Early Edition!

5/26/2022

Quote of the week: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." --Charles Dickens (writer)

Dear Ocean Shore Families,

This week was a roller coaster for me, and maybe you feel the same. Oceans 411 was amazing, and we had the best beach weather in the 10 years that I have been at Ocean Shore. There were no freezing children in the sand this year. Thank you to all of the parents that made it possible. We literally depend on your participation in order to provide this amazing educational opportunity for our children. Tonight is our Open House where you will have the opportunity to view our hallways and all of our classrooms. The teachers will be available to answer questions, but do not do presentations. This is a great time to peak into the classrooms of the grade your child will be in next year. We are staggering start times by last name. Families with last names from A-L will attend from 6:00-6:45 and those with last names starting with M-Z will attend from 6:45-7:30. Families with multiple last names can pick their time.
The event in Uvalde, Texas has left all of us shaken. It's hard to find words to discuss it, especially with our children. Gitima will provide some additional resources that our ombuds will send out for helping children process horrific events in the news, but I thought I would send a link to this article in the meantime. https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716704917/when-the-news-is-scary-what-to-say-to-kids

In happier news, Ocean Shore raised the most money during the Pacifica Education Foundation Donation Days school competition, raising $25,190 for PEF. Thank you for making this happen! I will send out a separate email giving information about the pizza party which will not be on June 11th as originally planned. Look for an email from me soon with details.

Keep our military, currently serving and veterans, as well as their families in your thoughts this Memorial Day.

Take care and enjoy the long weekend,

Jeanne

Shout out to Michele Tuman and Patricia Garcia who were honored last Friday at the Elna Flynn Volunteer Awards banquet. Michele and Patricia are both "graduating" from Ocean Shore this year. Michele had two children go through our program and served in many roles, most recently as PTO president for 4 years and 8th grade graduation coordinator. Patricia was our PTO treasurer for ELEVEN years, PTO Co-President last year and 8th grade ombud this year. I've had the good fortune of working with both of them, as a teacher, and as a principal. They have saved me time and time again!

School Business

Monday is Memorial Day and there is no school. We'll see everyone Tuesday!

COVID reporting: Results from yesterday's pool testing are pending. If you or a family member test positive, please email Ayesha Siddiq, asiddiq@pacificasd.org. We have sent home COVID tests with each student. You do not need to share test results with the school unless your child tests positive or is returning from an illness. Our last day of pool testing will be Wednesday, June 1st.

Return to School after an illness: Parents, please remember that we need a negative COVID test if your child has been out sick. Parents are also required to fill out this return to school form: Ocean Shore Return to School Form. COVID numbers are rising in San Mateo county. There is no mask mandate, but masking, vaccinations and keeping your child home when sick are vital ways to minimize the spread of disease.

PTO Elections/Signups/Appointments have arrived! This really can be an easy way to fill your recommended volunteer hours on evenings/weekends. Many jobs can be done in just a few hours a month. It is also a great way for you to know what is happening at school AND to give your feedback and steer the direction of the PTO-activities!!! We need your amazing ideas and energy. Please, everyone is welcome to chip in to help. We value your help, and you will feel more connected to the school. Sign up by May 31. Any “run-offs” will be done at the PTO General Meeting on June 2nd (7-8:30). This link goes to sign up for ALL positions (if viewing on phone you may need to “tab over” to see all jobs). Job descriptions are on the PTO website https://www.osspto.org/pto-positions.html. Please use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13575db03a4cdebc5ac5-202223.

Summer Learning through the library: Link: https://smcl.org/summer-learning-challenge/ (English, Spanish, Mandarin) Join this year’s 2022 Summer Learning Challenge, which runs from June 1 - August 31. The Summer Learning Challenge is a fun -- and FREE -- way to engage youth, families and adults by challenging them to read, explore new activities and learn new skills all summer long. Youth 18 years and younger can participate in the program to earn a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship! Complete the program more than once to increase your chances of winning. Other prizes may be available. Check your local library for more details, including your free book.
Fliers: PTO jobs/elections, SPCA Donations, Thinkbridge flier, Elna Flynn Awards, Portuguese and Spanish translations of my letter.