This newsletter is published 6 times a year and available on the OES website:
www.d49.org/schools/oes/
THE ODYSSEY ORBIT
Odyssey
Elementary
(719) 494-8622
Pam Weyer,
Principal
Malinda Keck, Asst. Principal
News from
the:
It’s hard to believe this is the last newsletter of the year! We hope you and
your family is looking forward to the warm weather and relaxing days
of summer. Wherever your plans take you over the summer, the staff at
OES wishes you a wonderful time. Please remember to keep practicing 
the skills your child has worked on during the school year.
Many activities are planned over the next few weeks as we complete the
last month of school. Field trips, field days, concerts and culminating
events will help make the memories of elementary school stay with your
child for years to come.
Are you looking for things to do with your child over the summer? There
are many community events planned that provide a child with opportunities
to excel in other than academic ways. Summertime is a great time to learn
to play an instrument, learn a new sport or participate in a competition at
the library. Our picture perfect
activities from bike riding on one of the numerous bike paths around the
state to hiking one of our famous trails. Odyssey students started a 14er
club so if your child hasn’t completed all of the state’s 14ers via flat ground,
summer would provide a great opportunity to finish the mountains.
Finally, we look forward to working with you again next year to provide your
child with an excellent education. Our staff is always planning, organizing and
educating ourselves throughout the summer to enhance the work we do during the
school year. We hope you have enjoyed this year at OES as much as we have.
Sincerely,
Pam Weyer, Principal
KECK’S CORNER
LITERACY NEWS
The Internet is filled with fun ways for children to build their vocabulary.
Below are some websites that are great resources to support your
students:
www.eduplace.com/kids/games.jsp
Your child can choose from 3 different levels of difficulty while solving
word-find puzzles.
Have fun unscrambling words and filling in blanks to write a silly story with a
dozen different activities to choose from.
Children can learn a word of the day, build their own dictionary, and play
vocabulary games.
HAPPY LEARNING!
Malinda Keck
Literacy coach/Assistant Principal
494-8618
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Onken’s Orbit
I cannot believe that the
end of the year is upon us!! With
all of the excitement of the approaching summer break please remember to
continue reading with your child. That time will fly by just as fast so don’t
let it pass you by. As your child
grows, their love of reading will blossom.
Share that love with your children and let them share it with you.
Ask questions to open up wonderful discussions. Talk about what exciting
things happened in their books.
There is so much everyone can discover in a good book.
Don’t forget the website that I mentioned in the last newsletter.
It will help you and your child find books to explore.
Once again the site is
http://www.biguniverse.com/readkidsbooks
Please have a wonderful
summer full of reading enjoyment!!!!
Counselor’s Corner 
With the summer months fast approaching, many
children will be spending their time signing onto the Internet and exploring the
information highway. Unfortunately, the same advances in computer and
telecommunications technology that allow our children to reach out to new
sources of knowledge and cultural experiences can also leave them vulnerable to
exploitation, and sometimes harm.
Here are some tips to help your children continue to enjoy the benefits
of the Internet, while remaining safe*:
BE CYBER SMART!
Cyberpals are strangers. Never meet a cyberpal
face-to-face without taking a responsible adult with you. Never give out
personal information unless a responsible adult says you can.
Be a good cyber citizen and be polite to others
on the Internet. Copying
information from a Web site and pretending it’s yours is plagiarism.
Learn to recognize online advertisements.
Protect yourself, your family and friends by not giving private identity
information to any Web site without first asking permission.
Smart searching includes trying more than one
search site and more than one keyword.
Find out how to identify high-quality Web sites.
Ask your teacher or librarian to help you find the best information on
the Web or in books.
Cyberspace connects real people and information
around the world. Remember to keep
your passwords private. Ask your
family to use a firewall and anti-virus software to protect your computer and
files.
*Source: www.staysafeonline.info
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Hi Folks!
I can hardly believe that
it is almost the end of the year already!
Things are cruising right along in S.O.A.R., and we will be done with the
year before we know it! Here’s what
is going on in S.O.A.R. this quarter:
The first and second
graders are learning about famous scientists, and doing some scientific
experiments of their own.
The third graders are
discovering the physics of flight by studying how and why things fly.
The fourth and fifth
graders are learning world geography by traveling around the world in the
Caravans unit.
If you’d like to come by
and see what we are up to, you are always welcome – just stop by the office
first and get a visitor’s badge!
Take care, enjoy the
sunshine, and keep S.O.A.R.ing!!
Ms. Daniel
By Ms. Salaz - Sped Dept.
Parenting a child with ADD or ADHD can create a mixture of feelings.
Educating yourself and gaining a better understanding about ADD/ADHD, finding
support, taking care of yourself and the relationships within the family—all go
a long way to making life a little easier.
The difference between attention deficit disorder (ADD) which is a general term
frequently used to describe individuals that have attention deficit disorder
without the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) encompasses hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive
behaviors.
AD/HD is a neurologically–based developmental disability estimated to affect
between 3-5% of the school age population. Symptoms may not be as apparent at
home as they are at school where the child is expected to sit for periods of
time and be focused and attentive. The symptoms will impact a child’s ability to
be successful in school. It is
important for parents to be proactive in educating themselves and seeking the
proper treatment/diagnosis, beginning with your child’s pediatrician. There are
also great books and websites that give detailed information and options for
treatment.
SYMPTOMS OF ADD/ADHD
·
Physical
activity – either restless, fidgety, boundless energy
or lethargic, slow
·
Frequent mood swings
– feels emotions intensely, low tolerance for frustration
·
Attention
– trouble getting started on a task, staying focused, and completing task. Can’t
do homework independently
·
Highly distractible
– distracted by any change in the environment, any noise or movement. Can’t stay
focused for long, except for Nintendo-type games or TV
·
Impulsive
- Blurts out answers in class, impatient, can’t wait for his/her turn,
acts before thinking, doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes
·
Doesn’t listen well
– confused by multi-step oral directions
·
Time management
- doesn’t use class time well,
feels rushed by parents and teachers, puts things off until the last minute
·
Odd sleep cycles
– hates to go to bed, difficult to wake up in the morning, restless sleeper
·
Inconsistent performance
– some days they can do schoolwork other days they can’t
·
Disorganized
– messy room, desk, backpack. Constantly loses or misplaces things
From time to time, all children will be inattentive, impulsive, and overly
active. In the case of AD/HD, these behaviors are the rule, not the exception.
When a child exhibits the behaviors listed above as
symptomatic of AD/HD, even if he or she does so consistently, do not draw the
conclusion that your child has the disorder. Until a proper evaluation is
completed, you can only assume that your child might have AD/HD.
People have been known to read symptom lists and, finding one or two
exceptions, rule out the possibility of the disorder’s presence. AD/HD is a
disability that, without proper identification and management, can have
long-term complications. Parents and teachers are cautioned against making the
diagnosis by themselves.
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Kinder News
As May approaches, we would like
to congratulate all of our kiddoes on a great year in Kindergarten.
We will be closing the year with practices of money, time, addition, and
subtraction. We will continue our
reading skills and hope these skills are practiced over the summer as many kids
seem to lose 2 months of progress over summer breaks.
We would love to see our students keep the knowledge they’ve learned this
year as they walk into first grade next year!
If anyone feels they need extra support in any areas or ideas for the
summer to keep their reading and math skills up, please don’t hesitate to ask
any of the Kindergarten teachers for help.
Be watching for our upcoming concert and graduation notices!
Mrs. Quintana
Mrs. Grosvenor Ms.
Walker Mrs. Shumaker
First Grade News
Reading:
The first grade has been
working very hard in reading. We will be working on non-fiction books and
learning the differences between facts and opinions.
Writing:
During
forth quarter we will be working very hard to have a five sentence paragraph.
Math:
Science/Social Studies:
First grade will be doing an
exploration on space. We will be learning facts about space and writing creative
stories about space. Please join us on May 15th for star gazing
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News From The Second Grade Team
WOW!
What A Wonderful Year!! We
are simply delighted with the stellar academic and social-emotional growth of
our children. We are looking
forward to sharing with you your child’s end of the year assessment data.
Our school’s literacy assessment days are Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May
8. Again, we are sincerely grateful
for your partnership.
Thank you for supporting our recent field trip.
The children had a fabulous time on their learning journey to the Pikes
Peak Center. The performance of
“Junie B. Jones” was watched with wonder and delight.
The children are so looking forward to field day on Tuesday, May 19.
Without a doubt, it will be a fun-filled day of exercise, teamwork, and
sportsmanship.
During the last few weeks, the students will be busy as they continue to polish
their expository writing skills and learn more strategies to increase their
reading fluency rates and comprehension.
In math, they will begin a focus on multiplication strategies and
participate in a unit on geometric shapes.
In science, the children have been studying landforms and will be
starting a unit on package design with the Engineering Is Elementary program.
Throughout the warm summer weeks, please continue to encourage your child
to work on academic skills. Setting
aside a small part of each day to read would be an excellent avenue to maintain
fluency. While driving to
summertime activities, math facts could easily be reviewed and practiced.
Keeping a daily journal of summer activities is yet another easy way to
maintain writing skills. At the end
of the summer, you and your child could use the journal to reflect on the many
activities of fun in the sun.
Again, thank you for allowing us the privilege of working with you and
your child. In a few short weeks,
we shall send your star forth, knowing he or she will shine brightly and forever
twinkle.
The Third Grade Science Fair was amazing!
We were able to see the amount of effort put into the many outstanding
projects. All year, we have stated
that success for students is a team effort.
We truly believe this and want to thank you all for a fabulous year in
third grade at Odyssey Elementary.
To end our year together, starting the week of May 18th our
classrooms will be transformed into campgrounds for a fun week at “camp”.
If you are able to donate a dome tent please let your child’s teacher
know. Thanks again, and happy end
of the school year!
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This
has been a great school year! We are finishing up May with some fun projects and
topics.
Math—We
will continue to focus on long division, double digit multiplication, volume,
and problem solving. Over the summer, please have your child practice their
multiplication and division facts.
Science—Students
will be learning about some engineering units, such as Solar Ovens and
Landforms. Some of the classes will get to experience building and programming
robots. At the end of May, all students will enjoy a rocketry day.
Homework-Please
check your child’s planner every day. Their homework and important information
is written in there daily.
Please
let us know if you have any questions! Thanks for all your support. Enjoy the
warm weather.
Sincerely,
Amy
Beling, Diane Haggard, Erik Russell, and Stephanie Hazelton
Fifth
Grade
Recently counselors from Skyview came to speak to our 5th graders about the transition to middle school. Students listened intently and asked pertinent questions. Along with the feelings of excitement, come some apprehensions. For this reason, we encourage families to attend one of the Middle School Open House sessions on May 12th. The sessions run from 5:00-6:00PM and 6:30-7:30PM.
May is a very busy month as the school year winds down. Here are some important dates to remember:
May 7th and 8th – Literacy testing (We have to test every child at the end of the year.)
May 13th – Sky Sox field trip (9:30-2:00)
May 14th – Young Author Assembly
May 15th – Balloon Glow in the evening
May 20th – Field Day (Snacks and water bottles are provided.)
May 26th – Career Day (We would love parent volunteers to share insights into various careers. Please let a 5th grade teacher know if you would like to speak to our students.)
May 27th – 5th grade BBQ, promotion ceremony, and reception
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Get
in the
Gear!
Every
Friday is
spirit day
at OES!
We have Odyssey T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale in the office.
Color choices are Blue or Red.
Make checks payable to OES.
Students
Adults
T-shirts (short
sleeve)
$10
$12
T-shirts (long
sleeve)
$12
$15
Sweatshirt
$15
$17
Hooded
Sweatshirt
$20
$22
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Note from the School Nurse
If your child has medication in the health office, please call the health room to make arrangements for your child’s medication pick up.
If your child has a health care plan and/or medication forms on file in the health office, you will be receiving new forms for next school year. Please have these updated by your child’s health care provider this summer and return to us on the first day of school. As district nursing staff is limited during the day, it is imperative that a health care plan to assist your child in the school building is in place.
The following information has been included as a review of our policies: Medication: Colorado state laws require a signed physician’s order and parent signature for ANY medication to be given at school. This law includes any over-the-counter medications (except for cough drops, which only require written permission). Please be advised that the pharmacy label on the medication packaging does NOT suffice for a written physician’s order.
If you have any questions, please contact the health office at 494-8619