Pride PostFebruary 2018

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 Dates1st- Beginning of 3rd Marking Period5-9 National School Counselor Week7th- PTA Meeting 6:30pm7th- 2 hour early dismissal No school for PM PreK8th- Progress Report distribution16th- PTA Family Dance19th- Schools & Offices Closed Presidents Day22nd- Career Day

In this issue:Website Update- Pg. 2Grade Level News- Pgs 2-6Pride in the Pride- Pg. 7Volunteers needed- Pg. 7Honor Roll Requirements- Pg. 7Career Fair- Pg. 8Uniform Policy- Pg 9Visitors- Pg 10Attendance-Pg 10Outside Food- Pg 11Early Dismissals- Pg 11Changes in Dismissal- Pg 11Lunch/Recess Schedule- Pg 11Lunch Prices- Pg 11Harris Teeter- Pg. 12Giant Rewards- Pg 12Clothing for Cash- Pg. 13Health Room Info- Pg. 14-17Twitter- Pg. 18School 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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The Pre-K PackThis month we will be exploring our Earth. In this unit, we will learn about the letters G,

T, S, and R, along with the sight words IS, AND, WHEN WILL. We will continue to practice out beginning sounds and breaking apart compound words. In math, we will begin learning about 3D shapes and addition. Lastly, we will be learning about why the Earth is important to us and how we can help take care of it! We are going deeper in our learning and I can't wait to see your learners continue to blossom.

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

the needs of plants and animals. In Math, 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, the 100th day of Kindergarten on the 21st, and learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on the 16th. We will be very busy this month!

First GradeFirst grade has been working hard this new year. We are finishing up our "How Things

are Connected" unit, where they learned about different traits and cultures and how those things connect us. Soon we will be moving into our next unit "How to Share Ideas" where students will learn how different things impact how we communicate. Please continue to encourage your child to read every night as well as work on Prodigy Games.

Seven Oaks Website

The Seven Oaks website is now fully functional! It contains important school information including staff emails, school schedules, school supply lists, PTA information, newsletters and much more! There is even a calendar that reflects events specific to Seven Oaks. This is a great resource for parents. You may even see a picture of your student on our slide show!

Please check it out by following the link below:

https://www.aacps.org/Page/4973

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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 money, shapes, the economy, understanding what we are reading, and writing using informational texts. 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 Grade  Our third graders are excited to make their way into the third marking period! Throughout February our scholars will study elements of poetry. Students will also analyze characters, determine the meaning of words, examine illustrations, and identify point of views in a text.

Our mathematicians will determine the relationship between multiplication and division. Students will practice their math facts with a focus on multiples of 4, 8, 9, and 10. In addition, students will be interpreting and analyzing graphs. As scientists, our students will study the types of weather in different parts of the world.In social studies, third graders will study elements of starting a business. They will become entrepreneurs by generating ideas for a business and creating a business plan.

We are looking forward to a wonderful month of February.

Fourth GradeWe are excited as the second quarter is over as we commence the third quarter with

the theme on Critical thinking. In, Social Studies students will be investigating the role of Maryland in post-Revolutionary America. In Science, students will be learning about weathering and landscaping. In Math, students will continue to explore addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed fractions. In Reading, students will continue analyze the various reading strategies using a variety of textual genres. In writing students will continue to expand their knowledge on creating expository writing pieces.

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Fifth Grade                                                 

The third quarter has already just begun and students have recently demonstrated their learning on the second quarter county benchmarks. Overall, students performed well and we are proud of their hard work and stamina. 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 are studying the four spheres: biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere. Students will explore and model examples of how these spheres interact. 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.

Triple E Arts & HumanitiesTriple E Arts & Humanities continues to weave the theme of empathy throughout all

projects explored in our next unit. Your children are exploring the concept of empathy and how we can use our imagination to understand how other people are feeling by putting ourselves "in their shoes." Students have discussed how great actors are particularly able to do this as they use their imagination to understand how their character is feeling. Each grade will work on an arts project that creatively includes the concept of empathy. Our driving question for the next many weeks ahead is, how do artists tell stories through different arts forms? Our goal as a community is to practice empathy at school.

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Instrumental Music

Band and String classes are learning new notes and refining their instrument technique in preparation for the upcoming Band and Strings Spring Concert which will take place on Wednesday, April 18th at 6:30 pm with students arriving for the call time at 6:00 pm. PLEASE NOTIFY ANY COACHES AND SCOUT LEADERS OF THIS IMPORTANT SCHOOL EVENT.

Band and String Students should be practicing the songs/skills we are working on in band/string class at home on their instrument for homework, 10-15 minutes at least 6 days a week.

All strings practice pages 10-13 in the Essential Elements book and any other assigned songs

All band students practice page 9 and 10 in the Essential Elements book and any other assigned songs.

Percussion practice page 9 and 10 in the Essential Elements book for melody bells and snare.

Thank you for your support.

Music NewsIn 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.

Chorus will begin to work on music for the Spring Concert. The date for this performance is May 22. Please mark your calendars now!! For those involved in after school chorus, we will begin meeting again on February 14. The after-school rehearsal chorus rehearses every other week. The schedule will be as follows:

February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April 25 May 9

Please remember afterschool chorus ends at 3:50.

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ArtThis week I am challenging all grade levels to create pictures by only using shapes. This is a great

strategy to learn and will help all students to become better artist. Breaking pictures down by shape can also help with problem solving if they ever encounter a picture they are having difficulties drawing.

MediaAll classes in grades 2-5 experienced coding with Code.org this past month. Each student selected a

tutorial to complete that taught them steps for certain programs. The students can continue these tutorials at home and practice their coding or programming skills at any time. Visit https://code.org/ to learn more.

During the month of February, we will continue to read books nominated for the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award. Students will vote for their favorite in April. While reading Black-Eyed Susan Books in January, students learned about an inventor named Lonnie Johnson from the book Whoosh. The 4th and 5th grade students followed up with research on other inventors. Google Slides and Google Classroom were used to share their information. Students enjoyed the book Land Shark. The second grade identified how and why the character’s feelings changed throughout the story. The third grade used persuasive writing to ask for a pet. The younger students especially liked Maybe Something Beautiful where they learned how one neighborhood worked together to paint murals. The students were inspired to create beautiful displays of their own. These are just a few of the books nominated for Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Award. Find out more at http://maslmd.org/about-bes/nominees.

AACPS Summer Music Camp AACPS Summer Music Camp information is now available. Online applications are due by Feb. 19th.

An audition is also required. Students who are currently enrolled in their school's band, strings, or chorus program that will be entering grades 6-12 this fall are eligible. All information can be found at this link: https://www.aacps.org/Page/2294

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PRIDE IN THE PRIDEWe would like to recognize the following families for their dedication to Seven Oaks:

Thank you to:

Ms. Hepburn, Ms. Weaver, Mr. Shamberger and Ms. Marburger, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Crossley, Ms. Whitney, Ms. McAdams, Ms. Dichoso, and Ms. Irvin volunteering in the classroom.

Ms. Hylan and Ms. Alexander, Ms. Browder and Ms. Hill for volunteering in media. Ms. Hepburn, Ms. Alexander, Ms. Browder, and Ms. Weaver for assisting with Vision and

Hearing screening.

Honor Roll Requirements

Second quarter report cards will be distributed on February 8th. Listed below are the current requirements for each type of award.

Principal’s Honor Roll Honor Roll

Student receives straight A’s in all Academic Courses

Student receives A’s/B’s in all Academic Courses

Student receives a CD in all Cultural Arts and Behavior Categories

Student receives a CD or PR in all Cultural Arts and Behavior Categories

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of volunteers to help organize uniforms that have been donated to our school. Please contact Ms. Elam if you are available to assist.

tmorgan-elam@aacps.org

Seven Oaks Elementary (410)222-0937

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- It’s time to commit

Why? To help our students understand that postsecondary education and life-long learning are necessary for long-term career success. (ASCA Category 1: Mindset Standards #4) When? Friday, February 23, 2018, 8:30am – 1:30pm. How? Each child in grades preK – 5 will have an opportunity to participate in the Career Fair. The intent is to have a variety of careers presented that will cover a wide range of occupations to help students develop an awareness of the many possibilities of the job world. What do I have to do? In order for the day to be a success, families and other community members are needed to volunteer their time and expertise.

Presenters will be asked to:

1. Volunteer Friday, February 23, 2018 from 8:30am – 1:30pm.

2. Prepare a table presentation or demonstration and answer questions on her/his career.

3. Stay for the day and present the same session as students rotate through the fair.

How will this work?

The Career Fair will take place in our school Gym, Media Center, Early Childhood Hallway (prek – 1st grad), and/or Open Door as needed.

Presenters will be asked to set up a table to share their career information. Please bring your own table.

Schedule

8:30 – 9:30 5th grade 9:30 - 10:30 4th grade 10:30 – 11:30 Presenters’ Break 11:30 -12:30 2nd grade 12:30 – 1:30 3rd grade

PreK, Kindergarten and First grades will have a different format, with age appropriate presenters, to accommodate their schedule 8:30-9:15 (1st grade) and 9:15 – 10:00 (PreK – K). Please consider making a commitment to volunteer for this opportunity in order to help educate our students about careers. More information will follow for those who volunteer to make a presentation. If you have any questions, please contact me via phone or email. Thank you, The Career Fair Committee

Please contact Mrs. Elam for additional information. 410-222-0937

TLMorgan-Elam@aacps.org

Please complete and return to Mrs. Elam by Friday, February 9, 2018. Please Print ____ Yes, I am available to share information about my career/occupation. Career____________________________________ #of Presenters attending ____________ ____I know a person who would be a good presenter on their occupation/career_________________ Name____________________________________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________ email_______________________________________ Student’s Name_______________________________________Teacher______________________ Our students will participate in a Career Fair Scavenger Hunt. To help prepare the Scavenger Hunt, please provide one interesting fact about your career on the back of this form.

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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.  You will be required to check into the system even if you are only coming to school to pick up your child.  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. Forgotten items can be brought to the main office and will be delivered to your child at lunch time by a staff member. Your cooperation in this security effort is greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions, please contact James Batten, Supervisor of School Security, 410-222-5083 or jdbatten@aacps.org.

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 8:00a.m.-8:15 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 2:20.

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

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

1st Grade

2nd Grade

Kindergarten

10:30-10:55

11:00-11:25

11:30-11:55

12:00-12:25

12:30-12:55

1:00-1:25

Recess

10:00-10:25

10:30-10:55

11:00-11:25

11:30-11:55

12:00-12:25

1:00-1:24

Lunch

2017-18 School Lunch PricesApplications for Free/Reduced Meals will be done online this year.

Please follow the link below:

https://applyformeals.aacps.org

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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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Important Message from the Health Room

This is a reminder to all parents of the medication policy in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Student possession of any medication, prescription, or over the counter medications in school is prohibited unless a “Parent Request to Administer Medication at School” is on file in the health room. Over the counter medications include but are not limited to: cough drops, antacids, medicated lip balm, medicated lotions/creams/ointments, etc. This form needs to be completed by the physician and parent or guardian. The medication ordered by the physician, needs to be brought by the parent/guardian in a labeled prescription bottle, or be in an unopened bottle/box if an over the counter medication, like Tylenol or Advil, has been prescribed.

The medication is kept in the health room in a locked cabinet and is dispensed as needed per physician orders to the student in the health room.

Parents, it is a great idea to have medication on file for your child when they come to the health room for minor illnesses such as a headache, stomachaches, and cramps. They can come to the health room, receive the medication, rest for a few minutes and return to class. This way they are not missing important class work.

If your child uses an inhaler for their asthma and needs to have one in school, they must follow the same procedure as having medication in school. No student is to be in possession of any form of medication in school unless the proper forms are completed and on file in the health room.

Attached is the Medication Administration form that needs to be completed by a physician and parent or guardian in order for your child to receive medication at school. Please provide this form to your health care provider if you would like your child to receive medication during this school year.

“Parent’s Request to Administer Medication at School” on next page.

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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 System

Seven 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 James Batten, Supervisor of School Security, at (410) 222-5083.