OR Greetings!

Greetings from Onondaga Road
Happy Spring!

OR Staff Day
Just a reminder, tomorrow Wednesday, March 23, is our Professional Development Day for staff, and students do not come to school.  See everyone on Thursday!

Science Fair
Thursday evening, March 24 is our grades 3 and 4 Science Fair, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Anyone is welcome to visit the fair.  Any students who are involved in the fair should come between 3:30-5:30 to set up their display.  Secret special judges will view the displays while nobody is here at 5:30... Doors open at 6:00 to everyone!

Report Cards
Your child's second marking period report card will be published Saturday, March 26 via our online Parent Portal on SchoolTool.  It is parents' responsibility to access and read your child's report card as part of our home and school communication.  This Friday we are sending home a paper copy of instructions on how to access your child's report card online.  Also,  please sign and return the note stating that you have seen and read your child's report card.  This will help us to know if there are any families who need help logging into SchoolTool.

COVID Tests
Two things you should know about COVID tests ... First, we have test kits available here at school; if you need one, just let us know.  We won't be administering them in school, but you are welcome to have a test kit.  Second, if your child is home (or sent home) from school sick with any COVID-like symptoms, we can accept the results of a home COVID test and you do not need to go for a PCR test. 
Additionally, please remember that there are other illnesses that frequently spread around school, like the stomach bug and colds, so we ask that if your child is actually sick, please keep them home until they are symptom free.  Thanks for helping to keep us ALL healthy!

Other Calendar Dates:
- Wed, 3/30 and Thurs, 3/31 - Grades 3-4 NYS ELA Assessment
- Fri, 4/1 - School Spirit Day - Blue and Gold!
- Tues, 4/5 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 
- April 11-15 - Spring Break Week - Schools are closed.

Greetings from OR

 Lamb or Lion!?

Seems to me that March rolled in like a lamb with today's calm weather.  I hope you had time to relax and unwind during our winter break last week, and now there are only 19 days until the first day of spring!

#PositivityInAction
This week we are learning about enthusiasm and how enthusiastic people tend to spread their energy to movivate others.  Here is a  Positivity Project Newsletter with links to videos and stories you can use at home.  Hopefully these weekly updates help you to generate conversations with your child about their strengths and help them to see that each of us has different strengths.

Masks at School
As you are aware from Mr. Bills' recent communications and updates from the governor, the in-school mask mandate expires tomorrow.  At parents' discretion, some students will come to school and/or ride the bus without a mask, and others will continue to wear a mask.  Either choice is acceptable, and I anticipate both.  With or without a mask, every and child and staff member is welcome at Onondaga Road, and we will respect one another as we always do!  We will continue our safety protocols including frequent handwashing and social distancing as much as possible.  As always, if your child is sick, we ask that you please keep them home.

At-Home COVID Tests
We have test kits available at school, and you are welcome to them.  We will continue to distribute at dismissal time for families who pick up thier children.  Otherwise, you are welcome to come to the office to get one, or call us if you need one sent home with your child.

Mornings at OR
Early morning is a busy time here at school.  On Tuesday mornings many students come early for band rehearsal, and Thursday mornings many others have orchestra rehearsal.  Starting tomorrow, our jump rope club begins and will take place on Monday and Wednesday mornings through April.  Here are a few of our band students warming up before their rehearsal this morning, sure to bring a smile to your face!

A Few March Calendar Dates:

• Wednesday, 3/2, 6:00 - Board of Education Meeting at WGHS
• Friday, 3/4 - School Spirit Day (Wear blue and gold!)
• Thursday, 3/10, 6:30 - PTA at OR Library
• Wednesday, 3/23 - NO SCHOOL for OR Students (Staff Day)
• Thursday, 3/24, 6:00-7:00 - Grades 3 & 4 Science Fair
• Saturday, 3/26 - Report Cards Available on SchoolTool

Have a great week!
Sincerely, 

Jeannette Clark