Express Newsletter

On Monday, in order to deepen our understanding of antisemitism and to be better positioned to combat it, the OES employees heard from Bob Horenstein of the Jewish Federation in Portland. He was the first in what we plan to be a series of presentations about  issues that will provide us with opportunities to engage in civil discourse.

Today we welcomed the 5th graders back from their five-day and four-night adventure, the longest and most distant experiential education trip in Lower School. For many students the trip is a transformational experience where they learn new things about themselves and their classmates. Thank you to the Fifth Grade Team, Tom Handle and the chaperones for making this experience possible.

Moving Into Coffees
Starting on Monday, April 22 we will begin offering the annual Moving Into Coffees, a time to be introduced to your child’s grade to come.  See the table below for the dates and grade levels of the coffees. The coffees are listed in grade level order. Review the schedule below and plan to attend the coffee for the grade that your child will be moving into next fall.  Kirstin McAuley, Chris Thompson, grade level teachers and I look forward to sharing our goals for the 2023-24 school year, highlights of the grade level to come and answering your questions.

Each Moving into coffees will be preceded by an informal coffee social from 7:45 - 8:15 in the LS Library.

LS Chapel Recognizing and Honoring Raman
In recognition and celebration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which ends this week, next week's Lower School chapel will honor this special and holy time.  Families within our community will be sharing what Ramadan continues to mean to them and sharing some of their traditions and stories. Chapel belongs to all of us and the opportunity to celebrate and honor each others' faiths, stories, and holy times is one of the great gifts of this community.

• If Ramadan is part of your faith tradition and you would like to participate in this chapel or support it in any way, please reach out to Chaplain Mel.
• As always, all are welcome to come to Lower School Chapel and be a part of this special community time. Lower School Chapel is on Tuesdays from 8:10-8:40 AM.
• If you have any questions or wonders, don't hesitate to contact Chaplain Mel.

We Are Asking for Your Help so that your student(s) comply with three basic policies in Lower School, all detailed in the All School Family Handbook

• The LS Uniform Policy - Page 52
• What not to bring to school - Page 54    
  • Toys from home
  • Personal electronic devices

We thank you in advance for helping your child come to school dressed according to the uniform policy and without their personal electronic devices and toys. 

Spring has Sprung and Allergies have Come
If your child suffers from seasonal allergies  be sure to attend to their allergy needs before they come to school. The LS Office has seen a significant increase in the number of students coming to the office seeking medication for their allergies.

Have OES Community News to Publish in LS Express?
Use the Send Us Your News button located in the lower left hand side of the LS Express. Please submit requests to include your announcement in the next Lower School Express by 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.