November 17, 2023
Happy Friday Oxbow Family!
I hope this message finds you well. As we navigate through another academic year, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you. This week we had another wonderful turnout at our second night of Parent Teacher Conferences. Thank you parents for your partnership and support in your child’s education. In addition, thank you to our staff that worked hard to accommodate schedules, long hours and late nights to meet with families to discuss academic, behavioral and student needs.
On another note, our online Silent Auction was a major success this year! We raised over $5,000, surpassing our goal. Thank you OPC for organizing this great event, the planning and long hours in preparation for the event, and for providing snacks and dinners to our school team. We are incredibly grateful and appreciative for our amazing school community!
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I wanted to share my gratitude for our school community. Parents, your unwavering support plays a crucial role in creating a positive and enriching environment here at Oxbow. Whether it's your active involvement in the OPC, volunteering your time at school events or in the classroom, or simply being a pillar of support for your child's education, your contributions do not go unnoticed.
It is through the collective efforts of our dedicated parents and staff that we are able to foster a sense of community and enhance the overall educational experience for our students. Your commitment to the success and well-being of our school community is truly commendable.
As we move forward, let us continue to work together, nurturing an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are truly grateful for the positive impact you make each day.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of our students. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our children.
I hope that you have a wonderful and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and weekend!
**Cereal Box Collection Continues through the month (unopened boxes please)
**Goodfellows Collection-Nonperishable items will be collected in the main vestibule through December 12th
Upcoming Important Dates:
November 22-24-Thanksgiving Break
November 27th- Return from Thanksgiving Break
November 27th-OPC Meeting @ 7 pm
December 4th-8th- Holiday Shop in Media Center (teachers will share classroom day to shop)
December 5th- Early Release @ 2:37 pm/Hungry Howie’s Pizza Night 4:30-9:00 pm
December 5th- Skate Night at the Rolladium 6:30-8:30 pm
Health and Safety:
As a kind reminder, please ensure that you are not vaping or smoking on school grounds. We have seen several adults doing both while walking into the building or waiting to pick up your child in the back parking lot. Please be considerate to all.
We have noticed an increase in students with warts on their hands this school year. Warts are common, noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are most often found on the hands, feet, and face, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Warts can be flesh-colored, or lighter or darker than the skin that surrounds them. Sometimes they have tiny black dots in them, which are actually clotted blood vessels.
Most warts are harmless and go away on their own within two years. However, they can be contagious, so it is important to take steps to prevent spreading them. This includes avoiding direct contact with warts, washing your hands often with soap and water, and not sharing personal items such as towels and washcloths.
If a wart is causing you pain or discomfort, or if you are concerned about its appearance, there are several treatment options available. These include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and surgical removal.
Here are some additional tips for preventing warts:
Keep your hands dry and clean.
Wear shoes or sandals in public places, such as pools and locker rooms.
Avoid biting your nails or picking at hangnails.
Do not share personal items, such as towels and washcloths.
See a doctor if you have any concerns about warts.
Thank you for your cooperation and help in keeping your child healthy!
Positivity Project:
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means you are aware of and thankful for good things that happen.
Gratitude is the quality of feelings and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world and that we have received that goodness. People with the strength of gratitude have a readiness to show appreciation for kindness and also to return kindness. A leading expert, Robert Emmons, calls gratitude a “relationship-strengthening emotion because it requires us to see how we’ve been supported and affirmed by other people.”
Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is correlated with increased energy, empathy, happiness and optimism. And, the great thing about gratitude is that it can be intentionally cultivated. Numerous studies have concluded that gratitude is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets -- and the more you’re able to reap its benefits.
To practice and encourage the character strength of gratitude with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Greenleaf
#WeAreOxbow