Oak Grove News

A Message From the Superintendent

Dear Families,
I have some exciting news to share. Our very own principal,  Ryan Murray, was nominated for the regional Principal of the Year Award through the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). Mr. Murray was a top three finalist in the region for this prestigious award! Please join me in congratulating him -- a great honor for our school leader!

Curriculum Corner

CogAT Testing
Students in grades 3 and 5 will be taking the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) on Monday, February 12. This is a three-part test that assesses a student's quantitative, verbal and nonverbal aptitude. The results of this assessment are used as one data point in placement decisions for the 2024-25 school year. If your child is absent, there will be an opportunity to make up the test. Please make sure that your child has working headphones and a fully charged device on the day of testing. Reports will be sent home to families by the end of February. 

Early Entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade
A unique type of whole-grade acceleration is early entrance to school (i.e., Kindergarten or first grade). When considering early entrance into kindergarten or first grade, keep in mind it is a process designed to meet the academic and social needs of the child. Students accepted into Kindergarten or 1st grade early are placed in a class where peers could be up to two years older. Early entrance is considered when guardians request that their child be enrolled in Kindergarten or 1st grade at the start of the upcoming school year even though the child is not yet five years old (Kindergarten)/six years old (1st grade) on or before September 1. Applications are due by April 5, 2024. Please find the application here. If you have any questions, please email Alexa Dunn (adunn@ogschool.org).

Talk Tuesday
The next Talk Tuesday will be held on February 6 at Oak Grove from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Professional Development room.  Please take a moment to R.S.V.P. for this event in order for us to plan accordingly. The presentation shared at the Talk Tuesday will also be available on the Oak Grove website. 

Multicultural Fair-Booths Needed!

The Multicultural Fair will be on Saturday, April 20 from 3:30-6:30 pm. It is an opportunity to learn about the many countries and cultures represented at Oak Grove School.  All family members and ages are welcome to attend and participate in this event. We are looking for families to host a booth and share their customs with the Oak Grove community. If you are interested in hosting a booth that represents a country, please complete this form by Friday, March 22.

PTO News

Girl & Guest
We hope to see you for “A Night in Paris” on February 3, 2024! The Girl & Guest flier in the Virtual Backpack has additional information.

If you have 1-2 hours to spare, we would love some volunteers to help out. Volunteers are needed for raffle ticket prep, set-up (the night before), check-in/food/raffle tables, and decoration tear down after the dance. Sign up HERE!

Community Give Back
The Community Give Back team will be partnering with the Girl & Guest dance to collect items for the St. Joe’s Food Pantry. Donation bins will be at the event. The most needed items include ketchup, mustard, sugar, cookies, ramen noodles, mac and cheese, lentils, canned potatoes, canned meals, chunky soups, and vegetable oil. Non-perishable items only, please!

JH Book Fair Feb. 6-8
Attention all 5th- 8th graders! The junior high book fair is just around the corner! February 6- February 8 all junior high students will attend Anderson’s book fair with their ELA classes. Click HERE for the schedule, and ask your student when they have ELA. Please consider volunteering for this fun event! Click HERE to volunteer. There are a few spots left!

Cash, credit, & ApplePay will be accepted. If you would like to view some of the books in advance, check out the flier HERE

Any questions? Please contact Melissa Sallmann or Lynsey Wolfe.

Son + One Bowling Madness
Come join us for some Bowling Madness at Bowlero in Vernon Hills. Saturday, March 16, 2024! Event, Raffle & Arcade Tickets are on sale HERE and can be purchased through March 9. Please note what size jersey you need for your student(s). The Son Plus One flier can be found in the Virtual Backpack and has additional information.

If you have any unopened toys or gifts to include in this year’s event raffle, we’ll gladly accept your donations! We are also looking for lane sponsors again this year. Please reach out to Amy Peterson to coordinate raffle pick-ups or if interested in sponsoring a lane.

OGSEF Gala 2024: Come Together - Tickets on Sale Now!

Our biannual gala is quickly approaching on February 24, 2024, and we'd love to have your support. Purchase tickets to the event, make a donation to our spotlight project, or consider becoming a sponsor by visiting patpatt.givesmart.com today!