Friday, May 20, 2016

OB Weekly News 5-20

May
20- Last day for students! (Full Day) 
End of Quarter 4
27- Report Cards Mailed
August
11- Back-to-School Packet Pick-up, 12-3p.m. 
(Packets not picked up will be available in the classroom on Meet the Teacher Night)
12- Meet the Teacher Night, 4-5:30p.m. 
OBPTO Welcome Back BBQ Social, 5p.m. 
15- Kdg. Orientation, 10-11a.m.
16- First Day of School!
Announcements:
Principal’s Message
Wow, another amazing year is over for Old Bonhomme School students and there is much to celebrate! It is with great pride that we can say this school and our students are something special. From the focus and enthusiasm they bring to school each day as they rush in to class every morning or the creativity they use in the classrooms, they bring a smile to our faces! With engaged parents and high quality staff who collaborate so well, I’m a lucky principal indeed.
Every May there are always transitions for staff as well and this year is no exception. Next year we will have four classes at every grade level and in first grade we will split to five class sections due to enrollment. We will use two additional classrooms next year for the fifth 1st grade and the additional fourth grade since we only had three 4th grade classes this year. To make room for the new classrooms next year we are giving up our computer lab and moving all technology resources into classrooms which we see as beneficial for making the resources available where the students and teachers have ready access to integrate technology as an instructional tool. The lab becomes the new home to IDEA lab, our gifted program.
Some teachers are also changing positions. Mr. Kevin Andrews, third grade this year, will be moving into the new OB Math Specialist position, which will include responsibilities for coaching classroom teachers, helping with the new math materials implementation, and providing intervention for students needing math support. Mrs. Lindsey Mayer, Math Title 1 Teacher this year, will be moving into the same position at Conway Elementary School in Ladue. Mrs. Cyndi Lacy, kindergarten teacher this year, has decided to stay home next year as a full time mom to her new twins. Mrs. Lindsay Lombardo, our Enrichment Assistant and sub for Mrs. Mayer’s leave this year, is moving to Conway Elementary as the new Gifted Specialist. Ms. Laura Merlin, our Math Assistant this year, has accepted a position as a first grade teacher in Arizona. We’ll begin interviewing soon for the new hires that need to be made and I know we’ll find just the right people to join this amazing team!
Thank you for another fantastic year and I look forward to seeing you all next year. Have a great summer break!
Mrs. Kirchgessner

Old Bonhomme Summer Library Hours
Just because the school year is over does not mean that the reading has to stop! The Old Bonhomme Library is open for family checkout this summer and you are invited to stop by! Everyone is encouraged to visit the library to checkout books this summer...and then record that reading on your summer reading log (see below).
When: Wednesdays, June 1-August 3 Time: 10:00-12:00p.m.
Where: Old Bonhomme Library

Who to contact with questions: Susan Kelley, OB Librarian at skelley@ladueschools.net
OB'S GOT CHARACTER
Thank you to everyone who “Chose To Be Nice” by donating to Ladue's District Character Education Fill The Barrel Event. As a school, we filled a total of 4 1/2 barrels with food donations, and as a district, we filled a total of 48 barrels with food donations. Way to go! Operation Food Search will now have that many more food donations available over the summer months.
On Monday, students in grades K-3 participated in Soar Up!, a transition activity to help students learn a little bit more about how next year will be. Although class lists will not be finalized until this summer, students had an opportunity to visit a classroom in the next grade level. They also got to hear from each one of the teachers in the next grade level. If you haven't already, please consider asking your child(ren) about the event. Some lead questions to consider are:
What are some things you are going to learn next year?
What special activities do you get to do next year?
What are some of the things the teachers will expect from you next year?
We encourage your family to incorporate The Choose To Be Nice Promise into the upcoming summer months. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNKJfyVbuaE&feature=em-upload_owner for a video reminder of the promise, along with body motions. Thank you so much for considering this NICE addition to your summer!
PE News
The OB Push-Up Challenge is coming! Please look in your child's backpack and Peachjar for information about a summer challenge for PE. We are hoping to improve our upper body strength over the summer and would love for parents to join the challenge too!
PTO Thank You
Becky Marburger, 15-16 PTO President
I would like to take a minute to thank all who were able to help with the OBPTO and make it a fantastic year. Also, a huge thank you to the 2015-16 Board...Jen Jim, Cindy Follman, Marissa Rosen, Hillary Hinz, Jenny Kissel, Sara Brunnquell, Stephanie Dahl, Stacy Jurgiel and Lisa Hirshberg. It has been a crazy ride and an honor to get to know and work with you all. I am so proud of all that we have done for our school and community. I am very excited for all that is to come in the next few years.
OBPTO FUNDRAISING THANK YOU
A big shout out to all the amazing parent volunteers who chaired and worked extremely hard to lead each of the OBPTO's fundraising efforts this year to benefit our OB school community. So, THANK YOU to: Sarah Glasser, OB Rock n' Bowl; Kelly Bock and Tamar Brown, After School Classes; Jillian Thomadsen, Chess Club; Cindy Follman and Jamie Cacciabando, Innisbrook Wrapping Paper; Stacy Abeles, OB Dine-Outs; Lisa Carr, E-Script program; Dana Sandweiss and Courtney Swillinger, Scrip Gift Cards; Jenny Kissel, Spirit Wear Sales; Jami Cohen and Jamie Steinbach; Scholastic Book Sale; Stacy Jurgiel, Book Bucks; Lauren Fox Brown, Yearbook/Ads for Grads; Lisa Hirshberg, Square One; Sharon de la Paz, Back-to-School Supplies.
The volunteer and fundraising efforts from our awesome parents allowed the OBPTO to sponsor many activities for our kids and teachers this year. Did you know the OBPTO funded the following activities: Science night, Passport night, Classroom parties, Family fun night, Back to School BBQ, Fine Arts Field trips, Teacher appreciation week, Teacher mini grants... and much more?
In addition to these budgeted events, the OBPTO is excited to share that we are able to purchase new laptop and iPad storage units for each classroom, new robotics kits, and 16 new iPads for the school. Thank you!!!!

St. Louis County Library Summer Reading Program
The St. Louis County Library has a fabulous summer reading program and Mrs. Kelley encourages all OB families to participate! The program has changed a lot in recent years and OB students are excited to get started! Now, not only do participants get points for reading as in the past, but they also earn points by attending library events, playing at county parks, visiting wild animal sanctuaries, and so many more fun ways! Make this a family event by signing the whole family up! Registration begins May 23, and the program runs through July 30. See the St. Louis County Library website for more information. Please send in completed summer reading forms to Mrs. Kelley when we return to school in August. All OB students who turn in forms will be recognized on a bulletin board.
Rhythm & Hues Hits a High Note for Music Education
The Ladue Education Foundation (LEF) celebrated music education at its annual spring event, Rhythm & Hues, last month. Thanks to the support from nearly 400 attendees, as well as the generosity of those who sponsored, performed, or volunteered, the LEF surpassed its fundraising goals. Proceeds are being used to fund music teacher wish list items and to help sustain programming and needs of all the schools in the Ladue School District. Almost all of the wish list items, amounting to $36,000, have been funded!
Tickets to a few parent parties are still available, including the White Hot Poolside Party, the Kodner Gallery Party and the Wine-Paired Gourmet French Dinner.
In addition, there are a handful of Limited Availability items up for grabs! Click on the links below for more information—and a big thank you from all of us at the Laud Education Foundation!
The Ladue School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to the district’s employment practices may be directed to Ken Rossics, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Inquiries related to district student programs may be directed to Dr. Derrick Wallace, Director of Student Services. Both administrators can be reached at Ladue Schools Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road, Saint Louis, MO 63124; 314-994-7080. 

Friday, May 13, 2016

OB Weekly News 5-13

May 
18- 2C/2H Zoo Trip, 9-1:30 p.m.
4th Gr. Celebration, 11-3 p.m.
19- 2K/2T Zoo trip, 9-1:30 p.m.
4th Gr. Transition Ceremony, 7 p.m. 

20- Last day for students! (Full Day) End of Quarter 4
27- Report Cards Mailed
Announcements:
Summer Garden Maintenance
Please help us keep the garden looking beautiful during the summer by signing up to care for it one week. Tasks include weeding the garden beds, checking that plants are being watered enough, removing dead plants, and best of all...Harvesting and enjoying the many fruits and vegetables that ripen during your scheduled week. Click the link to sign up! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c49aead29a6fd0-obvegetable
If you need additional information, please contact Kate Hellmann at ktpichon@yahoo.com or (510)316-3151.
Principal News
This week we enjoyed our final celebration of school spirit and meeting our school-wide expectations together with a special arts integrated SOAR event! Lots of work goes into these events as our parent volunteers well know, so special thanks to the staff who really tackled this with enthusiasm to provide a great creative way to celebrate the fun we can have when we are doing our work while in control of our bodies and our voices! Your child is probably coming home messy, tired and had an experience that creates lasting memories.
Next week, we celebrate another class of fourth graders transitioning into the Fifth Grade Center and the transition of others to their new grade levels for the 16-17 school year. On Monday, all Kindergarten through Third Graders will visit the next grade level to hear from the teachers and visit the classrooms. 
NOT RETURNING?
Be sure to let the office know if you are moving out of the district and will not be returning to Old Bonhomme for the 2016-17 school year. You can contact Mrs. Dunkle, school registrar, at cdunkle@ladueschools.net
Thank you
A BIG thank you to Lizzie Berman, Lauren Murov, the Spring Fling committee, and the Dad's Club for a great event last Friday! A shout out to all of those wonderful parents and students that helped man a booth too. It was a GREAT event and fun was had by all!
Nurse News
If your child has medication in the nurse's office, please make arrangements to pick it up by the last day of school, May 20. Medication cannot be sent home with students or held for students over the summer months. According to policy, all unclaimed medication must be discarded. Thank you!
Play Day at the Piece Playce
Sunday, May 15, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Come and join in the fun and creative PLAY! Remember, this is not a drop-off event. A parent/ guardian must be present with your child. Don't forget to mark your calendar to get together over the summer, too! Wed. June 1, 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Sat. June 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m.(Restrooms will not be available during the summer)


The Ladue School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to the district’s employment practices may be directed to Ken Rossics, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Inquiries related to district student programs may be directed to Dr. Derrick Wallace, Director of Student Services. Both administrators can be reached at Ladue Schools Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road, Saint Louis, MO 63124; 314-994-7080. 

Friday, May 6, 2016

OB Weekly News 5-6

May
6- Caps for a Cause
Early Dismissal, 1:15 p.m. OB Spring Fling, 4:30 p.m.

9- OB Family Tech Week
12- 1st Gr. Field Trip, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 13- PBIS Celebration
18- 2C/2H Zoo Trip, 9-2 p.m.
4th Gr. Celebration, 11-3 p.m.
19- 2K/2T Zoo trip, 9-2 p.m.
4th Gr. Transition Ceremony, 7 p.m.

Announcements:
Did you see the website www.k12.niche.com ranking OB 3rd public elementary in the state? Way to go OB!
Thank You
Thanks to our amazing PTO for the awesome teacher appreciation treats we received all week long. Our OB Parents ROCK!
Counselor News
Check out our bully prevention resource page 
 and review our end ofthe year report .
Library News
Calling all overdue library books!! Hang a note on the fridge, write it on the calendar, tie a string around your finger...do whatever it takes to get these books turned in as soon as possible! If a library book is lost, please contact Mrs. Kelley about the replacement cost.
Don't forget that the OB library will be open from 10-12 Wednesday mornings this summer (June 1- August 3). Make plans to stop by the library to replenish you summer book supply!
Finally, check out the St. Louis County Library summer reading program. Registration for the program starts May 23 and runs through July 30. Reading progress can be recorded online; be sure to send Mrs. Kelley a copy of your student's summer reading log so she can recognize him/her as a distinguished reader in August.
PBIS Celebration- Friday, May 13
Wear OLD clothes and comfy shoes! We are collecting objects that make a sound, are weather- proof, with no sharp edges or glass. Objects can be turned in to your classroom teacher. Any questions? Contact Mrs. Roth at lroth@ladueschools.net or Ms. Ladue at mladue@ladueschools.net
OB's Got Character
Ladue's Character Education district-wide food drive is in full swing! Thank you to everyone who has Chosen To Be Nice and helped our efforts by bringing in food donations. Fill The Barrel will run until Wednesday, May 11, so there is still time to consider donating if you have not yet. For more detailed information, including a list of "most wanted" donation items, please click on this link: Fill the Barrel Flyer Thank you in advance for considering to Choose To Be Nice by helping our district to Fill The Barrels to help Operation Food Search.
Hopefully your OB student(s) shared with you about our April Class Buddy Time last week. Students met with fellow students in their buddy classes and Chose To Be Nice to others by showing their appreciation. Buddy Groups chose to show appreciation for our bus drivers, local firefighters and police officers, staff in our building, our superintendents, our cafeteria workers, our teachers' lounge and school garden. It felt great to Choose To Be Nice to others together! If we haven't yet, please consider asking us to tell you all about it! We enjoyed our Class Buddy Times this year!

Nurse’s Notes
Just a friendly reminder that all medication must be dropped off by parents to the nurses office. For the safety of all our students, please do not send medication to school in backpacks. Eye drops and other over the counter allergy medications cannot be administered unless the nurse receives a written doctor's order from your child's pediatrician. Thank you!
Yearbooks
Yearbooks are on sale NOW so be sure to order yours today! The cost is $15.00 and checks can be made payable to OBPTO. Orders are due by Monday, 5/9. Questions? Contact Lauren Brown at laurenfoxbrown@me.com
The Ladue School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to the district’s employment practices may be directed to Ken Rossics, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Inquiries related to district student programs may be directed to Dr. Derrick Wallace, Director of Student Services. Both administrators can be reached at Ladue Schools Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road, Saint Louis, MO 63124; 314-994-7080.