Originally delivered on 9/9/2024 6:00 am

SUBJECT: OHS Weekly Flash | Today is Picture Day, Open House Wednesday

Weekly Flash

September 9, 2024

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

  • Updates from Principal Smyth - NWEA assesments, Open House, Chromebook insurance, ParentSquare tips
  • Today is Picture Day, order your portraits online
  • After School Activities registration starts tonight at 8pm (REGISTER HERE)
  • Join us for our first PTA meeting Friday @9:30am
  • Variety Show info coming soon, info call for new families 9/16
  • Donate back-up clothes for the school nurse
  • Harvest Faire raffle items needed
  • PTA info sheet - all the phone numbers, links, apps, dates you need in one spot!
This Week
  • September 9 - Picture Day
  • September 11 - Open House for parents, 6:30pm-7:30pm
  • September 13 - PTA Meeting, 9:30am
Looking Ahead
  • September 16 - Variety Show zoom call for new families, 7pm
  • September 17 - Early Dismissal @1:40pm
  • September 27 - Spirit Day
  • October 3 - NO SCHOOL
  • October 26 - Harvest Faire

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

Dear OHS Families,


I hope the 2nd week of school went well for your children!  Students are starting to settle into their routines and teachers are gradually increasing the academic expectations. I have enjoyed seeing the students engaged in their learning and having fun with their classmates. 


We have a busy week coming up!  Please see below for important information:


  • Monday, September 9th is Picture Day at OHS.

  • We will be doing NWEA Assessments over the next two weeks, starting Monday, September 9th.  These are computer-based assessments that help us to measure student growth over time in the areas of literacy and math.  Grades K-5 will take the NWEA math assessments, and in addition, grades 4 and 5 will take the NWEA literacy assessments.  Mrs. Day sent out additional details via Parent Square this past Friday... please review.

  • Please be aware that the September 10th Board of Education Meeting will include a presentation on Kindergarten eligibility for 2025-2026.  Here is the flyer with additional information.

  • Wednesday evening is our Open House.  There will be classroom presentations in every classroom beginning at 6:30 PM and 7:05 PM.

  • Grade 5 will be taking a field trip to Mill River on Thursday.

  • There is a PTA meeting on Friday from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM in the APR.

  • Reminder: Fairfield Public Schools is pleased to offer you a protection plan for your Grade 3-12 child’s Chromebook or laptop. The annual fee is $30 for a Chromebook and $50 for a laptop, and will cover two incidents of damage, including loss. Damage to a Chromebook could be a cracked screen, a keyboard with missing keys, or other issues. Insurance enrollment will end October 1, 2024. For additional information click here.

  • Some parents get overwhelmed with the number of Parent Square messages.  Please note there is an option to get all of your notifications daily at a specific time.  If there is an urgent message, we will override that feature, and you will get the message immediately.  Please click on this link for instructions to set up that feature.  Scroll down to “Change Your Notification Settings for Posts.”


As I said, a busy week!  I look forward to seeing everyone at Open House.  I hope you and your children all have a wonderful week!  Take care.


Sean F. Smyth, Principal

Today is Picture Day - order your portraits online

Smile! Today (9/9) is Picture Day! You can order your school portraits online:


  • Visit www.coffeepond.com and click on the big red button "Order School Portraits & shop our exclusive products".
  • From the drop-down menu, select the city and state, and school name.
  • Enter your child's info (full name should appear as in the school's registry)
  • Select your packages and add them to your cart.
  • More than one kid? Click "Order for Another Child" and repeat steps above.
  • Once you added your billing info, click "Submit Order".


Questions? Email The Yearbook Committee

After School Activites registration opens TONIGHT!

Set your alarm - After School Activities registration opens TONIGHT at 8pm! We have a great slate of classes prepared this session, with options for artists, athletes, and more.


What are "after school activities"? 

This is an opportunity for your child to stay after school to participate in a variety of classes and experiences led by some of our amazing Osborn Hill teachers and staff. These classes run on the dates provided from the end of school until 4:40pm. 


Phase 1 registration opens TONIGHT at 8pm through Wednesday at 9am.  

In this phase you can sign up for one class per child. Phase 2 opens Thursday at 8pm.  In phase 2 you can sign up for as many classes as you like.  You can view this session's offerings on our website. 


To view the schedule and sign up:

  • Visit ohspta.com and login
  • Under "Programs/Events" choose "After School Activities Fall 2024"
  • Click on the green register button to sign up
  • We will let you know if you are placed on the waitlist
  • The activity teacher will confirm your enrollment and collect payment


Questions? Contact the After School Activities Committee


Make sure you're signed up for the PTA so your student is eligible!

PTA membership is a requirement for your child's participation in events outside of school hours like After School Activities and the Variety Show. Membership must be renewed each school year. Need to register? Click here!


Questions on PTA membership? Contact Ali Galperin

Join our first PTA meeting Friday

We hope you'll join us for our first PTA meeting of the school year Friday, September 13 at 9:30am in the APR (that's the all-purpose room for those new to OHS!). You'll get to meet parents, hear from Mr. Smyth, and learn about what we're planning for the year. 


You can find our full schedule of meetings for the year on our PTA website - we alternate between morning and evening meetings so everyone has a chance to join. Can't make it? We'll post minutes from the meeting on our website so you can stay in the know!

Variety Show info and new families zoom coming soon

Want to find out more about the 2025 OHS Variety Show?  Stay tuned to your inbox - we'll have a special flash this afternoon with details and key dates.


Are you new to the Variety Show? 

We'll be holding an informational zoom meeting geared towards families of first-time participants on September 16 at 7pm - you can join the meeting by clicking here on the 16th.

Back-up Clothes Needed for Nurse's Office

OHS Nurse Jim has requested brand new back up clothes and undergarments for him to have if kids should need it. Please sign up for items that you plan to purchase here.


After you purchase, you can send in with your child or drop off in the front office, with a note: attention: Nurse Jim. Please send your items in no later than Friday, September 13. 


Questions? Please ask Melissa Miller

Harvest Faire: Raffle items wanted

Mark your calendars for this for a day of fall fun at year's OHS Harvest Faire on Saturday, October 26th! 


Raffle items wanted

We are now collecting for our annual Harvest Faire raffle. If you or anyone you know have sports / show tickets, a fun experience or any other idea or prize for donation please reach out to Ali Galperin or Eileen Ainsworth. The deadline for prize ideas is September 25, with the physical items needed by October 18.


We will also need baskets to hold the prizes. Have a basket to donate? Drop it off in the office.

PTA Info at a Glance

The PTA created this helpful flyer for you to print and hang on your fridge, calendar or office. It includes important phone numbers, information, meeting times and activity dates for the year ahead.

Click here to download and print!

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

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