The Rocket Report

November 2025 Edition

A Thankful Edition of the OES Monthly Newsletter

A Season of Thanks

Message from the Principal

Dear OES Families,

As we move into November, I am reminded of how much we have to be thankful for here at Ockerman Elementary. Each day, I see acts of kindness, teamwork, and learning that reflect the heart of our school community. From the smiles in the hallways to the dedication of our teachers and staff, it is clear that our Rockets truly care for one another.

This time of year is a wonderful reminder to slow down and celebrate the many people who make OES such a special place. I am grateful for our families who partner with us in so many ways, for our staff who work tirelessly to create meaningful learning experiences, and for our students who inspire us daily with their curiosity, creativity, and joy.

As we head toward the Thanksgiving season, I encourage everyone to take a moment to show appreciation for the small things, whether it is a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple smile. Together, we continue to make OES a place where every student can grow, learn, and shine.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful month filled with gratitude, connection, and Rocket pride.

- Chris Ritzi

Mark Your Calendars Before the Turkey!

Upcoming Events

11/04: SEL Virtual Parent Series Click to sign up (Fill out in Google Forms)

11/06: Parent/Teacher Conferences (reach out to your child’s teacher if you have not scheduled a conference yet)

11/11: Little Caesars pick up orders

11/11: Veteran’s Day Breakfast & Parade

11/11: Little Caesars Pick Up Orders

11/13: EL Parent Program

11/14: 2nd Grade Field Trip

11/18: 4th Grade Field Trip

11/18: Multicultural Thanksgiving

11/18: PTO Meeting

11/20: DARE Graduation

11/22: St. Vincent de Paul (NKY) Coat Distribution

11/24 - 11/28: Thanksgiving Break

Falling for These Moments

Last Month at Ockerman

October was a busy and exciting month at Ockerman Elementary! During the second week of the month, students and staff enjoyed a much-needed fall break that gave everyone time to recharge before heading into the second half of the semester and the holiday season ahead.

Our Arts & Crafts Clubs kicked off this month, and students have been having an amazing time creating and learning after school. A big shout-out to the teachers who lead these clubs. We appreciate your time, creativity, and dedication to our Rockets.

We also had some of our first field trips of the year. Fifth grade visited the Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Park, third grade explored the Cincinnati Zoo, and kindergarten had a fun-filled day at the Country Pumpkins Fall Festival. Thank you to all of the chaperones who volunteered their time to make these experiences possible.

Our amazing FRC Coordinator hosted the OES Career Fair, giving students the chance to learn about a wide range of careers and ask questions about different professions. Thank you to all of the volunteers who shared their time and expertise to make this event such a valuable experience for our students.

Our Trunk or Treat event was another huge success! We loved seeing so many families come out to enjoy the evening. A heartfelt thank-you to our PTO and FRC for planning and organizing such a wonderful event, and to everyone who donated candy or volunteered. PTO also wrapped up their Little Caesars and Boo Gram fundraisers this month, and we appreciate everyone who helped make them successful.

To finish off the month, students and staff celebrated Halloween with classroom parties and our annual costume parade. Our staff went all out with their costumes this year, making the day even more fun and festive!

Keep scrolling to see some of the creative and spirited staff costumes from our Halloween celebrations.

Autumn Snapshots

Photo Spotlight

Our staff had a fang-tastic time getting into the Halloween spirit! From creative costumes to festive classroom fun, these photos showcase just a few of the highlights from our Rocket team’s celebrations.

Click Here for Photos

Grateful for These STARs

STAR Student Spotlight

Congratulations to our STAR Students for November! Each of these students has been recognized by their 1st Grade Homeroom teachers for standing out as a role model in their classroom. Whether through kindness, responsibility, effort, or respect, they are shining examples of what it means to be a Rocket. 🚀

Harper Moore (top left)

Harper is an awesome student to have in class, she works so hard on everything she does! She is a great leader and works hard to accomplish the STAR student goals every day. She is such a good friend and respectful to every adult she meets! Keep up the great work Harper! - Ms. Burcham

Sofia Uraje Martinez (top middle)

Sofia is a wonderful student. She helps others. I am so happy that she is a shining example for all the other students. - Mrs. Patton

Myla Roberts (top right)

Myla was chosen for November's spotlight because she is always going above and beyond in the classroom. She is one of the first students to offer to help her peers and she leads the classroom by modeling STAR student behavior and expectations all day long. Myla is a leader whenever working in a small group and is always trying her best. She is kind to others and respectful to anyone. - Ms. Armstrong

Kylah Reed-Pendleton (bottom left)

Kylah is always kind and helpful to everyone. She works hard and tries her best on everything she does. She is so sweet and always does the right thing. Kylah is a friend to everyone and always makes sure no one is left out. - Ms. Feldhaus

Easton McGarrah (bottom middle)

Easton is always willing to help out a classmate. He is always an amazing example of what we should be doing or what we should look like. He is a STAR student and a true 1st grade leader! - Mrs. Isaacs

Eiden Villalobos Mejia (bottom right)

Eiden is always working hard and doing her best in class every day! Eiden is always a STAR Student by showing kindness and respect to her classmates. She is a leader within the classroom by modeling the STAR expectations throughout the day. Eiden is a joy to have in class and always has a smile on her face! - Ms. Kleier

We are thankful for these amazing First Grade Rockers who shine through their hard work, positive attitudes and leadership. These students consistently show what it means to be a STAR student.✨

Thankful for Our Team

Staff Spotlight

Mackenzie Miller - EBD Teacher

Ms. Miller is moving to North Carolina and we sadly said goodbye to her last week. While at Ockerman, Ms. Miller worked hard to teach students in multiple grade levels and fill their days with engaging lessons and fun experiences. We could always count on her to step in when needed. We will miss her smile and wish her the best as she embarks on her new adventure.

Shining Scholars

Quarter 1 Honor Roll Recognition

We are so proud of our amazing Rockets who made the Honor Roll this quarter! These students have shown outstanding dedication, effort, and commitment to learning. Congratulations to all our All A and A/B Honor Roll recipients in 4th and 5th grade!

1st Quarter Honor Roll - 4th & 5th Grade - PowerPoint

Turning Over a New Leaf

Counselor's Corner

SEL Virtual Parent Series Part 2: Understand Why Children Behave The Way They Do

November 4th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Online (Sign Up in Google Forms)

Growth Mindset

This month in guidance students have been learning about growth mindset, small vs.big problems and strategies to solve them, as well as Drug/Alcohol/Bullying Prevention for Red Ribbon Week. If you need to speak with a counselor, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

-Mrs Jackie Young (grades K-1) & Ms. Leah Langdon (grades 2-5)

Character Strong Focus

This month, our CharacterStrong focus is on Gratitude — noticing and appreciating the good things in our lives and the people who make a difference for us.

We’re helping students see that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” — it’s about taking time to recognize kindness, effort, and positive moments, even in small ways. Research shows that practicing gratitude can increase happiness, improve relationships, and help students develop a more positive mindset.

You can help reinforce this trait by:

Modeling gratitude — say what you’re thankful for out loud, even for small things.
Asking reflection questions, like “What’s something good that happened today?” or “Who did something kind for you?”
Creating family gratitude moments, such as sharing one thing everyone’s grateful for at dinner or bedtime.
Encouraging thank-you notes or messages to teachers, friends, or family members.

Panorama Results for Parents

At Ockerman Elementary, we value our partnership with families and the important role you play in supporting student success. Recently, we received results from our Panorama Education Survey, which helps us better understand students’ feelings about school, relationships, and learning. These insights guide how we continue building a positive, supportive environment where all students can grow and thrive.

You can review the Panorama Results for Parents to see how our school community is growing together.

Thankful for Science

STEAM/Science Special with Mrs. Sefton

Science is all around us, from cooking the turkey to watching the weather!

Reading helps them understand science facts and instructions.

Math helps them measure, count, and make predictions in experiments.

The most important resource is you! Spending even 15 minutes of focused time each day reading together or solving a simple math problem (like calculating the distance to Grandma's house or dividing leftovers) makes a huge difference.

Khan Academy: Khan is my favorite! It offers free lessons and practice exercises for all levels of math on YouTube. (The Kahn videos are great on the website too.)

Giving Back This Season

Community Service & Donation Drives

Florence Fire/EMS & Kroger Toy Drive

The City of Florence Fire/EMS and Kroger are teaming up for their annual “Fill the Truck” Toy Drive to support local children and families through the Boone County Family Resource Centers.

Date: Saturday, December 6

Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Location: Mall Road Kroger, 7685 Mall Road

Stop by to make a donation and help bring smiles to families this holiday season. Kids can even have their picture taken with Santa on a fire truck!

All donations will go to Boone County Family Resource Centers to help ensure that every child has a gift or two under the tree this year.

Toy Drive Flyer

Grey's Veteran’s Clothing Drive

Let’s give back to those who served our country! We are collecting gently used clothing for men, women, and children — from undergarments to outerwear.

Donation Drop-Off: Place items in the donation boxes located in the front lobby or give them directly to Mrs. Speckert.

Donation Deadline: November 21st

Every item makes a difference. Thank you for helping us support our veterans this season!

Together We're Thankful

Family & Community Connections

R.C. Durr YMCA Youth Basketball League

The R.C. Durr YMCA is kicking off registration for their Winter Youth Basketball League! This program focuses on teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill-building in a fun, supportive environment.

Registration: October 1–November 30, 2025

Season: January 5–February 20, 2026

Location: R.C. Durr YMCA, 5874 Veterans Way, Burlington

Register Online: https://myy.org/programs/sports/youth-sports/

Coaches and assistants are also needed each season! For more information, contact Tammy Dunn at TDunn@myy.org or call 859-201-3414.

RC Durr YMCA 2025 Youth Basketball Registration Flyer

Gathering the Details

Reminders & Deadlines

New Attendance Procedures

Boone County Schools has announced amended attendance procedures for all public schools. Regular attendance is essential to each student’s academic success, and parents and guardians play an important role in supporting punctual and consistent attendance.

Families are encouraged to review the full attendance policy to understand what qualifies as excused and unexcused absences, parent note limits, and truancy definitions.

New Attendance Procedures Document

Cooler Weather Dress Code Reminder

As the weather gets cooler, we want to remind everyone of our updated dress code expectations. Students may no longer wear shorts to school. We encourage all students to dress appropriately for the colder temperatures to stay comfortable throughout the day. In addition, pants may have no more than one hole. This helps maintain a neat, school-appropriate appearance while ensuring students are dressed suitably for the season.

We appreciate your support in helping your child follow these expectations. Please take a moment to review your child’s school clothing choices to ensure they meet these guidelines before coming to school each day. Also, as students begin to wear jackets and coats, please consider writing your child’s name inside your child’s clothing.

Stay Connected with OES

Make sure you are connected through the Boone County Schools app and Rooms to receive important updates, announcements, and classroom messages.

Check out the Thrillshare Resource for Families for a step-by-step guide on downloading the app, logging in, and setting your notifications.

Multicultural Thanksgiving Celebration

We are excited to share that our Multicultural Thanksgiving Event is returning on November 18. This special evening invites our OES community to come together for a Thanksgiving dinner that celebrates the diversity that makes Ockerman so unique. Families will enjoy food and activities from around the world, along with a few classic American dishes.

We are seeking food donations to help make this event possible. Last year, we were thankful for contributions from Chuy’s, La Torta Loca, and Valle Escondido. If you or someone you know would like to help, please reach out to Lisa Peters for how you can volunteer or donate: lisa.peters@boone.kyschools.us.

Fall Support for Families

Family Resource Center (FRC)

As we head into the holiday season, we recognize that this can be a challenging time for many families. Our Family Resource Center is here to help connect families with local food resources and support programs

If your family or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please explore the resources below and reach out if you need assistance.

Local Food Assistance Resources

Our FRC has compiled a list of community food pantries and local food assistance programs available across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.

November Food Distribution Schedule

Local Food Assistance Document

Freestore Foodbank: Bea Taylor Market Information

These resources provide access to free groceries, community meals, and holiday assistance throughout November and beyond. If you or a family you know needs help connecting with these services, please reach out to our FRC Coordinator, Leslie Harney, at leslie.harney@boone.kyschools.us.

St. Vincent de Paul – NKY Winter Coat Distributions

Receive the gift of warmth this winter through the St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky Coat Distribution events. Families in need can pick up free winter coats for children and adults at the locations listed below.

November 22 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Life Learning Center – 20 W 18th St, Covington, KY

John G. Carlisle – 910 Holman St, Covington, KY

December 6 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Newport Intermediate School – 95 W 9th St, Newport, KY

Cristo Rey Catholic Church – 25 Cavalier Blvd, Florence, KY

Please bring proof of I.D. for each household member (Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Medical Card, or Birth Certificate).

St. Vincent de Paul Coat Distribution Flyers

Harvesting Good Habits

Rocket Rule Reminder

We want to make you aware that we have received several reports and observed ongoing issues with student behavior on the school bus. While many students follow expectations and behave appropriately, there have been increasing concerns about disrespectful, unsafe, and disruptive behavior during bus rides. We want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of following the rules on the school bus. Riding the bus is a privilege, and it’s important that all students help make the bus a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Students are expected to stay seated, use quiet voices, keep their hands and feet to themselves, and follow the driver’s directions at all times. These rules are in place to protect your child and others while traveling to and from school.

Please take a few minutes to review these expectations with your child. When students make safe and respectful choices, the bus ride is a positive start and finish to each school day.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep all students safe!

Helping Hands & Thankful Hearts

PTO & Volunteer Updates

11/11: 4:30-5:30pm - Little Caesars pick up orders

If you placed any Little Caesar orders they are due to be picked up on Tues Nov 11 from 4:30-5:30 pm in the Library! Please make arrangements to get your orders picked up on time as we do not have the space to store any orders at school. Any unclaimed orders will be donated that night.

11/18: PTO Meeting @ 4:30pm in the Library

We are desperately looking for volunteers to make our Holiday Shop a success this year, please consider volunteering even if just for an hour here or there.