September 2025 Edition
Monthly Newsletter for OES Families
Message from the Principal
Dear Ockerman Families,
This month, weāre proud to highlight how great of a start we are off to this school year. We have already completed our first round of MAP testing, held our biggest fundraiser of the school year in Boosterthon, and had picture day. Those things don't compare to all the great learning we have been seeing in the classrooms. Students are already deep into their first CKLA and math units. First grade even had their culminating unit activity today. Students also got back into the swing of things very quickly learning school routines and expectations. We are super excited for September and the enjoyable fall weather. We appreciate your continued support as we grow and learn together...
Mr. Ritzi
Boosterthon
š Thank You, OES Families! š
We are so grateful to our amazing students, parents, and families for your generous support during our Boosterthon fundraiser! šš
Because of you, we were able to reach our goal and raise vital funds that will directly benefit our classrooms, teachers, and students. Your donations help us provide engaging learning experiences, updated resources, and exciting opportunities for every child at Ockerman Elementary.
š Thank you for lifting up our students with your generosity! š
This success would not have been possible without the teamwork, encouragement, and dedication of our entire school community. Thank you for cheering on our Rockets, making donations, and helping us build such a strong foundation of support for our school.
Together, we are making a difference for our studentsātoday and for years to come!
š Thank you, OES Rockets! š
Upcoming Events
September 9: Curriculum Night & Book Fair Parent Shopping
September 10: Book Fair In-School Shopping Begins
Curriculum Night
Teachers will be hosting informational sessions that will go over what your student is learning this year and grade level expectations. Please plan to attend the full evening to you can attend as many sessions as possible!
Please click on the image or scan QR code at the bottom to RSVP!
Counselor's Corner
š Join Us for a 6-Part Parent Series! š
Parenting is a journeyāand weāre here to support you along the way! š
This monthly virtual program is focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and is hosted by your OES Counselors and FRYSC.
āØ Special Guest Presenter: Lisa King āØ
With over 25 years of experience as a school counselor and as a well-known author, Lisa will share practical tools to help you support your childās:
āļø Mental wellness
āļø Positive behavior
āļø Resilience
āļø Confidence
All sessions are designed to be engaging, relaxed, and parent-friendly so you can feel supported while learning strategies that truly make a difference.
šļø Session Dates:
October 7th ā¢ November 4th ā¢ January 6th ā¢ February 3rd ā¢ March 3rd ā¢ April 14th
ā° 6:00ā7:00 PM | š» Virtual
š Register today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclZwTlqvzouHEKSjA8OeJjXSJg15-mO251R8x9zr820Pc60Q/viewform
š Letās work together to empower your parenting journey!
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
Book Fair
We canāt believe itās already time ā our Fall Book Fair is almost here!
š The Fair runs during school from Wednesday, Sept. 10 to Wednesday, Sept. 17.
š Families can also shop during the Curriculum Night & Picnic on Sept. 9, 5:00ā7:00 PM (credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay accepted at this event).
ā Questions? Message our librarian, Kendall Bisig, on the Boone County Schools app!
Stay tuned for more details next week. Happy reading!
Reminders
šāØ Need to Change Your Afternoon Pick-Up Plans? āØš
If your child usually rides the BUS but youād like them to be a CAR RIDER for the afternoon, please fill out the "Occasional Student Pick-Up Request Form":
šhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-KrvhRIKp8RqGAOOkM59Oiy7IoUldr2GS4BByk5lb-cWO1g/viewform
Forms MUST be submitted by 3:00 PM. If the form is NOT completed on time, your child will be sent home on the BUS.
This is ONLY for occasional changes. If your child is an EVERYDAY pickup, you do NOT need to submit this form.
Thanks for helping us keep dismissal running smoothly! šš
Family Resources & Reminders
š ROCKET FUEL PANTRY IS BACK! š
With the support of the Freestore Foodbank, Ockerman Elementary Family Resource Center is proud to provide a FREE food pantry for OES families. The pantry is here to help families who need extra support with food and household products ā and any OES family is welcome to participate.
š First Open Pantry Day: Monday, October 6th
š Location: Ockerman Elementary Family Resource Center (Entrance to the left of the main office)
ā Please sign up here to reserve your shopping time:
š Pantry Sign-Up Form:
Families can also access the outdoor food pantry share box anytime.
Check out the flyer below for more details!
š Thank you for supporting the Rocket Fuel Pantry ā Feeding Bodies, Hearts, and Minds!
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
šUpcoming Fundraisers:
ā¤ļø Want to support the PTO or get involved? Check out these links:
Rocket Rule Reminder
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