March is a month of changes

3/4/2022

Quote of the week: “Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere. ” Mary Schmich, journalist

Dear Ocean Shore Families,

We celebrated Read Across America Day on Wednesday at Ocean Shore. We had guest readers and lots of opportunities to read out loud, independently and in groups. Our third graders participated in a theme day to get ready for their unit on the Iditarod. I had an Alaskan Malamute as a child, so sled dogs are near and dear to my heart. Speaking of cold weather, The 8th graders are headed to Yosemite next week. I think Jason and Sophie are as excited as the kids. The Yosemite trip is the capstone of Ocean Shore's experiential learning program, and the entire staff is thrilled that our class of 2022 will be able to participate. I went on the trip as a teacher three times and can't stress enough what an amazing experience it is for our students, as well as for our staff and parent chaperones. It's exhausting, but exhilarating. I would love to do that trip again! Enjoy your week and send good wishes to our 8th grade students, Jason, Sophie and our parent volunteers for a safe and exciting trip.

Take care,

Jeanne

COVID Updates: Students and staff will no longer have to wear masks outdoors effective immediately. In a letter dated yesterday, March 3rd, the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools shared that " on March 12, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will strongly recommend that masks be worn indoors in schools. San Mateo County Health announced that it is aligned with CDPH on this recommendation." Masking and high vaccination rates have been crucial in limiting the spread of the omicron variant in Pacifica. At Ocean Shore, our staff members will continue to mask indoors, and we strongly recommend that students do as well. Weekly pool testing will continue until the state stops paying for it. All of Ocean Shore's pools were negative this week!

COVID reporting: This is still important. Please remember to complete the return to school form if your child is out sick. ***OSS Return to School Form ***

School Business:

Celebrate Diversity Day is coming up next Wednesday, March 9th! Celebrate Diversity Day is an OSS tradition designed to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences and no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality or disability. Each grade level will experience an age appropriate curriculum with the help of many volunteers. Make sure to ask your student(s) about the day and what they learned.

Book Fair Volunteers Needed: We are desperate for parent volunteers for our book fair the week of March 14th-18th. Without parent volunteers, it will be very difficult to host the book fair. Thank you! Please contact Tristan McNall if you have questions: tmcnall@pacificasd.org. There is a signup poster in the front lobby or you can sign up via Signup Genius: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30E0D44AEAB2BA7F58-book

E.A.T: The garden needs your help! Earn volunteer hours on the weekend and beautify the school garden! Recology of the coast is holding their biannual compost giveaway, Saturday, March 5th 8AM-12 PM at the recycling yard: 1046 Palmetto Avenue. Bring up to 2 30-gallon cans (no boxes or bags, garbage cans work great for this) to the address, show your ID or proof of address and scoop up some good 'dirt.' On Sunday, March 6th, bring the compost to the monthly garden workday at the school garden from 10AM-1PM. Only open to Pacifica residents with valid ID or proof of address and the earlier the better while supplies last! Any questions contact: Kelly Toth at kellybellybug1@hotmail.com

K-2 Donuts in the Park 3/12: It's been a long two years, and the OSS PTO would love for our newer families to feel that Ocean Shore spirit. If your family can make it, please join us at Frontierland Park on March 12th from 10-12:00pm for donuts, coffee, and a chance to connect with other K-2 families. Younger and older siblings are welcome!

Food Drive is continuing: Thank you so much for your very generous food donations to StarVista clients in San Mateo County over the past two months. Our Ocean Shore community has already donated over 150! food items altogether. If you have not yet donated or would like to continue to donate, please consider sending in non-perishable food items that will go directly to the people who need them.The collection bin is at the front entrance and will remain open for donations throughout the rest of the school year. Thank you again for helping to keep food insecure members of our community fed and healthy. Ava Litz - Eighth Grade Student

PEF: Please see the Pacifica Education Foundation Winter Newsletter below, and contribute to PEF in 2022!

Fliers: March Lunch Menu, Book fair, K-2 Event, Penny War results, SMCOE COVID letter, PEF newsletter, Portuguese and Spanish translations of my letter.