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BOBCAT BEAT
A PTA Publication
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A Welcome Message from OFE Principal
By Dr. April Williams
Wow! Can you believe that we are already almost two weeks into the 2015-16 school year? The children have settled into their classrooms and adjusting well to their new teachers. Likewise, I have adjusted to my new role and am beyond excited for this school year! I will ensure that my leadership continues to foster and support the high quality of education and care the OFE community has experienced for many years.
I know that the best schools are those where every single person feels valued, safe and welcomed. It is one of my top priorities to ensure that everyone who enters the doors of Oak Forest Elementary feels like part of our family. We welcome your visits and continue to ask all of you to respect our policies and procedures as we create the safest environment possible for the children and staff.
I encourage all parents and guardians to be actively involved in the events and activities throughout the school year. Please make sure that you read the information sent out in the Wednesday folders, sign up for Living Tree, check our website frequently and follow us on Twitter! Our partnership is essential for our continued success. Below are a few upcoming events that I hope you will attend.
Open House Pre K - 2nd Tuesday September 8, 2015 6pm - 7pm
Open House 3rd - 5th Thursday September 10, 2015 6pm - 7pm
PTA meeting Friday September 11, 2015 7:45am in the Library
If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me and know that my door is always open! Creating a learning environment where everyone thrives is the key to success.
Wishing you a wonderful year,
Dr. April Williams
Principal of Oak Forest Elementary School
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A Welcome Message from OFE PTA President
By OFE PTA President Betsy Denson
Welcome to a new year, Oak Forest families - and if your child is starting at Oak Forest Elementary, welcome to a new school. If you've been here a while, then you know how special the community is and if you're new - you are in for a wonderful experience.
Community is an often used word, but in the case of our school, the community is what makes us great. Oak Forest Elementary's teachers will truly take an interest in your child and help them to grow, both academically and personally. Parents volunteer their precious time on behalf of all our children, both in the classroom and at the school. Many work full time jobs, yet still find a few hours each year to make a lasting difference. Teachers and parents are supported by a caring and thoughtful administration, who spend long hours to keep things humming.
Everyone has their favorite events at the school. Some of mine are the Book Character Parade at Halloween time where kids proudly march with their book, the Reflections Art Contest where every child who enters gets a chance to shine and Field Day - because who doesn't love a good tug of war and watermelon slices?
This year, I look forward to our school's first fun run, scheduled in October and the Fall Festival in early November, which a majority of parents surveyed last year said was their favorite school event. Our school's auction is in March, and you'll be hearing about that in the months to come. The continued success of the Oak Forest auction is what allows the PTA to provide the school with much needed 'big ticket' items, and we hope we can count on your help to make this year's the greatest yet.
My oldest will be halfway through this year and the knowledge is bittersweet. Enjoy your year, make new memories, help your kids learn a lot - and please let the PTA know we are doing and how we can serve you better. Better yet, join us and let's keep building this community together.
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Important September Dates to Remember
September 8
- PreK-2nd Open House
September 10
- 3-5th OFE Open House
September 11
- PTA Meeting #1
September 16
- Grandparents' Luncheon
September 17
- Auction Kick-off
September 22
- Early dismissal
September 23
- Fall holiday
September 24
- Fun Run Kickoff Event
Check Living Tree Calendar for exact time/place.
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Welcome to new OFE teachers and staff
The OFE PTA would like to extend our warmest welcome to all new staff and teachers! Thank you for your professional dedication to our school. We welcome you and are proud to call you part of the Bobcat Family.
We hope you enjoy your new OFE Spirit Shirt compliments of the OFE PTA!
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2015-2016 OFE PTA Membership
By PTA Membership Committee Gaby Rodrigues and Courtney Gaydosik
The Benefits of PTA Membership:
*
Get Connected.
PTA provides opportunities to meet and network in person, and through social media, with other parents, teachers,
and school administrators. You will be invited to join the OFE PTA Living Tree group.
*
Speak Up.
PTA can be a way for you to more effectively be a voice for change at your child's school.
*
Watch Yourself Grow.
As a PTA volunteer, you can use your skills and hobbies to create the learning environment you want for your
child.
*
Give Back.
By becoming part of PTA, you can help decide how funds are spent to better your school.
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Save the Date - 2015 Fun Run
By PTA Fall Fundraiser Chairs Stella Stevens and Kara
D'Agostino
This year's fall fundraiser (to replace cookie dough sales from previous years!) is the
Oak Forest Elementary Fun Run
! It'll be a 9-day program where we kick off with a Pep Rally on
September 24, 2015. F
amilies will have time to get pledges for every lap your student runs, and then we'll celebrate at the Fun Run on
October 2, 2015
.
With our BIG goal to raise funds for
field trips, school improvements, Accelerated Reader (AR) awards, teacher supply reimbursement, class gardens, and much, much more
, we asked the Fun Run experts at Boosterthon to power our Fun Run and make it more profitable, easier, and fun. Students will also experience an amazing character theme, Big World Recess! It's a global fitness theme all about playing with character. Donations will go toward
the 2015-2016 OFE PTA Budget
. Please help our school by reaching out to sponsors. All OFE families are invited to come out and cheer on your student at the Fun Run on October 2! Thank you in advance for your support.
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Save the Date -
2015 OFE Fall Festival
By Fall Festival Chairs
Jacquelyn Jacobs and Christina Amos
Join us for an Enchanted Event!
Our 'Once Upon a Time' Fall Festival will be held on
November 7, 2015 from 11am - 3pm on our school grounds. Featured attractions will include carriage rides, a rock wall, a game truck, laser tag, airbrush tattoos, fairy wreath making, a petting zoo and all types of fair food.
Look for future announcements via
Wednesday folders and Living Tree for t-shirt / tickets sales and donation / volunteer opportunities.
We look forward to seeing you November 7th!
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Save the Date - 2016 Spring Auction
By PTA Auction Chairs Ruth Mendez and Courtney Zavala
The Oak Forest Elementary Auction is a great night out for parents and supporters as well as a key fundraiser for the PTA which allows us to help the school with various big ticket items. This year's theme will be unveiled by co-chairs Ruth Mendez and Courtney Zavala at an auction kick off
Thursday, September 17 at the home of Oak Forest parent Justin Gordon. All are invited - RSVP on Living Tree for the kickoff.
Auction fun was also happening over the summer. Lisa Buss and Robin Day were the hostesses for a 2015 Live Auction item/event which featured Underbelly Chef Chris Shepherd who prepared a delicious meal for Veronica and Stuart Fieldhouse and their friends.
SAVE THE DATE -- This year's auction will be March 4 at SPJST Lodge 88.
Stay tuned for more details!
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Bobcat Cents
By PTA Treasurer Theresa Velasquez
Welcome back to what is certain to be another great year for our Bobcats! Many PTA volunteers have been working hard, even before school started, to make our "welcome to school" events a success. All of these events, such as the Kinder Playdates, Ice Cream Socials, and New Parent Breakfast are all made possible thanks to funds raised by our PTA.
Our current approved budget (from May 2015) shows funds utilized for the following:
- Students: $55,812- Accelerated reader software and awards, Art Performances and Competition, Healthy Kid/Field Day, Student Enrichment, WITS (Writers in the Schools)
- Teachers: $ 10,500 - Reimbursement of classroom expenses and teacher appreciation
- Direct Donations: $106,000 - 100% funds raised by Spring Auction, Fall Fund-raiser and book fairs
(No donation is too small; any amount from OFE families is accepted and appreciated.)
- School Community: $41,460 - Arboretum maintenance, Recycling Club, Spirit functions, Audio Visual equipment and set up for the Multi-Purpose room and cafeteria
All the expenses of the PTA serve our goal to combine the many talents of parents, teachers, and school administrators to create an environment at Oak Forest Elementary that best serves the diverse needs of our students. For this purpose, we work closely with our school administrators to ensure that the PTA funds are put to the best overall use for our students and our school community. The budget is approved and revised throughout the year. Revisions are discussed and receive vote approval at each PTA board meeting. Finally, the budget is presented for vote approval at each PTA association meeting. We encourage our entire school community to join the PTA and to attend each of the association meetings.
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Note from the Legislative Committee
By PTA Legislative Chairs Mandie Eichenlaub, Rachelle Park and Melissa Santiago
The 84th Legislative Session came to a close on June 1, 2015 with more than 1,300 bills sent to Governor Greg Abbot for his
signature (see
http://www.texasstaralliance.
com/summary-of-the-84th-texas-
legislative-session/
). The major measures discussed in education in this legislative session included an enhanced school grading system, expansion of pre-kindergarten educational programs, updated teacher evaluation criteria, as well as further progress on the ongoing debate of school finance. Unfortunately, only a few bills regarding public education came to fruition at the end of the session. 
The major measures that passed and you can expect to hear more about are:
1.
Pre-K - The Pre-K initiatives are found in HB which restores funding to full-day Pre-K programs that were cut back in 2011 and instructs the TEA to define key terminology and create new rules surrounding Pre-K.
2.
Public School Accountability - HB 2804 creates an "A-F" rating system designed to measure school performance and to attempt to provide better information regarding which school districts are performing to expectations. This replaces the current system that grades schools as "met standards" or "needs improvement".
3.
Testing - SB 149 establishes procedures for students who failed end-of-course (EOC) to be able to gradu
ate by appointing a committee to evaluate candidates who have completed all requisite course work, but who may have failed one or more EOC exam. HB 1164 amends the Education code in order to require each school district to evaluate students in writing in a way that it sees appropriate. This effort was focused on the English EOC exams that have been very onerous for students in the past. School districts will monitor students' writing progress at the end of grades 4, 7 and English I or II.
For more information on other topics covered during the 84th Legislative Session, please visit the Texas Star Alliance website at www.texasstaralliance.com. Also, you can follow the Texas PTA positions on legislation and other topics of political interest at: http://www.txpta.org/advocacy/. Sign up there for the Under the Dome updates to receive up to date information to your e-mail inbox!
Your Legislative/Parent Engagement Team looks forward to working with you this year to stay abreast of the political landscape and to host you at
three Coffee with the Principal events. Mark your calendars now for the mornings of
October 9,
February 12, and
Apr
il 1
. More detail to come on topics.
If you have any sugges
tions for things you would like to hear from our new principal, please e-mail us at
[email protected]
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Participate in Reflections 2015
By PTA Reflections Chair Hien Reynoso
Reflections is a national art competition that encourages students to express themselves. Students may submit one or more entries in SIX different categories:
Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Art.
The theme for this year's competition is "
Let your Imagination Fly.' All participants will be invited to the award ceremony held in Mid-November. We will enjoy ice cream and pizza and view all the wonderful artwork submitted by the students.
Deadline for entries is October 16!
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Parent-Student-Connect for new and returning OFE Parents
Parent Student Connect (PSC), an online service launched by HISD in September 2009, allows registered users (i.e., parents and students) to log in to access a variety of student information, see class assignments and school calendars, and even communicate electronically with teachers. Users can also choose to have an e-mail or text message sent if a child's grades drop below a selected average or is absent or tardy to class. OFE teachers focused on Reading and Math update online grade-books twice per week; other subjects will be updated weekly online.
Information that PSC provides access to includes:
*Period and Daily Attendance
*Class Schedules and Assignments
*Progress Reports
*Report Cards*
*Standardized Test Results (TAKS by subject area)
*Curriculum Resources
*Parent and Student Resources
*Student ID number (HISD)
*Student date of birth
*Last five digits of student's Social Security number if on file with HISD. If not on file, use the last five digits of the "S-Number" provided to your child by HISD. Please call the school if you do not know this number.
Please note, parents will need to register each child separately. If you have difficulty registering, be sure that the information you are entering is the exact same data that is on file with your school. If you still have difficulty, contact the HISD Help Desk (713-892-7378;
pscsupport@houstonisd.org). Help Desk hours of operation are
7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You may already be registered. Parents and students who used The Source, a system that PSC has replaced, can continue to use their same user ID and password-they do not need to re-register. Just click on the "Sign in" button at the top of the Parents & Students page.
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Kudos to our very own Bobcat Honoree
Oak Forest Elementary's Elizabeth Johnson, the daughter of Kenneth and Imelda Johnson, was selected to travel to Dallas/Fort Worth to participate in a summer 2015 Lone Star Leadership Academy camp. Johnson's selection was based on her outstanding academic success, demonstrated leadership ability, involvement in school and community activities, and a nomination from OFE's assistant principal Rachel Folse.
Johnson joined a delegation of outstanding students from across the state to develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas and its leaders. She visited significant sites in the Dallas/Fort Worth area including the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Perot Museum of
Nature and Science, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Texas Civil War Museum, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Texas educators facilitate the camps, including leadership groups where Johnson and other participants examined qualities of effective leaders, practiced leadership skills and discussed what they learned at the sites visited.
Education in Action a non-profit organization hosts camps to empower young people to be informed and active leaders in their communities. Outstanding Texas students are invited to participate in Lone Star Leadership Academy camps in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio and Houston/Galveston.
Participants must be in 4th through 8th grade, maintain an 85 or higher average, demonstrate leadership ability, be involved in community or school activities, and receive an educator recommendation.
Proud of our Bobcat, Elizabeth Johnson!
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PTA Member Spotlight
The Honeycutt family
Jason and Shawna Honeycutt have three children at OFE this year. Colin is in 3rd grade, Kendall in 2nd, and Olivia in Kindergarten. Three-year-old Ian will be joining them in a few years.
Shawna said that her favorite things about Oak Forest are the teachers and staff. She said of them,
"They all have unique gifts and find their way to use them to make Oak Forest an amazing place.
We have had great experiences with our children's teachers.
They see our children as individuals and find ways to challenge them.
"
Each of the Honeycutt children appreciates something different about their school.
Shawna said
"Colin's favorite thing about school is getting to see his friends.
He enjoys playing games with them that he doesn't get to play with his siblings, and he learns new things from them.
Kendall's favorite time at school is going to computer class.
"Olivia is excited about eating lunch in the cafeteria, going to
art, and using computers.
"
Having four children and working full time can make it difficult to be involved,
"
Shawna explained.
"
I choose to be a member of the PTA because it is a way to show my support for the school and for the volunteers.
I am so grateful for all the individuals who give their time to Oak
Forest Elementary.
"
If you would like to join the Honeycutts in the PTA, you can become a member and find ways to volunteer your time and talents at
www.oakforestpta.com
.
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New Teacher Spotlight
Coach Locke, Physical Education (P.E.)
This is Mrs. Locke's ninth year teaching P.E., and her first at Oak Forest Elementary. Her history of embracing and participating in her school community will help her fit right in at OFE!
When asked about her philosophy of teaching P.E., Locke said, "I believe that PE should be a fun, positive experience for all students. When students are provided with a positive PE experience, they are more likely to participate in physical activity throughout their lives. I strive to make PE a place where students of all abilities are provided a chance to participate in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable."
Locke believes P.E is important in elementary school because "healthy bodies encourage healthy minds. In addition to the movement aspect, PE also gives students a chance to learn important life skills such as following rules, taking turns, and working together as a team."
As a reminder to parents, Locke said, "In order to provide a safe PE experience, all students are required to wear tennis shoes. In addition, since PE is a movement class, it is suggested that girls do not wear dresses or skirts on PE days. If they choose to do so, please be sure they wear shorts underneath."
This year's theme at Oak Forest is super-heroes; Mrs. Locke was quick to say that her favorite superhero is Wonder-Woman. You can look forward to hearing about other teacher's favorites in future Bobcat Beat editions!
Welcome to OFE, Coach Locke!
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Thank You Spotlight
Numerous PTA committees hit the ground running with their efforts as early as May! If you see a grey volunteer shirt and a Board member PTA badge, please give them a pat on the back for their devotion to the school and their hard work to date!
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PTA Teacher Appreciation Committee serves breakfast to teachers and staff on their first day back to OFE in mid-August (at 7:30AM!).
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School Supplies Committee delivers packets to classrooms so students are ready to go on day 1!
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PTA IT Committee Members keep our website organized, orchestrate online sales for our Bobcats, ensure all Board members can effectively communicate with their volunteers with PTA email addresses and much more (can't live without these folks)!
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PTA New Parent Liaison Committee brave the heat at a Candelight Park playdate for all new OFE students!
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Healthy Lunches and Snacks Ideas
By Bobcat Beat Newsletter Co-Chair Emily Zihlman
A Week's Worth of Nut Free School Lunch Ideas
With the rise in life threatening peanut allergies, many schools are going nut-free. Students without nut allergies are now having to bring nut free lunches to school (note: many classrooms at OFE have nut-free policies). In my case, it was hard for me to comprehend that my very picky eater could not bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in her lunch at school! What was I going to do for her lunches? Needless to say, we made it through last year and we figured out what she would eat. I have compiled a week's worth of my 3rd grader's favorite nut-free lunches!
Homemade Pizza "Lunchable"
Ingredients:
- 1 Mini Whole Wheat Thin Pizza Crusts
- 2 Tbsp. Pizza Sauce
- 1/2 C. Reduced Fat Shredded Italian Blend Cheese
Optional Toppings:
Mini Pepperoni, Black Olives, Pineapple, Vegan Sausage crumble, etc.
Directions:
- Cut the pizza crusts into 3 smaller 'lunchable' size pizzas.
- Divide the sauce, cheese, and toppings of choice into it's their own containers.
- Pack 1 cup of fruit and drink.
Hummus Tray Lunch
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup hummus
- 1 cup fresh veggies
- carrot sticks
- celery sticks
- red bell pepper, sliced
- apple, sliced
- fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup pretzel thins
Directions:
1. Wash and prep veggies.
2. Measure a serving of Sabra Hummus and place inside a lidded lunch container.
3. Slice your pita into wedges and place in a separate compartment of your lunch container.
4. Assemble remaining dipping and snacking ingredients inside of lunch container.
Yogurt Buffet Lunch Box
Ingredients:
- Favorite Greek yogurt (Stonyfields, Trader Joes or Fage)
- Granola (Nut-free)
- Mini Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Fruit like mixed berries or peaches.
Directions:
- Layer in a thermos or Mason jar.
Chipotle and Lime Egg Salad
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, hard boiled and peeled
- 2 chipotle peppers, minced, start with just one pepper if you are unsure of the heat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 medium lime, about 1-2 tablespoons, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- dash of smoked paprika
Directions:
- Chop the eggs very small or crush them using a fork or pastry blender.
- Add the mayonnaise and the peppers and stir to combine.
- Add about a tablespoon of lime juice along with the salt and pepper.
- Taste the mixture and adjust as desired.
- Add a dash of paprika and stir to combine.
- Chill until ready to eat.
- Serve with whole wheat bread, crackers or just by itself.
Strawberries and Cream Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel)
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- 2 slices very thin whole-wheat sandwich bread
- 2 medium strawberries, sliced
Directions:
- Combine cream cheese, honey and orange zest in a bowl.
- Spread bread with the cheese mixture.
- Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.
SNACKS
Chocolate Matzo Bark with Pretzels
Ingredients:
- 8 oz white candy coating
- 1/2 cup of WOWButter, crunchy
- 5 unsalted Matzo Crackers
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup pretzels, crushed
Directions:
- In a microwave safe bowl, place white candy coating and melt according to package directions. Remove from microwave and add the WOWButter to the bowl and microwave for an additional 15-20 seconds. Stir to combine.
- Place semisweet chocolate chips in a second microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for an additional 15 seconds. Repeat the process until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Lay matzo crackers out on a large sheet of wax paper. Spoon the WOWButter mixture on top of each cracker and spread evenly to coat. Gently spoon dark chocolate over the WOWButter mixture creating stripes. Use a butter knife to swirl the chocolate with the WOWButter mixture. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels onto the swirled chocolate layer. Refrigerate crackers until chocolate is firm.
- Break the bark into pieces. Eat and repeat.
- Bark can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
F
amily Snack Mix
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds without the shell and unsalted
- 1/4 cup coconut chips (I get them at Trader Joes in the dried fruit area. If you can't get these then substitute for another dried fruit or shredded coconut.)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1/3 cup graham crackers, broken into small pieces
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and distribute into small snack containers or plastic zip top bags. Store in a cool, dry pla
ce for up to two weeks.
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Helpful Safety Tips
SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY:
The school is open every day at 7:00am and your children can wait inside until it is time to move to their respective locations. OFE administrators strongly urge families to
please use the carpool lane for drop-off and pick-up
. If you need to park, please avoid parking at local businesses; the Oak Forest Library is an approved place to park and then crossing on the designated crosswalk areas.
Crossing Guards:
If you are walking or riding a bicycle, always use the sidewalk for the safety of you and your child. When crossing the street, you must cross at a designated crosswalk. Crossing Guards are provided by HISD Police at
Oak forest at 43rd Street
or
Oak Forest at Lamonte.
Morning Drop Off:
The morning drop off line often extends down 43rd. Please be courteous, and join the end of the line rather than cutting in at an intersection. Also, please pull up as far as possible when dropping off or picking up your child.
Afternoon Pick Up:
Remember to bring your car tag when picking up your child in the car line or the
walker line.
Do NOT use the front circle driveway as this is for buses only.
Please try to be consistent with your pick-up procedure so your child is aware of his/her dismissal area. Send a note or email to the teacher when there is a change.
Cell Phones:
State law prohibits use of cell phones in school zones. Please don
'
t text or talk in the car lines.
Bicycles:
Always look carefully for children on bikes or scooters. A bicycle station is available near the front door; families should provide their own lock to secure bikes/helmets.
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FaceBook and Twitter
By PTA Social Media Chair Carolina Chavez
This is a reminder that you can also get daily updates and your questions answered via the OFE PTA Facebook Page! If you are not yet a member, search FaceBook for "
Oak Forest Elementary School - PTA" and request to join this group. Once we confirm that you are a current OFE family, your invitation will be approved. This private/closed FB group is managed by the PTA Social Media Committee.
AND NOW...
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Box Tops for Education
By PTA Box-Tops Chairs Cara Ramelow and Maureen Marcon
In the 2014-2015 school year, our Bobcats collected a total of
26,000 box tops earning a grand total of $2,600 (August 2014 thru April 2015). Each box top is worth 10 cents, so start cutting!
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OFE
Box Tops for
Education
Raffle Ticket
Just attach 10 to be added to our monthly drawings
Hint: Box tops can be placed in a ziplock bag or envelope and stapled to the form. |
Student's name: ___________________
Home Room Teacher Name:__________________________
Pod:____________
Grade:_____
Entry Date:__________________
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Available for OFE Box Tops Raffle
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Support OFE by Linking Your Kroger Plus Card
Every time you use your Kroger Plus card, Kroger will donate money to Oak Forest Elementary. All you need to do is go to the following website and enroll in their Community Rewards Program. Choose Oak Forest Elementary PTA / Organization No. 90142 as your reward choice!
Either create an account or enroll in the rewards program if you already have an account set up.
You must re-enroll every year so sign-up now. Oak Forest Elementary is depending on you! You must sign up online; you cannot sign up in the store. if you need assistance with signing up, instructions on how to enroll can be found on the Oak forest Elementary PTA website.
Sign-up grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, etc. Let's start earning money for our kids and our school.
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