Message from the Principal

As we head into the summer months, I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed my first year as principal at
Ocee ES. It has been such a pleasure working with so many dedicated teachers and staff members, and I have been
overwhelmed by the positive nature, talent, and commitment of our PTA members and parent volunteers. Thank you all
for partnering with us here at Ocee as we work together to educate and encourage these wonderful children. I look
forward to many more years of collaboration, and I thank you for your support of Ocee ES!
Did you hear the good news? The 5th grade GA Writing Assessment scores are in, and we are pleased to announce that
once again, our fifth graders demonstrated fantastic writing ability! Thirty-four percent of fifth graders at Ocee
exceeded standards on the assessment, and ninety-seven percent of all fifth grade students either met or exceeded
the state writing standards to be successful writers. In addition to homeroom teachers, we thank special area teachers
who incorporated writing into their curriculum this year. This success can be shared among students, all Ocee teachers,
and parents, who have encouraged and tutored their young authors at home as well. What great teamwork! Scores will be
sent home to fifth grade parents at the end of May with report cards.
A hearty "thank you" goes to Monica Phillips who has worked hard all year to keep Ocee ES on the path to "green."
Recently, Monica has been exercising her "green thumb," planning and planting the 4th grade garden. (Thanks, also,
to Mr. Phillips, who spent part of his weekend preparing the ground for the incoming shrubs and plants.) Next time
you are at Ocee, check out the courtyard, and visit our garden retreat.
Ocee ES would like to thank all PTA members for their hard work and support throughout the year. Thanks, especially,
to the PTA Executive Board members who organize so many wonderful events in support of students and families. Thanks
also to Diane Maicon, who served as PTA co-President for the past two years. She will be continuing on the board
next year as Parliamentarian. We also want to thank Deborah Whitney and Christy Mallein, who will be Co-Presidents
for the coming year. We are so grateful for your efforts and support!
Sincerely,
Debbie Pernice
Final Week Reminder
Remember that students should arrive on the last day of school with nothing in their hands - no book bags,
no reusable lunch boxes, etc. They may bring their snacks or sack lunches in a container that can be thrown away.
All students' personal items will be taken home by Thursday of the last week of school.