 HAPPY 6-7th DAY OF SCHOOL!
OES Outstanding Employee Awards
We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the remarkable dedication of several Oakton Elementary staff members who have been nominated and selected as this year’s Outstanding Employee Award Winners.
Outstanding Teacher
• Winner: Claire Latham
• Nominees: Taylor Booth, Eduardo Lanzo, Cheryl Mendis, Jamie Penney
Outstanding Operational Employee
• Winner: Erin Doyle
• Nominee: Kim Payne
Outstanding School Leader
• Winner: Keith Eck
These outstanding individuals were nominated by our school community for consistently going above and beyond in service of our students and the entire OES family.
Their nomination will now move forward for consideration at the pyramid level of the Outstanding Employee Awards.
Please join us in congratulating these well-deserving winners and celebrating their incredible contributions to our school!
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Early Release Wednesday
December 17
We are currently planning for the next 3 hour early release which is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025. During this time, our instructional staff will be involved in professional development, so it's crucial that we have an accurate count of families needing child supervision due to a childcare hardship to plan accordingly.
If your child care needs are different from what your child/children did last month, please fill out the OES December 17 Early Release Child Care Update Form for each child so we can plan accordingly for this round.
If you plan for your child to follow the same routine as they did in November, you do not need to fill out the form.
We will send a confirmation to families by Friday, December 12.
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❄️Oakton Elementary Cold Weather Recess Guidelines (All Grades)
During typical winter days, students will go outside for recess. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately (coat, gloves, and hats) for outdoor weather. Students will go outside even if it is snowing.
How Cold is Too Cold to allow students to Play Outdoors?
When the wind chill/”feels like” temperature is 25 degrees or higher, teachers are advised to take their students outside for recess. Teachers of younger grades may make adjustments to this temperature based on student attire and current weather conditions.
When the wind chill/”feels like” temperature is between 20-25 degrees, teachers may use their professional judgment, based on students’ attire (jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, and hats) and current weather conditions in determining if students will go outside for recess.
When the wind chill/”feels like” temperature is below 20 degrees, or there is any rain/sleet, teachers are advised to keep their students inside for recess.
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Picture Retakes - Again!
Our photo vendor identified a potential lighting issue with the photos that were taken on Fall Picture Retake Day on November 12 and are recommending that those photos be retaken.
We will have another Fall Picture Retake Day on Thursday, December 11 for anyone who needs a retake. If your child had their photo taken on our original Fall Picture Retake Day on November 12 and does not retake their photo on December 11, their photo from November 12 will be used.
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Inclusive Schools Week: December 8-12
We are excited to announce our school's participation in Inclusive Schools Week.
This annual celebration highlights the essential role that inclusion plays in creating a welcoming and successful learning environment for every student.
Theme: "Children First: Building a Stronger Tomorrow"
This year's theme focuses on prioritizing the well-being and potential of every child. When we value each child's unique strengths, needs, and perspective, we are actively building a brighter, more inclusive future for our entire community.
Throughout the week, we encourage all students and staff to practice intentional kindness, celebrate our differences, and work together to ensure that absolutely everyone feels valued and included.
Inclusive Schools Week: Spirit Days & Activities
Join the fun and show your commitment to inclusion by participating in our daily spirit themes!
| Day |
Theme |
How to Participate |
| Monday |
Caring and Comfy Day |
Wear your pajamas or comfiest clothes to symbolize making our school a safe, comfortable, and supportive space for everyone.
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| Tuesday |
Unique You Day |
Wear something that showcases your unique interests or style (e.g., a favorite color, a shirt about a hobby, or a creative accessory) to celebrate what makes you special!
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| Wednesday |
Hero for Inclusion Day |
Dress up as a superhero or wear superhero gear to show that we can all be heroes by standing up for and including others in our school community.
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| Thursday |
Bright Future Day |
Wear bright colors or fun accessories like sunglasses to show that our future is bright when we prioritize every child. Your kindness helps build a stronger tomorrow!
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| Friday |
School Spirit Unity Day |
Wear our school colors or spirit wear to demonstrate that we are united in supporting all students. By standing together as one community, we show that everyone belongs.
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Reminder: Window for Full-time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2025
Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6, who would like their child to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form no later than December 15, 2025.
Full-time AAP is an advanced academic option for Grades 3-8 intended for students who need advanced differentiation in all four core subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Forms for full-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.
Submitting a referral form for full-time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for full-time placement.
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Placement into a full-time AAP class will begin in the 2026-27 school year unless the family defers placement.
You can find the referral form and the optional parent/guardian questionnaire HERE.
Referrals and optional materials (questionnaire and 2 non-school, front-side-only work samples from home in .pdf or image file format) can be emailed directly to both Ellen Donnelly and Christine Neubauer at ejdonnelly@fcps.edu; cmplagataneu@fcps.edu in one email. Or referrals can be dropped off in the school office with Erin Doyle.
You will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days. If you do not receive a confirmation, please email Mrs. Donnelly and Mrs. Neubauer to inquire, forwarding your original email.
⛳️ Get Ready to Golf with First Tee!
We are excited to announce that the First Tee – Greater Washington DC is coming to Oakton Elementary for a special After School Golf Program! (Sponsored by the Oakton PTA)
This isn't just about learning how to swing a club; First Tee uses the game of golf to teach important life skills like honesty, respect, confidence, and responsibility. It's a fantastic way for our students to become better golfers and even better people!
Who can join?
Students in Grades 3-4, from total beginners to experienced players—all are welcome!
When is it?
Classes will be held every Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at OES
Dates: December 9 to January 27, excluding Winter Break.
Space is Limited! Classes are capped at just 12 students, so make sure to sign up fast!
No Equipment Needed! First Tee will provide all the necessary equipment.
Sign up HERE
If you have any questions, you can contact the program organizer at aaravbshah14@gmail.com
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 Sign up HERE!
Upcoming dates for OES:
December 9 - Band Concert - 6:00PM, OES Gym
December 10 - PTA Dining for $ - 4:00-8:00PM, Panera
December 11 - Picture Retakes
December 12 - Fridays at the Library - 4:00-5:00PM, OES Library
December 12 - Skate Night - 7:30-9:30PM, SkateQuest
December 15 - Full Time Advanced Academics Referrals Due
December 16 - Interims Go Home
December 16 - Cookie Exchange
December 17 - Wednesday 3 Hour Early Release - Students dismissed at 1:00PM
December 22-January 2 - Winter Break - No School - Office Closed
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