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Dear OTES Family,
Nice weather we're having, eh! This winter season has brought us inconsistent and unseasonably warm weather, but as we close the door on winter, what remains consistent is our drive to produce programs for the OTES community to soar and also help our departing families transition to the new school, DCC #29, in the fall.
There has been a steady stream of inquiries concerning DCC #29 and the focus of our February PTA meeting served as an open forum to address these concerns. Ms. Bronda Mills, the Community School Superintendent, was invited to the meeting and discussed the progress of the new school. Also present was the newly-selected principal for the new school, Mr. Kyle Heatwole, who shared his priorities for the upcoming months and answered an array of questions. To review details of this meeting and other topics covered, please click here to view the draft minutes from the February 7, 2012 PTA Meeting. Following the minutes in the same attachment is a brochure with more information on DCC#29.
Our next PTA meeting will be Thursday, April 12.
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DCC #29 Update
On March 6, the PTA Board had a very productive meeting with Mrs. Pulliam, Mrs. Ryan, and Mr. Heatwole, to discuss questions regarding next year's split into two schools. Mr. Heatwole is actively working to ensure that the opening and student transition to DCC #29 proceeds as smoothly as possible. He has an office at OTES and is already getting to know students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, contact him via e-mail at Kyle_J_Heatwole@mcpsmd.org. You can also follow him on Twitter at Kyle Heatwole@Heatwole29.
Over the next few months, we will send out a newsletter via e-mail and backpack mail when we get more information. If you have questions, please email JohnLandesmanPTA@gmail.com, and we will follow up with the appropriate people to get answers. Here is what we know so far.
- It was clear from our conversations that all three administrators understand the concerns of parents. They are working hard to make sure the transition will be seamless as possible. Over the next two months, many of the pieces will be coming together. The plan is for both principals to present at the May PTA meeting. We will split the meeting into the two schools so the principals can give specific information and answer questions directly related to their schools. Plan now to attend Tuesday, May 1 at 6:30 pm.
- The PTA Board will be forming nominating committees over the next month for the PTAs at both schools. Please email JohnLandesmanPTA@gmail.com if you are interested in being on the nominating committee. Let us know which school your children will be attending next year. We are also looking for a few people to help create the bylaws for the new school.
- The PTA Board has been discussing various ways to insure that the PTAs at both schools will have adequate funding to start the school year. We are talking with the Montgomery County Council of PTAs and the Maryland State PTAs for guidance. We plan to bring a proposal to the April PTA meeting.
- Mr. Heatwole has formed a naming committee so we can stop calling it DCC #29. They will be meeting over the next few weeks and make a recommendation to MCPS. The Board of Education should be voting on the new name by the end of April. After the name has been determined, then other activities can occur such as developing a Website for the new school.
- Mr. Heatwole will start hiring staff this month. At the May PTA Meeting, he will be able to inform parents of the staff he hired.
- Parents have been concerned whether the new school planned to implement Curriculum 2.0. Mr. Heatwole plans to implement it for grades K-3.
- As of now, the new school will definitely have Before and After care! A committee will be formed later in the spring to select an organization.
- Several parents have voiced concerns and questions about having students at both schools. Mr. Heatwole and Ms. Pulliam are very aware of the concerns and are already working to make it as easy as possible. They will be communicating directly to you in the next few months.
- An end of year party is being planned for June. The PTA will work with OTES staff to plan this event.
If you have any questions about which school your child will be attending, please check the OTES PTA Website (http://oaklandterracepta.com) or call the office at Oakland Terrace |
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Winter Highlights
MLK Day of Service
The PTA hosted its annual MLK Day of Service on January 16, honoring the legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event opened with a presentation on Dr. King and explained his philosophy on service for others. Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" The OTES community of children and adults along with help from various Girl Scout Troops put that philosophy into action by working together in five different community service stations that resulted in the production of:
- 100 bag lunches for a community shelter
- 100 I-Care Kits for a community shelter
- 100 bandanas with customized positive messages for an Adopt-A-Pet program
- 2 "Helping Hands Across Oakland Terrace Community" posters
- Receiving and sorting canned goods for a community
shelter
The celebration ended with birthday cake and cheer. Special thank you to Dawn McCoy for leading the charge in this tremendous effort and to all of the volunteers who made this event a success.
International/Cultural Night
On February 4, the OTES community came together and celebrated each other's cultures and hosted our annual International/Cultural Night. The evening was a site to behold. Families were greeted upon entry with tradeshow displays of the many countries that we represent followed by a Latin dance performance from a dance duo, performances from our dynamic OTES students, an international fashion show, and ended with a potluck dinner of cuisine from around the world. Three cheers for Fathia Houmane for chairing this momentous occasion and for all the other volunteers, including OTES students, fo r their contributions in making the evening an unforgettable affair. Below is a video link of International/Cultural Night.
International/Cultural Night Video
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Next PTA Meeting - April 12
Fresh off the heels of spring break, we will resume our PTA Meetings on Thursday, April 12. Details will be coming soon. Parent Ambassadors will be on hand to lead groups in Spanish, Amharic, and French. Come for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Free childcare by Kids After Hours. The agenda will be distributed very soon. |
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Searching for Summer Camps?
With the summer season approaching, now is the time that many of us are looking for summer camps for our children. Activity Rocket is an online website that may assist you in your searching. For more information, please visit their website http://www.activityrocket.com./ |
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Upcoming Events in March and Apr il:
- March 30 - No school (Professional Day for teachers and the beginning of spring break)
- April 2 - 9 - No school
- April 12 - PTA Meeting and Report Cards
- April 13 - PTA Spring Dance for 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- April 30 - May 4 Staff Appreciation Week
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