Viking News
April 2021
Principal's Greeting
Greetings Viking Family,
The warm sunshine, birds singing, and blooms returning are all welcome signs of hope that spring has arrived!
This time of year is often filled with much joy as we transition recess back outside and we partake in some traditional school wide activities in the months ahead. This month we are looking forward to sharing a virtual International Celebration on April 22 from 5:30-6:30. We will be partnering with our friends at the African Cultural Connection to have students partake in making African Art. More information and registration for families will occur in the weeks ahead, so please be on the lookout for flyers.
With the start of spring, we also welcome the upcoming opportunities to measure student growth. Students in grades 3-5 have officially kicked off NSCAS testing. Testing will occur on the following schedule:
Week of March 29-April 2: Reading
Week of April 5-9: Science (5th only)
Week of April 19-23: Math
For the Spring of 2021, NSCAS Phase 1 Pilot replaces NSCAS Summative for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3-5. Students can expect to see 35 assessment items for both ELA and mathematics (grades 3-5).This pilot is a proof of concept assessment for the through-year adaptive model announced last year and will include both ELA and mathematics.
Additionally, this spring, all students in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to show their growth on the MAP Growth Assessment. The MAP Growth Assessment window will be April 19- May 7th. This measure provides feedback on each student's individual skills across subgoal areas. We look forward to seeing the growth that each one of our students has made since we last tested in October. Our parent lunch and learn will be hosted by Sra. Jácome this month. It will focus on understanding your students RIT score, how to set a reasonable goal for their growth, and strategies for assisting them in showing what they know on testing day. The data from student's assessments assists Crestridge staff in individualizing classroom instruction to improve outcomes for students. Please see below for further information.
This time of year, we begin noticing many Vikings going through growth spurts and hear many of our students share about being tired. Whether students are still adjusting to the time change or an increase in physical activity, morning can be tough. Keeping bedtime routines and morning routines as close to normal as possible will make it easier for students to have successful days at school. Sleep impacts focus, mood, and behavior...please help us set our Vikings up for success by helping them to be well-rested for school.
We continue to remain so grateful for the opportunity to welcome so many of our Vikings back for five days a week of in person instruction. The overwhelming majority of our classrooms have welcomed all our Vikings back with us. Students continue to impress us with their ability to follow health and safety guidelines. We continue to observe so many positive impacts of daily in person instruction on students academic progress and their overt engagement in the learning process. They have been joyfully (and safely) engaging with peers in classroom discussions, during supervised free play, and many new and Kinder Vikings discovered the magic of the school art studio. We have planned tirelessly and looked forward to these moments and are giving thanks that we are finally all together.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Email me at valerie.varas@ops.org and I'll be sure to respond to you as quickly as possible. At the bottom of this electronic newsletter is a form entitled Family Voice Survey that seeks to learn parents questions, concerns, and to hear parent input. Thank you again for your continued flexibility and support as we navigate through our school year.
#Crestridgeproud
#Vikingstrong
#Bettertogether
Go Vikings!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Valerie Varas
Principal
Crestridge Magnet
Omaha Public Schools
(531) 299-1280
Check Out What We've Been Up To
Art Studio Open
March Madness Book Bracket
Book Checkout
Conference Dinner for Teachers
5th Grade Wax Museum
Our Lucky Charms
District Response to COVID-19 in Schools
Daily Health Screener
We want to take this opportunity to remind all of you the importance of completing the daily screener and monitoring your child and household closely for symptoms. Daily temperature checks are a part of the daily screening process. Together we will make sure our students and staff stay safe and healthy.
If you or someone you live with are experiencing the following symptom(s).
* Two or more of the following: fever 100.4 or above, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue in the last 24 hours
OR
* One of the following - a new cough, new onset of shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell
OR
* You or someone you live with is waiting for test results for Covid-19 following symptoms a direct exposure to someone who tested positive
* You or someone you live with have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 14 days
* You have been in close contact (6 feet or closer for 15 minutes or more) with someone diagnosed with Covid-19 without masks.
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you will be expected to stay home.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Dates
Crestridge Read-A-Thon 2021 Celebrate Reading! Reading Challenge and Fundraiser
Our Crestridge Read-A-Thon 2021 Celebrate Reading! Reading Challenge and Fundraiser will come to an end soon. The last day to count reading minutes is Friday, April 2, 2021. Students will need to turn in their reading logs to Mrs. Hultman on Monday, April 5th for our final calculations to determine our school wide winners. A reminder that students can include the time they spend reading to themselves or others, listening to audiobooks, or having others read to them.
No School Reminder
Parent Lunch and Learn
This parent breakfast will address the topic of understanding your students RIT score, how to set a reasonable goal for their growth, and strategies for assisting them in showing what they know on testing day. The data from students' assessments assists Crestridge staff in individualizing classroom instruction to improve outcomes for students.
Please note for parents unable to join the session, the session will be recorded.Click below to join the live parent breakfast: Click here to join the meeting
PTO Meeting
Crestridge PTO "Do Good" Week
Do Good Week: April 19-24
Crestridge has a rich legacy of "doing good"--for each other, for our school, and for our community. This past year has shone a particular spotlight on how important and uplifting it is when we do so as a school community.
PTO is excited to introduce Do Good Week, a series of opportunities over the course of April 19-24 to give back, to (safely) come together, and to support our school and our community. Please be on the lookout for more information to come.
Crestridge's Virtual International Celebration
Parent Corner
Remote students will not be able to take NSCAS nor MAP remotely; however, you do have the option of your child coming to school for the test. Please contact me and I will work with you to find the best time that works for you and your family!
Christy Jácome
ClassDojo
Work #: 531-299-8216
Work Cell #: 872-222-7011
A Note from Miss Rowland
Hello Crestridge families,
In our Counseling classes we have started our Problem Solving Unit. In this unit students will learn the 4 problem solving steps to help them solve problems with others in a positive way. The Problem Solving Steps are:
S-Say the problem without blame
T-Think of solutions
E-Explore the consequences
P-Pick the best solution
As we work through our classroom lessons, we will be looking at different scenarios and applying the steps listed above.
Calling all Careers!!!!
Crestridge Career Day will be here before we know it! It is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19th from 1:15-2:15 and will be held virtually. I have had many parents reach out to be and am thrilled to have them highlight their career.
We are still looking for volunteers who work in the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources field and those who work in the Skilled and Technical Trades Career Field. The Skilled and Technical Trades field includes: Manufacturing, Architecture, Construction, Transportation, Distribution, Logistics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
If you or someone you know are interested you can email, call or send me a Dojo message.
531-299-1286
As always please do not hesitate to reach out to me if I can be of help to your student(s) or family.
Be well,
Miss Rowland
Raising Dough for Crestridge PTO
Sam & Louie's (120th and Blondo location) is once again teaming up with the Crestridge PTO to do a fundraising event on April 21 & 22 (Wednesday & Thursday). Just mention “Crestridge” and 15% of your bill will be donated back to the PTO.
Back by popular demand, there will be a "Crestridge Special" that includes an 18” 1-topping pizza and choice of breadsticks or family salad for $25. Make it a specialty pizza for $30. Offer applies to dine in or carry out (402-496-7900). Hope you will enjoy a slice of the action!
Star Wars Staff Appreciation Week: May 3 - 7
A long time ago in a galaxy not so far, far away…
It was a period of an unprecedented pandemic. Students were struggling to learn new apps, to keep their ipads charged, and to pay attention while learning remotely.
During this time, Crestridge staff members were bravely navigating uncharted territories, while consistently displaying patience and kindness.
Guardians, stressed with balancing work, home, and school life, were ever grateful for the staff’s continual efforts to support them and their students…
Now is the time we can show our appreciation to the entire Crestridge staff! May 3 – 7 will be a week full of fun “Star Wars” themed surprises for staff members.
We need your help! We are seeking Crestridge families to sponsor staff members so each of the 60 people that help run Crestridge can receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated, and any extra funds received will be used to support other staff appreciation surprises throughout the week. If you can help, please send funds with your student in an envelope marked “Staff Appreciation” no later than Friday, April 16. Checks can be made out to “Crestridge PTO.”
Thank you for your continued support of the Crestridge community. May the force be with you.
Yearbook Information
Food Distribution Sites
OPS Meals 2 Go
Throughout the second semester, we will continue our Meals2Go curbside meal distribution at its regularly scheduled times. This program provides five days of meals for children ages 1-18 at no cost to our families.
- On Mondays, five days of meals will be available for drive-through pickup.
- Elementary meals are available from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
- Middle and high school meals are available from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about student lunches or the Meals2Go pickup, please contact Nutrition Services at 531-299-0230.
Food Bank of the Heartland
A Map of Food Distribution by Address
Social Resources
Cox Connect2Compete Internet Access for Families
If you find yourself in need of assistance in attaining a home WiFi connection, Cox Cable offers their Cox Connect2Compete program for families in need. The program offers WiFi for $9.95 per month. Cox is offering special discounts for families due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Please see the link below:
211
People across our area face challenges every day and may not know how to find or access local programs that address them. That’s what 211 is all about: connecting our neighbors with nearby services that can help. If you are looking for assistance in finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more, speak with one of our helpline specialists today. 211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.
Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to get in touch with a helpline specialist today.
Please see the link below for more information or to visit their website.
Latino Center of the Midlands
Affected by COVID?
Through the CARES ACT, the Latino Center of the Midlands is able to assist individuals and families whose lives have been directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Latino Center of Midlands is dispersing emergency COVID relief. You may be eligible for assistance with:
- Rent/ Mortgage
- Utilities
- Food Assistance
Ready to apply?
Please visit the below website or call us at 402-733-2720 to make an appointment.
Want to Support the PTO?
The below are opportunities for you to give through your purchasing:
TAGG
Direct Donation
Amazon Smile
Other Resources for Families
District Level Support
If you have additional questions, please consider which of the following department below may best meet your needs.
Contact Student Information Services at SIS@ops.org for:
- Current or past student proof of education
- Pre-K and K registration or physicals
- Questions about summer school
Contact the Student Placement Office at StudentPlacement@ops.org for:
- Transfer requests
- Questions regarding home attendance areas