“It’s been quite a day for our students & the OSD Food Service! Domino’s Pizza delivered pizzas at all three schools for lunch today! I would like to thank our Food Service staff members for serving 707 meals today for an all-time new record! We would also like to wish you & your families a wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year! See you in 2016!”
-Michele
There are many reasons Christmas is a favorite time of the year for me. Our school concerts, programs, and the frequent “treats” certainly contribute to making December special, but without a doubt it is the Christmas excitement, particularly in our youngest students, which brings a smile to even the most challenging days in December. We know that young people need us as we work together to grow them into positive contributors to society and the world, but we also need them. Children remind us of what is right in a world with quite a few issues. I hope this Christmas season allows you to see the very best in others and particularly our children. We are certainly blessed to work daily with our Oostburg youth.
Please take a moment to check out the ongoing changes to our District website. My recent blogs have provided information related to the February referendum question, and our site now has a significant amount of referendum related information for community stakeholders as they consider our February 16th question related to replacing the oldest wing of our elementary school. You can access referendum information directly from the home page or by going to the “Resources” tab. We certainly hope you find the available information helpful, and we invite questions as we move toward the referendum date. In addition to the formally scheduled open house dates and other planned outreach events, I would be happy to meet with groups or individuals to provide information and answer questions.
Frequently Asked Question:
Why did the Long Range Planning Committee recommend a February referendum?
The primary reason our long range planning committee recommended a February 16th referendum was to allow construction to begin in a timely manner with less impact on instruction should the project gain approval from our community. It is also estimated that a February referendum will save over $50,000 in costs related to construction enclosures alone by allowing progress before winter weather arrives. In addition, Section V of our 2015 Fall Survey specifically asked about referendum dates with 62% of all respondents favoring a February 2016 referendum. Throughout this process we have worked to directly follow the advice we have received through both the 2013 and 2015 Community-wide surveys.
I hope each of you have a Merry Christmas!
Kevin
As yet another week is coming to an end faster than my brain can process, there are signs of joy and cheer all around. OMS’ Student Council, led by Keri Kimble, has been a prime example of spreading cheer this week. They volunteered their time ringing bells at the Piggly Wiggly in support of the Salvation Army, graciously worked at our Book Fair before school, during lunch, and after school, and planned and prepared for a celebration of dance and dodge ball tonight after school! These students are learning the importance of serving others without an expectation of anything in return (other than that great feeling you get inside when you do something kind for someone else). This was also shown throughout the entire student body through their contribution to our food and toy drives. What a fine bunch of students they are!
As I look out my office window and watch the excitement of the students as their two hours of dance, dodgeball, and socializing with friends begins, I am reminded about the little things, often those that cost the least, that bring the most joy to those around us. Students are talking about their ugly Christmas gear that they are sporting for the afternoon. Others are around the fringes of the dance floor, hoping that someone will be the first brave soul to break the ice and begin dancing. Yet others want nothing to do with the dance, but are enjoying precious time with friends in the Youth Center or burning off some energy running around the gym. These little things are where middle school memories are made. How many of you remember your middle school dances? I sure do!
In an earlier blog of mine, and those of other administrators, we promoted the Chili’s Give Back Fundraiser. Thank you to those of you that spread cheer to the Oostburg Community Education Foundation (OCEF) through dining at Chili’s and mentioning the OCEF. Through this fundraiser, faculty, parents, and community members earned OCEF a total of $591! This money will directly benefit the schools in Oostburg. OCEF plans on working with Chili’s in the Spring to run the fundraiser again. Stay tuned!
Finally, the staff at OMS made a monetary donation that will go directly to a family in need in exchange for wearing jeans and ugly Christmas sweaters today. Another small example of spreading cheer.
The entire OMS staff and I wish you and yours a very joyous Christmas and holiday season.
Sherri Stengel
Dear Parents,
Tis the season! We have enjoyed bringing some of the season’s joy into our learning this week and next. I have appreciated reading student narratives about holiday celebrations, and it has been fun to hear about how excited the students are to give their gifts to their loved ones. Today we are treating our students to some hot chocolate (per the persuasive essay of one of our 3rd grade students). Yesterday, we enjoyed the very entertaining performances of our 2nd graders in Christmas Around the World. Our Students of Service will be Bell Ringing at Piggly Wiggly on Monday, December 21st from 3:30-4:30. Next week, we’ll send students off with a Christmas sing. This month has been an excellent example of how learning and celebration can come together. It is my hope that amidst all of the excitement, your family will enjoy the true gift and meaning behind this season.
Thank you to all of you who have donated toys for the toy drive. Many foster children will be receiving toys as a result of this community’s generosity. Thank you also for purchasing candy canes this year; these funds went to families in need within our community. I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of our students and our whole community. Other examples: Marilyn Voskuil sold 82 coffee cakes to our staff, raising $410.00 to supply winter clothes for students who need them or forget them. The donations of community families and churches also supplied needed items for many of our students. Together, we do make a difference.
Please be sure to check out information about the upcoming facilities referendum vote at www.oostburg.k12.wi.us/referendum. The district website has important background information, question and answers, as well as dates for open houses and listening sessions. Be informed for the vote on February 16, 2016!
The Oostburg Community Education Fund (OCEF) would like thank those of you who have mentioned OSD when dining at Chili’s. OCEF obtained $591.00 as a result of this fundraiser. Thank you! Please consider visiting Chili’s again in February, March, and April when OCEF will be fundraising through Chili’s once again.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Ann Steenwyk
Information can be found in the forms & flyers folder about the K-12 Chess Tournament on February 20, 2016 at Acuity.
The dance will be held from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3.00 or $2.00 if you are wearing an ugly sweater!
