August 2025 Edition
Monthly Newsletter for OES Families
Message from the Principal
Dear Ockerman Families,
We are happy to welcome you back to a new, fun, and fantastic school year at Ockerman Elementary! The school year is fast approaching and we are doing a lot of things here at OES to get ready to welcome all of our students on August 14th. The custodians are working tirelessly to get the building cleaned and ready for students to return. We are finalizing some hiring and tightening up some of our new systems that include the new sound system for translation, security, and engagement. We will be posting class lists this afternoon on the front doors or you can log into IC parent portal to find your child's teacher. Please read the rest of this newsletter for other important dates announcements and school supply lists.
Mr. Ritzi
A Welcome from our Assistant Principals
Hello Ockerman Rockets!
Mrs. Dailey (left in picture) and Mrs. Schaefer (right in picture) are excited to welcome our students back to school! We wanted to formally introduce ourselves and provide a face to our names. While we work with and support ALL students here at Ockerman, there is a likely possibility that students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade primarily will interact with Mrs. Schaefer and students in 3rd through 5th will have Mrs. Dailey as their primary support administrator. You can contact us any time through the school app or you can email us at the following email addresses:
š§ landon.dailey@boone.kyschools.us
š§ robin.schaefer@boone.kyschools.us
Letās have a fabulous year together!
Mrs. Dailey and Mrs. Schaefer
Upcoming Events
August 4: Brigance Screener K students only 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
August 5: OES Back-to-School Open House
August 6: Brigance Screener K students only 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
August 14: First Day of School for Students
August 21: Boosterthon Fun Run Kickoff
August 27: School Picture Day
August 29: Boosterthon Fun Run
September 9: Curriculum Night
This Month at Ockerman
As we transition back to school, teachers and students will be reviewing classroom rules and procedures. During the first two weeks, we will have additional staff to support students in the cafeteria and as they transition to and from school. A great at home conversation topic would be to discuss the procedures and classroom rules and provide support and encouragement. For example, you can ask your child, āHow can you be safe at school?ā
At OES, we encourage our students to be STAR students.
ā S - Safe
ā T - Try My Best
ā A - Always Prepared
ā R - Respectful and Responsible
During the first two weeks, students will be learning KINDNESS during morning meetings and practicing the skill at home and at school. Please check out these resources explaining the life skills that students will also be learning this year through Character Strong (Purposeful People).
šŗ FamilyStrong (Elementary School)- video
Counselor's Corner
Welcome back to school, Ockerman families! If you have counseling needs or questions throughout the year, please donāt hesitate to reach out to one of us. We are here to help your child succeed. We also offer individual school-based therapy through various agencies for students in need of ongoing support. There is also a āCounselor Request Formā that you (or your child) can fill out to speak with a counselor. This can be found on Ockermanās website under Quick Links-Counseling. We look forward to a great school year!
š Kindergarten - 1st grade Counselor: Jackie Young
š 2nd - 5th grade Counselor: Leah Langdon
Reminders & Deadlines
ā Online Registration: Please complete the online registration form. This needs to be completed for every student, even ones returning from last school year.
š Kindergarten Parents: If your child has not been placed in a homeroom, we are still missing enrollment paperwork from you. Turn this into the office prior to Back to School Night (8/5) so we can place your child in a homeroom and he or she can meet the teacher. Students will not be placed in homerooms during Back to School Night.
š« Back to School Night: This is an open house that allows parents and students to meet the teachers, get information about transportation, and so much more. Please plan on stopping by anytime between 4:15-6:30. Teachers are excited to meet their new students and spend the next two weeks getting their classrooms set up for a wonderful school year.
āļø Label Personal Items: As you prepare for the school year, please label studentsā backpacks, lunch boxes, and any other personal items. If appropriate, consider placing a change of clothes in your childās backpack.
š§ School starts at 8:40 AM and students can be dropped off when doors open at 8:15 AM. If you plan on dropping off your child the first day of school and would like to walk them to the doors, please park in the front parking lot and walk your child to the front door where adults will be waiting to assist students to classrooms.
Family Resources & Reminders
Leslie Harney, Family Resource & Youth Services Coordinator
š§ leslie.harney@boone.kyschools.us
āļø 859-282-2363
The Family Resource Center Coordinator is here to support students and families in all kinds of ways. Mrs. Harney is here to make sure families have what they need so kids can show up to school ready to learn and succeed. The Family Resource Center helps with things like :
š Finding school supplies, clothes, or food if you need them
š Connecting you with local services for housing, healthcare, or job support
š Organizing family events, workshops, and fun activities at school
š§ Helping you navigate school stuff or find extra help for your child
PTO & Volunteer Updates
š Boosterthon Fundraiser: Mark your calendars! Our first big fundraiser will kick off on Thursday, August 21st & the run will be on Friday, August 29th. Stay tuned for more details.
ā¤ļø Want to support the PTO or get involved? Check out these links: