Octorara Area Elementary School

104 HIGHLAND ROAD, ATGLEN, PA 19310-1640 Phone: (610) 593-8238 Ext. 2500 Fax: (610) 593-8248 Kelley K. Harmer Principal www.octorara.k12.pa.us

Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. Octorara Elementary continues to offer a rich learning environment for all our third and fourth graders and I am pleased to serve as principal in such a wonderful community and school district. I am also thankful to have such a highly qualified staff of teachers and instructional assistants who continue to integrate new and exciting instructional techniques into their everyday teaching to ensure a 21st Century education for your children. The OES staff will always evaluate and implement the curriculum and I want to thank all of the teachers who came in over the summer to work on making our instruction even better for the upcoming school year. I know what an integral role parents play in a childs education and we welcome any input that will equip us with the tools to better meet the needs of the students. One of the requirements in the, No Child Left Behind federal mandate is a provision to inform parents whether or not we have non-certified teachers teaching your children. We are pleased to report that all instructional positions are staffed by highly qualified teachers and assistants in accordance with this law. We want to remind you it is important for your child to be in school. It not only is the law; but, it affects learning. Please remember that gaps in sequence of instruction are difficult to overcome. If it is necessary for your daughter-son to be absent due to illness, we require a note from you or preferably a physician. The following is a special word to the parents of the new 3rd graders. The staff at the Octorara Elementary School would like to welcome you as you transition with your child to the elementary building. Throughout the years your child will be in the elementary building you will be faced with different adventures, challenges, styles, people and programs. To help make this transition easier for you and your child, the elementary school will be holding a Third Grade Transition Program on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the OES cafeteria. We will provide you with information about our buildings procedures, policies, and learn about the Reading, Math, Counseling Department, IST-RtII, PTO, and other programs. This is the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered and become acquainted with your elementary school. The program is designed to help relieve any anxieties you or your child may have about entering a new building. Please try to make every effort in attending. Bring your child entering third grade; however babysitting will not be provided for other children.
The mission of the Octorara Area School District, through a partnership among school, community and family, is to promote educational excellence in a safe, secure environment, empowering our students with the skills necessary to be successful, responsible members of society.

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Before closing, there are a few dates you should be aware of: August 23rd, Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 - Orientation Meeting for Parents of 3rd Graders (OES Cafeteria) August 26th, Friday from 10:00 to 10:50 - Meet Your Childs New Teacher August 29th, Monday-First Day of School September 14th, Wednesday- OES Picture Day September 15th, Thursday - OES Back to School Night 6:30 PM October 13th and 27th, Parent/Teacher Conferences March 12th-March 23rd - PSSA Testing for all Grades at OES. No educational trips will be approved during this high stake testing period. April 23rd-April 27th PSSA Science Assessment for 4th Grade. No educational trips will be approved during this high stake testing period. Please make appointments for after school during the PSSA testing windows. Enjoy the remaining days of summer vacation! Sincerely, Mr. Kelley Harmer

Principal Octorara Elementary School