The last day for Extended School is Thursday, May 20th.

Thursday, May 20th is “Neon Day”! 

Wednesday, May 26th is World Otter Day!

5th grade MSOL students will return their devices on May 25th and Kindergarten-4th graders will return their devices on May 26th. 

Oakstead will be offering a two hour kindergarten camp experience prior to the start of the school year.  This opportunity will be for all registered incoming kindergarten students.  Please see the attached flyer  for more information. 

Students will be taking a District Final during the window of May 10-26.  For this school year, District Finals serve as additional evidence for a student’s grade or progression.  District Finals are computer-based tests.  Please see the following link for more information.

Thursday, May 13th is Purple for Cancer Awareness!

Come on out and visit with Mrs. Steinacker on Thursday, May 13th for Dairy Queen night from 5 to 7 pm!

Our annual Sunshine State Reading Celebration is on May 14th!  We will host an evening event here at Oakstead for all students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th that have read and passed all 15 Sunshine State Books and Tests.  More details will be sent out next week.

Oakstead will be offering a two hour kindergarten camp experience prior to the start of the school year.  This opportunity will be for all registered incoming kindergarten students. Please contact the office for more information.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, for the remainder of the school year we will continue to require that students, staff, and visitors wear masks on our campuses and in our office buildings. As a school district, we have worked together to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, and masks have played a large role in that effort. We remain optimistic that masks will no longer be necessary in the fall, and are making plans for a much more normal 2021-22 school year.

We have had a few cars dropping off students in the bus loop to avoid waiting in the car line.  This is a safety concern and all car riders need to be dropped off in the car loop.  If you have any questions about this procedure please reach out to the school.

Monday, May 3rd is “Team up with a good book.” (Wear your favorite sports shirt or jersey)

Tuesday, May 4th is “Reading is out of this world.” (Wear your Star Wars gear)

Wednesday, May 5th  is “Reading brightens your world.”  (Wear bright colors)

Thursday, May 6th is “You OTTER be Reading day.”  (Wear green or otters)

Friday, May 7th is “Tour a good Book day.”  (Dress like a tourist)

Our annual Sunshine State Reading Celebration is on May 7th!  We will host an evening event here at Oakstead for all students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th that have read and passed all 15 Sunshine State Books and Tests.  The deadline to qualify for the celebration is May 3rd.

Yearbooks for Sale:  Yearbooks will no longer be available online for presale as of midnight Wednesday, April 28th.  Any leftover yearbooks will be available for purchase in the front office via check or cash for $15 beginning Monday, May 3rd while supplies last. *MSOL students can pick up pre-paid yearbooks in the office during school hours beginning Monday, May 3rd.

Thursday, April 22nd is “Earth Day.”  (Wear Blue and Green)

Wednesday, April 28th is “National super hero day” (Wear a superhero shirt)

Monday, May 3rd is “Team up with a good book.” (Wear your favorite sports shirt or jersey)

Tuesday, May 4th is “Reading is out of this world.” (Wear your Star Wars gear)

Wednesday, May 5th  is “Reading brightens your world.”  (Wear bright colors)

Thursday, May 6th is “You OTTER be Reading day.”  (Wear green or otters)

Friday, May 7th is “Tour a good Book day.”  (Dress like a tourist)

All For Books:  Oakstead will be participating in a Read-a-thon event from May 3rd to May 7th.  Proceeds will be used to provide teachers with updated classroom libraries. 

Our annual Sunshine State Reading Celebration is on May 7th!  We will host an evening event here at Oakstead for all students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th that have read and passed all 15 Sunshine State Books and Tests.  The deadline to qualify for the celebration is May 3rd.

If you wish to enroll in an online school model for the 2021-2022 school year, Pasco eSchool is now accepting applications in myStudent. The application is visible to all current Pasco students in the Parent Portal, under “Available Forms.”

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for April 19th. If you know of any incoming Kindergarten families please have them follow our website and we will update the banner once we receive more information. Any other new families will be able to register by appointment during the summer. Please email Mrs. Nagy with any questions: cnagy@pasco.k12.fl.us

We are very excited to announce that our Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be in person for on-campus students and online for our MSOL students.  All students have the option to shop online 4/8/21 – 4/16/21.  Our in-person shopping is for on campus students only and will be Monday 4/12 – Friday 4/16.   Parents are not permitted to come shop as in the past, we apologize for any inconvenience.  We are highly encouraging families to take advantage of the eWallet.  It gives students instant access to secure, contactless funds.  Cashiers can look students up by name or by the teacher as well.  All remaining balances will be returned to the card used at the end of the Book Fair.  You can add funds and shop the fair by visiting our Book Fair online at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oaksteadelementaryschool1 or simply scanning the QR code below. We will only accept eWallet or cash as forms of payment (NO checks). flyer 

Wednesday, April 14th is “Tie Dye Day.” 

Dairy Queen night is this Thursday from 5pm-7pm.  Our school receives proceeds from all sales that are made inside the building.  Drive thru sales do not count.  So come on in and visit with us.

Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students will begin FSA testing this week.  Here is the testing calendar.  Please note that there are some instances when students will test on a different day than scheduled.  In those cases, parents will be notified ahead of time. 

Our final early release day is April 7th. We will begin dismissal at 2:08pm. There is no Extended School Day on Early Release Day.

Thursday, April 8th is “ZOO DAY.”  Wear your favorite animal shirt.

We are very excited to announce that our Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be in person for on-campus students and online for our MSOL students.  All students have the option to shop online 4/8/21 – 4/16/21.  Our in-person shopping is for on campus students only and will be Monday 4/12 – Friday 4/16.   Parents are not permitted to come shop as in the past, we apologize for any inconvenience.  We are highly encouraging families to take advantage of the eWallet.  It gives students instant access to secure, contactless funds.  Cashiers can look students up by name or by the teacher as well.  All remaining balances will be returned to the card used at the end of the Book Fair.  You can add funds and shop the fair by visiting our Book Fair online at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oaksteadelementaryschool1 or simply scanning the QR code below. We will only accept eWallet or cash as forms of payment (NO checks). flyer 

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for April 19th. If you know of any incoming Kindergarten families please have them follow our website and we will update the banner once we receive more information. Any other new families will be able to register by appointment during the summer. Please email Mrs. Nagy with any questions: cnagy@pasco.k12.fl.us

Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students will begin FSA testing next week.  Please see the attached FSA parent letter. 

Registration for Pasco County’s Free VPK program begins tomorrow, April 1st.  Seats are based on a first come first serve basis.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Report cards posted on March 30th in the Parent Portal.

We do not have school on Friday, April 2nd.

Our final early release day is April 7th.

We are very excited to announce that our Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be in person for on-campus students and online for our MSOL students.  All students have the option to shop online 4/8/21 – 4/19/21.  Our in-person shopping will be Monday 4/12 – Friday 4/16.  We are Highly encouraging families to take advantage of the eWallet.  It gives students instant access to secure, contactless funds.  Cashiers can look students up by name or by the teacher as well.  All remaining balances will be returned to the card used at the end of the bookfair.

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for April 19th. If you know of any incoming Kindergarten families please have them follow our website and we will update the banner once we receive more information. Any other new families will be able to register by appointment during the summer. Please email Mrs. Nagy with any questions: cnagy@pasco.k12.fl.us

Report cards will post in the student portal on March 30th.

Our Wellness Week was a huge success!  Families raised over $15,000 for the American Heart Association and our school has earned PE equipment and other incentives.  Congratulations to our teacher winners of the $25 Amazon gift card for most registered students in each grade: Kindergarten: Mrs. Peloquin; 1st grade: Mrs. Soto; 2nd grade: Mrs. Renzoni; 3rd grade: Mrs. Hulling; 4th grade: Mrs. Thompson; and 5th grade: Mrs. Campbell!

We do not have school on Friday, April 2nd.

Our final early release day is April 7th.

Our book fair will run from April 12th through April 16th.  The Book Fair will run similarly to the holiday shop.  Students will be able to walk through and select books and items which they will be able to purchase.  More information will be coming.

We will begin state testing the week of April 5th. Click here to view testing calendar or see below.  Please note that there are some instances when students will test on a different day than scheduled.  In those cases, parents will be notified ahead of time. 

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for April 19th. If you know of any incoming Kindergarten families please have them follow our website and we will update the banner once we receive more information. Any other new families will be able to register by appointment during the summer. Please email Mrs. Nagy with any questions: cnagy@pasco.k12.fl.us

The Oakstead Elementary School PTA will be holding annual elections at the General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 6:00 pm in the OES media center with a virtual option via Zoom.  If you would like to run for a position or obtain additional information regarding any of the positions, please visit our website: https://oaksteadpta.weebly.com or contact Kimberly Kunze at oesrecsecretary1@gmail.com. 

Letters of Intent must be completed to be considered for a position. The form must be submitted to your child’s teacher, the front office, by Friday, March 26, 2021, so they may return the form to the PTA mailbox by the end of the day. 

We will begin state testing the week of April 5th. A testing calendar will be sent home in another email for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade families.  

Kindergarten Class Winners:  Mrs. Mantzaris and Mrs. Sprague                                                                   

Top Kindergarten Readers with 400 minutes: Lena Allen, Jaxson Booza, Harlan Wright, Victoria Ciceron, Jenna Mutter, Alexander Wilson, Arsh Patel, Kullen Barnes, Azalia Paz, Mahli Medina, Avery Arrington, Luke Osborn, Tyler Demidov

1st Grade Class Winner:  Mr. Tyson                                                            

Top 1st Grade Reader: Grace Gerges

2nd Grade Class Winner:  Mrs. Hudak                                                            

Top 2nd Grade Reader: Eli Laaninen

3rd Grade Class Winner:  Mrs. Cytryszewski                                                            

Top 3rd Grade Reader: Luka Latinovic

4th Grade Class Winner:  Mrs. Herd                                                            

Top 4th Grade Reader: Lyla Atkinstall

5th Grade Class Winner:  Mrs. Ramsey                                                          

Top 5th Grade Reader: Dominick

Self-Contained Gifted Class Winner:  Mrs. Gartland                                                           

Top Reader: Amelia

This month’s Early Release Day is tomorrow, March 3rd. Our dismissal time is 2:08 pm.  Extended School Day is Cancelled on this day. 

Picture day is Thursday, March 4th. Please do not wear green or you will be invisible with the green screen. Oakstead Flyer.jpg 2021 GPI – Spring Green Screen Master 14_21-Final.JPG 

We have partnered with the American Heart Association and our PTA to help our students learn about health and wellness. Each day students will learn facts about how to have a healthy heart.   Classroom teachers are sending home envelopes with students today with information about how to help raise money for The American Heart Association. Students will have the opportunity to win prizes and help our school raise funds for the PE department. 

Our testing schedule has been extended to allow us to continue to follow safe distancing when having students on campus. A detailed schedule will be shared in next week’s newsletter. MSOL families will have a scheduled time to bring their students to the building. 

Rushe Middle School course cards were sent home with students on Friday and need to be returned before March 5th. 

The week of March 1st is Read Across America celebrating Dr. Seuss. Please join us in celebrating by wearing the following themed outfits. Dr Seuss Week[1].pdf 

Monday: My Many Colored Days – Wear as many colors as you can

Tuesday: Cat in the Hat – Wear red and white with your favorite hat

Wednesday: Fox in Socks – Wear silly or mismatched socks

Thursday: Oh! The Places You Will Go – Dress for success (Spring Picture Day)

Friday: Green Eggs & Ham – Green spirit day

Our next early release day is Wednesday, March 3rd.

Picture day is Thursday, March 4th. Please do not wear green or you will be invisible with the green screen.

Save the Date!  Wellness Week is from March 8th to March 12th.  Oakstead has partnered with our PTA and the American Heart Association to bring you a week of fun, healthy tips, and more!

Middle Schools have been reaching out to get information to our 5th grade students and their families.  Rushe Middle School will be here on campus, Friday the 19th to speak with students about their school and opportunities and choices students will have next year.  Course cards will go home with students on Friday and need to be returned prior to March 5th. 

All 5th grade students will take a math placement test to guide decisions for math instruction in 6th grade.

3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classes will have practice test days after Spring Break. You may visit the department of education’s website to preview the practice test at  https://fsassessments.org/students-and-families/practice-tests/

Be a RAINBOW in Someone else’s cloud! Students are encouraged to wear their grade level color. Pre-K/K- Red, 1-Orange, 2-Yellow, 3-Green, 4-Blue, 5-Purple

PTA Meeting:  This month’s PTA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16th at 5:30pm via zoom.  The link will be sent out the day before the meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86895565450pwd=YUhHM2Y4ZWpUUjVKYllNMGNSQVhKUT09

SAC Meeting: This month’s SAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16th at 7:00 pm via zoom. The link will be sent out the day before the meeting. 

It is important that students arrive to campus with enough time to get breakfast (if they choose) and walk to class by 9:40am. 

Schools are closed for students and teachers on Monday, February 15^th to celebrate President’s Day.

Please join us in supporting our school on Wednesday, February 10th. Just mention you are from Oakstead Elementary School. Orders may be placed curbside or with the app. www.chick-fil-a.com/cypresscreektowncenter Spirit Day flier 20210210[1].pdf 

Teachers are planning Valentine’s activities for Friday, February 12th, and will share specific classroom plans with their families. Please reach out to your student’s teacher if you have any questions.

This week we began our annual kindness & service campaign which continues until February 26th. The School Counseling Department has planned this year’s activities to help our students learn about caring for others. Attached are highlights of this year’s campaign. We encourage our MSOL students to participate in our theme days from home and send us pictures!  KindnessParentLetter_2021.docx 

Progress reports will be posted on your Parent Portal on Friday, February 5th.

All FSA testing will need to take place on campus. The state determines the testing schedule and specific dates will be shared with our Oakstead families once we have them. The testing window is below:

Grade 3 Reading: April 5th -16th 

Grade 4-5 Writing: April 5th -16th

Grade 4-5 Reading: May 3rd-14th 

Grade 3-5 Math: May 3rd-14th 

Grade 5 Science: May 10th-21st 

One of the requirements of our Florida Department of Education Spring Education Plan is to provide an extended day program to meet the needs of our struggling students and students returning from MSOL needing additional face to face instruction. Students that qualify for this program have been invited and will begin on February 8, 2021.

Our 100th day of school is Monday, February 8th. Many classes will be incorporating activities around their daily lessons that include the celebration of our 100th day.  

Teachers are planning Valentine’s activities for Friday, February 12th, and will share specific classroom plans with their families. Please reach out to your student’s teacher if you have any questions.

This week we began our annual kindness & service campaign which continues until February 26th. The School Counseling Department has planned this year’s activities to help our students learn about caring for others. Attached are highlights of this year’s campaign. We encourage our MSOL students to participate in our theme days from home and send us pictures!  KindnessParentLetter_2021.docx 

 Please join us in supporting our school on Wednesday, February 10th. Just mention you are from Oakstead Elementary School. Orders may be placed curbside or with the app. www.chick-fil-a.com/cypresscreektowncenter Spirit Day flier 20210210[1].pdf 

Progress reports will be released on Friday, February 5th.

We took a little break from our reading challenges but we’re back for February! Our otters love to read! Our reading goals for each student are: 

• Primary Grades K-2: Our goal for our primary students will be to read 20 minutes each night. As they log their minutes, they will color in their heart with each heart totaling 100 minutes. When they fill up their heart, they will turn it into their teacher. Their teacher will make a collage of all the hearts that the class fills up and totals those minutes! 
• Intermediate Grades 3-5: Our goal will be to read 30 minutes each night. As they log their minutes, they will color in their heart with each heart totaling 120 minutes. When they fill up their heart, they will turn it into their teacher. Their teacher will make a collage of all the hearts that the class fills up and totals those minutes!

One of the requirements of our Florida Department of Education Spring Education Plan is to provide an extended day program to meet the needs of our struggling students and students returning from MSOL needing additional face to face instruction. Students that qualify for this program will be receiving an invitation this week with details and timelines. 

Our next early release day is Wednesday, February 3rd. Our dismissal time will be 2:08 pm.

Our 100th day of school is Monday, February 8th. Many classes will be incorporating activities around their daily lessons that include the celebration of our 100th day.  

Teachers are planning Valentine’s activities for Friday, February 12th, and will share specific classroom plans with their families.

Next week begins our annual kindness & service campaign, which kicks off on Monday, February 1st, and continues until Friday, February 26th. The School Counseling Department has planned this year’s activities to help our students learn about caring for others. Attached are highlights of this year’s campaign. We encourage our MSOL students to participate in our theme days from home and send us pictures!  Monday, February 1st is “You OTTER Be Kind!” day Students are encouraged to wear any OTTER ATTIRE, which could include school shirts.  

In the event your child’s class needs to quarantine please review the attached parent guidance handout.   Parents/guardians are not to join their child’s online classes or be visible on their child’s zoom. Click here

Next February 10th, the Pasco Schools ESOL department will host the 2021 Spring Parent Leadership Council Meeting via ZOOM, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Parents are required to register using the flyer’s information to obtain the ZOOM link via email, which will be sent on the day of the meeting. PARENT LEADERSHIP FLYER.pdf   www.pasco.k12.fl.us/esol/page/parents 

If you are ordering birthday treats for your child’s class, please complete the online form found on our website https://oes.pasco.k12.fl.us/2020/08/birthday-celebrations/ and email our new cafeteria manager Sheri Dibiasi at sdibiasi@pasco.k12.fl.us.  Please order and pay a few days in advance so that they are not missed. Treat Order Form.pdf Treat Menu.pdf 

We are working with our cafeteria team to develop a snack schedule so that families will know when their student can purchase a snack.  Kindergarten and 1st-grade students will only have snacks available for purchase on Fridays.  

Our Dairy Queen  night is Wednesday, January 20th from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Remember it only counts for our school if you order your food inside.  We have had many staff members attend to spend some downtime with their students and we hope to see more students there next week. 

Quarter 2 report cards will be posted on Friday, January 22nd.  It is important that parents have registered in their portal account prior to allowing for immediate viewing of student grades on the 22nd.