Our final full newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year is packed with important end-of-year information, celebrations, student and staff spotlights, upcoming events, summer resources, and more!
Inside this monthās edition:
ā 5th Grade STAR Student Spotlight
š Staff Retirement Celebrations for Deanna Patton & Nancy Gohs
š Summer Reading Information
š Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
š End-of-Year Events & Reminders
āļø Summer Resources for Families
ā¦and so much more!
As we begin the final countdown to summer, we want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for an incredible school year. š
š Read the May Rocket Report here:
https://ockerman.boone.kyschools.us/o/ockerman/article/2790126
#OckermanRockets #RocketReport #FinalCountdown #FinishStrong #OESFamily š

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/fielddayvolunteers2026/forms
Sign up for PTO to stay on top of all events here at OES š£
https://forms.gle/wFXptomhEZoCsCTT9



https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1idHxXyOMBpJqriiF7RDaIF70Z4MINkX6csHhTsAHGVI/edit?usp=sharing



Ockerman families, hereās an awesome opportunity for your future soccer stars!
š« Ryle High School Soccer Programs are hosting their 2026 Youth Soccer Campāa fun, high-energy experience designed to build skills, confidence, and teamwork!
š Dates: June 2, 3, & 4
š Time: 6:00 PM ā 8:30 PM (Drop-off at 5:45 PM)
š Location: Ryle High School Turf
š Who: Students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade (2026ā2027 school year)
š² Cost:
⢠$75 Early Bird (before May 24)
⢠$90 after May 24
⢠Discounts available for siblings & Boone County Schools employees
⨠Camp Highlights:
ā½ Skill development with experienced coaches
š¤ Team-building and confidence growth
š§š§ Age-based group instruction
š Camp t-shirt, Kona Ice on the last day, and a FREE varsity game pass
š„¤ Concessions available daily
š What to bring: Soccer ball, cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle
š² Register here: https://forms.gle/oUFFx59hWJrEDNnZ7
Over 250 students participate each yearādonāt miss out on this fun and active summer opportunity!
š See the full flyer for more details!


š¢ Weekday Update with Principal Ritzi
Ockerman families, Mr. Ritzi is back with a quick update as we head into the final weeks of the school year. There are a lot of important dates and reminders you wonāt want to miss.
š„ Watch the full update here: https://youtube.com/shorts/EoISn1O-EBA
Here are a few highlights:
š
State Testing: May 11ā20
š MAP Testing (Kā2): May 18 & May 20
š Field Day: May 26 (volunteers needed)
š 5th Grade Promotion: May 27 at 9:15 AM
š 5th Grade Picnic: May 28
š« Last Day of School: May 29
š Awards Day (Kā4): May 22
š« No School: May 19 & May 25
š” Donāt forget to complete the Parent Title I Survey for a chance to win a zoo pass and keep an eye out for Site-Based nominations coming soon.
All dates will also be included in the May newsletter. Letās finish the year strong! š

A huge thank you to our amazing friends from Costco for spending time with our students as part of their Reading Buddies program!
Each week, these wonderful volunteers meet one-on-one with students, helping them grow their reading skills with engaging books that match their individual levels. Itās such a meaningful way to build confidence, connections, and a love for reading. āØ
Over the course of the program, students not only strengthen their skills but also build special relationships with their reading buddies. At the end, they get to keep their books, along with a fun Costco name badge and a backpack to take their reading adventures home! šš
We are so grateful for partners like Costco who invest in our students and our school community. Thank you for making such a lasting impact! š«





Join the Boone County Public Library for their Summer Reading Kick-Off!
š Friday, May 29
ā° 7:00ā9:00 PM
š Boone Woods Park
Stop by to register for Summer Reading and enjoy a fun-filled evening with:
šø School of Rock
š¦ Arboretum on Wheels
š Boots Nā Mini Mooās (Highland cows!)
š° Bounce house
š³ Outdoor activities
š Hot dogs & chips
Stick around after for a Summer Movie Kick-Off at 9:00 PM featuring A Minecraft Movie. Donāt forget your blanket! šæ
⨠Program Details:
Summer Reading runs June 1 ā July 31
Track reading in 15-minute increments using a paper log or the Beanstack app
š Read 5 hours to earn a free book, wallet, and 3 Library Bucks
š„¤ Read 10 hours to earn a color-changing cup
šļø Keep reading to earn entries into grand prize drawings
š² Early registration begins May 15 at BCPL.org
š„ Watch the Summer Reading promo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOBVOOh_8MM
š Access Summer Reading logs (English & Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rPoJWiS7DZDuXuvY9dGs0s_u4pDJrGlH?usp=sharing
There are programs for all ages, so families are encouraged to sign up and read together this summer! āļøš

A huge thank you to Chad Chaddell from the Joe Nuxhall Foundation for visiting our students and sharing his book, Joey the Can-Do Kangaroo! š¦š Chad not only brought a wonderful story to life, but also shared an inspiring message about positivity, perseverance, and believing in yourself.
The Joe Nuxhall Foundation does incredible work by providing accessible and inclusive baseball fields and recreational opportunities for athletes with special abilities of all ages. Their facilities create a big-league gameday experience in a safe, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed environment where everyone can experience the joy of the game. ā¾
We also loved learning about Joey the Can-Do Kangaroo, the official mascot of the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields! Joeyās energy, positivity, and ācan-doā spirit perfectly reflect the amazing athletes the foundation serves. Thanks to this story, that same message is being shared with students in schools like ours.
Thank you again, Chad, for your time, your story, and for the impact youāre making in our community! š«



Join Girl Scouts of Kentuckyās Wilderness Road for an Information & Inspiration Night to learn what itās all about!
This casual open house is a great opportunity to:
⢠Learn how to start and lead a troop
⢠Explore resources available to support you
⢠Discover what Girl Scouts offers, including programs, activities, and more
š Date: May 4
ā° Time: Drop in anytime between 5:00ā7:00 PM
š Location: BCPL Main Branch, Meeting Room A
Girls are welcome to attend with their grownup!
š RSVP here (optional):
https://form.jotform.com/260485628273161
š Questions? Contact Michelle Potts
mpotts@gswrc.org
| 859-514-2150

Weāre excited to share an important update about Advanced Coursework & Accelerated Learning for students in grades 4ā12 beginning in the 2026ā2027 school year!
Boone County Schools is committed to challenging and supporting every learner by expanding access to rigorous, engaging academic opportunities that help students grow, think critically, and prepare for future success.
⨠What does this mean for students?
⢠Deeper learning in core subjects like Math, ELA, Science, & Social Studies
⢠Opportunities to build strong study habits and problem-solving skills
⢠A pathway toward Honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses
⢠Increased college & career readiness
š Whatās new?
Students identified for advanced learning (including those with a Gifted Student Service Plan) will be automatically enrolled in advanced coursework, helping ensure equitable access for all learners ready for a challenge.
š” Families will always have the option to choose whatās best for their child, including opting out if needed.
š© Questions?
Contact your schoolās Gifted & Talented (GT) Lead:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16Y3CoGjzsFTupgBIL3QnsvlOeJPJof7WInSnkOiushk/edit?usp=sharing
š Learn more:
District Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fh3sSp8d1LKqxmOr31Cfk65ijkfXgG6L98PnbJxWeQU/edit?usp=sharing
Full Overview Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kMgCbxoPMruxpeJpCfALvUTb2O07eqI-4Q_3bhjUlzw/edit?usp=sharing
#BooneCountySchools #StudentSuccess #AdvancedLearning #FutureReady
When you link your Kroger Plus Card to our school, Kroger donates a portion of your purchases to our Family Resource Centerāat NO cost to you!
š Itās quick, easy, and makes a BIG impact
š Sign up today: www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com
š Search: Ockerman Elementary School
š· Code: SR559
Thank you for supporting our students and families š

Dear Families,
As a Title I school, we value strong partnerships between home and school. Each year, we review and update our Parent & Family Engagement Policy and our School-Parent Compact to make sure they reflect the needs of our students and families.
We are asking for your input as part of this important process. Your feedback helps us improve communication, strengthen support for students, and build meaningful family engagement opportunities. These plans guide how we:
⢠Partner with families
⢠Support student learning
⢠Communicate with you
Please review the attached policy and compact and you can share your thoughts by:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wJ3xtz9RN9v0ZQrEgFudAwfznMFBL8dYeeVLtTNVAeg/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uiFxtatYQz0bnIoZfDuR3UiRxTJI-DGsAtd9566SNeM/edit?usp=sharing
⢠Completing this short survey: https://forms.gle/pbohWJfwDbdUg5Pn9
We truly appreciate your time and input. Thank you for partnering with us to support student success!
Join us for a fun and interactive morning focused on early learning through movement and play!
š April 24, 2026
ā° 9:30 AM ā 11:00 AM
š Boone County Public Library
1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY
š¶ Perfect for young learners and their families!
šļø Family Zoo Pass Raffle
š Snacks provided
š Free books and toys
This is a great opportunity to explore, play, and connect with your community while supporting early childhood development š
š Register here: https://forms.gle/DqNaQX79PNw6SY219
#BoonesBeginners #EarlyLearning #BooneCounty #FamilyFun #LearnThroughPlay

This Friday will be our final Popcorn Friday of the year!
Please make sure to send in popcorn money by Wednesday, 3/25.
Popcorn is $1 each.
Thanks for supporting PTO and making Popcorn Fridays so fun for our students!

If your family could use extra support with groceries, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be able to help.
š Call Feeding Kentucky at 502-209-9592 for FREE assistance with the application process. They can walk you through everything step-by-step and answer any questions you may have.
š² You can also scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.


Enriching Kidz is offering summer camp opportunities at both Thomas More University and Union Presbyterian Church this summer! See the flyer attached for more information and registration.

The online world is constantly changing, and it is more important than ever for families to understand how to keep kids safe. Join us for an informative evening focused on protecting children in todayās digital environment.
š Thursday, March 26
ā° 5:30 PM ā 7:30 PM
š Ockerman Middle School
Hear from the Boone County Sheriffās Electronic Crimes Unit (ECU) and local school administrators about the impact of online activity on youth in our community and learn practical tips to help keep children safe online.
Cyber Safety 2026.03.26
š½ Dinner and snacks provided
š Door prizes including:
⢠Zoo membership
⢠First Watch voucher
⢠LaRosaās voucher
⢠Family activity baskets
ā ļø Parents & Caregivers Only
Please register in advance so we can plan for food and door prizes.
š Register here:
https://forms.gle/4H7YV8fNmHB7RQjL8
We hope you can join us for this important and informative event!

Join us for the 2026 Preschool Resource Fair hosted by Boone County FRYSC! Families are invited to explore local early childhood resources, learning materials, activities, and helpful information about Boone County Schools preschool programs.
š April 2
ā° 5:00ā6:30 PM
š Ockerman Elementary School
This fun and informative evening is a great opportunity for families with preschool-aged children to connect with community organizations and learn about early learning opportunities.
š Bonus: Attend the event and be entered for a chance to win a family zoo pass!
š Register here: https://forms.gle/zz6QVmhm6uaaR9n59
#BooneCountySchools #PreschoolReady #EarlyLearning #FRYSC #OckermanElementary


What an incredible evening at Ockerman Elementary! Last night, our families journeyed back in time for a prehistoric adventure filled with dinosaurs, literacy, hands-on activities, and family fun.
From scavenger hunts and dino digs to story time, crafts, volcano fun, and the Scholastic Book Fair, there was something exciting around every corner. Students explored stations throughout the building, completed their Dino Expedition Maps, and enjoyed learning experiences designed to make reading come alive.
Families also had the opportunity to learn more about Title I and how it supports student success at OES. We are so grateful to everyone who took time to attend, participate, and complete the post-event survey.
A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the night a JURASSIC success. Your time, creativity, and energy made this event truly special for our students and families.
Take a look at some of the highlights from the evening below! š§”š¦“
#FamilyFunNight #ReadingIsDinoMite #OckermanElementary #FamilyLiteracy #Title1 #DinoFun







Empowering families. Building confidence. Strengthening community.
Join us for a series of FREE family learning sessions designed to support immigrant and English learner families with practical tools for everyday life, school success, and community connection.
⨠Whatās Included:
⢠ESL classes for adults (school, home, and community language)
⢠Healthcare system guidance
⢠Familyāschool partnership support
⢠Community resources for immigrant families
⢠Early learning workshops (ages birthā5)
⢠Understanding ACCESS testing & English growth
š Locations include: Jones Middle School, Collins Elementary School, and the Ralph Rush Center
š Sessions begin February 7, 2026 and continue through August 2026
š Register here: https://bit.ly/ELParentU
or scan the QR code on the flyer
š These sessions are designed to support families, build confidence, and create stronger connections between home, school, and community.
#ImmigrantParentUniversity #ELFamilies #FamilyLearning #CommunitySupport #ESLFamilies #EarlyLearning #ParentUniversity #StrongerTogether





