in being a vendor, please reach out to Shannon Jackson. srjackso@pasco.k12.fl.us

All Pro Dads: We are looking for parent volunteers to lead this program. If you are interested in All Pro Dads, please email Danielle McDowell dmcdowel@pasco.k12.fl.us  “All Pro Dad is on a mission to help you love and lead your family well.  We are a group of people passionately committed to bringing intentional focus to fathers around the world. Our message will inspire you to embrace who you are, give you tenderness of heart, and boldness of character as a dad and husband. We are consistently here for you to provide guidance and practical tips in raising your kids in a life-giving way.”

September 20, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

F.A.S.T. Progress Monitoring

F.A.S.T progress monitoring session will close on September 30th. Our parent night will be held at Rushe Middle School to discuss Assessment Information on October 4th from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.  Please register so we can provide child-specific information at this night.  Click Here to Register for October 4th Parent Night at Rushe Middle

Read-A-Thon

We are excited to announce our Fall Fundraiser October 1st -October 9th.  Our first ever Read-A-Thon will be a fun filled, weeklong event that will encourage students’ love for reading and help raise funds for staff appreciation, campus enhancements, classroom needs, student incentives, and school-wide events. There will be awesome prizes awarded for individual effort, top classrooms, minutes read, most spirited, donations earned and more. It’s going to be an Otteriffic week to Read and Play!

Upcoming Events

September 20th:

Our next SAC meeting will be held on September 20th at 7 PM in the Media Center.

October 3-

School Picture Day is Monday, October 3rd.

November 11-

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

Spirit Days:

On Wednesday, wear your den shirt. On Fridays, wear your school spirit shirt.

Other News

Parent Involvement Corner

SAC: Our next SAC meeting will be held tonight, September 20th at 7 PM in the Media Center.

PTA: Please join our PTA. Our next meeting is October 10th @ 8:45 AM in the Media Center

Vendors- We are looking for vendors for our Winter Fest December 1st from 6:00-8:30. There will be a $30 fee to participate (All community sponsors vendor fees will be waived). If you are interested in becoming a community sponsor, please reach out to Oakstead Elementary PTA. If you are interested in being a vendor, please reach out to Shannon Jackson. srjackso@pasco.k12.fl.us

All Pro Dads: We are looking for parent volunteers to lead this program. If you are interested in All Pro Dads, please email Danielle McDowell dmcdowel@pasco.k12.fl.us  “All Pro Dad is on a mission to help you love and lead your family well.  We are a group of people passionately committed to bringing intentional focus to fathers around the world. Our message will inspire you to embrace who you are, give you tenderness of heart, and boldness of character as a dad and husband. We are consistently here for you to provide guidance and practical tips in raising your kids in a life-giving way.”

Volunteering:

If you would like to become an approved volunteer, please fill out the Mach Form on our school website. Volunteer link

September 13, 2022

Grade-Specific Information

Media Center:

Our media center is now open for students to check out books!

Oakstead Guidance Information:

Dear Parent, Your K-5 child will be participating in the Safer, Smarter Kids abuse prevention curriculum in his or her class throughout this year when one of the School Counselors, Mrs. Cuviello or Mrs. Laurino, comes to visit. This curriculum will arm your child with the necessary skills to avoid difficult situations, without being explicit or in any way scary

The Safer, Smarter Kids curriculum teaches children a variety of skills to help protect them and problem-solve in various situations. The curriculum incorporates short video clips and in-class activities created by Lauren Book, M.S. Ed., educator and Chief Executive Officer of the Lauren’s Kids Foundation.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, please contact Katie Cuviello and Madison Laurino, your child’s School Counselors, at (813) 346-1500 or by e-mail at kcuviell@pasco.k12.fl.us + mlaurino@pasco.k12.fl.us. If you would like to learn more about the curriculum or review the Safer, Smarter Kids parent toolkit to learn more about the topics covered in the curriculum, please visit www.SaferSmarterKids.org.

Also – Please follow us on our School Counseling Facebook page to see the parent letter that goes along with that grade level’s lesson for the week. J

Most sincerely, 

Katie Cuviello & Madison Laurino

School Counselors

Upcoming Events

September 19th:

Our next PTA meeting is Sept. 19th at 9:00 AM in the Media Center.

September 20th:

Our next SAC meeting will be held on September 20th at 7 PM in the Media Center.

Spirit Days:

On Wednesday, wear your den shirt. On Fridays, wear your school spirit shirt.

Other News

Parent Involvement

Vendors- We are looking for vendors for our Winter Fest December 1st from 6:00-8:30. There will be a $30 fee to participate. All funding will support Oakstead Elementary directly. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Shannon Jackson if you are interested in becoming a vendor. srjackso@pasco.k12.fl.us

Community sponsors- If you are interested in becoming a community sponsor, please reach out to OES PTA for more information.

Veteran's Day:

To honor our Veterans on November 11th, we are creating a video for the students to understand the significance of Veteran’s Day. If you are a veteran or a member of your family is a veteran, please complete the form below. If you have multiple veterans in your family, please complete the form for each veteran. Please complete the Mach Form before October 28th.  OES Veteran’s

September 6, 2022