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

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.

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/

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

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

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 Upload!  If 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

Great American Teach In Event!

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.

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/

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

Picture Retakes Day

Veterans Day and Progress Reports Released 

Great American Teach In Event!

Square One Art Orders due

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 

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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 

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.

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!

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

Teacher Planning Day on Monday, October 17- No School

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

School Picture Day is Monday, October 3rd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please click on the attachment for Specials beginning of the year important information.

Beginning of the Year Specials Info

Our next early release day is September 7th.  Oakstead will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm.

Our first hat Day will be held Wednesday 9/7. We will collect $1 from each participant in order to fund 5th Grade end of the year festivities.

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

Please sign into Parent Portal to complete the Bill of Rights Survey and update contact information for your child. This is where you will view progress reports and report cards! You will need to complete this before you will have access to the platform. Progress reports will be available September 9th.

No School on September 5th.

Our next early release day is September 7th.  Oakstead will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm. 

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

Please sign into Parent Portal to complete the Bill of Rights Survey and update contact information for your child. This is where you will view progress reports and report cards! You will need to complete this before you will have access to the platform. Progress reports will be available September 9th.

We are using F.A.S.T this year. F.A.S.T is a new progress monitoring assessment which will be given three times a year. This assessment will test your students grade level understanding and provide opportunities for growth. F.A.S.T. Informational Letter

No School on September 5th.

Our next early release day is September 7th.  Oakstead will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm. 

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

New Proposed Bell Times for 2022-2023:  9:40 am – 3:50 pm 

Final report cards will be generated after May 27th.

Please click here to purchase your supply box for next year.  Supply box prices will go up by $5.00 after May 25th.

Rays Day: Pasco County Schools Rays Spirit Day!  Buy your tickets now to join your friends, family, and educators at Rays Spirit Day!

Saturday, June 4, 2022, 4:10 p.m. at Tropicana Field
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
$19 each, Lower Level Seating
The top-selling school will receive a visit from Raymond and the Ray Team during the fall of 2022!

Tickets will be mailed to your billing address. If you would like them mailed to a different address, please add it to the notes section at checkout. Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, May 20, 2022.  A portion of each ticket sold will go back to the Pasco Education Foundation
and directly into the classrooms in Pasco County!
Buy Tickets

All media books are due back now. If your student has any media books checked out, they will be bringing a notice home listing those books.  We will be sending home overdue notices.  If you cannot find your students book(s) please send in a check made payable to OES or send in the exact cash amount listed on your notice as we do not have a way to make change.  We request that you refrain from purchasing a duplicate book as they will not be barcoded for our school.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Crouse in the media.  Her email is lcrouse@pasco.k12.fl.us. 

Splash Day:  Splash Day is Scheduled for April 29th.  Students should come to school wearing their bathing suit and shorts, shoes and a shirt that can get wet.  (No flip flops)  Sunscreen must be applied at home.   Students will need to bring in a change of clothes to change into after the event, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat.

All new student registrations will be completely online.  Documents will need to be uploaded to the portal.  This can be done from a computer, phone, or tablet.  Registration will open on April 18th , 2022 and continue throughout the summer.  If you are without internet or technology to complete this registration at home, we will have a device available in the front office for use.  

Staff Appreciation Week is the first week in May with the official day being May 3rd.  Show your teachers they are appreciated with a little note expressing your gratitude.  Your words mean so much to us.  Mrs. Steinacker and Ms. Ramirez are looking for some community help to make the staff breakfast.  If you have a griddle and can flip pancakes on May 4th from 8:00 am-10:00 am please let us know!

This summer our PTA will be holding elections for some key positions.  Email us if you are interested in learning about available positions.  Please come to see what PTA is all about at our next meeting on May 17th at 5:30pm. 

Progress Reports for Quarter 4 will be posted in your Parent Portal on Friday, April 22nd.

All new student registrations will be completely online.  Documents will need to be uploaded to the portal.  This can be done from a computer, phone, or tablet.  Registration will open on April 18th , 2022 and continue throughout the summer.  If you are without internet or technology to complete this registration at home, we will have a device available in the front office for use.  

Dairy Queen Night:  Please join us tomorrow 4/21/22 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Oakstead receives 10% of the money from sales made inside the building.  Stop by and say hi. 

Splash Day:  Splash Day is Scheduled for April 29th.  Students should come to school wearing their bathing suit and shorts, shoes and a shirt that can get wet.  (No flip flops)  Sunscreen must be applied at home.   Students will need to bring in a change of clothes to change into after the event, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat.

This summer our PTA will be holding elections for some key positions.  Email us if you are interested in learning about available positions.  Please come to see what PTA is all about at our next meeting on May 17th at 5:30pm. 

State and district testing continues this week. Attendance is very important to ensure students are tested in the environment they are most comfortable in. Please communicate with your child’s teacher if you know of an absence. click here for more information.

All new student registrations will be completely online.  Documents will need to be uploaded to the portal.  This can be done from a computer, phone, or tablet.  Registration will open on April 18th , 2022 and continue throughout the summer.  If you are without internet or technology to complete this registration at home, we will have a device available in the front office for use.  

Last Early Release Day:   This week we have our last early release day of the school year on Wednesday, April 13th, dismissal will begin at 2:20pm. 

No school on Friday:   Students and teachers do not have school on Friday, April 15th. 

Splash Day:  Splash Day is Scheduled for April 29th.  Students should come to school wearing their bathing suit and shorts, shoes and a shirt that can get wet.  (No flip flops)  Sunscreen must be applied at home.   Students will need to bring in a change of clothes to change into after the event, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat.

Our state testing begins in April.  Please see the attached FSA Parent Letter 21-22.docx for details and dates, or click here for more information.

Attention 5th grade parents! We only have 10 more 5th grade supplements available for purchase for $5.  The 5th grade supplement will be full of the special dedications for the 5th graders plus pictures of the end of the year events that are 5th grade only.  THE LAST DAY to buy a dedication for your 5th grader is MARCH 31st. No dedications will be accepted after this date.  Supplements will be available for pick up over the summer.   To order go to:  https://www.balfour.com/florida/land-o-lakes/oakstead-elementary-school 

Thursday, March 31st from 5:30pm-8:00pm.  

-community partners will be present

-Book Fair will be open for shopping

-food trucks will be on campus for purchase

-literacy themed crafts

-read alouds with staff members

Incoming Kindergarteners for the 2022-23 School Year:  Please join us on Monday, April 4th from 6:30pm-7:30pm to tour our campus, meet teachers and staff and explore a school bus.  Please share this information with neighbors and friends of incoming kindergarteners. 

Our state testing begins in April.  Please see the attached FSA Parent Letter 21-22.docx for details and dates.

Attention 5th grade parents! We have added a new supplement this year for just 5th graders. This supplement will include your special dedication to your 5th grade student plus extra 5th grade only photos of all their special events through the last day of school!  This 8-page supplements fits perfectly inside your student’s yearbook. Supplements are only $5 and will be available for pickup during the summer. Pre-Sale Link: https://www.balfour.com/florida/land-o-lakes/oakstead-elementary-school 

All media books are due back to the media prior to May 9th. Should you have any questions please contact Lisa Crouse in the media: lcrouse@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Thursday, March 24th is Dairy Queen Night from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.   Oakstead will receive a percentage of the sales that are made inside at the counter.  We do not receive any credit for drive through sales.

Book Fair will be open from March 25th to April 1.  We will be open on Thursday March 31st from 5:15 to 7:30 pm for parents to shop.  You can shop online anytime between 3-25 and 4-1.  Book Fair 3-22.pdf 

We will have TWO food trucks on campus during book fair night. 

-Pizza Creator

-Softee the King

Attention 5th grade parents! We have added a new supplement this year for just 5th graders. This supplement will include your special dedication to your 5th grade student plus extra 5th grade only photos of all their special events through the last day of school!  This 8-page supplements fits perfectly inside your student’s yearbook. Supplements are only $5 and will be available for pickup during the summer. Pre-Sale Link: https://www.balfour.com/florida/land-o-lakes/oakstead-elementary-school 

All media books are due back to the media prior to May 9th. Should you have any questions please contact Lisa Crouse in the media: lcrouse@pasco.k12.fl.us.

March’s Early Release Day is March 9th. We will begin dismissal at 2:20 pm.

Picture Day is March 10th- more information to follow

Field Day is March 11th.  Wear your CLASS Color shirt.  Ask your teacher if you are not sure.

Rushe Middle School course cards are due back Monday, March 1st

Our Kindergarten and 1st grade students are invited to perform on the Oakstead Stage March 1st.  The Kindergarten Performance is at 6:30pm, followed by the 1st grade performance at 7:30pm.  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 special performance on the Oakstead Stage.

Media overdue book notices will be coming home the beginning of the week.  Please try to look for overdue books.  If you cannot find them the overdue notice will indicate the cost of replacement.  Checks can be made payable to OES or you can pay by the exact cash amount as we do not have change. After Spring Break if your child has an overdue book(s) they will not be able to check out any other books until their account has been rectified. Should you have any questions please contact Lisa Crouse in the media: lcrouse@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Monday 2/28:  American Heart Association Fundraiser Kickoff-Wear Red!

Tuesday 3/1: Sweating to the Oldies- Wear 80’s themed clothes

Wednesday 3/2:  Wacky about Wellness –  Wear wacky clothes or wacky socks

Thursday 3/3:  Be a Wellness Hero-Dress like your hero

Friday 3/4:  Take me out to the ballgame -Wear your favorite baseball shirt or an team shirt

Join us for the OES Spring Sprint on March 6th^.  Check the OES website or Facebook @ OES Spring Sprint Family Fun Run for more information. 

March’s Early Release Day is March 9th.

Picture Day is March 10th- more information to follow

Field Day:   Save the Date—Field Day is March 11th

Please have your children continue to work on Zearn (math) and Lexia (ELA) when at home.  These are research-based programs that are proven to increase student achievement.  Click Otter Pondcasts Videos for videos on how to access the resources.  

Quarter 3 Progress Reports have been posted.  Access them in your myStudent Parent Portal.  Please contact the front office if you have not set up a Parent Portal.

Chick-fil-A:  Spirit day is Wednesday, February 16th, all day!!!

OES Kindness & Service Campaign: February 1st – 28th, 2022

Random Acts of Kindness: Students will be challenged to complete Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) – Teachers will be provided calendars for all students, with a Random Act of Kindness on each day. As the student does each RAK, they will ask their teacher to initial the day. At the end of the month, the students will count their acts and turn these in. The 3 classes with the highest numbers will win a movie/popcorn party!

Friday, February 11th: Team Up for Kindness! Students are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey/shirt.

Monday, February 14th: Kindness Makes the World Go Round; Spread the Love!  Students are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed colors/attire today (e.g. red, pink, white).

Tuesday, February 22nd: 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).  We will take a rainbow picture with two students from each class who are wearing their color.

Friday, February 25th: Be a Force for Kindness!  Students are encouraged to wear Star Wars/Space attire.

Oakstead’s Physical Education Department is holding their very own 5k and 1 mile Fun Run!  If you have a company or know anyone that would be interested in sponsoring, please see the attached flyer .   Join us for the OES Spring Sprint on March 6th^.  Check the OES website or Facebook @ OES Spring Sprint Family Fun Run for more information.  Sign up through parent portal or Active.com to insure your shirt size.

Our Kindergarten and 1st grade students are invited to perform on the Oakstead Stage on March 1st.  The Kindergarten Performance is at 6:30 pm followed by the 1st grade performance 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 special performance on the Oakstead Stage!

Early Release Day:  Our next Early Release day is Wednesday, February 2nd.  Dismissal will begin at 2:20pm.  

OES Kindness & Service Campaign: February 1st – 28th, 2022

Random Acts of Kindness: Students will be challenged to complete Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) – Teachers will be provided calendars for all students, with a Random Act of Kindness on each day. As the student does each RAK, they will ask their teacher to initial the day. At the end of the month, the students will count their acts and turn these in. The 3 classes with the highest numbers will win a movie/popcorn party! 

Tuesday, February 1st: Crazy for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear mismatched outfits and/or crazy hair!

· Random Acts of Kindness Challenge starts!

Friday, February 11th: Team Up for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey/shirt.

Monday, February 14th: Kindness Makes the World Go Round; Spread the Love!

· Students are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed colors/attire today (e.g. red, pink, white).

Tuesday, February 22nd: 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).

We will take a rainbow picture with two students from each class who are wearing their color.

Friday, February 25th: Be a Force for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear Star Wars/Space attire.

Oakstead’s Physical Education Department is holding their very own 5k and 1 mile Fun Run!  If you have a company or know anyone that would be interested in sponsoring, please see the attached flyer .   Join us for the OES Spring Sprint on March 6th^.  Check the OES website or Facebook @ OES Spring Sprint Family Fun Run for more information.  Sign up through parent portal or Active.com to insure your shirt size.

Our Kindergarten and 1st grade students are invited to perform on the Oakstead Stage on March 1st.  The Kindergarten Performance is at 6:30 pm followed by the 1st grade performance 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 special performance on the Oakstead Stage!

Students in the 4th and 5th grade who love to sing can join Chorus!!  Please fill out and return the permission form by Monday, January 31st.

Oakstead’s Physical Education Department is holding their very own 5k and 1 mile Fun Run!  If you have a company or know anyone that would be interested in sponsoring, please see the attached flyer .   Join us for the OES Spring Sprint on March 6th^.  Check the OES website or Facebook @ OES Spring Sprint Family Fun Run for more information.  Sign up through parent portal or Active.com to insure your shirt size.

OES Kindness & Service Campaign: February 1st – 28th, 2022

Random Acts of Kindness: Students will be challenged to complete Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) – Teachers will be provided calendars for all students, with a Random Act of Kindness on each day. As the student does each RAK, they will ask their teacher to initial the day. At the end of the month, the students will count their acts and turn these in. The 3 classes with the highest numbers will win a movie/popcorn party! 

Tuesday, February 1st: Crazy for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear mismatched outfits and/or crazy hair!

· Random Acts of Kindness Challenge starts!

Friday, February 11th: Team Up for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey/shirt.

Monday, February 14th: Kindness Makes the World Go Round; Spread the Love!

· Students are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed colors/attire today (e.g. red, pink, white).

Tuesday, February 22nd: 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).

We will take a rainbow picture with two students from each class who are wearing their color.

Friday, February 25th: Be a Force for Kindness!

· Students are encouraged to wear Star Wars/Space attire.

Please reach out to your child’s teacher to obtain a parking pass.  This will allow you to skip the carline and park your car in the front parking lot.

January 20th is our 100th day of school.  We are celebrating by dressing like we are 100 years’ old.  Be on the look out for pictures of our creative otters.

Early Release:  Our next early release day is Wednesday, January 12th.  Students will be dismissed beginning at 2:20 pm.

January 12 is Spirit night at Brick City Eatery.

16540 Pointe Village Dr., Lutz, FL 33558

3p – 9p   Dine-in or Carry-Out

PLACE opens:  6:30am

Latest PLACE drop-off: 9:30am

Carline Starts: 9:50am

First Bell: 10:00am

Tardy Bell: 10:10am (Instruction Begins)

Latest time to notify office of pick-up: 3:30pm (Use Otter Runner)

Latest time to sign out a student:  3:50pm

Dismissal: 4:20pm (Instruction Ends)

Earliest PLACE pick-up:  5:00pm (or when carline is complete)

PLACE closes: 6:00pm

Please remember to have students complete the student self screener https://livepascok12fl.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/SSPS_Resources/EbuK-f8EySBFrrmGzymI0uMB_86yhFAHR68-RhcETmOingdaily.

Oakstead will continue to practice ongoing cleaning protocols throughout the day and sick employees and students will be required to stay home.

Early Release:  Our next early release day is Wednesday, January 12th.  Students will be dismissed beginning at 2:20 pm.

Pasco County Schools will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students for the remainder of the school year. Lunch times have been adjusted by 30 minutes.

 The end of the 2nd quarter is December 17th.  Reports cards will be uploaded on January 11th.

Beginning in January, Oakstead’s new student hours will be 10:10am-4:20pm.  We know that this might not be ideal for many families, however we encourage you to be positive and supportive so that we can maintain a strong focus on academics.  If you are changing how your child gets home from school or you are picking your child up early please use the link on our website. 

Our student enrollment has increased to 1,062 with a significant number of new students starting in January.  We were lucky enough to receive an allocation for an assistant principal intern.  Mr. Chris Symons (previous 5th grade teacher at Oakstead) will be joining our administration team after the New Year.

Christmas Break:  Pasco County Schools will be closed from December 18th -January 3rd.  Students return on Tuesday, January 4th.

We had 50 students qualify for our Sunshine State Celebration.  Students had to have passed at least 8 Sunshine State Reader Quizzes by December 1st.  These students will get to participate in a Glow Stick Dance Party on Wednesday, December 15th at 3:00 pm. Congratulations!

Forms were sent home with students for families to indicate if a student was bringing a lunch from home or requesting a school provided lunch. If you did not request lunch from the cafeteria please send your child in with a lunch from home.  Because of the presentation from Sphere’s Bubble Show, lunch times have been slightly adjusted. Students will be eating with their teachers either in the classroom or outside.

After school is Winter Fest! 

Have you noticed all the great things that Oakstead is doing for our community?  Our NEHS students are proud to lead these service projects.  Please see the attached flyer for information about NEHS and criteria for joining.NEHS Info.pdf 

Holiday Wonderland Shoppe:  Students will shop with their class starting December 2nd thru 9th.  Contact PTA at pta.oakstead@gmail.com for any questions.

Early Release Day:  Our next early release day is Wednesday, December 8th.  We will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm.

Christmas Break:  Pasco County Schools will be closed from December 18th -January 3rd.  Students return on Tuesday, January 4th.

We are excited to announce that we were able to reschedule the JA Biztown field trip for Monday December 6th!  We did need to go with a different bus company which increased our total cost for buses by $900.  While we have some fundraising money (for our end of the year celebration) that we can use, any monetary donations to help offset the cost would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

On Monday December 6th ALL students will need to be dropped off at the school between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Students are to wear professional attire for their Biztown experience. We will be back before 3 PM and it will be a normal dismissal. If you were chosen as a chaperone and are now unable to attend, please let your homeroom teacher know immediately! 

Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to school.  Please see the attached information sheet with details.  Students are using their devices here at school for academics including Lexia and Zearn.  Please contact your child’s teacher for specific information and if you need log-on codes to work at home.  

Wednesday, December 1st-Blinking necklace day

Thursday, December 2nd-Wear Red and Green  

Friday, December 3rd-Favorite Shopping outfit

Holiday Wonderland Shoppe:  Students will shop with their class starting December 2nd thru 9th.  Contact PTA at pta.oakstead@gmail.com for any questions.

Early Release Day:  Our next early release day is Wednesday, December 8th.  We will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm.

Winter Fest:  Save the date.  Oakstead is super excited to host Winter Fest on campus December 10th from 5:30pm-7:30pm.  

Christmas Break:  Pasco County Schools will be closed from December 18th -January 3rd.  Students return on Tuesday, January 4th.

-November 8th-12th -Holocaust History Education Week 

-November 11th-Veterans Day 

-November-Native American Heritage Month 

Pasco County will post progress reports on Friday, November 12th.  Please make sure you are signed up to view your child’s report prior to this day.  

Oakstead students will be scheduled to take their winter assessments between November 29th and December 16th.   

Pasco County Schools will be closed November 22nd through November 26th. 

Come and see our 4th and 5th grade chorus perform the Veterans Day concert here at Oakstead tonight at 7:00 pm!

Early Release Day:  Pasco County’s next early release day is Wednesday, November 10th.  Oakstead will dismiss at 1:50pm. For $1.00 students will be able to wear a hat on early release days.  The money raised will be used to support 5th-grade end-of-year activities. 

Cookie Dough Fundraiser: Orders will be arriving on campus Thursday, November 11th.  Car Rider families will use the inside/right lane of the carline to pick up orders during the regular dismissal times.  All other families should come through the carline between 4:30pm-6:00pm.  If you ordered the strawberry cheesecake it has been substituted with chocolate chip.  

Great American Teach-In:  Oakstead will host a virtual GATI on Wednesday, November 17th.  Please reach out to your child’s teacher for more information.  

It’s time to order your child’s art from Square 1 Art!  The order packets are on their way, but you can get a head start by going online in the links below. All orders due November 17, 2021.  Square1Art.com/shop 

November Mondays wear Red to show Gratitude.  Fridays are Otter Spirit day.   Wednesdays Kindergarteners wear their teal team shirts.

Yearbook cover:  A flyer is going home with all the information about the yearbook cover art contest. If your student would like to enter the contest, entries are due no later than December 3rd to Mrs. Stevic or Ms. Grob, our awesome Art teachers. 

Congratulations to Aubrey Ofoulhast! Aubrey placed second in Pasco’s annual constitution essay contest! Congratulations are also in order for the following 5th grade students who received honorable mentions:  Izabella Crockett, Emma Saclarides, Cody VanOpdorp , Treyson Workentin, Noa Ron, Paul Patrocinio, Rosaria Cage, Destin Martin, Amalia Esajas, and Analise Ossa!! Way to go Otters!!!   https://www.pascoclerk.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=153

Save the date to come and see our 4th and 5th grade chorus perform here at Oakstead on Tuesday, November 9th .

Early Release Day:  Pasco County’s next early release day is Wednesday, November 10th.  Oakstead will dismiss at 1:50pm.   

Progress Reports:  Pasco County will post progress reports on Friday, November 12th.

Yearbook cover:  A flyer is going home with all the information about the yearbook cover art contest. If your student would like to enter the contest, entries are due no later than December 3rd to Mrs. Stevic or Ms. Grob, our awesome Art teachers. 

Student report cards post October 26th in myStudent.  Please log in to your Parent Portal account to review report cards. 

Our 2021 costume parade is Friday the 29th at 10:00 am. Please review the details of the parade and print the attached parking pass if you plan to stay to stay in the parent viewing area. Parking is very limited at Oakstead with our enrollment up to 1,055 students.  Please consider walking or carpooling on Parade Day.  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. Parade Route[1].pptx Character Parade.docx 

Red Ribbon Week is October 26th to 29th.

Monday October 25, wear red

Please see the attached resource for 3rd-grade parents.   Pasco County Schools aims to ensure that all third-grade students have the necessary reading skills to be successful in grade four and beyond. To be promoted to fourth grade, a student must score a Level 2 or higher in reading on the FSA English Language Arts assessment.

Health Screener: Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd-grade health screenings are scheduled for Friday, October 22nd.  If you do not want your child screened please send in a written opt-out notice prior to screening day.

Kindergarten-vision and hearing

1st-vision, hearing, height and weight

3rd-vision, height and weight

Walk to School Day “Just Walk Away from Drugs!!”  Students and parents are encouraged to walk or bike to school in awareness of National Walk to School Day and Red Ribbon Week.  We will be taking the nature trail through Oakstead from the Oakstead Clubhouse.  Meet there at 8:50 am on Tuesday, October 26th.

Our 2021 costume parade is Friday the 29th at 10:00 am.  Please review the details of the parade and print the attached parking pass if you plan to stay in the parent viewing area.  Parking is very limited at Oakstead with our enrollment up to 1,055 students.  Please consider walking or carpooling on parade day.   Parade Map.  

Red Ribbon Week is October 26th to 29th.

Monday October 25, wear red

Our 2nd-grade students are scheduled to take the CogAT on Tuesday, October 19th.  The CogAT test measures the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student compared to age mates and grade mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.  Oakstead will use the results from this test to consider if students might need further interventions or enrichments within their day.

Red Ribbon Week is October 26th – 29th. Please see the attached flyer with information about the week and our theme days.

Go Rays:  Now that our Tampa Bay Rays are back in the playoffs, we are allowing employees to wear appropriate Rays gear on the days the Rays are playing. 

Spirit Days: October Mondays wear Orange to show Mindfulness.  Fridays are Otter Spirit day.   Wednesdays Kindergarteners wear their teal team shirts.

Girl Scouts: Girl Scouts will be here at Oakstead on Tuesday, October 12th, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the cafeteria.

Chick-fil-A School Sprit day: Dine-in or drive-thru….Grab some chick-fil-a  on Wednesday, October 13th.  Just tell them you are ordering from Oakstead Elementary School.

Make-up Picture Day will be Thursday October 14.  Please remember to not wear green. Make-ups are given to new students, students who were absent on picture day, students who ordered a package or have proof of an order and are returning the package on make-up day.  Please contact Gigante directly with specific questions:(813) 907-1078 or https://www.giganteproductions.com/ 

Oakstead Elementary’s Annual Book Character Parade is Friday, October 29th 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 please.  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. Halloween Parade.docx Parade Route[1].pptx 

Our 2nd-grade students are scheduled to take the CogAT on Tuesday, October 19th.  The CogAT test measures the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student compared to age mates and grade mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.  Oakstead will use the results from this test to consider if students might need further interventions or enrichments within their day.

Our first SSYRA deadline was Friday, Oct 1. Students who have read and passed the quiz for FOUR books by Friday, Oct. 1st will be invited to an ice cream bash on Friday, Oct. 8th.  Please click the Sunshine State 2021-2022 Parent Letter.pdf to see additional opportunities for your child to participate in the Sunshine State Reader Celebrations.

When teachers need volunteers, they will send messages out to their families.  Remember that all volunteers must be approved through Pasco County Schools.  We are not yet having visitors during lunch.  PTA also looks for volunteers to assist with schoolwide events, so please follow their webpage and Facebook page.  More information can be found here: OES PTA

All Pasco County parents of gifted-identified students are invited to join us for a virtual evening full of informative sessions on engagement and independent learning strategies. Event and registration information is below and on the attached flyer. Please contact Jhoanna Estrada, in the Office for Leading and Learning, with any questions. 

Event: Gifted Parent Night.  Date: 10/14/2020.  

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Location: Virtual.  Register Here

 Our Book Fair is scheduled for October 4th through October 8th. Scholastic also offers an eWallet option for parents to add money online instead of sending money to school. Our school earns 25% of all purchases.   Parents can shop online from October 1st through the 14th https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oakstead

Our next Early Release day is October 6th.  Oakstead will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm. 

Make-up Picture Day will be Thursday October 14.  Please remember to not wear green. Make-ups are given to new students, students who were absent on picture day, students who ordered a package or have proof of an order and are returning the package on make-up day.  Please contact Gigante directly with specific questions:(813) 907-1078 or https://www.giganteproductions.com/ 

Oakstead Elementary’s Annual Book Character Parade is Friday, October 29th 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 please.  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. Halloween Parade.docx Parade Route[1].pptx 

 October Mondays wear Orange to show Mindfulness.  Fridays are Otter Spirit day.   Wednesdays Kindergarteners wear their teal team shirts.

If you would like your child to receive the flu vaccine here at school please complete the attached consent form and send it in prior to October 28th.  Students will be called from class on October 28th to receive the vaccine from Florida Health Heroes.

 Is your child creative?  Then we welcome you to participate in the OES PTA Reflections program. This year’s theme is, “I can change the world by….”.  Submissions are due October 26th.  All participants will receive an award and may move on to county, state, or US finals!  Please click here for more information

 Our Book Fair is scheduled for October 4th through October 8th. Classes will sign up for a day and time for students to shop.  We will open the Book Fair for family shopping on Tuesday October 5th from 5:00-7:00 pm. There will be an online shopping and previewing link that we will send out closer to the event.  Scholastic also offers an eWallet option for parents to add money online instead of sending money to school. Our school earns 25% of all purchases.   Parents can shop online from October 1st through the 14th https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oakstead

Our next Early Release day is October 6th.  Oakstead will begin dismissal at 1:50 pm. 

All Pasco County parents of gifted-identified students are invited to join us for a virtual evening full of informative sessions on engagement and independent learning strategies. Event and registration information is below and on the attached flyer. Please contact Jhoanna Estrada, in the Office for Leading and Learning, with any questions. 

Event: Gifted Parent Night.  Date: 10/14/2020.  

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Location: Virtual.  Register Here

With our increase in student enrollment we have earned two new teacher allocations. We will be adding a kindergarten and 5th-grade teacher.  Our new kindergarten teacher, Emily Green, starts on Monday.  Welcome Ms. Green. 

Gallup Education has more than 40 years of data and analytics in the field of education.  For the last seven years, Pasco schools has participated in the Gallup Student Poll.  As we continue our partnership with Gallup, our students in grades 5-12 will be invited to participate in the Gallup Student Poll during the survey window of September 27 through October 22.  This confidential and anonymous survey will ask questions in the areas of engagement, hope, belonging, and social and emotional learning.  The survey questions will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. After the poll closes, Gallup will aggregate and analyze the results. Every participating school and district will receive a scorecard.  This initiative will give us a wealth of specific and actionable information that will help us lead our schools. If you have any questions, please call the Office for Accountability, Research, and Measurement at 813-794-2343. 

Our Book Fair is scheduled for October 4th through October 8th.  Classes will sign up for a day and time for students to shop.  We will open the Book Fair for family shopping on Tuesday the 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. There will be an online shopping and previewing link that we will send out closer to the event.  Scholastic also offers an eWallet option for parents to add money online instead of sending money to school. 

All Pasco County parents of gifted-identified students are invited to join us for a virtual evening full of informative sessions on engagement and independent learning strategies. Event and registration information is below and on the attached flyer. Please contact Jhoanna Estrada, in the Office for Leading and Learning, with any questions. 

Event: Gifted Parent Night.  Date: 10/14/2020.  

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Location: Virtual.  Register Here

Previously in Pasco, students receiving Tier II and Tier III supports received a PMP and some type of intervention was put in place to support students. The reality is that many students will need Tier II support at some point throughout the year. Very few students master new content the first time, every time and a certain amount of reteaching and reinforcing will always be necessary. The reteaching and reinforcement for Tier I and Tier II occur in the classroom through differentiated instruction and can also occur through other second-chance learning opportunities such as test corrections or retakes. The ongoing nature of these interventions and the rate at which students move in and out of needing Tier II supports is not conducive to establishing a formalized individual student plan. 

If your student is eligible for a Progress Monitoring Plan, their teacher will send home specific information along with an invitation to join them in the co-development of a plan to support your student and improve their areas of struggle. You will then receive monthly communication from your child’s school with information on their progress and next steps for learning growth. 

If your student is not eligible for a PMP it does not mean that they will not receive additional supports that they may need throughout the year, it just means that at this point in the year, their assessment data does not indicate a significant deficiency in grade-level expectations. Students are continually monitored and assessed with interventions being put in place for students when need is demonstrated. Additionally, progress is routinely monitored and communicated to families via Progress Reports, Quarterly, Semester, and Year-Long grades. 

If your student previously had a PMP in place and are not identified as needing the intensive layer of supports, they will not continue with their PMP, however, Tier II interventions will be provided as needed, their progress will continue to be monitored and a plan can be initiated any time that achievement data and/or grades demonstrate a significant need. 

With our increase in student enrollment we have earned two new teacher allocations. We will be adding a kindergarten and 5th-grade teacher by the end of the quarter. 

Our first Dairy Queen night of the school year is this Thursday from 5-7 pm. Oakstead receives a percentage of sales for all orders that are placed at the inside register. (Drive-through orders do not count towards our school.)

PTA Meeting:  We are having a general membership meeting on Tuesday, September 21, at 6:00 pm in the media center. We will be discussing upcoming volunteering opportunities. Volunteers must be pre-approved by completing the volunteer application on the district’s website.  

SAC Meeting: Our first SAC meeting will be on September 21 at 7:00 pm via ZOOM. The link will be sent out to SAC members. Please reach out to cnagy@pasco.k12.fl.us if you did not receive the link.

Our Book Fair is scheduled for October 4th through October 8th.  Classes will sign up for a day and time for students to shop.  We will open the Book Fair for family shopping on Tuesday the 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. There will be an online shopping and previewing link that we will send out closer to the event.  Scholastic also offers an eWallet option for parents to add money online instead of sending money to school. 

We received the shipment of our new MMH reading materials and are looking forward to getting these materials out to our teachers and students this week.  This year our district will be using Fountas and Pinnal levels to instruct students.  Teachers will also be using Dibels to diagnose and instruct students with very specific intent.  Parent conferences will be scheduled at the end of the quarter to review and share data.  

Progress Reports will be posted, for students in 1st – 5th grade to the parent portal on Friday, September 10th.  Please make sure you can access the portal prior to this date.  We would like all families who have had students quarantined or isolated during these first weeks of school to know that teachers will use the information they have to update you on your child’s progress. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Wednesday, September 8th- our first Early Release Day. School dismissal begins at 1:50pm

Picture Day is Thursday, September 9th! Online order link –https://www.giganteproductions.com/order-1

Our fall MAP testing window started yesterday. Students will be assessed over the next two weeks to gain baseline data. Teachers will be reaching out to parents to share the results of this test by the end of August. Please see the attached parent letter for more information. 

Please see the two attached documents from our school counselors, Mrs. Cuviello and Mrs. Speed. There is a handout that explains their role at OES, as well as an overview letter of the curriculum that is used for their monthly classroom lessons.

Our Open House has been POSTPONED until later in the fall. 

If you were unable to attend our Meet the Teacher day last week your child will come home with their emergency cards tomorrow. Please complete these as soon as possible and return them to school. 

Please be patient during our dismissal these first few days. We are checking and double-checking each student as they get on buses and head out to the carling. If your child is a car rider please have them practice responding to their last names.  

Open House: Our Open House is scheduled for August 31st. This will be a time for families to see inside their children’s classrooms and learn about their day. Families will need to sign up for a time to attend. More information will be coming from teachers the week of the 16th.  

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.