For Immediate Release:
The Chicago Bears have a program to recognize educators throughout the area who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of students. At today’s opening OES staff meeting, Kindergarten Teacher Samantha Smith was surprised with an announcement that she has been selected for this award. A former student nominated her for going to great lengths to support all students, outstanding communication, creating memorable learning experiences, and excelling in the classroom.
Ms. Smith will receive a $1,000 donation towards her classroom, personalized Bears Jersey, and will be recognized before the Preseason Game at Soldier Field on August 15th.
“Ms. Smith embodies everything we could ask for in an educator at OES. She pours her heart and soul into her job and does an incredible job of doing what is best for each kid. She is incredibly deserving of this recognition and I grateful for all that she does for the students in our community” remarked OES Principal Ryan Huels
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Smith on this incredible honor!
August 2026 lunch menus
We are also CEP again this year! FREE Breakfast & Lunch for ALL Students!!!
Clarification as there was a graphic with incorrect info floating around.
This is for new families to the district, if you attended Kindergarten Kickoff you don’t need to attend as the same information will be shared.
Meet the OES Administrative team
Elementary families can log in to PowerSchool after 3 PM on Monday August 3 to view your child’s homeroom teacher.
We can’t wait to welcome students back to the building in a few weeks!
OES Back To School Dates:
OES Summer Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/vrhbx-oes-summer-update
Back to school breakfast at the VFW
3rd Grade won the privilege to Tattoo the Principal for having the highest percentage of students meeting both goals on the Spring MAPs assessment
Field day 2926
OCUSD is thrilled to announce Mrs. Andrea Messenger is a winner of the Illinois Principals Association Staff Leadership Award. This distinguished award is reserved for the very best in the field of education who exemplify excellence and leadership in their various roles. Nominees were submitted from across the 6 county Northwest region and vetted through a rigorous review panel. This is the first winner from Oregon Elementary School in many years and the only nominee selected across the district this year.
OES Principal Ryan Huels nominated Mrs. Messenger for her leadership as an administrative assistance, contributions to a positive school culture, outstanding customer service, and excelling in all that she does. Andrea was surprised with award at a staff meeting with her family in attendance.
We are grateful for Mrs. Messenger’s dedicated service to our district. Please join us in congratulating her on this award!
Thank you to the OHS FFA for planning and hosting a Petting Zoo for the elementary students. It is always one of the best days of the year!
OES April Leaders of the Month!
Students were selected for displaying positive behavior, kindness to others, strong work ethic, and going above and beyond to make OES a better place for all!
We are so proud of them and grateful for all they do to be role models at school!
The Annual 4th Grade IKidARod race was held in Park West this morning. The race follows a unit of study on the Alaskan Iditarod dog sled race and features various team based challenges throughout the park.
Congratulations to the Snow Huskies in Mrs. Rufer’s class for winning the championship.
A special thank you to the numerous parent/family volunteers and OHS students who helped put on this memorable event.
We celebrated Neurodiversity in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.
Save the date for our end of year Family Night! The event will be highlighted by a Staff vs First Responders Kickball Game and other free activities for the family.
Mrs. Huels’ Kindergarten class loved planting flowers and decorating pinwheels during the Generations Program. Keep an eye out for their beautiful blooms & pinwheels around Allure or Pinecrest.
We continue to be so grateful for the partnership with Allure of Pinecrest, Merlin’s Greenhouse, and Gingersnapps Photography.
Moments like these remind us how special community connections can be!
OES March Leaders of the Month!
Students were selected for displaying positive behavior, leadership, kindness to others, and a strong work ethic. We appreciate all they do to make our school a great place.
Kindergarten held a Royal Ball to celebrate their learning in ELA!
