O`Loughlin Eagles News - O`loughlin Elementary

Kathryn O’Loughlin McCarthy Elementary School
1401 Hall Hays, KS 67601
October 2014
(785) 623-2510
O’Loughlin Eagles News
No School Parent Teacher Conferences
Fall Parties Oct. 29
O’Loughlin will celebrate
Fall with fun costumes and excited
children. Children are invited to
wear whimsical costumes to our
annual fall parties. Gruesome or
violent costumes, pretend
weapons such
as guns,
swords, knives,
etc., will not be
allowed.
Parties will begin at 2:00 p.m. We
are looking forward to a delightful
afternoon with the children. You
will be receiving more information
about your child’s party through
their classroom newsletter. We
respect the wishes of our parents
who do not wish to have their child
participate in the Fall celebration.
Please mark October 30 and October 31 as No
School days for students at O’Loughlin Elementary
School. The O’Loughlin Kids After School program
(KAS), will NOT be in operation on Thursday, October 30
or Friday, October 31.
October 23 and 28, have been designated USD
489 Parent/Teacher Conference days. We look forward
to meeting with you during parent teacher conferences.
Please watch for more information specific to your
child’s conference in upcoming classroom newsletters as
well as a date and time confirmation for your individual
conference. Thank you all for your attention to these
important dates.
ATTENTION:
For parents who need to mark their calendar
early, the O'Loughlin Winter Concert will be held
on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
K-2 performance, 6:30—7:00 p.m.
3-5 performance, 7:30-8:00 p.m.
Visitors to
O’Loughlin
All parents are welcome at
O’Loughlin Elementary at any
time. PLEASE CHECK IN AT THE
OFFICE FIRST to sign in and obtain a Visitor Name Tag.
Please check in with a current
driver’s license. This sign in
process helps to keep
O’Loughlin safe and secure for
all.
O’LOUGHLIN WEBSITE: http://oloughlin.usd489.com
Counselor’s Corner
It’s hard to believe it is already October! We have a busy month planned
at O’Loughlin. October is Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. The fourth and fifth
grade students signed the Bullying Prevention Agreements last week and a
copy to keep at home for reference was sent home in their folders. We will
be working with all students to prevent bullying and encourage positive peer
relations at O’Loughlin. Cyberbullying is a current leader in bullying activity,
if your child has a cell phone I encourage you to talk about cyberbullying with
them.
We will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 27-29th. Please look
for more information on the web site about special activities.
Parent/Teacher conferences are just around the corner. We are committed to helping your child be successful.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions
or concerns. We look forward to seeing you at conferences.
Take time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and fun
fall activities with your children. Have a great month!
Tara O’Connor, School Counselor
More than one-third of kids surveyed at
www.cyberbulling.us admitted having
been cyberbullied. More than half said
the bullying took place in
chartrooms;48.9% by instant messaging, and 28% in e-mails. Some were
victims of more than one form of cyberbullying. More felt online bullying was
as bad as or worse than office bullying.
Cyberbullying occurs when one or more
people deliberately and repeatedly intend
to hurt another person through e-mail, chatrooms, websites, message boards, instant
messaging, cell phones, or pagers.
Cyberbullying can be especially cruel because bullies hide behind computer
screens. The message could reach thousands of readers, and you might not know
who’s attacking you. You lose the feeling
of safety and security in your own home.
O’LOUGHLIN EAGLE NEW S
Hays Arts Council Activities this Month
On October 16th, our fourth and fifth grade students will travel to FHSU’s
Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center to attend the FHSU ENCORE Series’ opening performance. This year’s ENCORE artist is Julie Fowlis.
Ms. Fowlis is a highly acclaimed musician and instrumentalist from Scotland. She is one of the singing voices featured in the Disney animated
feature “Brave”. We are excited for our students to have this opportunity
to enjoy the outstanding talent of this guest artist. Thank you to our O’Loughlin PTA for generously funding our Hays Arts Council activities throughout this school year.
By: Alaina Cunningham & Mandy Fox
Co-Presidents
We would like to thank all who participated in our Fall Fundraiser with JT Enterprises, Inc. Thanks to
your valiant efforts we increased our sales by 17%. Our participation was outstanding!! We will have
Fundraiser Pick-up on Thursday, October 16th from 3-6pm in the Gymnasium. Please mark your calendars as we have to have all frozen items picked up that evening due to lack of freezer storage
space. We will also hold the Big Bash Party this month, for those who qualified. Dates to follow so,
keep checking your e-mail for updates!!
We also want to thank those that participated in the Dine-Out Night at Freddy’s. It looks to be another successful event. Our next Dine-Out Night is October 21st at Quizno’s. Come enjoy a soup or sandwich during our fabulous fall weather, while supporting our school.
For those that have ordered t-shirts, they will be arriving mid-October and delivered to your child’s
classroom. Thank you for your patience as you have been waiting. We have a few yellow shirts in select sizes still available. Please email us at OLoughlinPTA@gmail.com if you are interested.
We could not make these great things happen without your support. We appreciate all your generosity. Thank you once again to our wonderful O’Loughlin Families!!
Recess
O’Loughlin students have recess
each day. Students will go outside
during recess unless:
 It is raining
 Wind chill is below 20 degrees
 There is dangerous ice or
snow
Children who are well enough to
attend school are expected to play
outside during recess. CHILDREN
SHOULD BE APPROPRIATELY
DRESSED FOR OUTSIDE PLAY EACH
DAY. We trust that each parent
will exercise good judgment in selecting the clothing worn to school.
Vision, Hearing & Dental Screenings
Three screenings are required for Kansas
Schools. Vision screening is required within the first year
of enrollment and no less than every 2 years after that.
Vision will be screened for all Kindergarten, 2nd,4th, 6th,
8th, 10th, and 12th grade, and all students new to the
school district during the school year. Hearing is required no less than every 3 years. Hearing will be
screened for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th
grade, and all new students. Dental screening is required
every year. Dental screenings will take place for all Kindergarten through 5th grade. Should you have any questions or concerns about the screenings or would prefer
that your child not be screened; you can contact the
school nurse at your child’s school. Parents will be contacted with any abnormal results.
Reading, Reading, Reading…..
….Helping the Teacher
With class sizes growing and budgets shrinking, teachers need the help of parents more than
ever. While you can’t present the district curriculum, any parent can help children develop as readers.
If you’re good at reading aloud, offer to come in and read to the kids once in a while. A talk with the
teacher beforehand, some rehearsal time, and you’re set to become a classroom star reader.
There may be other ways you can help if you’re not comfortable being a story time presenter
(reading aloud). Many of our students need a little extra attention and time with an adult who will listen
to them read aloud. Ask a teacher if you can listen to a child read her take-home books-no training required-just a willingness to listen and praise a child’s efforts and help when children need to do some
extra thinking. Volunteer parents also can come in on occasion to help the children write stories, to run
small book groups and to prepare materials. Ask and someone will receive your willing hand with gratitude.
….Helping Your Child
“The key factor separating geniuses from the merely accomplished is not a divine spark. It’s no
I.Q., a generally bad predictor of success, even in realms like chess; instead, it’s deliberate practice.
Top performers spend more hours (many more hours) rigorously practicing their craft.” (David Brooks,
New York Times)
This quote, from David Brooks’ article in the New York titled “Geniuses”, reflects teachers’ belief that reading and writing improve with practice both inside and outside of school. Please make it a
priority in your home to find a regular time to read. It is this “deliberate practice” that produces top performers.
Easy is better. At home, please think carefully about the books your child reads. Easy books
promote thoughtful readers because children can easily apply reading strategies they are learning in
the classroom. When books are too difficult, reading for meaning goes out the window and “decoding”
or saying the words becomes the focus.
Reading time should not be a battle for you or your child. Find ways to enjoy what is one of
life’s greatest pleasures together.
FROM THE GYM
O’Loughlin physical education classes are off to a great start this year.
There were 65 students, up from the 58 from last year, who completed
their “Summer Fitness Calendars”. These students earned 60 miles towards
their Life break shoe total. The goal for all students at O’Loughlin is to
reach the 100-mile mark. Our final Life break total from last year was
32,558 miles.
Every time your child participates in their physical education class they earn .5 miles. Your child can also earn
miles during several school breaks. The breaks are Parent/Teacher conference break (10 miles), Thanksgiving
break (15 miles), Christmas break (20 miles), February Heart Week break (10 miles) and Spring break (20
miles).
We’ve been doing some testing (sit and reach, shuttle run, curl-ups and endurance run) these past weeks and
the results will be sent home with your child right before conference time. You will notice a drop off from
last spring to this fall. We will be working throughout the year to increase these scores.
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. It also increases the risk of
stroke and such other major cardiovascular risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, low HDL ("good")
cholesterol and diabetes. Your child is getting the exercise they need at school! Are they getting some at
HOME?
All-school assembly “Sum of our Favorite Numbers", featuring Jay and Leslie Cady of “Laughing Matters”
Introducing...
Craig Manteuffel grew up in Hays, Kansas and was a 1981 graduate of
Hays High School. Mr. M. is in his twenty-ninth year of teaching instrumental music in Kansas. The past nineteen have been here at USD 489. Mr.
Manteuffel is the Director of Bands at Hays High School, and also teaches
band at Hays Middle School. This year he is also teaching 4th grade elementary music at O’Loughlin Elementary and 6th grade general music at
HMS. Mr. M. is the immediate Past-President of Kansas Music Educators
Association and spends much of his free time advocating for music teachers and music students in Kansas. Mr. Manteuffel and his wife Paula are
avid Kansas City Chiefs fans and they have two grown sons Michael and
Matt, a daughter-n-law Kayla, and a one year old grandson Ira Walter.
My name is Cheyenne Marrs I am one of the new Co-Directors for KAS
and I am a Ag-Business student at FHSU. I am from Fowler, KS, a little
bitty town southwest Of Dodge City, KS. I love working on the farm, taking
care of my cattle, and a few of my hobbies are hunting, fishing, and
watching football. I hope to have a great year at KAS; it has been running
pretty smoothly so far and the kids and supervisors seem to be having
fun! :)
Hello! My name is Jackie Baxter and I am so excited to be the new technology assistant here at O’Loughlin. I received my degree in elementary
education from Fort Hays State University. After graduation, I moved to
Topeka while my husband, Michael, attended Washburn University School
of Law. I worked as a substitute teacher at USD 501 and also as an optometrist assistant. We are very happy to be back in Hays!
Hello! My name is Sarah Doerfler. I am originally from Victoria, Kansas
and now currently reside here in Hays with my husband Kyle, and my
energetic two and a half year old toddler, Johnny. Some of my hobbies
include: cooking, reading, gardening and outdoor sports. In my spare
time, I love creating craft activities with my son. One of my cherished
memories that I have was with my 3rd grade teacher, who inspired me
to become a lasting role model to children, one with integrity and honesty. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful district and a member of the O'Loughlin family. I look forward to passing on moments of
inspiration to all students, knowing that one day, they too can make
positive foundational differences in many lives, leaving the mark of
hope and building self-confidence to all! 
Steps for Preventing Spreading Illness at School
With the new school year starting, pediatricians are instructing parents and kids that those with contagious infections like strep throat need to receive appropriate treatment and stay home from school if needed to prevent spreading their infection to other classmates.
When kids come into contact with germs, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching
their eyes, nose or mouth. Once they are infected by contagious germs, it is usually just a matter of time before other family members come down with the same illness.
Parents, kids and school personnel should remain mindful and make every effort to contain the following five common childhood infections:
1. Strep Throat – This is a bacterial infection that causes swelling and extreme soreness in the back of
the throat. It is spread through close contact, unwashed hands, cough and sneezing. Children should
be taught to sneeze or cough into their shirtsleeve and not their hands. This infection can be prevented by not sharing food, drinks, silverware or towels used by a sick child.
2. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) – this is a very contagious infection of the lining of the eyelids. Symptoms include red, crusty and itchy eyes. This can be caused by bacteria or a virus and can be prevented
washing hands well and often with soap and warm water and by not sharing any item in contact with
the eyes like eye drops, makeup, towels or washcloths.
3. Head Lice – Lice are parasitic insects that infest the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes especially among
girls with long hair. Lice do not transmit disease and mainly can be prevented by not sharing combs,
brushes, caps and helmets.
4. Walking Pneumonia – This is the most common pneumonia in your kids and teens. It is spread
through direct contact with an infected person’s coughs and sneezes and can be treated with antibiotics. Also can be prevented by washing hands well and often.
5. Molluscum Contagiosum – This is a very contagious viral flash colored skin rash common among kids
ages 1 to 12. It is most often spread by direct contact or touching objects with the virus on them.
Prevention is not sharing clothing or towels and washing hands well and often.
LOST AND FOUND
All “lost and found” items are kept on a table in the hall outside of the library. With the Fall
weather upon us, students are bringing their coats out to recess and then taking them off and
leaving them on the playground where they then make their way to the “lost and found” table.
Please be sure to check “lost and found” on a regular basis or remind your child to check it if
his/her clothing item is missing. We will have the table sitting out in the hall during conferences and ask that you take a look to see if any items on it belong to your child.
Can You Help Us Out!
The nurse’s office is in need of used clothes for students who soil their clothes during the
day. We need sweat pants, shorts, jeans and t-shirts. If you are cleaning out your closets in
preparation for the winter months, please keep us in mind. Used clothes can be dropped off
in the office.
Thank you for your generosity!
O’LOUGHLIN EAGLE NEW S
Lunch
Students may eat the hot lunch or bring a lunch from home. We
ask that parents not send soft drinks for their children at
lunchtime. They may, however, bring bottled water or juice.
Lunches brought from home must be served cold since the lunchroom supervisors do not have access to the microwave oven and
therefore will not be able to heat any items in a student’s sack
lunch.
Lunch count is taken each day and must be turned into the
office by 9 a.m. for all students and guests. Parents are more than
welcome to join us for lunch as schedules permit, but not more
than once a month. We ask that parents call the school before
9:00 a.m. to let the office know if they will be having lunch with
their child. The price for an adult meal is $3.50. We encourage
parents to not bring food from local restaurants.
Please check your child’s backpack on a daily basis for lunch notices. We are unable to extend credit for meals with a negative
amount.
Hello O’Loughlin Friends and Family!
Box Tops for Education
competition has begun.
Thank you to everyone for saving Box Tops over the summer
months.
Mrs. Danielson’s 2nd
grade class was the winner for
both August and September.
Each month we will be announcing a new winning class.
Please continue to keep saving your Box Tops.
My name is Jennifer Younger and I have the pleasure of teaching
ART to all of your wonderful children! I have always loved art since
I was a young child, growing up in Sublette, Kansas. So naturally,
when I attended Fort Hays State University I chose to pursue a degree in Art and Education. Throughout my teaching career I have
taught grades K-8 and this year I am enjoying teaching art here at
O’Loughlin Elementary, as well as Washington Elementary!
Outside of school my husband, KT, and our family keeps me very
busy! We have 3 awesome children - Taylor is a Junior at HHS,
Tyson is a Kindergartener at O’Loughlin, and Brooklyn is 3 and
full of energy ! We also have a cat and his name is Yellowstone. We are a very active family with strong family values. We
are involved in sports and other various activities, so I am sure we
will see many of you out and about! I love teaching art, reading, creating my own art and of course spending
time with my family.
I hope that your family is having a great school year so far and hope that I can inspire your child as much as
my art teachers inspired me! Please let me know if you ever need anything or have any questions. Also, don’t
forget to send an art shirt with your kiddos if you haven’t already. Thank you all for the warm welcome and I
am very happy to a part of the O’Loughlin Family!
With Love, Mrs. Younger 
Hi my name is Rachel Harris I am from Great Bend Kansas! I attended
Barton Community College where I graduated with an Associates in Science. I plan to get my degree's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University! In my spare time I coach traveling volleyball from ages 2nd grade to seniors in High School and participate in clubs such as KNEA, Tiger Reach, and spending time with my
friends! I love working here at O'Loughlin as one of the Kids After School
Care Director's and cant wait to see what this year has in store!
The Buddy Bench was purchased by the 2013-2014 O’Loughlin Ambassadors. A buddy bench is
a special bench where students can go to talk to other students, sit and do homework, or just
take a break from the playground.
The Hays Police Department would like to remind motorists of the laws and penalties for passing
school buses and speeding through school zones. Chief Scheibler has met with USD 489 Transportation Director Russ Henningsen and learned that the bus drivers are continuing to see these violations. These laws
were put in place to protect our most valuable resource, our students. It is important for drivers to know that
officers strictly enforce these laws, and the penalties are appropriately stiff.
It is unlawful for a driver to pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children when its
stop signal arm is extended. The driver is required to stop his or her vehicle before passing the school bus
from either direction. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red
lights and the stop sign are no longer activated. The fine for a first conviction is $100 plus $70.00 fee for
court costs.
We also want to remind drivers that the speed limit in school zones is 20 mph. The fine for speeding
in a school zone is doubled and includes a $70.00 fee for court costs. It is the responsibility of the entire
community to ensure the safety of our children and we must work together to protect them.