**Weekly Flash**

August 25, 2025

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

Dear OHS Families,

It was great to see so many of you at the Ice Cream Social on Thursday afternoon! The children were really enjoying our new Gaga Ball Pit, and they all seemed excited to get back to school this week! We are looking forward to seeing everyone and kicking off a new school year! Below is some important information to get you off to a smooth start:

REMINDER OF TODAY'S SCHEDULE: MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH: 

• K Orientation - 8:30-9:30 Meet in the Gym, visit classrooms, optional bus ride

• 10-10:30 - Grade 1-5 new student Visitation - welcome and tour

• 10:30-11:00 - All grade 1-5 students come in to meet their new teacher, see their classroom, drop supplies, and get dismissal information. (You will receive your car pick-up signs and numbers.)

It is terrific that children and parents have this time dedicated to transition into a new school year. It is a busy morning, and we would love to spend the whole morning chatting with families, but please understand we need to hold to the schedule above so that staff can continue preparing for our start on Tuesday.

Arrival on the First Day

The first day is Tuesday, 8/26! There is a lot of excitement and activity the first morning at OHS, as there should be. Please be sure to follow the arrival procedures, but also give yourself extra time in the morning, and practice extra patience, as there will be many new families starting on Tuesday, and they are getting used to the procedures. It takes a conscious effort from all of us to make sure the children have a safe and positive experience on the first day.

Building Update

The new vestibule and office are about 80% complete. The contractor is expecting to get another delivery of ballistic glass shortly to finish the interior office wall and the interior vestibule wall. The project also needs some finishing touches. The plan is for that work to be done during the evenings the first couple weeks of school. It is currently child-friendly, and will be so each morning for arrival. 

I am looking forward to a terrific start, and to seeing all of our students! I hope you all have a wonderful first week of school! Take care.

Sean F. Smyth, Principal

As we begin a brand-new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our families, both new and returning! We are looking forward to an exciting year filled with programs, events, and opportunities to come together as a school community.

The PTA plays a vital role in supporting our students, staff, and families, and it runs entirely on the power of volunteers. We truly couldn’t do it without you. Whether you’re joining a committee, helping at an event, or supporting from afar, every bit of involvement makes a difference.

I’m honored to serve as your PTA President this year. I look forward to meeting many new faces, building on traditions, and bringing in fresh ideas. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Board Members and Committee Chairs.

So nice seeing so many of you at the Ice Cream Social and thank you to those who donated to the teacher’s luncheon. I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Kate Fierman

PTA Registration is now open! Joining our Parent Teacher Association provides instant financial support for our students, and it’s also a great way to stay informed about what’s happening at school, and connect in meaningful ways with other parents.

The strength of the PTA comes from YOU! Our goal is for ALL families to join.

Benefits of PTA Membership:
• Access to OHS PTA Directory
• Participate in After School Activities, Run Club and Variety Show (membership mandatory for participation)
• Volunteer on committees
• Vote at PTA meetings
• Elect board members

How to Join

First, register for the PTA

Second, update your family information, adding this year's teachers

Third, complete one PTA waiver per child. 

• Go to www.ohspta.com and click “Register/Login.” Sign in with your information, or, if you haven’t yet signed up for a Membership Toolkit account, create a new account.
• Click "Join PTA" on the OHS PTA homepage and follow the three steps listed:
  • Add a PTA membership to your cart, click "Save and continue." Note: When purchasing a PTA membership, you’ll be asked to select one parent’s name.  Don’t worry – your membership covers the entire family.
  • Update your family's directory information and **change your child(ren)'s teacher for the new school year**
  • Fill out a waiver for each child
• Proceed to checkout!

Note: Membership must be renewed each school year. Only 1 membership is necessary per family!

Questions? Please contact Vicky Siewert

School Photo Day Scholarship Program – Do you need financial support to pay for your child’s portrait package?  Coffeepond, our school individual and class photo photographer, offers the school a limited number of the basic package (1-5x7, 1-3x5, and 2 wallets) that I can provide to up to 20 families.  If this is something that you are eligible for and would like to apply, please email me confidentially at TBudlowski@fairfieldschools.org.  I will let you know via email if your child is selected for the scholarship.  There will be no need to return the photo order form that is going out the first day of school.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  

The kids had a ball playing in our gaga pit at the Ice-Cream Social on Wednesday! Thank you to all who came out for some sweet treats and fun. 

Have news to share? 

Email Melissa McGowan by 10am Friday to include in the following Monday’s OHS Weekly Flash.

Osborn Hill Elementary School

760 Stillson Road

Fairfield, CT 06824

www.ohspta.com