Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

5/20/2022

Quote of the week: "The deep sea is the largest museum on earth, it contains more history than all the museums on land combined, and yet we're only now penetrating it." Robert Ballard (oceanographer and deep-sea explorer)

Dear Ocean Shore Families,

It's been a busy, busy week. Oceans 411 is in full swing. If you haven't seen the hallways, you need to take a peek. They are amazing. Our students, parents, and staff have gone overboard as usual. The beach trips have been fantastic and we've been blessed with great weather. I am learning so much about the Deep Seas. The 7th and 8th graders are doing a wonderful job of teaching the 2nd-6th graders and the Kindergarteners and first graders are enjoying learning about the deep ocean. I got to experience that first hand when I was a substitute for Halie's class one day this week. When you hear 6-year olds using words like bioluminescence in conversation, it's impressive to say the least!
Enjoy this beautiful weekend!
Take care,
Jeanne

A special shout out to Khaleesi Santos, Rosie Wong, Maya Warner and Cami Martin Cervantes who have placed as finalists in the North Coast County Water District's 2022 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Congratulations, girls! You are carrying on the proud tradition of Ocean Shore student artists using their work to spread awareness about an important issue.

Coming next week: celebrating our Elna Flynn nominees and an update on the PEF Donation Days!

School Business
COVID reporting: We had one pool test positive on Wednesday, and one pool that was contaminated and couldn't be read. We also had several parent reported cases and staff cases. The follow up rapid COVID testing on Friday revealed six positive cases. If you or a family member test positive, please email Ayesha Siddiq, asiddiq@pacificasd.org. 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.

DLG: Diversity Learning Group – Wednesday, May 25 @ 7-8:30pm. Come join our last meeting of the school year! DLG serves as a resource for parents, teachers, staff and students in the OSS community to identify and discuss ideas, concerns and areas in need of further growth or awareness. The Diversity Leadership Group’s mission is to provide leadership, guidance and support to the Ocean Shore community to cultivate an environment of inclusion where each individual is valued and respected. Join via Zoom Meeting ID: 630 060 3544 password: DLG

TDAP: Incoming 7th grade parents, please remember that students can't start school until they have their TDAP booster. Please contact your pediatrician and set up an appointment.

Open House: We will be having a "live" open house on Thursday, May 26th. 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.

Fliers: May Lunch Menu, PTO jobs/elections, SPCA Donations, Portuguese and Spanish translations of my letter.