May 4, 2020
May verse: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Week!
This week is National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. We have excellent staff at OCCS! We entrust our precious gifts, our children, to them each school day. Even though we are not together, your children are thought of and prayed for every day. Teachers are working hard each week to prepare the work that is sent home every Monday.

Remember to pray for your child’s teachers and staff members! Have you sent a note of encouragement or an expression of appreciation this year? This month? A card? A treat? Now is the time!  Remember to thank your staff members and show them that you care.
Year End Schedule
Our last regular homework pickup/drop off will be May 11. This will include all the assignments through May 19 - which will be 6 days worth of material. It will seem like a heavier week, but it will be for part of the next week too; 4 days for the week of May 11 + 2 more days the next week to wrap up the year.

Also, no core subject work will be given on May 7 and 8. We want families to use those days to work on "specials" assignments (art, music, PE).

We will have our last academic day on May 19.  

We will have final pickup/drop off times on May 20 and 21. This will include all items for all your students left in the classroom. We will also ask all materials from home to be brought to school after all assignments are completed.

We are still planning possible options for graduation and hope to share with you next week. Report cards and any projects handed in during the last drop off will be available to be picked up June 1.

Blessings as we make the final push together.
Moms in Prayer
Moms and grandmothers, do you need peace, hope, and rest for your souls? Join Moms in Prayer on Saturday mornings to pray for children on your heart and for OCCS. Let's live out together the 2019-20 OCCS theme: "Devoted to Prayer" 

  • When:  Saturdays (May 9 & 16) , 8:15-9:15 AM 
  • What: Prayer conference call
  • How:  Dial (425) 436-6329 shortly before 8:15.   At prompt, enter access code: 744-530#
  • Purpose:  To pray for OCCS - students, teachers, staff members, administrators, board, and OCCS families
  • Host: Sam Winn - samantha_winn@hotmail.com or (712) 395-3014
*If you are interested in meeting in person, contact Sam Winn and she will let you know the arrangements.
 
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13
Classroom Assignments - due today!
Class assignments will be made in May for the following school year. A committee consisting of the resource teachers, enrichment teacher, counselor, and principal will have the responsibility of determining class assignments. The committee will meet with teachers of each grade level in order to determine class assignments. Parental requests for particular classes/teachers will be accepted only if given in this form including the reason(s) for the request. Requests from parents will be given consideration as one of the many factors that help to determine class assignments. Factors the committee will consider in determining class assignments for students are: 
1. Academic needs 
2. Learning styles 
3. Social needs 
4. Distribution of boys/girls 
5. Special needs 
6. Church representation where possible 
7. Written parental requests and reasons 

Here are the teaching arrangements for the 2020-2021 School Year
Kindergarten: Diane Krommendyk, Sheryl Slegers
1st Grade: Mary Beth Breen, Ardene Huisman
2nd Grade: Maria Noteboom, Jennifer Noteboom
3rd Grade: Sheila Van Den Brink, Josie Vander Stoep
4th Grade: Laura Joustra, Melanie Witt
5th Grade: Jennifer Mills, Jo Ellen Harvey
6th Grade: Randy Hilbelink, Rachelle Oordt
7th Grade: Karlyn Brunst
8th Grade: Kim Lee, Matt Van Schepen

Follow this link to the class requests form, or email Erin Driesen for the link at  edriesen@occhristian.pvt.k12.ia.us

From the counselors
As our at-home hours continue, perhaps your children are struggling with big emotions and behaviors. Big feelings are normal for many of us right now, but if you find that your kids are "stuck", please reach out for support. Ms. Smidt and Mrs. Michelle can be contacted by email or phone. Also, on the Online Learning Portal web page, there is a link with local counseling resources as well as 24 hr/day, 7 days/wk hotline numbers. May you feel the blessings of a supportive community!
Library Books
All library books should be returned on Monday, May 11.
Pop Can Trailer
At this time, we will stop the collection of cans/bottles and will be putting the trailer away as long as we feel it is necessary.
Check out the OCCS blog at http://occstigertalk.blogspot.com/ .