⏰ REMINDER: All Oskaloosa schools will have a 3-hour early dismissal today (October 19) for Parent/Teacher Conferences, which take place from 1:30 to 7:30pm.
We will also have NO SCHOOL Friday, October 20, to make time for staff professional development.
As we approach the end of the first trimester, we want to remind you that the final day of parent-teacher conferences is just around the corner - this Thursday! 📚📝 It's a great opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and discuss their progress.
Please note that due to the conferences, our schedule will be undergoing some changes on Thursday and Friday. #ALLIN
⏰REMINDER: Today is our usual early-out Wednesday. We will have a 60-minute early release today.
🎉 Meet Randie Gist, a new addition to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.
Randie brings local pride as an Oskaloosa native and OHS graduate. With a bachelor’s degree from Central College in Elementary Education, she holds endorsements in Special Education Strat 1 K-12 and Reading K-8. She's expanded her expertise with a Strat 2 Intellectual Disabilities endorsement and Coaching Authorization.
Randie met her husband while attending school in Oskaloosa, and they share a yellow cat named Nala. Outside of school, you'll find Randie immersed in reading, shooting hoops outdoors, taking walks, and cherishing moments with loved ones.
“I am excited to be back in my home district!” says Randie. “I am also excited to meet the students, make connections, and build relationships.” Randie says she chose to be an educator because, “I want to motivate students to learn. I also want to make a difference in students’ lives and be a potential role model for them.”
Why Osky? “Being a graduate, I knew the impact that the district has on its students,” Randie says. “I also subbed in the district upon graduation and I enjoyed the environment and wanted to get back to it.”
This year, Randie's goal is to cultivate meaningful staff and student relationships. Let’s extend a warm Osky welcome to Randie as she embarks on this exciting journey with us! 🌟
A voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that generates funds a school district can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Funds may be used only for these purposes.
On Tuesday, November 7, Oskaloosa Schools residents will vote on renewing the district's existing PPEL. If approved, it would continue to generate authority at the equivalent of 67 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value. Osky’s PPEL rate would remain lower than a majority of Iowa schools and the allowed maximum.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/oskyppel2023
We have an immediate opening in our basketball program! Check out this job posting and others at http://www.oskyjobs.com.
🎉 Let’s give a warm welcome to Natalie Ashman! She’s serving as a 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Eddyville, Iowa, Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a teaching certification from the University of Iowa. Natalie’s family includes husband Nick, son Kelly, daughter Aurora, and their loyal dog Rider. Their shared joys include fishing, baseball games, swimming, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
“I am most excited about building relationships with my students to make 4th grade their best year yet!” says Natalie. Wondering why Natalie chose teaching? She shares, “After working as a research assistant in the Language and Category Development Lab at the University of Iowa, I discovered what I loved most was working with the children and uncovering how they learned.”
Why Osky? Natalie says, “I chose to join Oskaloosa Schools so I could invest in the community that has invested in my family. I want to love, empower, and inspire students through my work as a teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary.”
Natalie has big goals for her first year at OES: making connections with students, families, and staff; growing her skills in behavioral leadership; and teaching students using best practices. Welcome to the team, Natalie! 🌟
🌟 Oskaloosa Schools is urgently hiring dedicated individuals to fill immediate openings for 2nd or 3rd shift custodians!
Responsibilities include:
✅ Maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff
✅ General custodial and maintenance tasks
✅ Continuous use of independent judgment
Working as a custodian with Osky offers several benefits, including health insurance, participation in IPERS, flexible work hours, and the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful team. Starting pay is $16.50 per hour.
To apply, please visit the job posting at http://www.oskyjobs.com/.
Our Kinderprep students recently welcomed the heroes from the Oskaloosa Fire Department to help them learn about fire safety! 🚒👨🚒 A big shout-out to the Osky FD for their dedication and for teaching our little ones how to stay safe!
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Kathryn Langenberg to the Oskaloosa Schools family! She is a new 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Kathryn brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy from Western Illinois University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Outside the classroom, you’ll find Kathryn enjoying a run, exploring new travel destinations, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with friends and family!
“I am excited to be part of the Oskaloosa community and to get to know my students this fall!” says Kathryn. What led her to the teaching profession? She says, “I chose teaching as a career because I love being part of the process of helping students grow and develop a love for learning.”
Kathryn chose to join Oskaloosa Schools, “because of the welcoming community and supportive environment.” Her goal this year is to “build a strong sense of community” with her classroom. Welcome to the team, Kathryn! 🌟
On October 24 and 26, we're offering FREE Wellness Screenings for all Osky employees! 🏥 This is just one way Oskaloosa Schools has committed to ensuring the safety and health of our incredible staff. The best part? It's completely FREE!
We're also serving a light breakfast on both days to kickstart our staff’s morning in the best possible way! Staff: Your health matters to us—thank you for being the heartbeat of Oskaloosa Schools. ❤️
Osky proudly recognizes National School Bus Safety Week! When driving near school buses, please keep the following in mind:
🚌Watch for children crossing unexpectedly
🚌Always yield to buses re-entering traffic
🚌Be patient, as buses make frequent stops
🚌Stop when red lights flash and do not pass
Thank you for keeping our students safe!
This week, fundraising envelopes from the Oskaloosa Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (OEPTO) will be going home with OES students. Envelopes with donations are due back on Thursday, October 26. The winning class from each grade level will earn an extra recess! 🎉
If you would like to donate to OEPTO electronically, please scan the QR code or visit the following link to donate via Paypal: https://bit.ly/45pOByk.
You do NOT need a Paypal account to donate this way! Your support will help make all the fantastic activities organized by our amazing PTO possible for our students and staff. 🌟
If you've experienced issues with our previous app, we hear you, and we've made some significant changes! 🔄💪
Introducing the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App 📲 We've upgraded to a fresh and improved platform, and we're thrilled to invite you to check it out. Download the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App today and stay connected with us like never before!
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/oskaloosa-community-schools/id1524263227
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.oskaloosacsd&pli=1
🗓️ Families, mark your calendars! Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place Monday, October 16, from 4:00 to 7:30pm, and Thursday, October 19, from 1:30 to 7:30pm.
Please join us in supporting United Way of Mahaska County’s annual Winter Coat Drive! 🧥❄️
If you can, please consider donating any extra and gently used coats (no sweatshirts, hoodies, shirts, etc. please), snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves in all sizes.
📅 Drop off items at any location from October 9 to November 6. Distribution dates are November 10 and November 11.
Let's come together and support our community members in need this winter! ❄️
🏈👕 ”My Jersey, Your Impact!” 👕🏈
Today, the seniors of the Oskaloosa Indian Football team went the extra mile to express their gratitude to their teachers! Each senior nominated a teacher who has made a significant positive impact on their lives to wear their jersey today.
A big THANK YOU to all these incredible teachers! You are the driving force behind these young people, and your influence goes beyond the classroom. ❤️ Let's cheer for the Oskaloosa Indians and celebrate the outstanding teachers who make a difference every day! 🎉🏈📚
🎉 We are delighted to welcome William (Bill) Pester to his new position on the Osky Schools team! He is a Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.
Having previously taught at OMS and with a master’s degree from Morningside University, Bill is committed to student growth. His journey back to us follows two years of teaching in his hometown of Ottumwa. He's a dedicated father to three school-aged children (Willa, Cason, and Lucy) and a new homeowner in our community!
When not in the classroom, Bill dives into new courses, coaches youth sports, works part-time, remodels his home, and prioritizes exercise. Teaching became his career choice to “challenge and improve students' lives through learning.”
Why did Bill choose Osky? “I felt at home with the district and building staff. The team was more like a family.” His main goal in his position is “to foster growth in my students—academically, socially, and emotionally—to prepare them for post-secondary success.”
With a familiar building and staff, this school year excites Bill as he tackles a new role and the challenges it brings. Let’s give Bill a warm welcome! 🌟
Hey Osky families! 👋 Check out the Oskaloosa Virtual Backpack, an online hub where you can discover family-friendly, community-wide events. Visit www.oskyschools.org and select OCSD Backpack under the Parents tab.
Are you part of a local organization? Submit your event flier to https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place Monday, October 16, from 4:00 to 7:30pm and Thursday, October 19, from 1:30 to 7:30pm.
Please reserve a time slot if you haven’t already!
