Dear Otter Community,

As we prepare to welcome our students back for another exciting year of learning and growth, we're proud to share our schoolwide theme for the 2026-2027 school year:

Every Otter is a Star:  Together We Launch Into Learning

Every great space mission begins with preparation, teamwork, curiosity, and courage.  This year, we are launching into a journey of learning where every student, staff member, and every family helps our school community soar.

Every Otter has unique gifts.

Every Otter belongs.

Every Otter has the ability to shine.

Together, we'll reach new heights - one mission, one goal, and one success at a time.

PAWS Expectations

At OES, we use our PAWS expectations to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  These core values guide student expectations and help create a safe and positive learning environment.

For Families New to Our School

If you're new to our building, welcome!  We're so glad you're here.  Starting a new school can be both exciting and overwhelming, and we want you to know you're not alone.  We're here to help every step of the way.

Your child will be joining a school community that believes in strong relationships, high expectations, and joyful learning.  You'll receive regular communication from us, including classroom updates, school newsletters, and invitations to participate in school events.

One great way to get involved is through our PTA (Parent Teacher Association).  The PTA is an active, inclusive group of caregivers who help enrich the school experience for all students by organizing events, supporting classroom needs, and strengthening our home-school connection.  Whether you have 10 minutes or 10 hours to give, there's a place for you!

How Families Can Help

You are a key part of our mission crew, too!  Here are a few ways you can support your child and our school community this year:

We'll do everything we can to support your child, and we ask you to partner with us by reinforcing expectations at home.

We're excited to build something special together, one mission at a time.  Thank you for being a valued member of our school community.  Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or ways we can support your family.  We're here for you, and we can't wait for a wonderful year ahead.  The first day of school for students in grades K-5 is Wednesday, August 26th.  The first day of school for students in PreK is Thursday, August 27th.

"Otterly" Yours,

Mrs. Anderson

Your One-Stop Guide for the School Year!

The Oakville Elementary Parent Handbook is your go-to resource for everything you need to know to start the year strong.  It covers school routines, academic supports, behavior expectations, and more.  Whether you're a new family or a returning one, this guide will help you stay informed, connected, and confident.

NEW CREW MEMBERS

Alison Cook - PreK Teacher

Brianna Smith - K Teacher

Ashley Rippy Kearns - K Para

Kelli Music - 2nd Grade Teacher

NEW MISSIONS

Jennifer Woodard - 1st Grade Teacher

Jodi Tenney - 2nd Grade Teacher

Melissa Lay - 3rd Grade Math/Science/Social Studies Teacher

Philip Holt - Assistant Building Service Manager

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm through August 18th (Please reach out to set up an appointment outside of these office hours)

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm beginning August 19th

SMCPS AND OES CALENDAR

MONDAY, AUGUST 24th

KINDERGARTEN: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Kindergarten families should plan to attend at any time during the 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM time frame.  Our Kindergarten teachers will be available to greet students, show them the classroom, and accept school supplies prior to the first day of school.

GRADES 1-5:  2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Families of students in grades 1 - 5 should plan to attend at any point throughout the 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm time frame. Our teachers will be available to greet students, show them the classroom, and accept school supplies prior to the first day of school.

The first day of school for students in grades K-5 is Wednesday, August 26th. Prekindergarten students' first day of school is Thursday, August 27th.

Prekindergarten Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00 am.

Classroom assignments will be available at the Open House event. Please be aware that no classroom changes will be made on the day of the Open House.

BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCES

The SMCPS website has information for parents regarding Back to School. Included in the link below is information related to:

Open House

Registrations and Vaccinations

Buses and Transportation

Student Handbooks

Food and Nutrition

Supply Lists

Back to School Photos

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR

Please click the link below for information regarding your child's bus number, bus stop location, and pick-up and drop-off times. If you have specific questions regarding bus transportation, please call the Department of Transportation at (301)-475-4256.

For all parents of Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students: An adult must be present at the bus stop when students are being picked up or dropped off. If an adult associated with a Prekindergarten or Kindergarten student is not present at the bus stop at the end of the school day, the bus driver will return the student to the school and the parents will be contacted to come to the school to pick up the student.

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SCHOOL MEALS

ACTION REQUIRED: School Meal Benefits Do Not Roll Over!

Did your children receive free or reduced-price school meals last school year? Please remember that a new FARMs application must be submitted every school year to maintain eligibility. Benefits do not automatically carry over from year to year. To prevent any gap in your child's meal services when school starts, please take a moment to fill out the annual online form. Click the application link below to get started.

Help Your Student Learn Their Lunch Number!

The faster our lunch lines move, the more time students have to enjoy their lunch and visit with friends! Please print out or save the graphic below, fill in your student's lunch number, and practice putting it into the keypad before the first day of school.

MYSCHOOLBUCKS

SCHOOL PAYMENTS MADE EASY!

From the cafeteria to the classroom, pay anytime, anywhere from your computer or smartphone.

TECHNOLOGY

As we plan our return to school for the 2026-2027 school year, now is a great time to find your laptop charger.  Please run all of the updates and make sure that it is in working order.  Chargers are to remain at home.

All SMCPS laptops come with the same responsibility of care and upkeep as any other loaned resources.  Textbooks, novels, laptops and chargers can incur a debt if lost or damaged.  Please refer to this Student Accountability Newsletter below.

Students need permission to use Google's Additional Services. The Google Permission must be completed each school year. Only a parent or guardian can complete the Google Permission form.

Direct Link to Google Additional Services Permission Form (If a student fills out the permission form,  the submission is invalid; We do not notify students that the form needs to be resubmitted. If a student fills it out, the form IS NOT PROCESSED. A parent/guardian must complete the form,

Google Permission (English)

Google Permission (Spanish)

Acceptable Use Policy (English)

Acceptable Use Policy (Spanish)

SAVE THE DATES

Boosterthon Fun Run

Our Boosterthon Fun Run event is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, September 1st.  The Fun Run event will be held on Friday, September 11th.

PTA Chalk the Walk and Quarter 1 General Membership Meeting

The PTA will sponsor their first event of the year on Friday, September 18th.  Join us for some fun!

Fall Yearbook Pictures

Scheduled for September 21st.  Retakes are scheduled for November 9th.

More information will be provided as the dates draw closer.

Hello Oakville Families!

My name is Tonya Hall, and I’m thrilled to be the Oakville community school nurse. I have been a nurse for 18 years, this being my 8th year as a school nurse. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know every student and their family. I am committed to supporting your child’s medical needs.

You can expect to hear from me in situations that may require follow-up, such as head injuries (whether minor or more concerning), illnesses that meet the criteria for going home, or when a student’s concern is beyond what I can manage in the health room. After every visit to the health room, your child will receive a pass detailing the reason for their visit. These passes will be placed in their take-home folder for your review. If you ever have any questions or concerns about what’s listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I welcome communication in whatever way is easiest for you—feel free to send an email, call the office, or stop by the school to chat in person.

As a gentle reminder, if your child has any specific medical needs—chronic or acute—please reach out to me directly. This includes new diagnoses, required medications or treatments while at school, or any communicable illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, or others.

I’m so excited to get this new school year started and to be a part of your child’s support team here at Oakville!

Warmly,

Mrs. Hall

FAQ for the start of the year:

When should I keep my child home from school?

Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes

Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions

Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department