Paw Prints

Volume 26, No. 24 2-17-16

Osceola Elementary School

Students of the Week Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as Student of the Week for their class during the week of February 8th through February 12th, 2016.

Pre-K Geremia Allen

Kindergarten

Savannah Martin, Kayleb Riddell, Maria Diaz, Ni’Aijha Maxwell

First Grade Karisma Foreshá, Haylie Butler, Kenley Hampton, Trevor Burns,

Phoenix Weaver, Eric Brothers, Christian Bockheim

Second Grade Marquez Anderson, Madisyn Mitchell, Jordon McNeal, Mykel Riddell,

Destiny Berryhill, Rico Puryear, Joshua Maguire

Third Grade Jeremiah Malarkey, Olive Leathers, Ava Lovelace,

Titus Fields, Lincoln Beaudua

Fourth Grade Sydni Sinclair, Kirsten Bryant, Alex Warring,

Savannah Acord, Heidi Kimball

Fifth Grade Kaireyce Wilson, Joseph Rackliff, Andrew Nolen

Joy Reichenberg & Rebecca Keffer

Assistant Principals

Tina Waldrop

Principal

1605 Osceola Elementary School Road St. Augustine, Florida 32084 Ph. 547-3780, Fax 547-3795

Web Site: http://www-oes.stjohns.k12.fl.us

All Star Dad’s Breakfast, Thurs, Feb. 18th at 7:00 am.

PTO Spirit Night, Chick-Fil-A, Thursday Feb. 18th, 5:30-7:30 pm.

Wildcat Words Greetings Wildcat Families!

Last week was one of celebration here at Osceola. On Thursday night

parents, teachers, and students gathered at the Solomon Calhoun Center to

watch our Girls and Boys Wildcat Basketball teams take on the Crookshank

Cougars. The crowds cheered and clapped as together we became one,

rooting on our favorite Wildcats to overtake the other team. Our girls put

forth a valiant effort with every team member doing their best to throw the

ball in the hoop and build up the score. We were all very proud of our girls

and their level of play on the court. Together we got to celebrate as our

boys fought hard for a win over the Cougars, who just the week before had

gotten the best of them. It was so great to see the pride in everyone as we

all gave the final cheer of the evening celebrating that the Osceola Wildcats

had come out on top! Way to go to both teams. We are all so very proud

of you!

On Friday the celebration continued as we enjoyed a fantastic Friday of

Valentine’s. Students were excited as they came into the building with their

Valentine treats and goodies. Classes were abuzz with learning and

excitement as teachers artfully maintained the educational environment

while allowing the children the opportunity to share together in this

enjoyable day. Lots of fun was had by all and we are so thankful to everyone

who helped make this day special for our students!

As we begin another wonderful week at Osceola, I want to remind you

of some upcoming events that are on the calendar. On February 18th

starting at 7:00 am we will celebrate the male role models in the lives of

our students at our ALL Star Dad’s Breakfast. This will be a great event

that you will not want to miss. Come enjoy breakfast, free of charge, and

hear John Lynch, Head Coach for the Men’s Soccer Team at Flagler. We

encourage all Osceola dads or any male role model in your student’s life to

attend.

Later in the month, the second grade will perform their play, “Kids for

Character”. This play is sure to be a treat for the entire community. We

invite you join us on February 25th, from 6:00-7:00 pm. I know our second

grade students will be excited to see all of you there.

Finally on February 27th at 12:00 pm, we will host the culminating

event of our Family Fun Marathon that has been taking place in the lives

of our families during the month of February. Throughout the month,

students and their families have been walking a mile each day together. We

will all gather on this final Saturday to walk the last marathon mile. Please

join in on this awesome opportunity. We would love to have you to come

walk with us even if you have not quite finished walking all the marathon

miles.

As we enjoy the rest of the year together, I want to thank you so much

for all you do for our school and children. We look forward to continuing

to work with you as we all invest in our kids!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Keffer

Assistant Principal

Osceola’s Annual All Star Dad’s Breakfast

Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 7:00 a.m.

The All Star Dad’s Breakfast will be held at Osceola Elementary

School on Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 a.m. Reservations for this

event had to be sent in by Feb. 11th. Come to enjoy breakfast and

hear a motivational message with your child. John Lynch, Head

Coach for the Men’s Soccer Team at Flagler College will be our

guest speaker. Breakfast will be free of charge.

Yearbooks, Ads and Messages on Sale! Don’t let the memories pass you by! Purchase your child’s 2015-2016 yearbook today!!! Your child was given a payment envelope last week outlining payment options. Yearbooks may be purchased on-line or by mailing a check directly to Leonard’s in the envelope provided. Please DO NOT send payment into the school. We are not accepting payment for the yearbooks and your money will be returned to you, possibly causing you to miss the payment deadline. Yearbooks are $18.00 during our presale and after March 1st the price will increase to $20.00. By purchasing your yearbook now, you assure your child will have one before they’re all gone. After the pre-sale, sales will end until the yearbooks arrive in the spring. At that time they will be sold on a first-come, first served basis. In addition to purchasing a yearbook, parents of 5th grade students have the option to purchase a ¼ page ad and/or a two line message to be printed in the yearbook. This is a nice way to recognize your child’s accomplishments and to congratulate them on a job well done. A form was sent home with your child on the same day the yearbook forms went home. Payment for these are to be sent to your child’s teacher with the form provided and checks should be payable to Osceola, not Leonard’s. Parents of Pre-K through 4th grade students may purchase a two line message for their child. Your child should have brought that form home last week as well. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Burney at 547-3782.

After-School Transportation Changes

Please make sure that your child’s teacher is aware of

afternoon transportation arrangements at all times. This

information is requested of parents at the beginning of

the school year. The teacher will abide by the information

that was given by the parents unless they receive a

change in writing. Teachers cannot accept a change in

transportation from your child. This information must be in

writing from the parent only. You may also fax or email the

information to the school. Please do not call the school

with the change. The fax number is 547-3795. The email

address is sheila.lawshe@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Fundraiser News from 5th Grade Attention Parents!

5th grade will be hosting a Sand Art Fundraiser Feb. 22-26. For $10.00

your child can make a custom creation that will last forever. These

items make wonderful gifts for loved ones, mementos, or a special

keepsake for all time. We invite all students to participate as a large

portion of the money raised will be given back to the 5th grade class to

help offset the cost of the annual Sea World trip. This is a wonderful

opportunity for us and we invite everyone to participate. Please send

in your order form to your child’s teacher ASAP! We thank you for your

support and look forward to seeing some beautiful sand art created.

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GUIDANCE CORNER Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering your time or skills to help with our clothing closet, garden beds, or delivering supplies to needy students, please call Ms. Harrison at 547-3787. Clothing Closet: will be open and available for families to visit on Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:30. Please call Ms. Harrison at 547-3787 if you are interested in making an appointment.

What’s for Lunch?? Students have a choice of one entrée and two fruit and/or vegetable choices. Choice of milk is served with all complete meals. Thurs. 2/18 Cheeseburger, Home-style Chicken

Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers, Spinach and Romaine Salad, Celery Stick and Cucumber Dippers, Crispy Baked Potato Cuts, Assorted Fruit, Garlic Toast, Lettuce, Tomato and Pickle, Ketchup Mustard, Mayo, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup Fri. 2/19 Chicken Nuggets, Hot Dog, Max Cheese Sticks,

Baby Carrot Dippers, Spinach and Romaine Salad, Celery Stick and Cucumber Dippers, Baked Beans, Choice of 100% Juice, Assorted Fruit, White Wheat Roll, Dipping Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard Mon. 2/22 Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks,

Chicken Nuggets, Baby Carrot Dippers, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Green Beans, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Assorted Fruit, Taco Sauce, Garlic Toast, Dipping Sauce Dunk Cup

What’s Happening? Every Wednesday is Early Release~

Students Dismissed at 1:50 Every Friday is School Spirit Day~

Thurs. 2/18 All Star Dad’s Breakfast, 7:00 am, Cafeteria

PTO Spirit Night, Chick-Fil-A, 5:30-7:30 pm

Thurs. 2/25 2nd Grade Performance, 6:00 pm, Cafeteria Sat. 2/27 Family Fun Marathon Celebration, 12:00 pm, Osceola Fields Tues 3/1 FSA Writing Test for Grades 4 and 5 Mon. 3/7 SAC Meeting, 3:30 pm, PTO Meeting 6:00 pm Tues. 3/15 Kindergarten Performance, 6:00 pm, Cafeteria Thurs. 3/17 Third Quarter Ends Fri. 3/18 Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday Mon. 3/21-Mon. 3/28 Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holiday Tues. 3/29 Classes Resume for Students

Osceola SAC Team News

The Osceola SAC Team (School Advisory Committee) is made up

of our principal, Mrs. Waldrop along with a group of teachers,

parents, support staff and community members. The SAC is

responsible for decisions related to the implementation of Osceola’s

School Improvement Plan. SAC also discusses important items

related to student achievement.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the ongoing improvement

at Osceola, please join us at our SAC meeting to be held on

Monday, March 7th at 6:00 pm

Free childcare is provided.

All are welcome and new members are needed!

Upcoming Tests Reminder Our 4th and 5th Grade Students will be taking the FSA Writing test on March 1. Below are some reminders for students and parents: Electronic Devices Policy—if students are found with ANY electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones and smartphones, during testing OR during breaks, their tests will be invalidated. The best practice would be for students to leave devices at home on the day of testing. Discussing Test Content after Testing—the last portion of the testing rules read to students before they affirm the Testing Rules Acknowledgment reads, “Because the content in all statewide assessments is secure, you may not discuss or reveal details about the writing prompt or passages after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting online, for example, on websites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.” “Discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to blogs or social media websites, etc. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.

FSA Dates March 1 – FSA Writing, 4th and 5th graders

March 30 – Grade 3 English Language Arts (ELA) Session 1

March 31 – Grade 3 ELA Session 2 April 1 – Grades 3 & 4 Math Session 1

April 4 – Grades 3 & 4 Math Session 2

April 11 – Grade 4 ELA Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 12 – Grade 4 ELA Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD

April 13 – Grade 4 ELA Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 14 – Grade 4 ELA Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD

April 15 – Grade 5 Math Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 18 – Grade 5 Math Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD

April 19 – Grade 5 Math Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 20 – Grade 5 Math Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD April 21 – Grade 5 ELA Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 22 – Grade 5 ELA Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD

April 25 – Grade 5 ELA Computer testing Session 1 – Classes TBD

April 26 – Grade 5 ELA Computer testing Session 2 – Classes TBD

No school April 29

May 3 – Grade 5 FCAT Science testing Session 1 – ALL CLASSES

May 4 – Grade 5 FCAT Science testing Session 2 – ALL CLASSES

*Specific 4th and 5th grade class dates will be sent home with student when

testing date is closer.

News from PTO

Please join us February 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Chick-Fil-A for our Spirit Night. Show your Spirit!!!! Come for a great night of food and fellowship. Osceola will receive 10% of all sales including drive thru purchases. Our next PTO Meeting will be held in the Media Center on March 7th at 6:00 pm. Children are welcome!

2016-2017 Kindergarten Pre-Registration Osceola Elementary will hold pre-registration for children entering Kindergarten on the following dates: Thursday, March 10 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 8 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 9 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. To be eligible for public kindergarten in St. Johns County, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st and must reside in St. Johns County. Parents must register children at the school where they are zoned for the 2016-2017 school year. Please provide the following documentation to complete the registration process:

Child’s certified birth certificate

Current Physical (dated within one year of the start of school)

Florida Immunization Record (680 Form)

Proof of Residency. The required proof of residency documentation

has changed. Please visit

http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/student/residency/ for more information.

Registering Parent’s Driver’s License or ID Card

Parents are encouraged to register during the designated dates above so that schools can adequately prepare for the new school year.

VPK Registration Along with Kindergarten Pre-Registration, parents may also register students for VPK. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1st to qualify. In order to register for VPK, you must have completed the VPK eligibility process through Episcopal Children’s Service (ECS), and have a Child Eligibility registration that are listed above. Please visit Osceola’s website for additional information and to schedule your registration appointment.

Extended Day Program Parents, did you know we have After School Child Care right here on the Osceola Campus? We have a great program designed to be fun, educational and age appropriate. We have openings for all grade levels, K-5.Our program is open at 7 am for Early Morning Care, every day school is open, and for After-School care, it closes daily at 6:00 pm. There are a variety of child care options to choose from. For more information please contact Betty Masse, Extended Day Coordinator at 547-3789, or Betty.Masse@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

CHOCOLATE AND BEYOND

A SWEET WAY TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS

Chocolate and Beyond, a celebration of chocolate, desserts, and

other culinary sensations, will be held on Saturday, February 27,

2016, from 2 – 4 p.m. at First Coast Technical College, Building C

in St. Augustine. Guests will enjoy tasty samples from some of the

area’s finest restaurants and specialty shops. A silent auction, 50-50

drawing, and contests will also be part of this fun and exciting

afternoon.

Hosted by The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of

St. Johns County, proceeds from Chocolate and Beyond are utilized

to recruit, train, and recognize senior volunteers in our school district

and other county locations. Tickets ($10 in person, $12 on-line) can

be purchased on the RSVP website at www.rsvpstjohns.com, or at

Whetstone Chocolates (King Street and Anastasia Blvd locations),

Cold Cow Ice Cream, and TD Bank in St. Augustine. Call RSVP at

(904) 547-3945 for more information.