Oregon Trail Elementary School

Every morning, our music teacher, Ms. Phillips leads us in reciting our core values after all of the "Caught Being "Paws"itive" Tickets from the previous day have been announced. These core values guide our schoolwide expectations and help create a "paws"itive culture. Today, a first grader was coming in from the playground and reciting our core values by himself. If your child doesn't have this memorized, we would love your help! "At Oregon Trail, we problem solve, always show respect, work hard, and stay safe (howl)."

Four weeks down and so much achieved! This week was full of smiles, math centers, dancing, singing, and small groups. Yesterday, teachers were able to dive deep into the data that has been taken so far and celebrate what our students do know.

On Thursday morning, Mrs. Coombs' class learned a new game called, Roll and Read. The kids rolled a dice, moved that many squares and then read the word to their partner. Our student photographer was in awe of how quiet the students were during the introduction of the game. Thanks for making learning fun Mrs. Coombs!

Photo Credit: Student Photographer, Barsa

Don't feel like cooking? Come support our school on Tuesday, October 14th! Anytime from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. you can go to Panda Express and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to us. The funds will be used to improve our school. Don't forget to show the flyer on your phone OR enter 3842865 in the fundraiser code box on the app. Thank you for supporting our school.

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to a great year, with students in classes and ready to learn every day.
Research shows that students who miss even a few days of school each month are at a much greater risk of falling behind than students who attend regularly. That is why our school has set a goal for every student to have nine or fewer absences this year. This isn’t a penalty. It is about making sure every child has the best chance to succeed.
Because attendance is so important, please send your child to school every day unless they are truly sick. Keep your child home if they have:

- A fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms such as chills, body aches, or unusual fatigue
- Visible signs of live lice (small yellow, tan, or brown nits close to the scalp or on strands of hair)

We have included a fridge magnet with this letter as a tool to help you keep track of absences and celebrate your child’s progress toward strong attendance.

If your child is at risk of missing too much school, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Peacock for support. We monitor attendance throughout the year so that we can partner with families early. Together, we will work to make sure every student is present, learning, and on the path to success.

We also want to share something we have noticed. More students are being checked out a few minutes early from school. While we understand that sometimes there are doctor visits or other appointments, leaving early means students miss important lessons and daily routines. Please try to schedule appointments after school whenever possible.

The car pick-up line usually takes around 10 minutes or less to get through. If families are signing students out early just to avoid the line, please know that this should not be a problem—every extra minute in class matters.
Sincerely,


Tana Schroeder and Janet Peacock

This morning in first grade, Mrs. Gosselin and her students were watching a read aloud from our counselor on school anxiety. After the video was over, students participated in a Kagan Structure. During this time, students were able to move around the room with their hand in the air in order to find a partner to talk to. Mrs. Gosselin would ask a question about the lesson learned and they would be able to share their ideas with a partner. What a great way to start the morning! Photo Credit: OT's School Photographer, Barsa

Harrison, Lincoln, Oregon Trail, Perrine, Rock Creek Kindergarten Families!

Help us make 'Meet At The 50' a success! This heart-warming program brings together our senior class and kindergarten students for a special moment on the football field. At this event, our graduating seniors and kindergarteners met at the 50-yard line, symbolizing the connection between the beginning and end of their educational journeys.

This new tradition is designed to create lasting memories and highlight the shared bond within our school community. Thank you to everyone who comes out and shows their support!

Great photo opp for parents and grandparents, all are welcome! Gate fees do apply.

Friday morning, Mr. Sheen worked with his students through some apology scenarios, as well as discussed classroom/schoolwide expectations. Our school photographer enjoyed stories that Mr. Sheen told from his childhood experience about apologizing. Thank you Mr. Sheen for building relationships with every student that walks through your door. We love that you are at Oregon Trail! Classroom Photo Credit: Oregon Trail Photographer, Barsa

Week 3 was a success! Don't forget to get enough sleep each night, wash those hands, and keep up on your vitamins. We want to see all of you healthy and back in school next week!

FUNctional Friday in Rm. 103 with one of our special education teachers Ms. Oberg, Mrs. Reichel (SLP), and Mr. Trevor (OT)! We had so much fun and help making grilled cheese sandwiches with our amazing paras Ms. Hausner, Mrs. Silvers, and Ms. C. Thanks to our special guests - Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Nesmith, and Mrs. Murphy for coming to visit us!

Help us make Meet At The 50 a success! This heartwarming program brings together our senior class and kindergarten students for a special moment on the football field. At this event, our graduating seniors and kindergarteners met at the 50-yard line, symbolizing the connection between the beginning and end of their educational journeys.

This new tradition is designed to create lasting memories and highlight the shared bond within our school community. Thank you to everyone that comes out and shows your support!

Thank you to our parents!

Ms. Blair started off her morning with classroom expectations, a morning song, and alphabet practice. A 5th Grader reported that "Ms. Blair teaches the ABC sounds and letters in a creative way through songs and sign language". Thank you Ms. Blair for creating a fun classroom environment. We are so lucky to have you at OT! Photo Credit: Oregon Trail's Student Photographer, Barsa

Reminder
📅 Monday, September 1, 2025 is Labor Day
📚 No School for ALL TFSD Students

Enjoy the long weekend! 💪🍎

#LaborDay #TFSD #NoSchool #LaborDay2025

We have such great administration, teachers, and staff members at Oregon Trail. Please reach out with any support you may need, we are a team!

✨ Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond? ✨

Nominations are now open for the Twin Falls Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Month program! This is your chance to recognize the incredible educators who make a difference in the lives of TFSD students every day.

🏆 Parents, students, and community members are invited to submit a nomination and help us celebrate the teachers who inspire, support, and lead with heart.

👉 Nominate your outstanding teacher today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6Lj7QSDRIQjy6spqoH0IbmnRcoep4n40_zLmVNHNdOY_kkA/viewform?usp=dialog