Dear Ocean Shore Families,
 
Hello!  How wonderful to see so many families at Back To School Night last night.  When a school hosts such an evening and there is standing-room only in most classrooms, it speaks volumes about the community it serves.  It shows the level of commitment to education, from our parents and extended families, to give our kids the best experience possible.  It warmed my educator heart to walk from room to room and see our teachers lead such informative and dynamic presentations to parents who attended, eager to learn about their child’s educational experience this year.  I beamed with pride for our school.  Ocean Shore is a special place as I learn new reasons to believe this about our school everyday.  Thank you for your attendance, and your ongoing commitment to play vital role in the experiential education that is offered to students at Ocean Shore.  It is sustained by our partnership between home and school, and your contributions of time and effort to be an active role in our programs.
 
Reflections From My Office
 
This morning I was able to walk around with our School Resource Officer from the Pacifica Police Department.  I have learned that our local police department is planning to be a constant partner at our school, a vital role when we talk about school safety.  It was a pleasure to walk around the campus with the officers, students got to see their presence in a positive light rather than a reaction to something bad or scary.  Officer McDonald and I talked with students in the hallway and around campus. The receptivity and support our police officers offer to our school is very much appreciated.  You will likely see them walking, smiling and talking with students around our campus this year as they are important stakeholders in our school community.  I am grateful for their presence.
 
One sweet moment occurred with our kindergartners that I would like to share with you in this weekly message.  As the kindergartners were gathering around Officer McDonald in curiosity, I introduced them to our officer.  Jennifer explained how Officer McDonald was one of the many people who help keep our school safe. I noticed one little boy looking very puzzled.  He stood near the front with his head hanging back to gaze up at the taller police officer standing in front of him.  I looked at him and said, “Isn’t it wonderful to have Officer McDonald visit our school today?  Have you met Officer McDonald before?”  He looked at me very seriously and said, “Well, I was at McDonald’s yesterday, but I did NOT see him there.”  Clearly, in the mind of our sweet little ones, as only they could imagine, Officer McDonald must be the same as McDonald’s where he played and dined on French fries and Happy Meals! 
 
The Importance of Recognizing Others!
 
A parent participation model for a school rests largely upon the collaborative efforts of our staff and parents or caretakers.  The contributions of others are important to recognize, as I often gain inspiration from the efforts of my teammates.  The staff and I have been recognizing others in a weekly message and bulletin board in our staff room called, “Staff Makin’ Waves” (see the posting below!) and thought it would be fun to recognize the efforts of our parent volunteers.  I welcome your suggestions, input, and observations of other parents in their roles as they contribute to Ocean Shore. Please share them with me so that I can share with others! 
 
Staff Makin’ Waves - Patricia Buddington
Being a principal new to school requires obtaining a lot of information quickly.  I would not be able to assimilate all the new information without the guidance and expertise of Patricia Buddington, our school secretary.  From her years at Ocean Shore as a parent and our secretary, she is a wealth of information.  This week, I enjoyed observing her work with some of our older students who are helping in the office.  I was impressed with her tenacity and diligence to lead and guide them through the procedures and routines they will be performing.  Her patience with them was exemplary and she did this all while running our office.  Few people in the world can do what school secretaries do with such efficiency.  I watch her work long hours with smile on her face while she manages everything from putting on Band Aides to coordinating 15 different daily schedules.  We are lucky to have her at the helm of Ocean Shore steering us onward everyday!
 
Parents Makin’ Waves - Faith Holle and Virginia Clements
Ocean Shore has not had a new record keeper for many years as the previous person that held this role had an active student until the end of last year. We would like to thank and welcome our two new moms, Faith Holle and Virginia Clements, who have taken on this role with an energy and passion for ensuring that all of our personal information is safe and secure! They have already spent many hours working on a new updated system for collecting and recording data. The new process will save time in the future and will ensure our information is secure. Thank you, Virginia and Faith, for being great role models and "taking the initiative to make things better!”  We are lucky to have such dedicated parents volunteer their time in this way! 
 
FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
 
Parking
Please be respectful of our parking spaces designated for staff.  Parents are reminded to refrain from parking in the front lot on school days from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.  We do not have enough parking spaces for all of our staff so taking additional spots means our staff have fewer places to park!  Our teachers will be thankful for your efforts.
 
UPDATES

“Parent University” Series Coming Soon
Are you interested in sharing ideas and resources with other parents around the idea of student wellness?  Some student support specialists and I were exploring ways we would like to reach out to our parent community to discuss ideas related to supporting the social and emotional needs of our children.  If you are interested in this idea, please let me know.  We hope to roll out a few different topics and host evening or morning events.  We welcome your input! 
 
Vacant PTO Position
The Grade 6-8 Parent Representative Position of the PTO Executive Board has recently opened up. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please see www.osspto.org or the PTO board in the parent hallway for the job description and sign up on that board by September 12th.  If more than one person is interested, there will be an election held from September 13-20, 2018, to determine who will fill the vacancy.  If there is only one person who signs up as a candidate, the PTO Board will vote to approve the candidate at the PTO Executive Board Meeting on October 9th.  Please email [email protected] with any questions you may have regarding the responsibilities of this position.
 
Parent Volunteer Forms:  THANK YOU to all of our parents for your patience and flexibility as we adjust our procedures for collecting volunteer forms.  In effort to protect privacy, the collection process has been adjusted this year.  While this new process is put in place, your support has been much appreciated.  To ensure that parents can continue to volunteer and be involved without disruption is everyone’s desire.  Thank you for your understanding!
 
Questions Regarding Requirements such as Live Scan for Parent Volunteers:  We are in the process of working together with our staff, district, parent and larger community including law enforcement to gain the most current information regarding our policies and practices required for parent volunteers at our school. Student safety is our top priority, and collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure our special programs and field trips can continue through our reliance on parent volunteers while keeping students safe is essential.  I welcome any questions or suggestions you may have regarding this topic.  You will be updated as information related becomes available.    
 
UPCOMING OCEAN SHORE SCHOOL EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
 
September 3  NO SCHOOL on Monday in observance of the Labor Day Holiday!
 
September 6
The Diversity Leadership Group (DLG) invites parents and caregivers to attend a planning meeting on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00-8:00 pm in the library. The DLG supports Ocean Shore’s culture of kindness, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity in the community. Your voice is welcome in our discussion of school-wide events, including Ability Awareness Day, MLK Day, and Celebrate Diversity Day. To get involved, contact Lissin ([email protected]) or join the upcoming meeting.
 
September 12
School Safety Event.  The Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities is holding a community event on the Big Five protocols and school safety on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. in the Jefferson High School Theater from 6:15-8:00 pm.  See Flyer here: big_five_training_families_2018.09.12__1_.pdf
 
September 20
The first PTO General Meeting!  I look forward to speaking with you and sharing insights for our year ahead on Thursday, September 20th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in the MPR.  This will be my first meeting, so join me if you are also new or returning for another great year at OSS! 
 
September 25
Ocean Shore School Safety Committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm (Room TBD).  Join me, our new Superintendent, Dr. Heather Olson, teachers and all parents interested in discussing ways we can support student safety and well-being at our school.  All are invited to attend! 
 
EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND GAIN VOLUNTEER HOURS
 
Need Hours Outside of School?  
The Oceans 411 committee needs you!  We're looking for parents to cut and paint plywood for a project.  If you can help email Sheila at [email protected].
 
Help Run an Elective for 7th and 8th Graders!
We are still looking for parents who would partner with our teachers to facilitate an electives course.  These are offered each trimester and we hope to host a class such as a language, coding or computer-programming course.  If you have an interest in offering this opportunity to our kids, please let me or one of our 7th - 8th grade teachers know about your expertise or availability!
 
UPDATES FROM THE PEF CORNER
 
Please join together and support PEF!
The Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF) is taking education to new heights.  They completely fund educational programs which exceed California’s core school standards, programs which our district budget cannot accommodate. Simply said, PEF funds, advances, and protects a higher quality education for OUR students.  To learn more, click here.
 
PEF Sponsored Programs:

• Elementary School Music Program
• Middle School Band Program

(Music Matters in Pacifica - MMIP)

• Middle School Computer Science Program
• Elementary School Slam Poetry Program

(SPARC - Stage Performance + Rhythmic Culture - Poetry)

• Professional Science Curriculum Development & Training for Teachers

(Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
 
To learn more, click here.
 
Remember to Give Back!
PEF gives our children an enriched educational experience.  Give back to PEF and don’t forget your employer sponsored donation matching too!  Give back or donate here.
 
UPCOMING PEF EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
 
October 28 - PEFathon
Run & Walk to support our school!  Races for all ages, Fitness Fair, awards, prizes and much more! See the attachment on this newsletter; or click here.
 
New Membership Plans
Membership provides you tickets and/or discounted access to fun annual family events, supporter decals, and much more.  Learn more, here.
 
Listen & Learn
PEF Ambassadors will be onsite at PTO events.  You can volunteer to help us here.
 
How Can I Help?
 
- Volunteers needed, here.
- Like & Follow PEF on Facebook, here.
- Reach Out to our PEF Ambassadors, below:
Elizabeth (Liz) Cayot ([email protected])
Jen Newman-Locks ([email protected])
Johnny Davis ([email protected])

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:  PRINT OUT OR DOWNLOAD WEEKLY FLYERS!

PSD SEPTEMBER LUNCH MENU
PEFathon Event
Variety Cart Menu
ots_back_to_school_safety_month.docx
After School Opportunity VFAC Ocean Shore

​

​

Dear Ocean Shore Families,

Hello!  We have completed a full week of school.  How fun to know our school year is officially underway!  I continue to enjoy meeting parents, family members and volunteers around our campus.  My 60-day name challenge is putting me to task as I diligently continue to learn every student’s first name.  Wish me luck!
 
Reflections from My Office: 
As I mentioned earlier, a favorite part of my job is seeing the many different programs and activities that occur every day here at school.  Being able to circulate through individual classrooms and making myself present outside on the playground, allows me to see the sweet, memorable moments occurring with our children each day.  It is a pleasure for me to share these reflections with you each week!
 
I am excited to see the different programs with their unique learning opportunities taking root in our Ocean Shore school community.  While reading about the various programs is interesting, it is even more engaging at the next level where I get to see the programs become an integrated part of successful educational experiences.  One such program that has given me a new appreciation for education in action is the “Coffee Cart” elective class.  When I initially heard about it, I thought it may be a fundraising effort where students sell snacks and coffee to staff.  While this seemed like a clever idea, knowing that our hardworking staff can always appreciate a coffee, I had no idea how incredible this program is for all of the students at Ocean Shore. 
 
Far from a typical school fundraiser, the Coffee Cart elective class offers opportunities for our kids to develop leadership skills that are ripe with poise, empathy, and creativity.  The class is facilitated by one of our treasured special education teachers, Matt, who utilizes collaboration between his students and the 7th and 8th graders.  Side by side, the kids develop a “business plan” to learn things like the difference between profit and revenue.  As a team, the kids then walk the hallways, checking in with staff members in polite ways that allow them to take ownership over their project.  They jointly celebrate their success of raising money by donating their proceeds to the 8th grade activities such as  Yosemite and graduation.  Each year they raise between $1,000 -$2,000…amazing! 
 
The partnerships that develop between the general and special education students through this unique project-based elective speaks to the heart and soul of what Ocean Shore is all about.  The tolerance, empathy and inclusion that is normal at our school comes from the many opportunities that are given to our students, such as the coffee cart.  These classes can make a huge difference for a child. For example, an 8th grader who may need some direction can benefit from the leadership responsibility offered with the Coffee Cart elective class.  Today a student shared why she was excited to be part of the class this year, stating that she had been looking forward to this class for several years now.  She said, “It is an awesome class because you get to work with Matt and see other teachers from Ocean Shore that you had when you were little.  You also get to work with some kids who are younger, and you get to teach them things!”  To my delight, I have learned that some Ocean Shore students have gone on to pursue careers that serve the needs of youth with disabilities after participating in this program.  What I love about discovering new things at Ocean Shore, is that there is so much more to our programs than the mere details.  Grand life lessons that enrich the whole child are the basic foundation of these well thought out activities and programs. This is one of the reasons why you sought out Ocean Shore for your child’s education.  It is an honor to be on this journey with you! 
 
There are many volunteer opportunities available for this program.  It is a great way to make new friends, to share in our student’s learning experiences, and to be involved with our school community!  If you are a Costco member, it would be a tremendous help if you could assist with getting supplies and if not, Matt would welcome your help.  Please let me or Matt Hayden know if you are interested, we would love to have you on board!

Final Thought:  I am looking for any suggestions on how we can improve our communication between home and school!  What would motivate you to read our weekly message and newsletter to stay informed about the events happening at school.  We look forward to making this be the best it can be!  
 
From the Front Office:
 
Student Safety Before or After School:  If you have to drop your children off at school before 8:10 please have them wait on the benches in front of the office. There is no supervision on the school yard until 8:10.  There is no supervision on the playground after school. Parents please arrive ontime to pick up your children. See the attached bell schedule for pick up times.
 
Cell Phone:  Parents please remind your children if they have cell phones or cellular watches they may not have them out during the school day. They will need to be kept in their backpacks, desks, or pockets. If they are seen with their cell phones/watches, the items will be taken from them and they may retrieve them from the office after school.  If your child needs to call you during the school day, they may do so in the front office under staff supervision.  Parents may contact the office if they need to contact their child for emergency purposes. 
 
Air Quality Levels:  As you may be aware, our school and district closely monitors the air quality levels, especially as it relates to fire and smoke.  Depending on the air quality,  outside physical activities and exposure will be modified accordingly.  Our office also monitors the air quality specific to Ocean Shore as it can be different from other parts of Pacifica.
 
Parent Volunteer Forms:  THANK YOU to all of our parents for your patience and flexibility as we adjust our procedures for collecting volunteer forms.  In effort to protect privacy, the collection process has been adjusted this year.  While this new process is put in place, your support has been much appreciated.  Families should have received most of the forms on the list.  The Volunteer Driver Form and Field Trip Safety Checklist will out next week for circulation by the Field Trip Coordinators. 
 
NEXT WEEK HAPPENINGS! 
 
Back to School Night on Thursday, August 30! Next week is an important evening at Ocean Shore!  We are hosting Back to School Night for parents.  Parents are invited to meet with teachers in your child’s classroom.  Grades K – 5 will meet at 6 pm, and grades 6 – 8 will meet at 6:30.  Check with your Ombud for more information! 
 
Minimum Day Schedule on Friday, August 31st!  A reminder that Ocean Shore has a minimum day next Friday! 
 
NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 3rd in observance of the Labor Day Holiday!
 
WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY:
NEED HOURS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL?  The Oceans 411 committee needs you!  We're looking for parents to cut and paint plywood for a project.  If you can help email Sheila at [email protected].
 
HELP RUN AN ELECTIVE FOR 7th and 8th GRADERS!  We are still looking for parents who would partner with our teachers to facilitate an electives course.  These are offered each trimester and we hope to host a class such as a language, coding or computer-programming course.  If you have an interest in offering this opportunity to our kids, please let me or a 7th/8th grader teacher know about your expertise or availability!
 
Support PEF!
The Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF) is taking education to new heights. They completely fund educational programs which exceed California’s core school standards; which our district budget cannot accommodate. Simply, PEF funds, advances, and protects a higher quality education for OUR students.

PEF Programs:
- Elementary School Music Program
- Middle School Band Program (Music Matters in Pacifica - MMIP)
- Middle School Computer Science Program
- Elementary School Slam Poetry Program (SPARC - Stage Performance + Rhythmic Culture - Poetry)
- Professional Science Curriculum Development & Training For Teachers (Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS))
PEF gives our children an enriched educational experience. Please give to PEF.
Upcoming PEF Events:
- PEFathon: Mark Your Calendars - Oct. 28th - Run & Walk to support our school! Races for all ages, Fitness Fair, Awards, Prizes and much more! See the insert attached to this newsletter.
- New Membership Plans: Membership provides you tickets and/or discounted access to fun annual family events, supporter decals, and much more!
- PEF @ OSS: Watch for more info from PEF Ambassadors during our Back To School Nite & PTO events!
If you'd like to Help PEF Make A Difference; reach out to our OSS PEF Ambassadors below and Like and Follow PEF on Facebook!

- Elizabeth (Liz) Cayot ([email protected])
- Jen Newman-Locks ([email protected])
- Johnny Davis ([email protected])

Flyers:
PEFathon
CYO Volleyball
Nutrition News
Welcome from Child Nutrition 
Florey's Book Signing

Dear Ocean Shore Family,

Greetings! We are underway with the new school year!  Thrilling!  Our first two days at Ocean Shore were a great success.  There is nothing like the buzz of the first day of school, would you agree?  From our littlest ones starting their school experience to our veteran 8th graders, our hallways, classrooms, and campus was electric with the childlike energy that comes from starting a brand new school year. 
 
What a pleasure to meet so many parents!  Thank you for your warm welcome and coming up to introduce yourself.  I look forward to meeting more of you around campus. Stop by to say hello! 
 
Expect to receive my weekly message each Friday.  I hope this blog and newsletter can add to your weekend reading list.  Parents have busy lives outside of our campus.  An important part of my job is to make sure you feel apart of the campus, even if you are not able to be present everyday.  Our communication is very important to me.  I plan to include sweet stories or observations from students and staff, updates on schedules and policies, and flyers with information about events in our community.  Utilize the PTO and school websites for more information, and never hesitate to contact us with questions. 
 
Reflections from My Office:
When I learned that I was joining Ocean Shore as the principal many months ago, I knew I was coming to a special place.  It is why I sought out our school!  Ocean Shore has amazing students.  This was something I heard from all, knew from my research on their academic success, and could see firsthand from the experiences they created with activities such as Oceans Week.  However, nothing prepared me for the introduction I received from the students on our first day.  Wow. 
 
Every school tries to produce confident, poised and polite students.  Ocean Shore does not have to try because our kids are thriving in this arena.   Our kids are extraordinary.  I was incredibly impressed with the genuine kindness they expressed to me and others.  They greeted me with a handshake, looked me in the eye with their introduction, and said hello again when I passed them in the hallways.  From our younger students to our middle school kids, they showed a happy, relaxed demeanor that shows our school is doing something great in how we work to develop the whole child.   I could not be more proud to assume my role as their principal!  While I have enjoyed meeting our staff, teachers, and parents the missing piece was the students.  To greet them today has made the picture complete. 
 
One special memory from the first day of school was when I walked into Jennifer’s kindergarten class.  While the kids were quietly gathered on the rug, I introduced myself and explained that the kindergarten class and I had something in common.  I explained that today marked their first day of school – and mine!  We shared the first day jitters and feelings of coming to a new school together!  When I told them that today was my first day of school at Ocean Shore, one little girl looked at me wide-eyed.  In disbelief, she said, “You mean, you’re still in school!?”  Smiling, I explained that principals come to school everyday just like them.  Principals also get nervous on the first day of school just like them.
 
Recognizing Our Parent Team Members!
A wonderful part of my position is to witness firsthand the many different contributions of all of our stakeholders.  Staff, teachers, students, parents and community members are what makes our school so special.  I want to recognize our PTO co-presidents, Michele Tuman and Amber Metkiff.  They worked hard over the summer to welcome back our community for another year at Ocean Shore!  Many hours are spent behind the scenes to coordinate the special events that make our school so wonderful.  As a school, we are very fortunate to have these two as our PTO leaders as a liason and ambassador for our school! 
 
UPDATES AROUND CAMPUS
 My 60 Day Challenge:
Knowing your name is important to me.  Thank you for your patience as I work quickly to assimilate myself and learn many new names.  I shared the same challenge with the students at our opening day assembly.  I have vowed to learn the first name of all of our students in 60 school days.  Yikes!  Yet, I accept the challenge! This will also give me an opportunity to show the students that principals also have homework as I am studying names and faces in effort to remember!   
 
Pardon Our Dust!  Campus Clean-Up This Sunday at 10 am! You may have noticed our grounds and outside campus need some TLC.  While we have been on summer vacation, the weeds and trash have made themselves at home on our campus.  We need your help to beautify our lovely campus.  Join us this weekend on Sunday (8/19) from 10 am  - 1 pm for a campus yard cleanup.  It is helpful to bring brooms, gloves, weeding tools and possibly wood tools to make a mulch barrier from the garden to the street. We could also use some left over 2x6” or 2x8” lumber to piece together the barrier.  Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Reminders About Our Lunch Program At Ocean Shore:
Click on this link for more information on our website:
https://www.pacificasd.org/files/user/9/file/Lunch%20Program%20OS.PNG
 
You can visit EZ School Pay at this link:
https://www.ezschoolpay.com/Login.aspx
 
Prices are the same as last year. Single lunch - $3.25/day; 30 day purchase - $97.50 (31st meal is free); Milk - 75cents.
-Adult single meal - $3.75 (+ 75 cents for milk) 
-Reduced single meal - 40 cents (which includes milk)
-If you believe you may qualify for reduced or free meal status, please contact the office for an application.
-Those currently on reduced or free meals must reapply by September 28.

Help Us Expand Our Elective Classes for 7th and 8th Graders with  a Volunteer Opportunity for Any Ocean Shore Parent!  Do you have a personal interest or passion that you would enjoy sharing with students?  The 7th and 8th graders at Ocean Shore School have the opportunity to choose electives for the first period of the day, 8:20am to 9:05am.  Students who do not enroll in band, enroll in offered electives every trimester. The electives are taught by the middle school teachers, and options are based on need, interest, and resources available. They may change throughout the year. Parents can also earn school hours by offering and/or helping with any elective in which they are proficient.  For instance, do you enjoy computer programming or coding?  Do you speak another language?  These are great opportunities to work in partnership with our teachers to offer some wonderful experiences for our students.  Contact Julie with any interest! 

Looking for Extra Opportunities to Help Out at Ocean Shore?  We are looking for alternative service aides.  These aides are paid by funds collected from families who are unable to fulfill their hours and decide to pay instead.  Alternative service aides help support our program, as they are a guaranteed presence in classrooms every week. Please inquire with your child's teacher for more information.  Help is greatly appreciated! 
 
Extra Playground Balls Welcome!  Looking to get rid of extra outside balls such as basketballs, soft rubber balls, foam balls, etc?  We would welcome any of these items at Ocean Shore.  Please see your child’s teacher to ensure it would be a good fit for our playground!
 
Looking For Dust Covers for Our Media Carts in our Library! We are looking for anyone who could sew 3 dust covers for our media carts in the library!  This is a great opportunity to volunteer your time to help our school.  Please see Patricia if you know of a way to help!
 
Weekly Flyers:
2018_fall_class_schedule.pdf
​Auditions for Regazzi
​Music and Movement Flyer Fall
Singfest 
Family Fun Run