Old Town Elementary School

The OTES Family Update for October 15, 2021 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1psbyaUj4evZcNYwsr_dCHARTjB2s8m9R33NsnTqs-ek/edit?usp=sharing

At approximately 10:30 this morning, we conducted a fire drill. As usual, our evacuation was quick and orderly!

The OTES Family Update for October 8, 2021 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G6ew57DjiG_kQ9mOh8f0zYMr26HozC_cAWPCy2EBpAw/edit?usp=sharing

Some very important reminders this week at OTES: 📸 Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 6th is Picture Day! Order using the paper form sent home or at www.mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: EVT8X29PT. 🐷School fundraiser orders are due this Thursday, October 7th. Order forms and payments should be turned in on or before that day. Tickets to earn pig keychains can be sent in as well. 🚫 There is no school on Friday, October 8th due to a staff in-service day and no school on Monday, October 11th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The OTES Family Update for October 1, 2021 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PzvUfFmNmzRTPAGSRuwodVOvO40QMnaVu8EyKjPbwEs/edit?usp=sharing

The OTES Family Update for Friday, September 24, 2021 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qHjCcY0SaLWqVCL71GdcRvnir5FgiG6E6yxxMYwa34M/edit?usp=sharing

School Picture Day is Coming on October 6, 2021 Please use the code provided to ORDER Online

The OTES Family Update for Friday, September 17, 2021 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6TnSx4ICBKmrbacM6dqJ_42ytjIfVrdnZ4xDjGOi7g/edit?usp=sharing

Our 2021-2022 Family Handbook is live! The handbook is a very important document where you can easily find lots of information and answers to many questions that may come up throughout the year. The document is easy to navigate with a table of contents and active links. The handbook is also always available on this website (or the connected app) and can be found by clicking on the Menu option in the upper right corner, followed by the document icon. It is also posted on our RSU #34 OTES Facebook page. Quick link to it right here: https://5il.co/yetc

Important Notice! If your student has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed and will be in quarantine for the first day of school, please let us know ASAP. You can report this absence like any other, on our attendance voicemail at 827-1544 option 2 or at deb.letourneau@rsu34.org. These options are both available 24/7. We understand that missing Open House or the first days of school is not ideal, but our most important priority is to keep each other safe and healthy! We will do our best to welcome students no matter when they come through our doors!

We have provided families with information about participating in the POOL Testing in RSU 34 for the fall. This information will help parents and families members understand the process of Pool Testing and give everyone a chance to read through the procedures and ask questions when attending our upcoming open houses. Please take the time to read the attached link to help our schools provide additional ways to keep our students in school and healthy. Pool TESTING Flyer Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KStq_RMN7858SRmTVQQUsQOVjZ4QiymfOtppNmsFaV8/edit?usp=sharing

Yes, meals are free to all students this year, but we still rely on family responses to this form for many reasons and you might too! Follow this link for more information and a link to the Free and Reduced Meal Form. http://rsu34me.apptegy.us/o/rsu-34/browse/36426?fbclid=IwAR0dqzxPEBegHoAZg5cyu-A_cUQCkHno9S1W4X94WHRffNzlU_taufkjeOY

It is August and we have Back to School on the brain! Be sure to check out the Back to School letter, Open House information, as well as the Resource Center and Farm Stand hours information in the News section below. In the documents section, you will find images of the supply lists. Check this website, our Facebook page (RSU #34 OTES), and our free app (RSU #34, ME) for updates as well!

OTES Final Family Update June 7, 2021 🔗 View this Newsletter as a Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/.../15zSz5kGp6Om.../edit... ☀️ Updated Last Day of School! OTES kindergarten only ends tomorrow, Wednesday, June 9th. The last day of school for grades 1st through 5th will be Monday, June 14th. Both of these are full days. 🧾 Report Cards Report cards will be sent home with students on Friday, June 11th. Remote only and secondary household report cards will be mailed starting Monday, June 14th. Report cards will not contain classroom placements for next year as there are too many unknown for the fall at this time. Families will be notified of placements in early August. If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s report card, please contact their teacher first and then administration if necessary. 💊 Medication Pick Up If your student has medication that is kept at school and you do not already have a pick up plan in place, please contact CeCe Costello at 827-1544 option 6 or cece.costello@rsu34.org as soon as possible. 🎉 End of Year Celebrations- Please see communication from teachers for details Second Grade: Thursday, June 10th Blue Community 4:30-5:15pm, Green Community 5:30-6:15 K-2 Remote Only: Tuesday, June 15th 5:30-6:30pm, including materials drop off Third Grade: Monday, June 14th Yellow Community 5-5:30pm, Red Community 6-6:30pm Fourth Grade: Monday, June 14th Red Community 4-4:30pm, Yellow Community 4:30-5:00 Fifth Grade: Celebrations during school the week of June 7th-11th. Monday- tie dye, Tuesday- movie field trip, Wednesday- field day, Thursday- visit LMS and tree dedication, Friday- certificate presentations (a link to these presentations has been shared with 5th grade families) 📓 Summer Programming If your student will be attending the OTES Kids Club on Wednesdays this July, you should have received a one page information sheet in your student’s folder. If your student will be attending our summer school programming (not through special education), confirmation and transportation information will come home in your student’s report card. If your student will be attending our Extended Year Services through special education you will receive a phone call, if you have not already, and a letter confirming details in the mail. Summer food service will be available at multiple locations. Check our website www.rsu34.org or Facebook Page RSU #34 Food Service for updates. 🍎 RSU #34 Resource Center and OTES Farm Stand Open The RSU #34 Resource Center is open for a final time this Thursday, June 10th from 2:30-4:00pm. Appointments are preferred. A summer schedule will be announced at a later date. Please call Jenn Goodwin at 370-8564 at any time should your family have a need for food. The OTES Farm Stand is also now open each Tuesday from 3-6pm throughout the summer and fall. Produce is first come, first served and free or by donation. 💦 Garden Watering We are in need of volunteers to water the garden. We would love to have your family pick one time or a few to support our school and students by keeping our gardens going throughout the summer. The sign up link is below and hoses will be ready for you! https://signup.com/go/rnJtJxS 📅 Upcoming Events Tuesday, June 8th: Farm Stand 3-6pm, budget validation vote in Alton, Bradley and Old Town Wednesday, June 9th: 5th grade field day, last day of school for kindergarten only at OTES Thursday, June 10th: 3rd and 4th grade field day, 5th graders visit LMS, Resource Center Open 2:30-4pm, 2nd grade celebrations Friday, June 11th: 5th grade certificate presentations, report cards sent home Monday, June 14th: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, FULL DAY, 3rd and 4th grade celebrations Tuesday, June 15th: K-2 remote only end of year celebration and materials drop off

OTES Family Update May 28, 2021 🔗 View this Newsletter as a Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11sVuVpbl-cE_brj93823GV3YjyIvmlr-B_aqUBSIXKM/edit?usp=sharing 😷 Maine Mask Mandate/School Requirements Despite the changes in Maine’s mask mandate on Monday, May 24th, Maine still requires “masks to be worn in schools and child care settings, where people ages 5 and older must wear one while indoors.” All our staff and students will continue to be required to wear masks inside. While outside, spaced and stationary, staff and students are allowed to take their masks off. While moving around with others, including playing, outside, masks will be required. Masks will also be required for all attendees at OTES school events, inside or outside. ‼️ Updated Last Day of School! The last day of school will be Monday, June 14th. This will be a full day of school. OTES kindergarten only ends Wednesday, June 9th. 🎉 End of Year Celebrations- Please see communication from teachers for details Kindergarten: Thursday, June 3rd Green Community 5-5:45pm, Blue Community 6:15-7pm First Grade: Tuesday, June 1st Green Community 5-5:45pm, Blue Community 6-6:45pm Second Grade: Thursday, June 10th Blue Community 4:30-5:15pm, Green Community 5:30-6:15 K-2 Remote Only: Tuesday, June 15th 5:30-7pm, including materials drop off Third Grade: Monday, June 14th Yellow Community 5-5:30pm, Red Community 6-6:30pm Fourth Grade: Monday, June 14th Red Community 4-4:30pm, Yellow Community 4:30-5:00 Fifth Grade: Celebrations during school the week of June 7th-11th. Monday- tie dye, Tuesday- movie field trip, Wednesday- field day, Thursday- visit LMS and tree dedication, Friday- certificate presentations (a link to these presentations will be shared with 5th grade parents) ☀️ Sunscreen and Insect Repellant We highly recommend that you apply sunscreen and insect repellent before school if you feel your student needs those products. Sunscreen can be sent to school and reapplied by the student. Insect repellent is not allowed at school. 📚 Last Call for Summer OTES Kids Club Any current kindergarten to 4th grade student not already enrolled in an OTES summer program can register to attend our OTES Kids Club to be held each Wednesday in July from 9am-2pm. Free breakfast and lunch will be available, however transportation is not. See our Facebook post or the flyer available in the OTES vestibule for more information. If interested, please return the registration form by Tuesday, June 1st! 🗳 RSU #34 School Budget Validation (Vote) From the City of Old Town: Notice of RSU # 34 School Budget Validation Election Election Day: June 08, 2021, Hours: 7:00AM-8:00PM, Location: The Old Town Elks Lodge at 37 Fourth Street. This election is for the proposed FY 2021-2022 RSU #34 School Budget. The RSU #34 proposed budget packets are available at City Hall and during the election. This election is for Old Town residents only and who are at least 18 years of age. There is no referendum question. 🍎 RSU #34 Resource Center and OTES Farm Stand Open The RSU #34 Resource Center is open for you each Thursday from 2:30-4:00pm. Appointments are preferred. Please call Jenn Goodwin at 370-8564. The OTES Farm Stand is also now open each Tuesday from 3-6pm. Produce is first come, first served and free or by donation. 🖍 PreK and Kindergarten Registration is Open! Please Help Spread the Word! We are still accepting registration applications for kindergarten students turning 5 years old prior to October 15, 2021. Kindergarten screenings will take place on Thursday, June 10th and Friday, June 11th, so it is important for registrations to be completed ASAP! Please contact Betsy Clark, our school secretary at 827-1544 ext 3602 or Betsy.Clark@rsu34.org for more information or questions. Parents can drop by between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up a registration packet at school. If you have a child that attends OTES already, let us know and we can send the packet of information home with your child. Children registering must have an original birth certificate, up to date immunization record, and proof of residency (a bill with your name and address indicated works). We can make a copy of any original paperwork at school. PreK locations have yet to be determined, but the same registration packet procedures can be used. 📅 Upcoming Events Monday, May 31st: No school in observance of Memorial Day Tuesday, June 1st: Farm Stand 3-6pm, 1st grade celebrations Wednesday, June 2nd: K-2nd remote only learning materials pick up, PTC meeting 6-7pm Thursday, June 3rd: K-2nd field day, Resource Center open 2:30-4pm, kindergarten celebrations Tuesday, June 8th: 3rd-4th grade field day, 5th grade movie field trip, Farm Stand 3-6pm, budget validation vote 7am-8pm Wednesday, June 9th: 5th grade field day, last day of school for kindergarten only at OTES Thursday, June 10th: 5th graders visit LMS, Resource Center Open 2:30-4pm, 2nd grade celebrations Friday, June 11th: 5th grade certificate presentations, report cards sent home Monday, June 14th: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, FULL DAY, 3rd and 4th grade celebrations Tuesday, June 15th: K-2 remote only end of year celebration and materials drop off

This morning around 9:30am, we conducted a fire drill. All students as staff evacuated quickly and quietly as always. Great job all!

OTES Family Update May 7, 2021 🔗 View this Newsletter as a Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/16aTy-xvPnT838yiwfuWEYc4bcjfJyEJeuaIZaHOQLBw/edit?usp=sharing 😷 Masks- Please Send Extras and Guidelines for Wearing Masks Outdoors Please send at least one extra mask with your student each day. Masks get wet or dirty or sometimes a change in style can be more comfortable for a student. We do not have many extras and appreciate families continuing to provide masks for their students. We are aware of CDC updates about wearing masks outdoors. However, children struggle to play and interact outdoors and remain six feet apart from each other, as is indicated in the new guidelines. Therefore, we will continue to require masks be worn by both students, staff, and adults outdoors at OTES. An exception to this rule will be when we are outdoors for a structured activity such as a read aloud, independent work, or eating, when students and staff are stationary and remain 6 feet apart. 🗣 Final Reminder: Input on Your Student for the 2021-2022 School Year If you have not already completed this Google Form for your student(s), please do so. We need parent/guardian input for planning the 2021-2022 school year. Please take a few minutes to give us input about your family to help this process. All information shared will only be viewed by Administration. https://forms.gle/vHdNFxKDkHBX44Te9 🥗 RSU #34 Resource Center Now Open! The RSU #34 Resource Center is open for you! Each Thursday, we will be open from 2:30-4:00pm. Appointments are preferred. Walk ins will be arranged on a first come, first served basis. COVID precautions will be in place including mask wearing, distancing (one person at a time) and hand sanitizing. Please call Jenn Goodwin at 370-8564 to make an appointment or with questions. 🖍 PreK and Kindergarten Registration is Open! Please Help Spread the Word! We are now accepting registration applications for kindergarten students turning 5 years old prior to October 15, 2021. Kindergarten screenings will take place on Thursday, June 10th and Friday, June 11th, so it is important for registrations to be completed soon! Please contact Betsy Clark, our school secretary at 827-1544 ext 3602 or Betsy.Clark@rsu34.org for more information or questions. Parents can drop by between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up a registration packet at school. If you have a child that attends OTES already, let us know and we can send the packet of information home with your child. Children registering must have an original birth certificate, up to date immunization record, and proof of residency (a bill with your name and address indicated works). We can make a copy of any original paperwork at school. PreK locations have yet to be determined. 📅 Upcoming Events Wednesday, May 12th: K-2 Remote Only Materials Pickup 7am-6pm, School Board Meeting 6:30pm Thursday, May 13th (and all remaining Thursdays): RSU #34 Resource Center Open 2:30-4:00pm Saturday, May 22nd: OTES Learning Garden Plant Sale 9:00am-1:00pm

OTES Family Update April 16, 2021 🔗 View this Newsletter as a Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NnUPX5OVlDKaa40-NuUFvkpV8bhf-ZeouH82d8kmsq8/edit?usp=sharing ☀ April Vacation Next week is April Vacation. School resumes Monday, April 26th. Doors open at 7:25am. If you are travelling out of the state of Maine, with of the exception of New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island or Massachusetts, during vacation, or at any time during the remainder of the school year, please review the guidance at the close of this newsletter and notify our school nurse, CeCe Costello. Please see the details in the shared post below. 🗣 Final Reminder: Input on Your Student for the 2021-2022 School Year If you have not already completed this Google Form for your student(s), please do so. We need parent/guardian input for planning the 2021-2022 school year. Please take a few minutes to give us input about your family to help this process. All information shared will only be viewed by Administration. https://forms.gle/vHdNFxKDkHBX44Te9 🌱 Garden Volunteer Work Days Today, April 16th and This Sunday, April 18th Volunteer opportunities have been few and far between this year, but we are looking for some help preparing our OTES Learning Garden for the growing season! Our garden work days will be Friday, April 16th and 30th from 2:30 to 5pm, SUNDAY April 17th from 9:30am to 12pm, and Saturday, May1st from 9:30am to 12pm. Sign up for one session or more, any help is appreciated! Direction, support, and any tools necessary will be provided! COVID safety protocols will be in place. Please call the school at 827-1544 with any questions and we will connect you with a garden committee member or simply sign up here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/9969872324461680120/false#/invitation 🖍 PreK and Kindergarten Registration is Open! Please Help Spread the Word! We are now accepting registration applications for kindergarten students turning 5 years old prior to October 15, 2021. Please contact Betsy Clark, our school secretary at 827-1544 ext 3602 or Betsy.Clark@rsu34.org for more information or questions. Parents can drop by between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up a registration packet at school. If you have a child that attends OTES already, let us know and we can send the packet of information home with your child. Children registering must have an original birth certificate, up to date immunization record, and proof of residency (a bill with your name and address indicated works). We can make a copy of any original paperwork at school. Our screening dates will be set for June and further information will be shared at a later date. PreK locations have yet to be determined. ✈️ The Following Travel Guidance Message Was Sent Out By RSU #34 Direct Link to this Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KLkE3qXOpyvG01kMRRkH8L0x3BykbTbK3od-xRAb8L4/edit?usp=sharing

OTES Family Update March 25, 2021 🔗View this Newsletter as a Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yzi1Pxh1iq0ac7YfCREKFtN6dcYXMhjWsYdhMmHBfb0/edit?usp=sharing 🌱UPDATED: Garden Volunteer Work Days Volunteer opportunities have been few and far between this year, but we are looking for some help preparing our OTES Learning Garden for the growing season! Our garden work days will be Friday, April 2nd, 16th and 30th from 2:30 to 5pm and Saturday, April 3rd and 17th and May1st from 9:30am to12pm. Sign up for one session or more, any help is appreciated! Direction, support, and any tools necessary will be provided! COVID safety protocols will be in place. Please call the school at 827-1544 with any questions and we will connect you with a garden committee member or simply sign up here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/9969872324461680120/false#/invitation 📫Usborne Cards for a Cause Fundraiser Extended to Monday, March 29th The PTC is hosting a brief fundraiser from now through Monday, March 29th. In-person students have been given an order form and remote-only students have been emailed a .pdf or can pick up an order form here at school. Each card box contains 30 cards for $30. That is a great price for cards and better yet, OTES receives $13 from each sale! Thank you for your continued support! 🖍PreK and Kindergarten Registration is Open! Please Help Spread the Word! We are now accepting registration applications for kindergarten students turning 5 years old prior to October 15, 2021. Please contact Betsy Clark, our school secretary at 827-1544 ext 3602 or Betsy.Clark@rsu34.org for more information or questions. Parents can drop by between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up a registration packet at school. If you have a child that attends OTES already, let us know and we can send the packet of information home with your child. Children registering must have an original birth certificate, up to date immunization record, and proof of residency (a bill with your name and address indicated works). We can make a copy of any original paperwork at school. Our screening dates will be set for June and further information will be shared at a later date. PreK locations have yet to be determined. 📚Reading Fun! Remember to Fill Out Student Reading Bike Sheets For a Chance to Win a Bike! We have had so much fun celebrating reading this month! The first week, we held themed Dr. Seuss days and dropped everything to read each day. The second week, we were virtually visited by Maine author Stephanie Mulligan. The third week, we had a mystery book door decorating contest. Finally, this week, and all month really, students tracked the books and chapters they read to earn strips of duct tape to stick Dr. Tuell and Mrs. Mitchell to the wall in a “Stick with Books” event. Be sure to check out our Facebook page and website for pictures! Students should all have a bike sheet to track their home reading. Returning this complete sheet by Friday, April 16th will earn them an entry into a drawing for one of many bikes provided to us by the Kenduskeag Masonic Lodge. More sheets are available at OTES. 📸Picture Day Orders Still Available We held two school picture days on March 9 and March 11 and all students present were photographed. If you missed ordering, the online should still be open for a time at www.mylifetouch.com. Our Picture Day ID is EVTQ28RZ8.

OTES Family Update March 12, 2021 🔗View this Newsletter as a Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/.../1aQ6.../edit... ✉️Report Cards Sent Home Today, Friday, March 12th Your student’s report card was sent home today. Please take some time to review it and any documents included in the envelope. Please sign the envelope and return it to school so that we know you have received it. Remote-only students will receive report cards through the mail. No return signature is necessary. If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s report card, please reach out to their teacher. 🧦Lots of Socks Day on Friday, March 19th in Recognition of World Down Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st. The purpose of this day is to create public awareness of Down Syndrome. We celebrate this day on the 21st day of the third month to represent the triplication or trisomy or the 21st chromosome. This year, the RSU #34 Civil Rights Team will be participating in the Lots of Socks Campaign to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. It is the mission of the Civil Rights Team to decrease biased behaviors and create an environment where all students feel safe, welcome and respected. Please join us on Friday, March 19th. All you need to do is choose some socks that are going to get noticed - they might be mismatched socks or your craziest and most colorful socks, whatever takes your fancy! We will be collecting money to support Camp Capella that day if you would like to donate. 📸Last Minute Picture Day Orders We held two school picture days on March 9 and March 11 and all students present were photographed. If you missed ordering, the online should still be open for a time at www.mylifetouch.com. Our Picture Day ID is EVTQ28RZ8. 📚Author Visit We were so excited to virtually welcome Maine author Stephanie Mulligan to OTES today! She shared two of her great books, How to Catch a Keeper and How to Tap a Maple. Both of these books are available to purchase at a discounted rate through OTES. An order form was sent home and extra forms are available at school. Orders will be accepted through Tuesday, March 16th. Visit Stephanie’s website https://stephmulligan.com/. As well as view her appearance on The Green Outdoors here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShywaZQlQAs. Special thanks to our PTC for sponsoring this visit! 📬Usborne Cards for a Cause Fundraiser The PTC is hosting a brief fundraiser from now through Monday, March 22nd. Students have been given an order form to take home soon and remote-only students have been emailed a .pdf or can pick up an order form here at school. Each card box contains 30 cards for $30. That is a great price for cards and better yet, OTES receives $13 from each sale! Thank you for your continued support! ⏰ Don’t Forget to “Spring Ahead” Your Clocks This Weekend!