Otter Splash for the Weeks of July 21-August 1
Hello, Oak Grove Family, Versión en español aquí, النسخة باللغة العربية هنا, Toleo la Kiswahili hapa, Версия на русском здесь, Versiunea in Romana
The school year is off to a strong start! Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the joy of welcoming Tracks 1, 2, and 3 back to campus. Students settled in quickly, connecting with new teachers, classmates, and routines. Our youngest Otters wrapped up their first full week of school, and we’re so proud of their smooth transition. As Track 3 prepares to track out on Friday, July 25, we’re getting ready to welcome Track 4 students to begin their school year! We look forward to another great start with our Track 4 Otters!
This year, we remain committed to recognizing the outstanding educators who have a positive impact on our students. We encourage you to use this Google Form to submit your Otter Staff Shoutouts. Let’s continue to celebrate the great work happening at Oak Grove! You can also check our website regularly for updates and to see our staff members being recognized. 🦦🎉
Below is information about Talking Points, Otter Expectations, A Message from Child Nutrition Services, our Carpool Procedures, Friendly Reminders as we Start the School Year, Otter Adventures (student clubs), Save the Date for Curriculum Night. 25-26 Volunteer Registration and PTA Updates.
As we start this new school year, we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and working closely with you to ensure that every child at Oak Grove receives the best possible education. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and success for all our students.
Warm regards,
Beverly Benton
2025-26 Year Round Calendars
Talking Points
Thank you, Tracks 1, 2, and 3, for your patience as we waited for Talking Points to sync with our current classes. This app should now be working correctly, where you can connect with your child's current teacher. You can send any quick information (e.g., reason for absence, transportation change, etc.) using Talking Points. To help streamline communication, the Otter Splash will be sent to families every other Sunday afternoon via email and text, beginning today.
Otter Expectations - School-Wide
Over the past few weeks, our students have been learning and practicing our Otter Expectations in various locations throughout the school, including the cafeteria, hallways, playground, bathrooms, and on the buses. These expectations help ensure a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all of our students and staff. We encourage you to review these expectations with your child each day to reinforce what they are learning at school and help them make positive choices throughout their day. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth and success!
Message from Child Nutrition Services
Curious about accessing breakfast/lunch menus, meal prices, the district's Angel fund, or more? Check out CNS's back-to-school presentation. As a reminder, the cost of breakfast and lunch increased to $2.00 (breakfast) and $3.75 (lunch). Families already receiving free or reduced lunch meal assistance must reapply each year. To apply for free and reduced-priced meals, visit www.MySchoolApps.com.
Carpool Procedures
🚗 Carpool Drop-Off/Pick-Up Route (Blue Line)
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Enter the school driveway and follow the blue arrows around the main parking lot.
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Continue along the loop until you reach the designated carpool drop-off/pick-up area at the side of the school.
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After your child exits or enters the vehicle, continue following the blue arrows to exit back onto the main road.
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Please remain in your vehicle and keep the line moving. Staff will assist students as needed.
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Reminders
✅ Have your carpool tag visible.
✅ Remain in your vehicle if using the carpool line.
✅ Follow staff directions at all times.
✅ Drive slowly and stay alert for students and staff.
🏫 YMCA Drop-Off/Pick-Up Route (Red Line)
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For YMCA before- and after-school care, follow the red arrows by continuing straight past the carpool entrance.
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The YMCA drop-off/pick-up location is around the back of the school building.
Once your child has safely exited and entered the cafeteria, follow the red route to exit.
♿ Assisted and Family Parking Route (Green Line)
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Families requiring assistance should follow the green arrows to the designated parking area on the grassy lot to the right of the main driveway.
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All parents using this route must park in the green area and walk their child to the cafeteria doors, where teachers and staff will meet students.
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This area is reserved only for families with the appropriate carpool tag, ensuring the safety of all students.
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Please display your assigned carpool tag prominently when using this route.
Friendly Reminders As We Start Off the School Year
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Adults may only walk their child/ren to their classes on the first day of school. Each day, school staff are stationed throughout the building and will assist students with getting to and from their classrooms.
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We utilize the WCPSS-provided Verkada system for signing in to the building. Please remember to bring government-issued identification when signing your child in and out of school.
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The tardy bell rings at 9:15 AM. Any child arriving after 9:15 AM will need to be signed in.
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Students must be present for at least 3 hours and 15 minutes to be counted as present for the day.
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Complete the Walker/Biker Agreement for any child walking or biking to and from school with or without an adult. Students in grades 2-5 are permitted to walk home unaccompanied by an adult, provided we have obtained permission from a parent or guardian.
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Our Family Handbook provides answers to all your questions, including who to call and more. There are some areas still under construction.
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Smartwatches and Cell Phones: Personal technology (e.g., smartwatches, cell phones) should be turned off during school hours. Parents can call the front office to relay a message to their child.
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Extra Clothing: We kindly request that all students bring an extra set of clothes to school in case of an emergency. (We have limited clothes and undergarments in the office.) Please check to ensure the school set is weather-appropriate and still fits.
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Lost and Found: Please remind your child to check the lost and found area in the cafeteria. We will donate lost and found items on a quarterly basis.
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The cost of breakfast and lunch increased to $2.00 (breakfast) and $3.75 (lunch). Families already receiving free or reduced lunch meal assistance must reapply for this school year. To apply for free and reduced-priced meals, visit www.MySchoolApps.com.
Otter Adventures (K-5 Schoolwide Clubs) Help Needed
We are excited to continue the beloved tradition of Club Day at Oak Grove, but we desperately need volunteers to help run our clubs this year. Club Day is one of our students’ favorite experiences, giving them the opportunity to explore their passions, collaborate with peers, and apply critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way. HERE you will find a description of all the clubs that will be offered during the first semester. Some clubs operate year-round due to their nature. Clubs for grades 1–4 will begin on Friday, August 22nd, and will take place on select Fridays from 2:50–3:35 PM. Kindergarten students will begin participating in clubs during the second semester, but all students in grades K–5 will ultimately take part in this enriching experience.
Thank you to everyone who generously donated supplies to support our Otter Adventures Clubs. We are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to enriching our students’ experiences. The students are excited to begin exploring, creating, and collaborating in their clubs thanks to your support!
Volunteers Needed
We could not host events, fundraisers, and clubs without the help of parent volunteers! Would you like to share your passion and expertise with the school community? Now is the time to sign up! We need YOU!
We kindly request that all families complete the WCPSS volunteer application at wcpss.net/volunteers as soon as possible, rather than waiting until a field trip or event is scheduled. Adults who were approved to volunteer in the 2024-25 school year should use THIS LINK for directions on how to renew their volunteer status for the 2025-26 school year. Please renew your volunteer status during the renewal window, July 1-Oct. 1, which only takes 1–2 weeks for approval.
If you are completing the volunteer application for the first time or attempting to renew your volunteer status outside the designated window, please note that it may take up to six weeks for the school district to approve your application. Use THIS LINK to register for the first time.
Mark Your Calendars for Curriculum Night!
Please join us for Curriculum Night! Families will have the opportunity to join the child's classroom teacher and engage in math and literacy activities that your child will learn during the year.
Infinite Campus Updates
Infinite Campus has officially replaced PowerSchool as our student information system. How do families get started? Create a Campus Parent Account. Families will begin receiving an email from Infinite Campus beginning the first week in July at the address on file, with instructions for creating a Campus Parent account. If an account has not been created yet, the email will be re-sent weekly until the process is complete. View the Parent and Student Portal walkthrough video from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
⭐ PTA UPDATES⭐
🌟RENT THE ROCK Today! 🌟
The Oak Grove Elementary School Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! The rock is available for weekly rental to families and staff of OGES for their use and enjoyment.
Reserve the Spirit Rock here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944ABAD2FA5FFCF8-57267560-rent
⭐ Join the PTA for the 2024/25 School Year! ⭐
Sign up here: https://oakgrove.givebacks.com/store
⚾ MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ⚾
