The Weekly Bear News
School Calendar
I would like to start by wishing you a happy spring break! Although it is very short this year, I hope that you are able to use the time to relax and do something fun with your family.
Stay tuned to Find Out First for an announcement on a community feeder pattern presentation on Avoid, Deny and Defend and school safety hosted by the Sheriff’s Department. Dates and times are being finalized for this important presentation!
I’ve had a lot of questions lately from students and parents about vaping on school property. Essentially, the regulations are the same as tobacco. Vaping—possession, use, purchase—is illegal for anyone under 18. As a result, students who possess or use these items are in violation of the law and FCPS policy. Adults, who are not FCPS students, and are over the age of 18, may possess these items on school property, but it is against school policy to use them on school property. Students who do possess and use these items while on FCPS property receive disciplinary consequences based on the severity of the offense and the items are confiscated. If you have questions, please follow up with your child’s Assistant Principal.
Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @DonnaClabaugh I will be posting some new additions to our Bear Pride Wall later next week and will share those student accomplishments via twitter!
This week in cultures and cuisines, we are picking countries in Europe to explore. Each group presents a powerpoint of their selected countries presenting information about the culture, customs, location, and cuisine. Some of the countries are France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Iceland. After the presentations, the groups will pick one traditional recipe from their selected country and prepare it. Each group will prepare their dish for all the students in the class and everyone will get a taste of the countries traditional foods.
The Music Department is preparing for a full Spring semester. The Jazz Band will be performing on April 7, prior to the All-County Jazz Band performance. The choir class is preparing to work on learning individual solos and preparing new music for the Spring Concert. The Concert Band is working on small ensemble music and getting ready to learn new pieces for the Spring Concert also. The Pit Orchestra is practicing for the upcoming musical performance of Shrek from April 19-21. Finally, the students of the music department are gearing up for their annual Spring Trip. This year, the music department is going to Busch Gardens and will participate in a marching competition before enjoying the rest of the day in the park. Our Spring Concert is on May 10th.
Students are expected to ride their assigned bus each day. Students should not be riding another bus unless it is an emergency. If an emergency occurs, a signed parent note must be turned into the front office from both students. A bus pass will be issued to the guest rider. If there are any questions, please contact the school.
Attention Oakdale Seniors – The Oakdale High School PTSA is offering a $500 Lead Today/Lead Tomorrow Scholarship to a graduating Senior. The following criteria must be met in order to qualify: Seniors must be a member of the PTSA and must pick up, from Mrs. Cole, the Scholarship Application and submit it by April 30th to Mrs. Cole in room A211 . The Scholarship Committee will then meet to decide on a winner. The scholarship award winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at the end of May. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Cole at jennifer.cole@fcps.org.
"Mindfulness is paying attention to our experience in a way that allows us to respond rather than react. It is a quality of inner-stillness that is always available, even when our life or circumstances feel out of our control and chaotic. It is possible to be mindful/aware/pay attention to everything in our experience including anything we experience through our five sense doors, as well as our thoughts and emotions. " Mindful Schools.
During this school year, OHS has offered Mindful Mondays each month to interested staff members in order for them to learn and practice being mindful. Several benefits, such as being calm, grateful and less stressful, allow and encourage teachers to focus on their teaching, be more passionate and have more success relating with their students. Students can also benefit from mindfulness. Please know mindfulness is not used as a discipline tool, for perfect outcomes or for religious purposes. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness, here is one source: www.mindfulschools.org/research. There are many other sources as well.
Research on Mindfulness in Education | Mindful Schools
www.mindfulschools.org
Find research on mindfulness, including neuroscience, the latest scientific studies, and specific benefits of mindfulness for educators and students.
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." - Viktor Frankl
http://ohs.sites.fcps.org 5850 Eaglehead Drive Ijamsville, MD 21754 Phone: 240-566-9400 Fax: 240-566-9401