Pride PostFebruary 2019

Seven Oaks Promise

Seven Oaks P.R.I.D.E.Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence

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Farah Springer, Principal Phone (410)222-0937

fspringer@aacps.org Fax (410)305-2590

Amy Fee, Assistant Principal https://twitter.com/sevenoakses

afee@aacps.org http://www.aacps.org/html/schol/Elementary/soes.asp

February DatesBlack History Month1st- Career Day 1st- Beginning of 3rd Marking Period 4th- National School Counseling Week 6th- Pre K Application begins6th- 2 Hr Early Dismissal No PM Pre K8th- Report Card Distribution15th- Grandparents & Grand Friends Day 9-10am18th- President’s Day- All Schools & Offices Closed Screening Make- Up

In this issue:Vision & Hearing- Pg 2Grade Level News- Pgs 2-4School Counselor- Pg 5PTA News-Chaperones/Volunteers– Pg 6Free/Reduced Meals- Pg 6Uniform- Pg 7Parent Connect- Pg 8Video Viewing- Pg 9Visitors/Attendance- Pg 10Outside Food- Pg 11Early Dismissals- Pg 11Changes in Dismissal- Pg 11Lunch/Recess Schedule- Pg 11Lunch Prices- Pg 11Harris Teeter/Giant Rewards- Pg 12Clothing for Cash- Pg 13Health Room Info- Pg 14-16Twitter- Pg 17School Cameras- Pg 18

Principal’s Message

It is incredible that we have completed two marking periods so quickly!!! Where did the time go? If you have not yet had a conference with your child’s teachers, please contact them to set up an appointment. As we get into the new semester, I would like to take some time to remind students about safety and appropriate behavior when walking home. Please continue to talk to your child about walking in groups in a safe and orderly fashion to and from school daily. We have been receiving an increased number of reports about SOES children misbehaving as they travel through the communities. Your support in reminding children to demonstrate P.R.I.D.E. is greatly appreciated!!! I look forward to the second half of the school year.

In partnership,

Farah SpringerPrincipal

SEVEN OAKS

Grade Level News

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Pre-K We are HALFWAY THERE! WE are continuously adding new skills to our repertoire and we are excited to see your little learners grow each and every day. Let's continue to collaborate throughout this month to help our students grow!

Kindergarten CornerThis month we will begin Theme 3 “The Power in Our World” and we will learn about the needs

of plants and animals. Thank you to everyone who helped their child with their animal research project last month. We loved hearing so many interesting facts about so many animals! In Math this month we will be comparing numbers and groups of objects, writing numbers to 20, and counting to 81. We will also be adding and subtracting (within 10) to solve word problems. We are continuing to read more sight words and sound out unknown words when reading and writing. We will also begin writing to inform this month. We will celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th, learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on the 15th, and celebrate the 100th day of Kindergarten on the 26th. We will be very busy this month!

First GradeHappy February From First Grade!

It is hard to believe we are in our third marking period already and Theme 3- How to Share Ideas. The first unit of study will be How has communication changed over time? In Math, we will be exploring Geometry: shapes, sides, vertices and more. Please encourage your child to examine their world and how geometry is everywhere. We are excited to participate in a school wide- Seven Oaks Reading Challenge…. Reading is HOT STUFF!! We are asking for every family to spend time reading together each night as part of the reading challenge. Students will be provided with a monthly calendar to log their nightly reading. Parents are asked to initial the calendar and note the number of minutes read daily. Students will earn PRIDE passes along with weekly bragging rights for the class with the highest participation. The winning class at each grade level will be announced on the Monday morning announcements.

We also want to remind everyone, weather permitting, we will be going outside for recess to enjoy some fresh air and to get out our energy. Please continue to dress for the weather- send hats, gloves and coats to school.

Vision & Hearing Screening

Vision & Hearing Screening has been rescheduled for March 25th. The retest date will be April 3rd. All Pre-K, K, 1st grade and any students new to the county will be tested.

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Second GradeWe are half way through 2nd grade! It’s been a great half of the year and we are looking forward

to the rest. Remember that all students need to be in uniform, if a child needs a jacket, please remember that it must be non-hooded and in school colors. If a child doesn’t have the appropriate jacket, they are asked to place it in their locker. We will spend the next few weeks learning about shapes, partitioning, the economy, understanding what we are reading, and writing opinion pieces. All students should be reading each night and they have a spelling test every Friday. Check blue folders weekly to see graded papers and check agendas for any notes from the teacher. Thank you for all that you do!

Third GradeThird grade is excited to start the 3rd marking period! Students have been working very

diligently throughout the first half of the school year. We are also happy to welcome Ms. Davidson to the 3rd Grade Team!

In reading, students will continue to work on deepen their within the text, beyond the text, and about the text comprehension of various types of texts. In writing, students will be working on writing opinion pieces by stating their opinion and supporting it with reasons and examples. Students will be asked to organize their writing, write an introduction and conclusion, and use linking words and phrases.

In math, students will be focusing on developing a deeper understanding the relationship between multiplication and division by investigating patterns in numbers and operations. In science, students will be studying and investigating how Earth systems work. In social studies, students will identify the role of economics in everyday lives, focus on personal decision making and how it impacts others and identify economic principles and processes that are helpful to producers and consumers when making good decisions.

We look forward to another month of learning and fun! As always, please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns.

Fourth GradeIn this month of February, our students will be learning about how to solve measurement

problems using the four operations in Math. In Reading, students will learn to identify poetic elements and devices to interpret the author's perspective and the theme. In Science, students will learn about how energy is formed and transferred. In Social Studies, students will be learning about how Maryland changed overtime through growth and conflict. This month we will be embarking on a field trip to the National Electronic Museum to provide our students with outdoor real world connections that enhance their understanding of the unit on Energy.

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Fifth GradeThe third quarter is just around the corner. This quarter, we will continue to focus on the 5 th

grade standards, so they are well prepared for the PARCC assessment and for the demand of sixth grade. In math, students will be adding and subtracting decimals. The students will be expected to apply previous understanding of decimals and place value. They will also be expected to solve multi-step word problems. In science, we will finish our unit on the four spheres, and will begin studying food webs. Specifically, we will be focusing on ecosystems and hydroponic farming. In Social Studies, students will explore the American Revolution, both from the context of a war, as well as a political and social movement. Students will identify the key turning points in the war as well as the how changes during the period impacted various social groups. Students will analyze these events from multiple perspectives in order to emphasize the wide diversity of people affected by this era. In Reading Language Arts, students will read a combination of literary and informational texts and instruction will be geared around the concept of how people solve conflicts by thinking critically. Throughout history, people have utilized critical thinking to overcome internal and external conflict. The literary texts present conflict through symbolism, simplifying the concepts in order to promote critical thinking. The informational texts provide real-world connections through an exploration of the American Revolution, and current events. During the course of this unit, students will continue to compare and contrast themes and topics, as well as integrate information from several literary texts in order to write or speak about various literary elements.

MediaHappy New Year from the Media Center! Please remember the importance of reading with

your child and setting reading goals. It is always wonderful to cozy up together with a great book to read. This month students continue to learn about the books nominated for The Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award. They are enjoying hearing about the new books and authors. In the spring, they will get to vote on their favorite book. Happy Reading!!

Music News

In music classes, the children are learning new skills. All students are working hard as they continue to develop their musical skills and knowledge. Melody, rhythm and expressive qualities are being emphasized. Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students are playing their recorders

Chorus has begun working on music for the Spring Concert. The date for this performance will be determined soon. For those involved in afterschool chorus, we will begin meeting again in March. The afterschool rehearsal chorus rehearses every other Wednesday. Please remember afterschool chorus ends at 3:50.

Thank you for your support of the music program at Seven Oaks Elementary.

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Physical Education

In February 2019 in Physical Education classes we will be performing the following: Dance

- Which include STOMP, line dances and storybook dances, parachute and, and other creative dances.

Jumping activities

- Which include short jump rope, Long Jump rope, double Dutch, tinikling, Chinese jump rope and long jump.

Scooter City

- The gymnasium will be set up like a city in which the students will learn road ways, directions, and mathematics skills by handling play money.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at esteele1@aacps.org.

AACPS PREKINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 6 Seven Oaks Elementary Hours for Application are 9-11:30am/12:30-2pm

* Feb 6th Application Hours are 9-12, and 1-2 due to the 2 hour early dismissal

Registration must be done in person at the school in which the child will be enrolled.

Children enrolling in prekindergarten must be 4 years old by September 1, 2019. The following documents are required when registering a child for prekindergarten:

The child’s original birth certificate or birth record A copy of the child’s immunization record Two proofs of residency (rental or mortgage agreement and current utility bill)

Public prekindergarten programs in Maryland are designed to improve the school readiness of children who are economically disadvantaged or homeless. If seats remain, schools may enroll students with other readiness needs. Those applying for prekindergarten due to economic need must provide income eligibility verification by submitting one of the following:

Federal Income Tax Return (1040 statement) along with documentation related to other sources of income such as child support and/or rental income.

Current award letter for Temporary Cash Assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

This Month in School CounselingFebruary 2019

Beginning on February 7, 2019, students in grades Prekindergarten – Fifth will participate in classroom guidance lessons supporting the “Erin’s Law” requirements.

“Erin’s Law” requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program which teaches students in grades prekindergarten through 12th grade age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult. Schools provide a safe place where children can learn what to do in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations. You can preview the lessons and discuss any concerns about them with me. Parents can opt out of having their child(ren) participate in the lessons, and an alternative activity will be provided. Follow up materials will be sent home, so that you can support what your child has learned.

Pre-K and Kindergarten• Identify safety rules for home, school, and the community.• Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touching.• Identify safe and unsafe situations in response to scenarios that are read to them.• Identify people who are strangers and how to avoid contact with strangers. • Identify situations when it is necessary to seek grown-up help • Name a safe adult who they can tell about an unsafe situation.• Explain the Protect Yourself Rules.

First grade• Describe the difference between safe and unsafe touches.• Practice asserting themselves by using the “Shout, Run, Tell” rule.• Recognize that it doesn’t matter who it is (friend, relative, stranger), no one has the right to touch them

inappropriately.• Identify people who are strangers and practice how to avoid contact with strangers• Identify how to use refusal skills when in personal safety situations• Identify safety rules for the home, school, and the community.• Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touching• Identify situations when it is necessary to seek adult help.• Identify way to report inappropriate touching.

Second grade• Identify safety rules for home, school, and community by stating the six Protect Yourself Rules.• Describe the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.• Identify refusal skills when in person safety situations (for example “No, Stop statements)• Describe the characteristic of a trusted friend and adult versus a stranger.• Identify situations where I find it necessary to seek adult help.• Identify non-verbal ways to report abuse.• Give examples of unsafe touches that are harmful to my body. • Give examples of safe and unsafe secrets.

Third grade• Identify safety rules for home, school, and community, including the 6 Protect Yourself Rules.• Describe the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.• Discuss the importance of setting (and ways to set) personal boundaries for privacy, safety, and expression of

emotions.• Explain that everyone has the right to tell others not to touch his or her body.• Describe the characteristic of a trusted friend and adult versus a stranger.

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Demonstrate refusal skills when in unsafe situations (for example “No, Stop statements, run/walk away, tell a grown-up).

• Identify safety rules for school, the home and the community. • Roleplay what to do if a stranger approaches you – at home, in a car, on the street. • Identify situations when it is necessary to seek adult help.

Fourth grade

• Identify unsafe touches and how these types of touches violate their personal boundaries. • Describe sexual harassment and will practice steps to stop sexual harassment. • Demonstrate knowledge of the six Protect Yourself Rules and how to apply them in unsafe situations

in-person and online

Fifth grade • Identify the Protect Yourself Rules and identify applications for these rules in their lives to set personal

boundaries for privacy, safety, and expression of emotions • Identify safe people that they can go to if feeling unsafe • Describe how friendship, attraction, and affections can be expressed in different ways. • Define physical and sexual abuse. • Identify safe adults. • Explain how they would safely respond to abuse.

All lessons include information that will come home with your child after the lesson has been taught so that

you can support your child as he or she learns to be safe.

These lessons are important because school provides a safe place where children can learn what to do in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations. Trusted adults provide students with an opportunity to practice handling situations related to child sexual abuse and personal body safety, so that the first time a young person is faced with an unsafe situation, he or she knows what to do and has practiced doing it. Students will identify trusted adults, both inside and outside of the school, who they can go for help.

You can make arrangements to preview the lessons with your child’s school counselor, or you can preview them on the Anne Arundel County Public Schools website. Go to https://www.aacps.org/Page/5481 to preview the lessons or to find more information about Erin’s Law in a FAQ.

If you have questions about these lessons, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 410-222-0937 or via email.

Thank you for your support,

Theresa Elam, School Counselor tmorgan-elam@AACPS.org Aleah Queen, School Counseling Intern asqueen1@AACPS.org

PTA NEWS

FAMILY DANCE VOLUNTEERSFriday, February 15, 2019

As we prepare for the annual Family Dance event, we are looking for volunteers to

assist with set up and clean up.

Please use the link below to sign up!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4ca9aa2aa2fb6-family1

IF WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH VOLUNTEERS THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED

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Teacher Name-______________________

Student Name-______________________

Family & Friends,

Grandparents & Grand Friends Day is scheduled for February 15, 2019 from, 9-10am. Due to the high volume of visitors expected we are offering advanced registration. Please RSVP below to provide information that will be required to register in advance.

Please be aware that regular check-in procedures will be in place for those visitors that do not preregister. This is a process that does take some time. We would like to encourage grandparents to arrive about 15-30 minutes early to help ensure you are checked in prior to the start of the event. We are asking for your patience and understanding as there will very likely be a longer wait time due to the large crowd expected.

All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID.

Grandparents & Grand Friends Day Pre-Registration

Thank you for taking the time to pre-register for the Grandparents Day. In order to pre-register your license needs to have been scanned at Seven Oaks Elementary. You may stop by during school hours with your license to have it scanned prior to the event and be eligible for pre-registration.

Please list the name and birthdate of each visitor as it is listed on their Driver License.

________________________________________________ ______________ Name Birthdate ________________________________________________ ______________ Name Birthdate ________________________________________________ ______________ Name Birthdate ________________________________________________ ______________ Name Birthdate Please return completed forms to the office.

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Chaperone/Volunteer Background Investigation Application

Background investigations are required for all overnight chaperones, volunteers, and student teachers who have unsupervised access to students either on or off school property. Unsupervised access is defined as an adult having responsibility for a student or students not in the direct and continuous view of a school staff member.  A background check is required regardless of how brief the unsupervised time will be.

Background investigations forms must be submitted online* and a minimum of three weeks prior to the event. Applicants are required to review and acknowledge the AACPS screening criteria for chaperone and

volunteer background investigations before applying for a background check.

Please consider submitting your application now so that you will be cleared for any upcoming events.

https://www.aacps.org/Page/1869 Mandatory Volunteer Video

In addition to the background check, volunteers are required to watch a short video prior to volunteering.

You may use the link below to view the Volunteer Video:

https://md02215556.schoolwires.net/Page/2460Please fill out the form on the next page after viewing the video and return to school.

Thank you for your assistance to keep our students safe!

Applying for Free or Reduced-Meal Prices

The application for Free or Reduced-Meal prices can be found at the link below:

http://aacpsschools.org/nutrition/apply-for-free-or-reduced-price-meals/

*Families must re-apply each school year.

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Seven Oaks Elementary School Uniform Policy Seven Oaks Elementary School Uniform Policy

Things listed below are in

COMPLIANCE with the mandatory uniform policy for boys and girls. Adhering to this policy

will help make your time at Seven Oaks Elementary School pleasant and

enjoyable.

Tops: Tops must be light blue, navy blue or white long or short-sleeved polo style Tops must be tucked in securely.

Other Tops: Other tops may include a V-neck

sweater style vest, front button cardigan, sweatshirt with a banded collar or a Seven Oaks Elementary School sweatshirt. Tops must be light blue, navy blue or white.

Belts: A solid, plain black, dark brown, or navy blue leather or leather-like belt must go through the loops and be buckled securely around the waist. Belt buckles should be plain.

Shoes: Shoes must be safe and enclose the foot. Shoes may not expose students to safety hazards nor should they impede a student from moving quickly during an evacuation of the building. Athletic shoes are permitted.

Pants: Navy blue or Khaki full-length standard issue pants are to be worn securely around the waist with a belt.

Skirts/Shorts/Skorts: Navy blue or Khaki in color; must extend to the middle of the thigh when standing at attention. (Shorts may be worn between April 1 and Oct. 31)

Things listed below are

VIOLATIONS of the uniform policy. The policy is for

girls and boys.

Tops: Tops may not have any designs, logos,

characters, names or numbers of any size. Sleeveless tops, crop tops, v-necks, halters, undershirts, and tee shirts are not allowed. Tops may not be un-tucked (White T-shirts may be worn under the school uniform top.)

Other Tops: Tops may not have a hood, zipper, designs, logos, characters, names or numbers of any size. Jackets and coats may not be worn in class and must be kept in the student lockers.

Belts: Belts may not have anything dangling. They may not contain chain loops, symbols, larger designer insignia, characters, names or numbers of any size.

Shoes: Flip-flops or sandals may not be worn to school.

Pants: Pants may not contain large designer

insignia, characters, names or numbers. No bandanas. Pants may not be rolled up or tucked into footwear.

Skirts/Shorts/Skorts: Mini and/or tight skirts/shorts/skorts are not allowed.

Jewelry and Accessories: Jewelry should not pose safety hazards or be a distraction. Necklaces should not be longer than 18 inches. Charms may not be replicas of weapons or contraband.

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Notice to Parents and VisitorsAll parents/visitors must report to the main office before proceeding into the school. The

safety of all students and staff in Anne Arundel County Public Schools is of utmost importance to all of us.  Our school will be utilizing a system for checking in all visitors.  The system is called: V Soft by RaptorWare.  When you visit our school for the first time, you will be asked to present a government-issued photo ID to a staff person in the school office.  This card will be scanned, and the following information will be collected:  your photo, your name, and your date of birth.  This information will be utilized to check you in, create an ID badge, and compare your information against sexual offender databases throughout the country.  If your name appears on any of the lists or you refuse to allow the use of your ID, then access to the school will be denied.  On future visits to a school, in which you have previously registered, you will only be asked to show your ID as your name will be selected from an existing list of previous visitors.  You will also be asked to sign out with the office upon leaving the school so that we know you have departed the building.  The information collected will not be shared outside of the school and is kept on a secure server. 

We ask that you say your morning goodbyes at the front door and allow your child to proceed to his/her class independently. We also ask that you help your child be responsible for bringing all materials needed every day, including lunches, instruments and homework. Your cooperation in this security effort is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Supervisor of School Security, 410-222-5083.

1 Attendance Regular school attendance is an important factor in student success. As a parent, you can

encourage proper attendance by ensuring that your child gets adequate rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and has adequate time to catch the school bus or walk to school.

There are lawful reasons for absence from school. Whenever your child is absent, you must provide a note of explanation to the school within three days of your child’s return to school. Absences of five consecutive days or more require a physician’s note.

School hours are from 8:15 a.m. until 2:40 p.m. Students who walk or are driven to school should plan to arrive between 7:55a.m.-8:10 a.m. Students should not be dropped off before 7:55 a.m., as there is no supervision until this time. All students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:15 a.m. so as not to be marked tardy. We highly recommend that all communities form walking groups, so students can walk together, and adults can take turns supervising the walk to and from school.

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Outside FoodIn consideration of wellness issues and student allergies, outside food is discouraged

to share with classmates.

Early DismissalsWe apologize for the inconvenience, but for the safety of our students, early dismissal of

students will only occur before 2:30.

Changes in DismissalPlease notify the school in writing if there are changes in your child’s dismissal.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

3rd Grade

1st Grade

2nd Grade

Kindergarten (KB, KD)

Kindergarten (KA, KC, KE)

10:30-10:55

11:00-11:25

Recess

2:05-2:30

1:00-1:25

Lunch

11:30-11:55

12:00-12:25

12:30-12:55

1:00-1:25

10:00-10:20

10:35-11:00

12:00-12:25

2:00-2:25

12:30-12:55 1:00-1:25

2018-19 School Lunch PricesApplications for Free/Reduced Meals will be done online this year.

Please follow the link below:http://aacpsschools.org/nutrition/apply-for-free-or-reduced-price-meals/

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SOE Parents and Supporters!!!

Seven Oaks Elementary joins Harris Teeter's Together in Education (TIE) program to help raise funds for our schools.  It's easy and it's FREE. 

Complete either of the following to link your VIC card: 

Simply give the cashier our code, 4062, and your VIC card when you check out and your card will be linked for the entire school year;

Go to the TIE page (https://www.harristeeter.com/ together -in- education #/app/cms ) and link your card directly;

Contact Jackie Johnson (jjohnsonpta@gmail.com) to link your VIC card to our school. 

That's it!

Once your card is linked, Seven Oaks Elementary will receive a percentage of your Harris Teeter brand (Harris teeter, H.T. Traders, Harris Teeter Organics, HT Farmers Market, and purchases in the HT Pharmacy) purchases credited back to our account.  This program does not interfere with your VIC savings or cost you any money!

Please contact Jackie Johnson (jjohnsonpta@gmail.com) for assistance.

Giant's A+ School Rewards

Seven Oaks Elementary is participating with Giant's A+ School Rewards! This is a great opportunity to participate in and earn CASH from A+ School Rewards, a great fundraising program run through your local Giant! Our school ID number: 05579  

To participate, just visit www.giantfood.com/aplus and scroll down to the center of the page to select REGISTER YOUR CARD from the red box on the right marked FOR CUSTOMERS.

To earn points, use your registered GIANT CARD each time you shop at Giant, and you will earn CASH for our school. You can track the number of points you are earning for our school by checking your grocery receipt.     

Please encourage your family members and friends to support our school. This could result in more CASH REWARDS!

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FROM THE HEALTH ROOM:If your child has a cast or sling, or requires the use of crutches, please notify the Health Room and provide physician documentation regarding the level of activity restriction.

This is the time of year where children are getting sick during school and need to be sent home. If you have recently changed phone numbers, please take a moment to verify that the school has your current phone number(s) on file.

Should I keep my child home?

If your child has a temperature of 100◦ or above with a cough or sore throat, feels nauseated or has vomited, or he/she has a rash that has not been diagnosed by a doctor, your child should be kept home from school. Children must be fever free (less than 100◦) for 24 hours without any fever reducing medication before he/she can return to school. Please encourage your child to practice good health habits: get adequate rest, eat healthy meals, exercise daily, and wash his/her hands frequently. All of these help to keep your child healthy during flu and cold season!

NO FLU VACCINE AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR!

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot. Please plan to make arrangements through your pediatrician to get a flu shot for

your child this year.

Vision & Hearing Rescheduled

Vision and Hearing Screening has been rescheduled for March 25, 2019. The make-up date is April 3, 2019

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A little birdie told me...Seven OaksElementary

is now on Twitter!Follow us

@sevenoaksesGet news and updates

from our school and AACPS

Video Camera SystemSeven Oaks Elementary School is equipped with a video camera system. It covers selected interior and exterior public portions of the building and grounds. It is not monitored constantly but is monitored during emergency situations. During certain events, when the safety or security of students may be in question, authorized personnel from local, state, or federal police or fire emergency units may be given access to view images projected on the camera system. If you have any questions about the system, you may call the office of School Security, at (410) 222-5083.