FCPS

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  Get2Green!

THANK YOU to our PTA for supporting our plan to start a composting program.

OES is a new member of the FCPS Get2Green program.  Our goal is to implement hands-on environmental learning opportunities for our students. Mr. Mork, 6th grade special education teacher, is leading our learning.  He will work with students to explore ways that OES can reduce waste, conserve energy,  and plant and maintain a wildlife habitat. 

To kick off the use of our new compost barrels, OES' 3rd grade students will create informational posters about collecting leftover food in the cafeteria. This ties in perfectly with the 3rd grade Science curriculum and their soil unit. We’ll also be using yard waste from the garden, along with chicken “waste” from the coop.

Career Fair Volunteers Needed

Mrs. Theberge and Ms. Jun are searching for volunteers to present their occupation to 5th and 6th grade students.  This event will be held on Friday, October 17. This is a great opportunity for students to see the skills they are learning applied into real life careers. If you are interested please fill out this google form and if you have any questions please reach out to our counselors, [email protected] and [email protected]. 

Clothing donations needed

Accidents happen...We try our best to help students return to class quickly and comfortably and our closet of extra clothing items needs to be replenished.  We welcome donations of lightly worn pants and shirts - particularly boys pants for K-2 students and shirts for girls in grades 3-6 grade.  Also underwear (new) for K-2nd graders. Thank you!

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Information Session October 4 5:00-6:00PM

OES advanced academic resource teachers (AARTs), Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer, will present information to parents about the continuum of advanced academic program services. 

If you are interested in learning about the AAP program, please join us.  The session will cover the referral, screening, and identification processes.  

If a student is new to FCPS this year, parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by October 15.  All other parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by December 15.  

Parents of children in Grades 3-6 can request a one-time retake of either the CogAT or NNAT.  If you would like to request a retake, please email Keith Eck at [email protected] by Oct. 6.  Students who are new to FCPS and do not have abilities score in their record will be given the CogAT during the week of Oct. 9.  Additional information will be sent to families with children who will be tested.

Important upcoming dates for OES:

October 1-31 - OES Read-a-thon

October 1-31 - PTA Dining for $ - Vocelli Pizza

October 3 - Interims Go Home

October 4 - AAP Information Session - 5:00PM, OES Library

October 6 - Girls Night Out (5th & 6th Grs.) - 6:00-7:30PM

October 9 - No School for Students, Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 11 - PTA Meeting - 7:00PM, Virtual

October 15 - PTA Dining for $ - 9:30AM-7:00PM, Donutchew Vienna

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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Kindergarten students learning how to use Wixie. Wixie is a technology tool that allows student to create original pictures to share stories or art.  

Third graders took advantage of the beautiful weather this week to read outside.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Information Session October 4 5:00-6:00PM

OES advanced academic resource teachers (AARTs), Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer, will present information to parents about the continuum of advanced academic program services. 

If you are interested in learning about the AAP program, please join us.  The session will cover the referral, screening, and identification processes.  

If a student is new to FCPS this year, parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by October 15.  All other parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by December 15.  

Parents of children in Grades 3-6 can request a one-time retake of either the CogAT or NNAT.  If you would like to request a retake, please email Keith Eck at [email protected] by Oct. 6.  Students who are new to FCPS and do not have abilities score in their record will be given the CogAT during the week of Oct. 9.  Additional information will be sent to families with children who will be tested.

Great opportunity for students to join a club at OES!

• Girls on the Run - join now!  Register here: www.gotrnova.org.  Practices start Tuesday, Sept 12 @ 8am.  For girls in Grades 3-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/girls-on-the-run/
• Science Olympiad - join a team!  Email for details: [email protected].  Open to students in 3-6 Grade.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/science-olympiad/
• Chess Club - Register here: https://chessctr.org/oakton/.  Afterschool club.  Open to students in Grades 2-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/chess-club/
• Imagine Engineers/CAD Design Program for 4-6 Graders. Starts Oct 4 after school. Limited to the first 20 students. Register beginning Sept 17!  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/2023/08/28/9629/

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com.

Important upcoming dates for OES:

September 25 - No School - Yom Kippur

October 1-31 - OES Read-a-thon

October 4 - AAP Information Session - 5:00PM, OES Library

October 6 - Girls Night Out (5th & 6th Grs.) - 6:00-7:30PM

October 9 - No School for Students, Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 11 - PTA Meeting - 7:00PM, Virtual

October 15 - PTA Dining for $ - 9:30AM-7:00PM, Donutchew Vienna

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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Ms. Fornal's 3rd grade students visited "Starbooks Cafe" to explore different book genres.

Today was the perfect day for a staff cookout! Fall Picture Day Tuesday, September 19

Order online or by returning the order form with cash or check on picture day (forms will go home next week in Tuesday folders)

Once you receive your child’s photo packet you will also have a chance to order pictures online.

🏆 264 FCPS Students Recognized as National Merit Semifinalists

Two hundred sixty-four FCPS students from 15 high schools have been named Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2024. See the full list of student awardees.

Congratulations to former OES Panthers, Bennett Williams & Kenneth Yon!  We are very proud of you! Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Information Session October 4 5:00-6:00PM

OES advanced academic resource teachers (AARTs), Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer, will present information to parents about the continuum of advanced academic program services. 

If you are interested in learning about the AAP program, please join us.  The session will cover the referral, screening, and identification processes.  

If a student is new to FCPS this year, parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by October 15.  All other parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by December 15.  

Great opportunity for students to join a club at OES!

• Girls on the Run - join now!  Register here: www.gotrnova.org.  Practices start Tuesday, Sept 12 @ 8am.  For girls in Grades 3-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/girls-on-the-run/
• Science Olympiad - join a team!  Email for details: [email protected].  Open to students in 3-6 Grade.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/science-olympiad/
• Chess Club - Register here: https://chessctr.org/oakton/.  Afterschool club.  Open to students in Grades 2-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/chess-club/
• Imagine Engineers/CAD Design Program for 4-6 Graders. Starts Oct 4 after school. Limited to the first 20 students. Register beginning Sept 17!  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/2023/08/28/9629/

Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year!

Important upcoming dates for OES:

September 19 - Fall Picture Day

September 22 - PTA Movie Night - 6:30PM, OES Field

September 25 - No School - Yom Kippur

October 4 - AAP Information Session - 5:00PM, OES Library

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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5th graders in Ms. Joskow's class learn about mass and force.

Back to School Nights

We are looking forward to seeing you at Back to School Nights next week!  Our teachers will be sharing their presentation via email to all parents prior to the event so all parents have the information if they are not able to attend in person.

Back to School Sessions are for parents only.  We do not have daycare available. 

Fall Picture Day Tuesday, September 19

Order online or by returning the order form with cash or check on picture day (forms will go home next week in Tuesday folders)

Once you receive your child’s photo packet you will also have a chance to order pictures online.

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Information Session October 4 5:00-6:00PM

OES advanced academic resource teachers (AARTs), Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer, will present information to parents about the continuum of advanced academic program services. 

If you are interested in learning about the AAP program, please join us.  The session will cover the referral, screening, and identification processes.  

If a student is new to FCPS this year, parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by October 15.  All other parent/guardian referrals for full-time AAP services are due by December 15.  

Great opportunity for students to join a club at OES!

• Girls on the Run - join now!  Register here: www.gotrnova.org.  Practices start Tuesday, Sept 12 @ 8am.  For girls in Grades 3-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/girls-on-the-run/
• Science Olympiad - join a team!  Email for details: [email protected].  Open to students in 3-6 Grade.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/science-olympiad/
• Chess Club - Register here: https://chessctr.org/oakton/.  Afterschool club.  Open to students in Grades 2-6.  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/chess-club/
• Imagine Engineers/CAD Design Program for 4-6 Graders. Starts Oct 4 after school. Limited to the first 20 students. Register beginning Sept 17!  More details on the PTA website: http://oaktonpta.net/2023/08/28/9629/

Oakton PTA is the BEST!

Thanks for the new Keurig! 

Caffeinated teachers = Happy teachers

Students Are Learning Every Day

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

Important upcoming dates for OES:

September 13 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Grades K & 3, OES Classrooms

September 13 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 1 & 4, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Enhanced Autism & Grade 2, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 5 & 6, OES Classrooms

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to hear from the teacher about grade level curriculum, classroom procedures and routines, grading, assessments, attendance expectations, etc.  We will be sending the presentation home prior to BTSN for parents who may not be able to attend in person.

September 19 - Fall Picture Day

September 22 - PTA Movie Night - 6:30PM - OES Field

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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The students have voted!  We now have names for our chicken royalty living in Cluckingham Palace.

Reminder:  Friday (tomorrow), September 1 & Monday, September 4 are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Oakton High School Football

Oakton Cougars Friday Night Lights

Thursday, August 31

Fairfax AT Oakton @ 7:00 pm.

We want you all to participate in our “USA Theme” and show your school spirit!  The cost of all Varsity Football games is $5.00 for students and adults.

To avoid long lines, click  Oakton Tickets and purchase your tickets before the game. The main ticket booth takes cash and prepaid tickets.  If you bought a booster pass, they can be picked up in the activities office or at the ticket gate before the game.

All elementary and middle school students need to be accompanied & supervised by an adult while at the game. High school students who get dropped off must plan to have their rides waiting for them by 9:30 PM. 

We are expecting a very large crowd so please plan on coming early.

If you or your student plans to come, please take the time to discuss the relevant information below:

• No backpacks, bags or sports equipment will be allowed in the stadium.  (Students and Adults) 
• No outside food or drinks are allowed. The concession stand will be open.

• The purpose for students who attend our varsity football games is to watch the game, cheerleaders, band, and dance team.
• We cheer for Oakton and not against our opponent. All cheers should be positive.
• The gates to the stadium will open at 6:00 pm.
• All students need to leave immediately after the game.
• All spectators are expected to be in the stands. We should not have guests hanging out by the concession stand and hills as well as along the fence line particularly near the teams.  
• Elementary & middle school students must always be supervised by an adult.
• If you leave the game, you will not be able to re-enter the stadium.
• Whistles, air horns and similar noisemakers are prohibited.
• Anyone caught trying to enter the game without paying will be removed and can be banned from attending future games.

Our goal is to create a positive community event.  Any behaviors that take away from this goal may result in being removed from the game and not being allowed to attend future games.

Go Cougars!

Important upcoming dates for OES:

September 1 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 4 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 8 - PTA Meeting - 8:30AM, OES Library 

September 13 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Grades K & 3, OES Classrooms

September 13 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 1 & 4, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Enhanced Autism & Grade 2, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 5 & 6, OES Classrooms

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to hear from the teacher about grade level curriculum, classroom procedures and routines, grading, assessments, attendance expectations, etc.  We will be sending the presentation home for parents who may not be able to attend in person.

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!

Our classrooms are busy! Students are immersed in exciting learning opportunities.  Important routines and procedures are being established and our children are learning and growing already.   

A key ingredient to a successful school year is a true partnership between the school and our families.  The teachers will keep you posted about school events and your child’s instructional program.  Our PTA Panther Express, this weekly News You Choose email, and our school website, will keep you up-to-date!  

We are extremely grateful for all of your support as we work together to make this a great learning year for our students.

-Christine Kelley, Principal

-Keith Eck, Assistant Principal

-Abby Holzinger, Assistant Principal

Ms. Zweibel's 4th graders met the chickens this week!

The Oakton High School orchestra, band, and chorus visited OES this week to perform. We enjoyed see some of our former students!

Lexia Core 5 (Grs. 1-5)/PowerUp (Gr. 6) is an evidence-based literacy program used as a resource in all classrooms at OES.  The Lexia Program is integrated into our language arts time and supports our teachers in providing differentiated literacy instruction for students of all abilities. 

Lexia is for school use ONLY unless you have talked with your child's teacher about additional time needed on the program outside of the school day. 

Arrival & Dismissal

OES has over 750 students; thus the arrival and dismissal process is very important.  All Oakton students are assigned a bus and are encouraged to use this form of transportation as much as possible.  

Arrival (8:55-9:15)

The front of the school is for bus drop-off only.  Parents are not permitted to drop off students at the front of the school or in the parking lot. If a child is arriving to school by car, please use Kiss & Ride located at the back of the school on Miller Road.  Staff will be on duty at K&R beginning at 8:55 and ending at 9:15. Students should not exit the car unless they see a staff member.  

Late Arrival (after 9:15)

If a child arrives to school late, a parent must escort the child into the front office and sign the child in.

Dismissal (4:00)

If your child will not be riding the school bus, please use Kiss & Ride.  Parents are not  to pick up children from the front of the school. Kiss & Ride is located behind the school on Miller Road.  

Changes to Dismissal Transportation

Please be sure to cc the office staff and the teacher when making changes to your child's dismissal routine ([email protected], [email protected], [email protected]).  Also, please remember that teachers have very limited time to check email during the day, so if the change if for that day, please call the office to ensure that staff is aware. No changes to dismissal can be made after 3:45PM.

Tuesday Folders

Plan to check your child’s backpack every Tuesday!  This is our special day for sending home communications to parents.  Student work, newsletters,etc. will be sent home on Tuesdays.

Fridays are SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS!

Wear OES spirit wear or our school colors - Blue & Green & show your Panther Pride!

Important upcoming dates for OES:

September 1 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 4 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 8 - PTA Meeting - 8:30AM, OES Library 

September 13 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Grades K & 3, OES Classrooms

September 13 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 1 & 4, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Enhanced Autism & Grade 2, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 5 & 6, OES Classrooms

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to hear from the teacher about grade level curriculum, classroom procedures and routines, grading, assessments, attendance expectations, etc.  We will be sending the presentation home for parents who may not be able to attend in person.

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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We enjoyed seeing everyone at Open House today!  It's going to be a great year!

We are thrilled to welcome Abby Holzinger, Assistant Principal, to our administrative team!

Transportation Patience and Safety

Thank you for your patience as we all get used to new routines this school year. We appreciate our families following Kiss and Ride procedures and being patient while waiting for your children’s buses. 

If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. 

To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights

Fairfax County Public Schools wants all parents to understand its policies regarding surveys, records, curriculum, privacy, and related rights.

In its Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms (Annual Notice), FCPS provides explanations of the rights listed above as well as forms that may be used to exercise opt-out choices. Two versions of the Annual Notice are available — a grades K-8 version and a grades 9-12 version. Parents/caregivers with children at different grade levels should read each applicable version of the Annual Notice, because the notices and opt-out rights vary depending on the student’s grade level.

Get more information and view the 2023-24 Opt-Out Booklets.

Important upcoming dates for OES:

August 21 - First Day of School!

August 21 - PTA Dining for $, Ben & Jerry's - 4:00-9:00PM

September 1 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 4 - Labor Day Break - No School

September 8 - PTA Meeting - 8:30AM, OES Library

September 13 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Grades K & 3, OES Classrooms

September 13 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 1 & 4, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 5:30-6:15PM - Enhanced Autism & Grade 2, OES Classrooms

September 14 - Back To School Night - 6:15-7:00PM - Grade 3 & 6, OES Classrooms

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to hear from the teacher about grade level curriculum, classroom procedures and routines, grading, assessments, attendance expectations, etc.  We will be sending the presentation home for parents who may not be able to attend in person.

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter

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Reminder:  Early Dismissal Today

Students will be dismissed at 2:00PM today.  Our school office will close at 2:30PM.

Happy Last Day of School! We are so pleased with the progress our students have made this year.  We have seen our students grow intellectually, emotionally, and physically.  We have watched them mature and learn to make good decisions.  We have witnessed their kindnesses.  They have developed the courage to take risks in their learning and let their pride show when they have accomplished a goal.  We are so proud of them and are thankful for our tremendous staff for their dedication and hard work.  

We wish you all a relaxing, fun, and sunny summer!  See you in August!

Congratulations & Best Wishes to our 6th Graders! 

All schools will be closed Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth Day.

Summer Office Hours

The main office will be open from 9:00AM-2:00PM during the summer. Please feel free to call the office 703-937-6100 or email Tan Holsclaw at [email protected] to make an appointment.

7th Grade Immunizations

The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

• To meet the Meningococcal (MenACWY) requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

Please provide one of the following immunization documents our Registrar, Sandie Horton ([email protected]), as soon as possible:

1. An immunization record showing that the child has received at least one dose of each of the required immunizations listed above.
2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the vaccine(s) was given.
3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form, which is available online at: https://bit.ly/VDOEReligiousExemptionForm

Immunizations are available from your child’s healthcare provider, the Fairfax County Health Department, or other community resources.

Fairfax County Health Department | Low Cost Healthcare Resources

 Health and Community Resources

The OES PTA has partnered with School Tool Box to offer a one stop shop for student school supplies.  These lists are teacher approved and we earn a percentage for every box of supplies ordered.  You can order anytime.  Allow 10 days for shipping and processing. 

Order Here:  https://schooltoolbox.com/school-supplies/school/list-boxes?schoolId=99495

Important upcoming dates:

August 18 - OES Back to School Open House - Times TBA

August 21 - First Day of School

3000 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124  | Main Office: 703-937-6100
Attendance: 703-937-6161 | Web | Twitter