January 2026 Edition
The New Year Edition of the OES Monthly Newsletter
A Fresh Start for a New Year š
Message From the Principal
Dear Ockerman Families,
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! I hope your winter break was filled with rest, joy, and time with the people who matter most. As we return for the second half of the school year, our staff is excited to continue building on the growth, curiosity, and confidence our Rockets have shown so far. January gives us the perfect opportunity to reset routines, refocus our goals, and celebrate the many ways our students are learning and leading each day.
This month, we will be working together on strong classroom expectations, positive behavior, and staying engaged in learning as we settle back into our school rhythm. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping students arrive ready to learn and do their best. Your support at home makes a tremendous difference in the success of our school community.
We are looking forward to a wonderful start to 2026 and all the learning and memories still ahead. Letās make it a great year, Rockets!
- Mr. Ritzi
Whatās Ahead This January š
Upcoming Events
1/5: Back to School from Winter Break!
1/6: SEL Parenting Program (virtual w/ Leah & Jackie)
1/9: Breakfast with Buddies (January 13th) Form Due
1/13: Breakfast with Buddies
1/14: Family Game Night RSVP Form & Money Due
1/16: Family Game Night
1/19: No School for Students & Staff - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/23: Winter Awards
1/27: PTO Meeting @ 4:30 pm in OES Library
1/28: Popcorn Friday Money Due
1/30: Popcorn Friday
2/4: Sweetheart Dance RSVP Form & Money Due
2/6: Sweetheart Dance
Launching Good Choices This Year š
Rocket Rule Reminder
In January, we are wrapping up our focus on Empathy, where students have been learning how to understand othersā feelings, listen with care, and show kindness in their daily interactions.
We will also begin a new focus on Perseverance. In this unit, students will explore what it means to keep going when things are challenging, learn strategies for overcoming obstacles, and practice building resilience and a growth mindset. This unit ties closely to our rules of Trying My Best and Always Prepared, as students will learn the importance of putting forth effort even when tasks are challenging and coming to school ready to learn with the tools and mindset they need for success.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help students grow both academically and socially.
Shining Into the New Year ā
STAR Student Spotlight
We are so excited to recognize our 3rd Grade STAR Students for January! These outstanding Rockets shine every day by showing what it truly means to be a STAR student. We are so proud of each of you.
Isaac Reynolds
Isaacc comes to school ready to learn every day! He is respectful and polite to adults and students alike. I can always count on Isaac to be engaged in his learning and giving his best effort on everything he does! Isaacc is new to Ockerman Elementary this year and you would never know that because his outgoing personality makes it feel like he has been a Rocket forever! Weāre so glad to have you here Isaac!! ā Mrs. Bramlage
Ibrahim Alqahtani
Ibra shows excellent character every day at school. He always tries his best, even when work is challenging, and never gives up. He comes to class prepared, ready to learn and willing to participate. He is respectful to his teachers and classmates by listening, using kind words, and following directions. He is a great role model for others and is a true example of a STAR Student! ā Mrs. Bryant
Yafet Meskele
Yafet shows compassion to his classmates and is always ready to lend a helping hand. He consistently tries his best, works hard, and approaches every task with a positive attitude. Yafet is respectful to both teachers and peers, and he demonstrates responsibility in everything he does. ā Mrs. Coy
Ivan Anstaett
Ivan is such a smart, kind, and humble student. He always puts forth 100% effort and never backs down from a challenge. He has a positive attitude and is a role model for his peers. His intelligence also stands out, especially in math - I like to call him my math genius! ā Mrs. Lageman
Kennedy Hurd
Kennedy is a perfect example of a STAR student in our classroom. She gives 100% effort on all assignments, always tries her best, even when work is challenging. She considers the feelings of others, shows respect, and is always working to improve and grow each day. We are so fortunate to have her positive attitude and shining personality in our classroom! ā Mrs. Long
Maverick Blaackar
Maverick is such a kind and hardworking student. He is always willing to help others without being asked and jump in when something needs to be done. He puts an enormous amount of effort into his work and challenges himself everyday. Maverick is always respectful to others and a positive person to be around. He is an overall great example of what being a STAR Student looks like. ā Mrs. Messmer
Not pictured: Ibrahim and Ivan, who are STAR Students this month and chose not to have their photos taken. We celebrate their accomplishments and respect their decision.
Staff as Unique Snowflakes āļø
Staff Spotlight
Leslie Harney
Leslie Harney, our Family Resource Center Coordinator, truly embodies what it means to support the whole child and the whole family. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our students feel cared for and that families who reach out for support receive the resources they need, especially during the winter season.
This holiday season, Leslie played a key role in helping nearly 400 Ockerman students receive Christmas present assistance. Her dedication, organization, and compassion made a meaningful difference for so many children and families during a time that can be especially challenging for some.
Leslie also supports our school community through the Rocket Fuel Pantry, a free food pantry available to Ockerman families, and works closely with community partners to connect families with additional resources and assistance when needed. Her behind-the-scenes work, genuine care, and tireless commitment help make Ockerman a welcoming and supportive place for all. We are incredibly grateful for Leslie and the lasting impact she has on our school community.
Moments that Made December Merry & Bright š
Last Month at Ockerman
December was filled with festive fun, meaningful moments, and plenty of school spirit at Ockerman! When we returned from Thanksgiving Break, our front office staff jumped right into the holiday spirit, transforming the front office into a winter wonderland. Snowflakes hung from the ceiling, a snow-covered wagon decorated with holiday touches and candy canes welcomed visitors, and a cozy fireplace with stockings helped set the tone for a cheerful month ahead.
We kicked off the month with a very special visit from the one and only Santa Claus, who stopped by Ockerman for Pictures with Santa. The excitement in the building was contagious as students had the opportunity to meet Santa, share smiles, and capture a memorable photo. We felt incredibly lucky to host Santa at OES, and it was a magical way to begin the holiday season for our Rockets.
During the first half of December, students also had the opportunity to shop during our In-School Holiday Shop, run by our incredible PTO. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this event possible, and a very special thank you to PTO President Courtney Wenning. Courtney balances her role in the nurseās office while also leading the PTO, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and care she brings to our school community.
Throughout the month, our staff participated in an āundercoverā theme calendar called December to Remember, quietly celebrating the season with holiday-themed days behind the scenes. During the final week before break, staff and students came together as the themes officially aligned, making the building even more festive.
The last week before Winter Break brought our much-loved December Days Theme Week. Although Mondayās āMerry & Brightā theme was canceled due to a snow day, students were extra lucky when both that Monday and the previous Friday turned into snow days. The weather gave our Rockets a four-day weekend and a shortened final week, almost like a gentle warm-up for Winter Break.
From Tuesday through Friday, students showed off their holiday spirit in creative ways. White Out Day had students channeling their inner Frosty while āFrosty the Snowmanā played throughout the building. Reindeer Day filled the halls with antlers and smiles as āRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeerā set the mood. Donāt Be a Grinch Day brought lots of green and even a surprise visit from the Grinch himself, all paired with āYouāre a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.ā Pajama Day wrapped up the week in cozy style with āChristmas Vacationā playing to kick off break.
Friday also featured our annual Holiday Extravaganza, a loud and joyful student favorite. Teachers and staff led sing-alongs and silly dances, and one of the biggest highlights was a mystery staff member dancing in an inflatable purple hippo costume to āI Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.ā When the mystery dancer leaned into the popular ā6ā7ā craze, the students absolutely went wild with excitement.
Later that day, classrooms across the building hosted holiday parties, giving students a chance to celebrate the season with their classmates before break. We ended the day with our final bell set to āChristmas Vacation,ā officially sending our students and staff into a well-deserved Winter Break.
Growing Together in 2026 š
Counselor's Corner
This monthās SEL focus is all about Equity vs. Equality and having a Growth Mindset. Weāre encouraging students to remember that challenges help their brains grow, and trying their bestāespecially when things feel toughāmakes them stronger learners and kinder classmates.
š± Growth Mindset Fun in Kindergarten & 1st Grade!
Mrs. Young will be visiting our Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms to lead a hands-on Growth Mindset lesson. Students will participate in a Growth Mindset Breakout Box Challenge, where teamwork, creative thinking, and persistence are the keys to success!
Instead of a traditional breakout room, students will work in small groups to solve a series of puzzles and clues. Each solution brings them closer to unlocking a special Breakout Box. The first team to complete all the challenges will earn the key to open the box and enjoy a fun surprise inside!
This activity is designed to help students:
Practice positive problem-solving
Encourage teamwork and communication
Build confidence through perseverance
Celebrate the idea of āI can do hard things!ā
Weāre excited to see our young learners grow, collaborate, and have fun as they strengthen their Growth Mindset! šš
2nd-5th Grade Lesson: Equity vs. Equality š«
Equality means giving everyone the same thing, regardless of their abilities.
Example: Every student gets the same textbook, no matter how well they read.
Equity means giving people what they need to succeed, recognizing everyone is different and has different challenges.
Example: Students who struggle with reading get extra help or support.
Students will learn: Equality treats everyone the same; equity treats people according to their needs to achieve fairness.
Winter Wonders in Science š¬
STEAM with Mrs. Sefton
Happy New Year! This January, our classroom is turning into a science lab as we start our new unit on Rocks and Fossils. Your child will be learning how to think like a detective to solve the "mysteries of the Earth."
What We Are Learning:
The Big Three: How to tell the difference between Igneous (volcano), Sedimentary (layered), and Metamorphic (heat-pressed) rocks.
Earthās Time Machine: Using fossils to figure out what our town looked like millions of years ago.
Natureās Power: How wind, water, and ice slowly shape the world around us.
Be a Scientist at Home (For Free!) You don't need a microscope to be a geologist. On your next walk to the store or the park, ask your child to find a "Mystery Rock."
Ask them: "Do you think this rock was made in a volcano or pressed together in a river?"
Ask them: "Why is this rock smooth? Did water or wind wash over it?"
We are so excited to see these young scientists grow this year. Thank you for supporting their curiosity!
Frosty Season Resources āļø
Family Resource Center (FRC)
Families who may need support are encouraged to visit our FRC page on the OES website, especially the Resources and Assistance page for updated information on local programs, food assistance, and community services.
Family Resource Center Coordinator - Leslie Harney - leslie.harney@boone.kyschools.us
Snow Much PTO News š¤
PTO & Volunteer Updates
Use the link to sign up to help volunteer for any of the events we have at school during the year.
As our current parents/students graduate from OES each year we are always looking to add more parent/family volunteers. We need volunteers to make the PTO happen! Please consider getting involved to help keep this program going from year to year!