Originally delivered on 6/3/2024 6:00 am

SUBJECT: OHS Weekly Flash | Happy June!

Weekly Flash

June 3, 2024

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

  • Thank you from Mr. H
  • Updates from Principal Hudspeth
  • We want to hear from you! Give us feedback on PTA activities
  • Now showing! Watch video of this year's Variety Show!
  • Next year’s Committee Chair search is on
  • PTA Board additions 
  • Order your school supplies kit for next school year
  • Film Screening at the Fairfield Library

June 12: Early Dismissal at 1:40pm

June 13: LAST DAY!Early Dismissal at 1:40pm


**Follow us on OHS Families Facebook & OHS_Families Instagram to stay in the know, and check out our OHS PTA website!**

A thanks from Mr. Hudspeth

Dear OHS Families,


It is challenging to express the appreciation I feel for the beautiful send-off you surprised me with at Family Fun Night on Friday. The singing of our school song “Family of Friends,” followed by the see-you-in-the-future message of “Together Tomorrow” by our students under the direction and accompaniment of Mrs. Haskitt; the messages from now former PTA president, Rachel Parrish, and current president, Melissa Miller; the time with individuals and small groups of students and families; the surprise of many former students and their families waiting out front to greet me; seeing the groups of people circled up on the grass enjoying one another’s company throughout the evening; and seeing so many students having fun with one another across age/grade lines all made for a memorable, joyous, and emotional evening for me.


This community is not an easy one for me to leave. I feel endlessly lucky to have spent close to half my life at OHS and to have found, over that time, colleagues whom I respect and marvel at for their character, humor, professionalism, and determination to do their best for our students each day; families who care greatly about their children’s development and learning and who give of their time and resources to benefit our school community; and finally, and most importantly, our students who keep us on our toes, keep us feeling youthful, and carry our hope for a great future with their optimism and new thinking.


On Saturday morning, I opened the gift from the community. I started reading the many touching cards from students and families—I am going to stretch out reading the cards so I can fully enjoy each one individually. I love the luggage you provided me along with the OHS luggage tag—I look forward to showing Ozzie around Europe. Samantha and I started daydreaming about where we might go with your generous gift of Aer Lingus travel. Thank you. I can’t tell you how much it all means to me.


Please know that OHS will forever be one of my very favorite places because of the time I have shared with all the people who make it so special. Thank you for your part in making it so. I am excited about the adventure that lies ahead for my family and me in Ireland, and I am grateful for all the lovely memories I will take with me from my time with all of you.


With heartfelt thanks,

David

Dear OHS Families,


New PTA President and Board

At Friday morning’s PTA meeting, I had the honor of swearing in the PTA Board for the 2024-2025 school year.  We have lots of wonderfully supportive parents who are making time to help lead our PTA and I thank them for their willingness and hard work.  As part of this, we swore in a new president as well. We have been extremely lucky this year to have Rachel Parrish at the helm of the PTA.  This was the first year in many years there has been one president instead of two co-presidents.  Rachel has been a supportive advocate for our PTA and our school, finding ways to positively impact our students and school community. Patty Day and I have been fortunate to work so closely with Rachel this year and I thank her for her tireless, loving work for our community.  Melissa Miller was sworn in as the president for the 2024-2025 school year at the meeting.  Melissa has worked closely with Rachel and Patty and me this year, attending our monthly meetings and taking on many tasks.  Melissa will be a strong president to have with the new principal next year. The dedication of everyone who serves on the board deserves our appreciation and gratitude. 

 

Family Fun Night Thank You

There was a great deal of organizing and work that went into making Family Fun Night happen.  The organizers, Lauren Wilke, Jessica Truchan, and Lexi Cummings planned a wonderful event. The organizers along with many volunteers helped with setup, pizza, tattoos, and much more.  Thank you to everyone who made the night possible and all who participated in making the evening fun.

 

Returning of Chromebooks- Moving Students and Grade 5

This Friday, June 7th, all fifth grade students and any students in grades 3 and 4 moving out of district should bring their district-provided Chromebooks and charging cables to school to return for the year.  Fifth graders will be getting new Chromebooks in middle school.  Any grade 3 and 4 students returning in the fall should keep the Chromebooks for the summer. 


Have a great week,

David

We want to hear from YOU! Fill out our survey about PTA programming

We're listening! The OHS PTA is conducting a quick survey to gather feedback from our community on past and future programming. Responses are anonymous and confidential. We would like to ensure every family's voice is represented, so we encourage everyone to participate!


Click here to complete the survey by Friday, June 7 at 5pm.


Questions about the survey and results? Contact Melissa Miller.

Now Showing! View the Variety Show Video!

Hot off the presses, the video you’ve all been waiting for. Here is the link to watch this year's Variety Show for all those who might have missed it or might want to relive it. Enjoy! 


Click here to view!

The search is on for next year's Committee Chairs!

Openings are still available for the Harvest Faire, Diversity programming committees, and more!


It's that time of year when we begin building out our Volunteer Committees for the next school year.  Our volunteer leaders play a crucial role in each of the programs and events run through the PTA. Think Harvest Faire, Diversity Week, Yearbook, Birthday Books…the list goes on. Chairing a committee and/or running a PTA event is a wonderful way to connect with other parents and see firsthand the positive impact your contribution makes for our students and school community.  If you are interested in learning more or stepping into a volunteer chair role, click here to fill out the form


You can find descriptions of many of the roles within the interest form, but please feel free to reach out to Courtney Cataldo with any additional questions!  

PTA Board Farewells and Welcomes

At our PTA meeting last Friday, in addition to passing the 2024-2025 budget, we installed new board members!  We extend a heartfelt welcome to newly installed board members Jess DeFeo, Ali Galperin, Mary Wong, Heather Susman, Kate Quas, and Lexi Cummings! 


To our outgoing board members: Juliette Tiriolo, Karla Connors, Kathryn Bradford, Vicky Seiwert Kristina Nartowicz, and Debbie Greene, we thank you for your leadership over the past year(s). Your contributions to our school community have been important and valued! Thank you!

Easy way to order next year's school supplies

Want to get a head start on the next school year? 1st Day School Supplies has kits ready to purchase from each grade's supply list and will deliver directly to you. Easy! Click here to purchase.


Questions? Contact Rhiannon Kelty

Have news to share? Email Jen Braun by 10am Friday
to include in the following Monday's OHS Weekly Flash.

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