Otter Creek Elementary School

Kindergarten -2nd Grade Families:
Did you know your students have to speak into a headphone microphone to demonstrate their knowledge on their ATLAS test?

We've been practicing at school, but there are times students get really shy and whisper when it's time to speak clearly to say their sounds and read.

There is a way you can practice with them at home too. Go to https://atlasportal.org/families.html.
Scroll down and click "Training and Practice Test,"
Click Continue as a Guest
Click Guest Session
Next Select their grade
From here you can practice ALL TEST.
Specifically, for speaking they can use the ELPA21 Practice Test SPEAKING PRACTICE. This is normally a test for are English Language Learners, however it serves as a great practice test for speaking.
I encourage ALL 1st and 2nd graders to practice the Oral Reading Fluency Test as well (K-3 Training Test).

If I can help further, please reach out to me. felicia.hayes@lrsd.org or 501-447-5816

Reminder:
Awards Assembly Friday, April 10th
K-2nd Grade - 830-930
3rd-5th - 930-1030

Teacher & Staff Appreciation is coming up soon! 🍎✨

We’re excited to celebrate the amazing educators and staff who pour so much into our students each day. Families, we’d love your help in making this week extra special!

Check out the graphic below for simple and meaningful ways you and your child can help us show our appreciation. Every note, treat, and kind gesture makes a difference! 💙

Thank you for helping us celebrate our incredible staff!
#StaffAppreciation #ThankATeacher

Happy Media Specialist Appreciation Day to the ABSOLUTE best around Mrs. Courtois-Lawrence. She serves us so well.

Please click on the link below for information from the Arkansas Department of Education as it relates to ATLAS testing.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-yXQsTbBbT0hUppQd1ezO9XubneFDYnf/view?usp=sharing (English Version)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PFQdkLKL-xkiH8Rc6WnUwL0v-V-ZjrKL/view?usp=sharing (Spanish Version)

You OTTER join our students and help care for the Earth this month and beyond. April is recognized as Earth Month, featuring a month-long focus on environmental sustainability, with the main Earth Day celebrated annually on April 22nd. Before Spring Break, the OCE Recycle & Walk Clubs visited the AGFC Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, Clinton Presidential Park Bridge & Pavilion, and the Riverfront Park.

Happy Para-Professional Day!! Today we celebrate the amazing staff members that work hard everyday supporting students and our school community!!! You OTTER know we appreciate YOU ALL today and everyday!!

Otter Creek Elementary School April 2026 Calendar *The printed copy that went home with students had an error- the correct date for the Nine Week Awards Assembly is FRIDAY, April 10.

You OTTER be READING! It's Spring Break and students are coming home with a book and reading log! Set a goal to read for 20 minutes a day!!! 🦦❤️📚

You OTTER know we have some amazing artists who were selected to represent OCE at today's Artistry in the Rock event with art specialist, Mr King!

Save the Date! LRSD Families & Students Engagement Event on April 4, 2026 *10:10 am - 1:00 pm.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
Reception for New Board Members - 4:30 p.m. followed by Swearing-in Ceremony - 5:00 p.m.
Lobby, Admin Bldg.- 810 W. Markham
***LRSD Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.
LRSD Boardroom, Admin Bldg.
Agenda: https://lrsd.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/
Watch live: www.lrsdlive.com

You OTTER know we are excited to welcome Ms. Linda Smith to Otter Creek Elementary as the CIS-Communities in School Coordinator. She brings 20 years of experience in education at the Secondary & Higher Education levels. She is experienced in helping students build confidence and academic skills. Her goal is to help students reach their full potential by being at school daily and on time. “I specialize in fostering a positive learning environment where students feel safe to explore new ideas.” Outside of the classroom, Ms. Smith enjoys life, family, and friends. Welcome to OCE, Ms. Smith!

Field Day requires all of us. Please join us for a committee meeting tomorrow 3/17 at 6:00 in the cafeteria.

You OTTER know: Life Skills for Youth is reapplying for a 21st century after-school grant to support your students!

ELPA 21 Testing:

PTA Board Nominations open March 9-19, 2026. Become a leader in your child's school.

You OTTER know that we are celebrating Read Across America Week with a Potato Book Character Contest! Students could take a regular potato and transform it into a book character of their choice!! Our students are so creative!
We believe that everyone who participated is a winner! We would like your help in choosing an Overall Winner. You can vote for your favorite by clicking "like" on the photo AND/OR voting in person tonight at our OCE America's 250 Family Night from 5-7 pm at the school. Come join us for creative fun, a little bite to eat, and you can even shop the book fair while you are here.