Pride PostMay 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

May Dates1st- PTA Meeting 6:30pm3rd- PTA Cold Stone Creamery7-11th – Teacher Appreciation Week11th- Interims sent home18th- PTA Meeting 6:30pm21st-22nd- No School for PreK and K Spring Conferences28th- Memorial Day- Schools & Offices Closed

In this issue:Website Update- Pg. 2Volunteers- Pg. 2Grade Level News- Pgs. 3-6Pride in the Pride- Pg. 7Bottle Tops Needed- Pg. 7Uniform Policy- Pg. 8Visitors- Pg. 9Attendance-Pg. 9Outside Food- Pg. 10Early Dismissals- Pg. 10Changes in Dismissal- Pg. 10Lunch/Recess Schedule- Pg. 10Lunch Prices- Pg. 10Harris Teeter- Pg. 11Giant Rewards- Pg. 11Clothing for Cash- Pg. 12Health Room Info- Pg. 13-14Twitter- Pg. 15School Cameras- Pg. 15El Campo de Bosque- Pg. 16Global languages Summer Camp- Pg. 17

Principal’s Message

Greetings SOES families,

Spring has finally arrived!!!

Happy Teachers Appreciation Week to our talented and dedicated faculty & staff!!!

PARCC testing is going smoothly, and we appreciate all the efforts of the 3rd-5th grade students demonstrating P.R.I.D.E.!!!!

There are several activities planned as we approach the end of the year. Please be sure to check the calendar items on the left. You will also receive various emails and notices sent home about upcoming events. Please be sure to check your child’s book bag nightly for announcements. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Farah SpringerPrincipal

SEVEN OAKS

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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

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

Grade Level News

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The Pre-K PackWe are down to the final stretch! This month we will be reviewing all that we have learned

throughout the year. We will continue to expand our knowledge in the classroom and get ready for Kindergarten! We are also preparing for Pre-K Promotion! Thank you for all that you do!

Kindergarten CornerThis month we will complete Theme 4 “The Power of Possibilities”. In this theme, we will

continue to learn about how things have changed over time and how our power to problem solve will help us make changes in our world.

In Science, we will continue to learn about how technology has changed how we live, work, and play and how-to problem solve real world issues like reducing trash, pollution, and restoring habitats. Also, as part of our environmental literacy program, we will be traveling to Camp Woodlands in Annapolis to learn about how “trees are terrific”!

In Language and Literacy skills, we will continue to focus on reviewing all letters with an emphasis on corresponding sounds, rainbow words, verbs, adjectives and word families. We will continue to read and write multiple sentences each day and have been making great progress with opinion writing. At the end of the month we will explore some of Laura Numeroff’s sequencing books. To learn more about her, visit www.lauranumeroff.com

In Math we will continue to count to 100 by ones and tens and by starting with any given number, decompose numbers 4 to 10 in more than one way using objects, drawings, and/or equations, compose and decompose numbers 11-19 using ten ones and some further ones using objects, pictures, and/or equations, solve addition (up to 10) and subtraction (within 10) word problems, collect and categorize data; count how many in each category using addition and subtraction within 10, and fluently add and subtract within 5 (from memory).

We had so much fun celebrating Earth Day last month! Thank you parents for helping your child create such special “binoculars” for our nature hike! We look forward to seeing everyone at our parent/teacher conferences at the end of May!

First Grade

First grade will be very busy this month! On May 10th, we are going to the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts to watch the Annapolis Symphony perform! We are very excited to watch a live performance! In social studies, we will be learning all about the economy. First graders will learn the difference between needs and wants as well as goods and services. We will also learn about some very interesting inventors and how they overcame challenges to solve problems. In reading, we will continue to work on comparing and contrasting texts. We will also work on describing characters, settings, problems, and solutions. With nonfiction texts, we will focus on using text features and identifying the main topic and key details. In our writing block, we will continue writing fiction stories. In math, first graders will focus on the meaning of the equal sign. We will be balancing equations using addition and subtraction as well as determining whether equations are true or false. We will also solve word problems using multiple strategies. Thank you for all of your support at home! Please continue to send in your child’s homework each week, including our new Black Panther reading log!                 

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Second GradeIt’s May, and Spring is in full swing! We will start off May with our EEE field trip to Goucher

college on May 4th. In the classroom, students will continue working on an array of different poetry writings. In mathematics, students will continue working on telling and writing time using digital and analog clocks, use repeated addition to create arrays, and use data tables to create graphs. In science and social studies, students will learn about the scientific method, researching and communicating information. With summer break quickly approaching and many fun school events planned, there is much to be excited about, but please remind your students that it is important to show P.R.I.D.E. throughout the rest of the school year.

Third GradeThe third graders are excited to start the fourth marking period! This month, students will focus

on a variety of reading comprehension skills, such as text organization, comparing themes, character traits, and summarizing. Just a reminder, 3rd graders will begin taking PARCC on April 30th. Please follow the schedule that was sent home. In writing, the students will create their own fairy tales by adapting classic ones in meaningful ways. Students will continue to work on adding descriptive language to their stories and perfecting their writing conventions. In math, we will be using Hands-On Equations to work on solving word problems. To help students build their fact fluency, we would like them to practice their multiplication and division facts at home. In science, we will be learning about the engineering and design process through parachutes. Students will participate in hands-on experiments to explore these concepts further. In social studies, we are learning how to be effective problem solvers in our community. We will begin brain storming topics for our environmental action project. During this project, students will apply the 21st Century skills they have acquired throughout the year (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity) to investigate and take action on an environmental issue.

Fourth Grade

Welcome to the fourth quarter! We are excited that the school year is gradually coming to a close. In Reading, students will continue to learn about summarizing texts, comparing prose and poetry and identifying text structures of different genres. In Math, students will continue recognizing and analyzing attributes of 2-dimensional shapes and Hands-on-Equations. In Social Studies, students will be investigating the economic and public issues of various regions and population centers in Maryland. In Science, students will continue learning how to use engineering and design processes to solve problems. In Writing, students will be focusing on Descriptive Writing and learning how to use clear descriptive details when building characters, settings and events. The PARCC test starts on April 25th, 2018 and we encourage your continuous support in ensuring your child has enough rest the night before and a healthy breakfast on the morning of. We are thankful to all our parents for their support.

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Fifth Grade   Drownproofing was a success and students made us proud as they did an excellent job representing Seven Oaks Elementary. Thank you to those parents who volunteered their time as this trip is dependent on parent participation. PARCC testing has just begun for 5th graders and we have been working hard reviewing content in order for students to be successful. Please be sure students get a good night’s rest and a nutritious breakfast as this helps students work to their fullest potential. The end of year promotion ceremony will take place at 9:00am on the morning of June 13th. Please arrive promptly. As we wrap up the fourth quarter in reading language arts, students will finalize writing pieces they have been working on in narrative, research simulation, and literary writing. We will also be wrapping up novels we have been reading and studying in class. In social studies, students will continue studying the origins and structure of our federal government, and take a final county benchmark to assess their learning. In math, we are working hard on reviewing the math standards that will be tested on PARCC. As we finish the year in math, students will continue to master problem solving questions and dive into a few standards from the 6th grade curriculum. In science, the intended outcome is for students to design, build, test, and revise a water filter that will give them the clearest possible water. This is framed within a storyline where the students will be paid by a water company to produce the largest amount of clear water.

Triple E Arts & HumanitiesTriple E Arts & Humanities classes continue to explore how to tell a story through different

arts forms. If you have ever read a book, then watched a movie version of it, you know there are so many different choices artists make, depending on the arts form. Your children are learning to make the same kinds of choices, as they determine which arts form to use. We also continue to weave in empathy, kindness, and good manners in everything we do.

ArtKindergarten learned about Paleolithic cave paintings. Then discovered how it was to be a real

cave man by creating their very own cave drawings under the art tables.

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Instrumental MusicCongratulations to all band and string students who performed in the instrumental music concert on April 18th! You did a great job!

AS A REMINDER, BAND AND STRING CLASSES WILL CONTINUE TO MEET ON A REGULAR BASIS FOLLOWING THE CURRENT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SCHEDULE WHICH IS POSTED ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE.

In May, String students will be introduced to new notes, rhythms and continue working to practice and refine right hand bow technique. In addition, 4th and 5th grade returning strings students will explore new bow strokes including slurs, and stopped/hooked bowing. Tuning string instruments will also be introduced to 4th and 5th grade string students. Band students will also learn new notes for their instrument, expand their instrument's range and practice articulating a variety of rhythms with a focus on dynamics (how loud or soft to perform the music). Percussion students will focus rudiments and para-diddles on snare drum and sight-reading new rhythms and new notes on melody bells.

Attention all parents! If your child will be entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade next school year, they are eligible to enroll in instrumental music for the 2018-2019 school year! Strings is open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. String instruments include: violin, viola, cello, or bass. Band is open to all 4th and 5th grade students. Band instruments include: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French Horn, baritone, tuba, or percussion.

Stay tuned for more information in June! Now is a great time to check with neighbors, friends, and relatives to see if there is an available instrument for your child to use or borrow for this purpose.

Music NewsIn music classes, the students are perfecting and reviewing their skills. All classes are working on

Melody, Rhythm, Form, Tone Color, Harmony and Expressive Qualities. The students have worked hard and learned a lot this year

Chorus is working on music for the Spring Concert. The date is Tuesday, May 22 at 6:30pm. The dress for the concert will be khaki pants and a plain (no writing or pictures), solid colored shirt (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple). If you need to purchase a solid colored shirt, craft stores (Michaels, A.C. Moore, JoAnn’s, and Hobby Lobby) usually have them.

For those involved in after school chorus, our next meeting is on April 25. Our final after school rehearsal is on May 9 The after-school rehearsal chorus rehearses on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The schedule will be as follows:

April 25 May 9

Please remember afterschool chorus ends at 3:50Thank you for your support of the music program at Seven Oaks Elementary.

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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, Ms. Marburger, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Crossley, Ms. Whitney, Ms. McAdams, Ms. Ruiz, Ms. Weaver and Ms. Rivera volunteering in the classroom. Ms. Hylan, Ms. Alexander, Ms. Crossley, Ms. Sedenka and Ms. Browder for volunteering in

media. A very big thank you to the many volunteers that assisted with Career Day! Ms. Cassery for helping to organize our clothing closet. Ms. Etheridge for her generous donation of Subway for the ballet participants!

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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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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.

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