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Otter Splash for the Weeks of Mar 30-April 13

Hello, Oak Grove Family, Versión en español aquí, النسخة باللغة العربية هنا, Toleo la Kiswahili hapa, Версия на русском здесь, Versiunea in Romana

Wow! What a fun and educational evening we had at our OPEN (Otter Parent Education Night) event. It was wonderful to see so many students and their families come out to learn, connect, and engage with our school community. We hope everyone found the sessions informative and left with helpful strategies and resources to support student success. For those who were unable to attend, we’ve got you covered—here is our Collaborative Slide Share, which includes information and key takeaways from each of the sessions. We'd love to hear what you thought—please take a minute to share your feedback HERE 📝 Your voice helps us make each event even better! 😊💬

 

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to our DonorsChoose project supporting the social and emotional skills of our students. Thanks to your kindness and support, the project was fully funded in just one week! We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to our school community and the well-being of our students.

Due to the inclement weather in February, Track 1 and Track 3 will make up Thursday, February 20th, on Saturday, April 5th, as per WCPSS guidelines. School will be in session for these students from 8:45 AM to 12:45 PM. Breakfast will be provided, but please note that lunch will NOT be served. We encourage families to send a hearty snack to keep students fueled for the day.

If you have a child joining us for kindergarten in July or know of families that has school age children, please make sure to go ahead and register and turn in enrollment paperwork as soon as possible! We are working hard to prepare for the start of the next school year, and having accurate enrollment information is critical. Thank you for your help in this matter!

 

A huge thank you to those who have submitted Staff Shout-Outs! 🎉 We are dedicated to recognizing the outstanding educators who positively impact our students. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to use this Google Form to submit your Otter Staff Shoutouts. Let’s continue to celebrate the great work happening at Oak Grove! You can also check our website regularly for updates and to see our staff members being recognized. 🦦🎉

Below is information about our Next Staff Shout-Out, School Librarian Media Coordinator Day, National Assistant Principal’s Week, Occupational Therapist Appreciation Month, Yearbook Orders, OTTERCISE, EOG Testing Dates, 2025-28 AIG Plan surveys, Single Subject Acceleration, Save the Date - 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies, Kids Heart Challenge, Public input sessions regarding proposed 2025-26 budget, Letteland at Pullen Park, and PTA Updates.

As we continue the second half of the school year, we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and working closely with you to provide the best possible education for every child at Oak Grove. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and success for all our students!

24-25 Year Round Calendar

 

Staff Shout-Outs

Staff, School, and Club Wishlists

Staff’s Favorite Things

 

Warm Regards,

Ms. Benton 

 

Otter Happenings (English Calendar) - Updated 3/30/25

Acontecimientos de nutria (Spanish Calendar) -Updated 3/30/25

Updated 3/30/25   حداث قضاعة Arabic Calendar      

Matukio ya Otter (Swahili Calendar) - Updated 3/30/25

Выдровые события (Russian Calendar) - Updated 3/30/25 

Calendarul Romanesc (Romanian Calendar - Updated 3/30/25

 

 

Staff Shout Out - Ms. Eggers

Thank you, Ruthie Lassiter, a former Oak Grove Otter, for shouting out Ms. Eggers, our Otterly amazing 5th grade teacher!



School Librarian Media Coordinator Day - April 4th

Friday, April 4th is School Library Media Coordinator Day—a special time to recognize the incredible work of our media coordinator, Ms. Pyles! School library media coordinators play a vital role in fostering a love of reading, supporting student learning, and providing access to a wide range of resources that enrich the educational experience. Ms. Pyles goes above and beyond to create a welcoming, engaging space for all students, and we are so lucky to have her at Oak Grove. We can’t wait to celebrate her! Students are encouraged to show their appreciation by writing her a thank you note, drawing a picture, giving her a hug, or even picking flowers from their yards to brighten her day.



National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week - April 7-11

National Assistant Principal Week is April 7–11, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible impact of our assistant principal, Ms. Tysor! Assistant principals play a crucial role in supporting students, staff, and families, and Ms. Tysor does so with tireless dedication, compassion, and leadership. She works each day to ensure Oak Grove is a safe, welcoming, and engaging place for all. Whether she’s visiting classrooms, encouraging students, supporting teachers, or connecting with families, Ms. Tysor is always putting others first. We can’t wait to celebrate her! Students can show their appreciation by writing her a thank you note, drawing her a picture, giving her a hug, or picking flowers from their yards to brighten her day.



Occupational Therapist Appreciation Month

April is School Occupational Therapist Appreciation Month, and we’re excited to celebrate Ms. Moser-Jens for the incredible work she does to support our students! Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life. Whether it’s improving fine motor skills, increasing independence, or supporting sensory needs, Ms. Moser-Jens brings care, expertise, and compassion to every student she serves. She is an important part of the Oak Grove community, and we are so grateful for her dedication. To show appreciation, students can write her a thank you note, draw her a picture, give her a hug, or pick flowers from their yards to help make her feel special this month.



Yearbook Orders - Due April 4th

🦦It's time to order your 2024-2025 Oak Grove yearbook!🦦

📖Each book is $20. You may purchase additional autograph pages, current events inserts, or yearbook stickers for an extra cost. 

🔗Link: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob

🎉ID Code: 15220125



Ottercise (Field Day) Information from Ms. Sammons

Attention Families, Ottercise (Field Day) is right around the corner.  Tracks 1 & 2 May 2nd and Tracks 3 & 4 will be May 16th.  Please click this link for more information and sign up.  Volunteers must have volunteer clearance.  Thank you, Mrs. Sammons



EOG Testing Dates

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to inform you of our upcoming End-of-Grade (EOG) testing dates. Please mark these dates on your calendars and ensure that no vacations or appointments are scheduled during this time, as it is important for students to be present and prepared. We will be sharing additional helpful tips and strategies as we get closer to testing to support your child’s success.

 

Track 1

  • May 15th - Reading All Grades

  • May 16th - Make Up Reading

  • May 19th - Math All Grades

  • May 20th - Make Ups

  • May 21st - Science and RTA

  • May 30th - Retest Reading

  • June 2nd - Retest Math

 

Tracks 2, 3, and 4

  • June 12th - Reading All Grades

  • June 13th - Make Up Reading

  • June 16th - Math All grades

  • June 27th - Make Ups

  • June 18th - Science and RTA

  • June 27th - Retest Reading

  • June 30th - Retest Math

 

 

2025-28 AIG Plan surveys
Advanced Learning Services is collecting data to ensure that the 2025-28 AIG plan aligns with our district's core beliefs and practices. Please complete the following survey. 

 

 

Single Subject Acceleration Information from Ms. Garcia

Students meeting qualifying criteria in grades K-5 can accelerate one grade level in either mathematics or English Language Arts through Single Subject Acceleration (SSA). This ensures opportunities for appropriate levels of academic challenge for our students. 

 

If you are interested in SSA, please view the Parent Presentation (here is a 1 page document to accompany the video)to help decide if this option is right for your child.

 

To qualify to test for SSA at Oak Grove, the student must be currently enrolled and attending Oak Grove Elementary, the parent must request testing during the open window through the form linked on the SSA Page on the WCPSS Website, and the student must make a qualifying score on the SSA assessment. If you have additional questions, please contact, Callie Garcia, at cgarcia8@wcpss.net.  Please note the specific dates for your child’s assigned track:

 

Spring 2025 SSA Schedule

Track 1

Test Request Window Opens:

Feb. 17 – Mar. 7

Testing Occurs at School Between:

April 4 - April 17

 

Track 2

Test Request Window Opens:

March 10- March 28

Testing Occurs at School Between:

April 4 – April 17

 

Track 3

Test Request Window Opens:

March 10- March 28

Testing Occurs at School Between:

April 4 - April 17

 

Track 4

Test Request Window Opens:

March 10- March 28

Testing Occurs at School Between:

April 28 - May 9

 

OGES AIG Otters website

WCPSS SSA website

 

 

5th Grade Families - Save the Date - 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies

Attention 5th Grade Parents! Mark your calendars for our Moving Up Ceremonies as we celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of our 5th-grade Otters. This special event will honor their hard work and growth as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

 

 

Kids Heart Challenge - From the American Heart Association 

On behalf of the American Heart Association, thank you very much for raising *$13,339.98 with your school's recent Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge program.

Families and schools are critical links in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country. Your support and participation in the Kids Heart Challenge/ American Heart Challenge makes a tremendous impact in helping millions of Americans through increased awareness of cardiovascular disease, lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts.

 

Public input sessions regarding proposed 2025-26 budget

You are invited to attend one of these sessions to share your thoughts with Board members and staff regarding the proposed 2025-26 budget. Both sessions will be held from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

  • April 11 - Fuquay-Varina Middle, 1201 Bowling Road, Fuquay-Varina

  • April 16 - Abbotts Creek Elementary, 9900 Durant Road, Raleigh

  • April 23 -  Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh

 

 

Letterland Days at Pullen Park set for May 5 and 8

Join us on May 5 and May 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pullen Park to meet Letterland characters, and to participate in hands-on arts and crafts and literacy activities! Admission into the park is free and ride tickets are $2.

 

 

 

⭐ PTA UPDATES⭐

 

🎉 Spirit Day Fundraiser at Shake Shack - TOMORROW!! 🎉

Support Oak Grove and Enjoy Shake Shack TOMORROW - Monday, March 31st from 11am-10pm.  Be sure to mention "Donation Day" or use the code "Donate" when you check out and 25% of your purchase will be given back to OGES!  

 

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🧪 SAVE THE DATE!  Tuesday, April 15th! 🧪

STEM NIGHT is coming soon!  It is an event you won't wanna miss!! 

 

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🚨 Calling all OGES Parents & Caregivers! 🚨

Want to make a difference at our school without signing your life away? 😄

We’ve got a spot just for you on one of our PTA TEAMS—whether you love planning events, organizing behind the scenes, or just want to stay in the loop!

🎉 You don’t have to commit to anything today—just fill out our quick Interest Form to see what sparks your curiosity. Whether you’re all-in or just curious, we’d love to connect!

📋👉 PTA Interest Form

 

 

💥 OAK GROVE PTA WEBSITE 💥

Did you know the OGES PTA has a website? We encourage you to bookmark the site and check it often for up-to-date announcements and information!

 

https://sites.google.com/view/ogespta