Notes from Oak - Aug 21, 2026

Happy Friday!

Today marks the first full week of school, and what a week it has been! There is already so much happening on campus as we settle into our routines, build relationships, and get our year off to a great start. As we focus on learning this year, we are also centering our work around growth, community, and belonging. We want every Cougar to grow not only as a learner, but also as a person—to become more confident, capable, kind, and connected. Our goal is to nurture the whole child and create a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

We have already begun the year with our Kindness Kick-Off, setting the stage for a school year centered on kindness, connection, and community. As we move into September, our Character Strong focus will be Respect. Throughout the month, students will explore what respect looks, sounds, and feels like—and how we can demonstrate respect for ourselves, one another, and our Oak community.

Each month, I will also share a school-wide Character Strong letter with families highlighting that month’s character trait and offering simple ways we can reinforce these important values together at home and at school.

These character traits connect closely to who we are as Cougars. Together, we are building a community where We Are Kind, We Are Strong, and We Do Well—and where every Cougar is encouraged to keep growing, learning, and contributing to our community.

And while we are busy getting into the rhythm of the school year, we are already preparing for our next big event: Back-to-School Night!

Back-to-School Night is a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet your child’s teacher, learn more about the year ahead, and hear about the exciting learning and experiences planned for your child at Oak.

Mon, Aug 24 - Rally Week Kick-Off 8-8:30am; Blacktop

Tues, Aug 25 - Back to School Night, 5:30-7:45pm

Wed, Aug 26 - Rally Day at drop-off!

Mon, Aug 31- First Full Day of Kindergarten, 2:30pm Dismissal

Wed, Sept 2 - PTA Association Mtng - Multi; 8:45-10:30am

Tues, Sept 8 - First Full Day of Transitional Kindergarten (TK), 2:45pm Dismissal

Fri, Sept 25 - Picture Day

For 44 years, LAEF has funded the teachers, staff, and programs that make our students’ education exceptional beyond what public funding covers.  

Beginning in 2026–27, LAEF is expanding its role by fundraising for instructional programs and materials that were previously supported by the PTAs. This change allows us to provide more consistent support for these programs across every LASD school. This is a shift in fundraising responsibility, not educational priorities, creating clearer roles and simpler giving for families. So we are asking you to shift some of their donations toward LAEF, in a similar way to how the fundraising responsibilities are shifting.

Let's set our students up for a successful year. Learn more about what your gift makes possible.

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Complete the LASD Back to School process at LASDEducationPartners.org

Step 1: Donate to LAEF

Step 2: Join and donate to the PTA for each school your children attend

The Art Docent training program gives new volunteers everything they need to feel confident bringing art into the classroom. Trainees explore all the art mediums we teach while learning classroom management skills, how to lead engaging discussions, and how to give effective demonstrations.

New Docent Training takes place on Thursday mornings from 8:45–11:30 a.m. starting September 3rd and includes technique, art content, and general program topics. Once training begins, new docents gradually gain classroom experience—assisting in September, co-leading in November and December, and moving into assisting, co-leading, and leading lessons from January through May.

Join us! It’s a wonderful way to learn something new, share your creativity, and make a lasting impact on our students!