Inside this edition: spring picture day reminders 📸, report card information 📄, spirit week dates 🎉, yearbook ordering, upcoming family events 💃, kindergarten registration details 🐾, and an important principal’s message about kindness and friendship as we head into this busy season of the school year.
There are several deadlines and event dates coming up quickly, so please take a few minutes to read through this week’s newsletter carefully. Your partnership makes a difference! 💙
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
3rd grade is an important milestone as students transition to greater independence and new academic expectations. We want to learn from your experience to make the move from 2nd to 3rd grade as smooth and supportive as possible for future students.
How was your child's transition into 3rd grade?
The survey is available in English and Spanish - simply click the links below to share your experience. Thank you for helping our school community grow! 💛📚
English survey link: http://bit.ly/4loWCNp
Spanish survey link: https://bit.ly/46PXR2d
This message is for parents of students who ride Bus #40 (Mrs. Ford's bus). Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will need to run a double bus route this afternoon. Students who normally ride Mrs. Ford’s Bus (#40) will arrive home approximately one hour later than usual. These students will be transported home on Bus #71 after the first route is complete.
We apologize for the inconvenience. One of our drivers experienced a medical emergency today, and we were unable to secure a substitute driver.
If you would like to make a change to your child’s transportation for this afternoon, please call the school office as soon as possible, and we will make sure your message is relayed to the teachers and bus driver.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support.
Person County Schools is hiring a Facilities & HVAC Technician for our Maintenance Department.
Maintenance workers are a vital part of our school system. They work behind the scenes each day to keep our facilities safe, comfortable, and operating smoothly for students and staff.
This role includes performing general maintenance and helping ensure safe conditions throughout the school system.
📍 Position: Facilities & HVAC Technician
🔗 Learn more and apply:
https://person.schoolspring.com?jobid=5558917
Come be part of the team that supports learning in every building, every day.
Our next Parenting with Eyes Wide Open is on March 24!
Topics Covered:
HOPE: (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)
Presented by our Partners at Vaya Health:
Laura Sharpe, System of Care Coordinator, Vaya Health
Cheyenne Saunders, Youth Partner, Vaya Health
Jeany Sulpha, Family Partner, Vaya Health
Parenting in today’s world can feel overwhelming—but you are doing more good than you may realize! Join us for a HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) parent session where we’ll explore simple, practical ways to build on your family’s strengths and support your child’s mental health. Learn how everyday moments—connection, encouragement, and feeling supported—can help your child grow with confidence, resilience, and skills that last through their school years and into adulthood.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
WHO: All Person County Parents (Appropriate for parents of children of all ages. Childcare provided!)
WHERE: Person County Schools Board of Education Meeting Room, 304 Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC 27573
Watch Live at: https://youtube.com/live/XeIXwFpxz94?feature=share
Register at the QR Code above or use this link: https://bit.ly/HOPE-March24
Childcare will be provided on-site.
See our attached flyer for full details.
It's time to vote for your favorite Person County school, principal, staff, student leader, and teacher in the Best of Person County with the Courier Times! Take a moment to vote for your favorite at the link below.
https://www.personcountylife.com/bestofpersoncounty/#//
🚨 Parents — Don’t Miss This!
3 Important Things in This Week’s Newsletter
* 📚 Read-A-Thon Ends Friday
* 💃 Mommy & Me Dance Details
* 📸 Yearbooks On Sale Now
👉 Read the Paw Print
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
This is an important announcement for our 5th-grade families!
Southern Middle School will be hosting its Rising 6th Grade Information Night TONIGHT, March 3rd at 6:00 PM at Southern Middle School, located at 209 Southern Middle School Road. This event will take place in the auditorium.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about academics, electives, extracurricular activities, and what your child can expect as they transition to middle school. The goal of the evening is to help families feel informed, connected, and confident about this exciting next step. You'll have the opportunity to meet SMS staff, hear from current students, and learn more about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for students within Person County Schools.
We strongly encourage 5th-grade families to attend. We hope to see you there!
Thank you, and have a great day!"
Our next Parenting with Eyes Wide Open is on March 24!
Topics Covered:
HOPE: (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences)
Presented by our Partners at Vaya Health:
Laura Sharpe, System of Care Coordinator, Vaya Health
Cheyenne Saunders, Youth Partner, Vaya Health
Jeany Sulpha, Family Partner, Vaya Health
Parenting in today’s world can feel overwhelming—but you are doing more good than you may realize! Join us for a HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) parent session where we’ll explore simple, practical ways to build on your family’s strengths and support your child’s mental health. Learn how everyday moments—connection, encouragement, and feeling supported—can help your child grow with confidence, resilience, and skills that last through their school years and into adulthood.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
WHO: All Person County Parents (Appropriate for parents of children of all ages. Childcare provided!)
WHERE: Person County Schools Board of Education Meeting Room, 304 Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC 27573
Watch Live at: https://youtube.com/live/XeIXwFpxz94?feature=share
Register at the QR Code above or use this link: https://bit.ly/HOPE-March24
Childcare will be provided on-site.
See our attached flyer for full details.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is NOW OPEN!
Please remember that a child must be five (5) years old on or before August 31, 2026 to register for kindergarten. To successfully register, the following steps must be completed:
Complete ONLINE REGISTRATION here: https://730.ncsis.gov/campus/OLRLoginKiosk/psu730person?configGroupID=10
Submit the following documents to your child's assigned school:
Guardian Photo ID (Court documentation if applicable)
Three Proofs of Guardian Residency (Examples: rental agreement, utility bill)
Proof of Childs Birth Date (certified birth certificate)
NC Kindergarten Health Assessment form (Must be completed within one calendar year prior to first day of school)
Immunization Records (Obtained from family doctor or Health Department)
Please see the attached flyers for more information!
There is A LOT happening at Oak Lane right now — and this week’s newsletter is packed with important updates, celebrations, and events you’ll want on your calendar! 📅
Here’s just a peek at what’s inside 👇
📚 Read-A-Thon kickoff (and how your child can participate!)
🎉 Important upcoming events & Spirit Week dates
👶 Kinder Cubs Countdown for future Kindergarten families
💃 Mommy & Me Dance details
📘 Yearbook ordering information
⭐ PTO opportunities to get involved
🏫 Principal updates + how we’re helping students stay focused before Spring Break
…and MUCH more!
As we head into the final stretch before Spring Break, every school day counts — and this edition includes important reminders to help our students finish strong and feel confident heading into end-of-year learning.
👉 Take a few minutes tonight to check it out so you don’t miss anything important!
💙💛 Thank you for partnering with us to help our Oak Lane Cougars succeed!
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
School Social Work Week | March 1–7, 2026
This week, Person County Schools proudly celebrates our incredible school social workers and the vital role they play in supporting students every day.
Our school social workers are champions for students’ academic success and social and emotional well-being. Through compassionate guidance, strong partnerships with families, and collaboration with teachers and staff, they help remove barriers to learning and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” perfectly reflects the work they do across our district—bringing students, families, educators, and community resources together to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
Please join us in thanking our dedicated school social workers for the care, advocacy, and lasting impact they make in the lives of our students and families. 💙
🚨 LAST CALL FOR FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES! 🚨
Planning to attend a field trip with your child this year? Today is the FINAL DAY to complete your volunteer background check!
All chaperones must have an approved background check before attending any school field trip — no exceptions.
✅ Takes just a few minutes to complete
✅ Required for all volunteers and chaperones
✅ Must be submitted today
👉 Complete your background check here:
https://bit.ly/40xne5d
I have also attached PCS chaperone guidelines and expectations below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DywaitYVMLIjcFCg6OWV5Iw4TYGh3mg3p2FiT8JSbtc/edit?usp=drive_link
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe while making field trips memorable experiences! 🐾💙
We know life is busy. Bookbags are full. Calendars are packed. But taking just a few minutes each week to read the Paw Print Newsletter is one of the most important ways you can stay connected to your child’s school experience.
This week’s newsletter is FULL — and every section matters.
✨ A heartfelt Message from the Principal about academic growth and our Morning Meeting focus on Kindness (empathy in action!).
🎉 Public Schools Week — celebrating the powerful work happening in public education.
🚀 CTE Spirit Week — helping students connect learning to real-world careers and dream big about their futures.
📝 Information about the 4th Grade NAEP Assessment (The Nation’s Report Card).
🎶 Details for the 4th & 5th Grade Music Program.
📚 Our upcoming Read-A-Thon (starting March 2!) to build strong readers.
💚 PTO Fundraiser updates — including how close we are to that $6,700 goal and all the amazing things PTO supports (field trips, STEAM Day, cultural arts, teacher reimbursements & more!).
📖 Yearbook ordering information (deadline April 3!).
👩👧 Details about the Mommy & Me Dance and why these moments of connection matter.
🐾 Kindergarten Countdown sessions for future Cougars.
📸 A call for local photographers to partner with Oak Lane next year.
📅 Important dates now through Spring Break.
When you read the Paw Print each week:
✔️ Your child doesn’t miss out on special days or deadlines.
✔️ You can plan ahead instead of scrambling at the last minute.
✔️ You can talk with your child about kindness, careers, literacy, and school celebrations.
✔️ You model that school is important — and that message sticks.
Research consistently shows that students perform better when families are informed and engaged. Simply knowing what’s happening at school increases student confidence, participation, and success.
At Oak Lane, we are building more than academic skills — we are building compassionate, confident, future-ready children. And that work is strongest when school and home are connected.
So Cougar families — take 5–10 minutes this weekend. Open the Paw Print. Mark your calendar. Talk with your child. Join the fun.
Together, we are making a difference every single day.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Cougar! 🐾💛💙
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
There is a lot happening at Oak Lane Elementary, and this week’s newsletter is packed with important updates and celebrations!
✨ A message from the principal about spring learning and routines
🖤 How we’re honoring and learning during Black History Month
📅 Key dates and events you need on your calendar
👏 A special spotlight on someone who helps keep our school safe
🎉 PTO news, fundraisers, and ways to get involved
📚 A Read-A-Thon that will get your child excited about reading
🐾 Reminders about bus safety and our PAWS expectations
Whether you’re looking for dates, opportunities, or ways to support your child’s success, it’s all inside!
👉 Take a few minutes to check it out and stay in the know. Your partnership makes a difference! 💚💛
It’s a great day to be a Cougar! 🐾
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
We are so excited for our first Daddy and Me Dance this evening! We can’t wait to see our students and their special guests enjoying a night of music, laughter, and memories together.
✨ Reminders:
✔️ Doors will open at 5:30
✔️ Students must attend with a parent or positive male figure. Students cannot be dropped off.
✔️ Parking is available in the main lot, the circle drive (please do not block the circle), and the grass area on the playground side of the building
✔️ Last-minute tickets available at the door (cash only)
✔️ Dress to impress and wear your dancing shoes
✔️ Bring your camera for sweet photo moments
💜 Moms, don’t feel left out! We’ll have a Mommy & Me Dance later this spring, so there’s a special night just for you too.
It’s going to be a wonderful night for our Cougar families. See you on the dance floor! 🐾💚
We have two very important events coming up this week that we need your help spreading the word!
First, Our Kinder Cubs Countdown kicks off this Thursday, Feb. 12 from 5:30–6:30 PM, and we can’t wait to meet our newest Oak Lane cougars and their families!
This first session focuses on early literacy and will give you simple, fun ways to help your child get ready for kindergarten success. You’ll also get to meet our caring staff and pick up helpful resources to use at home.
If your child will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2026, this program is for YOU!
✨ Build confidence
✨ Learn what to expect in kindergarten
✨ Start your child’s school journey strong
🐾 Join us and let your little cub take the first step toward a great year at Oak Lane!
We’re excited to welcome you! 💛💙
Please RSVP HERE so we can plan ahead to meet you: https://forms.gle/FoiPEwwJazmhXYJdA
Secondly, 💖 Calling All Cougar Cub Heroes! 💖
Dads, Stepdads, Granddads, Papas, Uncles, Big Brothers, Cousins, Neighbors, and all positive male role models — this one’s for YOU.
If your child’s positive male role model is unavailable and your child would still like to attend, please reach out. We’ll make sure they have a special “date” for the evening so they don’t miss out!
Our Valentine Daddy & Me Dance is more than just music, snacks, and dancing… it’s a chance to create a core memory your Cougar Cub will talk about for years. 🕺💃🐾
✨ One night.
✨ One special date.
✨ One child who feels seen, valued, and incredibly important.
📚 Why it matters:
Research consistently shows that when positive male role models are actively involved in elementary-aged children’s lives, students demonstrate higher confidence, stronger social skills, improved behavior, and greater academic motivation. Simply showing up — laughing, dancing, and spending focused time together — builds emotional security and lifelong memories.
This event is open to ALL positive male role models because what matters most is the relationship — not the title.
💕 $10 per couple | $15 for 2 or more kids
💕 Includes a drink, snack, and sweet treat
💕 Friday, February 13th | 5:30–7:00 PM
Let’s fill the floor with smiles, laughter, and some seriously proud Cougar Cubs. 🐾💖
👉 Reserve your spot today and be part of a memory that truly matters.
Check your child's bookbag today for this special invitation and RSVP slip!
Cash or Check made Payable to Oak Lane Elementary is accepted on Fridays.
Online Payment Center (select the Daddy & Me Dance option that fits your family's needs): https://osp.osmsinc.com/PersonNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=WB348&fbclid=IwY2xjawP3HcBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvWkxpVk1ta1dRTGJ1aXlTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgw49FFVPFSVVnUeEbe-ix5PENGXGvZtZabMav-_ynIhO_ApY2TOflyyxks0_aem_2GP4WHq4Zw2fP1Wtk6gniw
We’re back together after snowy days and schedule changes, and there’s so much happening at Oak Lane! From celebrating our students’ growth to upcoming events, the Paw Print is your one-stop guide to all things Cougar.
✨ This week’s highlights:
A message from Mrs. Bowling about keeping routines strong and students focused 💛💙
Kinder Cubs Countdown — our rising kindergartners’ first step toward a successful school journey 🐾
Daddy & Me Dance — a special night for positive male role models and their Cougar Cubs 💖
Fun and important dates coming up, including music programs, fundraisers, and more 🎶📅
Bus behavior reminders, PTO news, and ways you can support our school community 🚌💚
📣 Don’t miss out — click the link below to read the full newsletter! Your involvement makes a difference, and together we can make these weeks focused, fun, and full of Cougar pride.
👉 https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
💙💛 Go Cougars! Show us your PAWS!
We wanted to send another quick follow-up to ensure families are aware that Oak Lane will not be participating in the movie night at The Kirby this evening. Our number one priority is the safety of our students, families, and staff. As of yesterday, The Kirby was still uncertain whether the movie would proceed due to the possibility of additional inclement weather.
If The Kirby does move forward with the showing, we still encourage families to attend and support the arts in our community. However, Oak Lane staff will not be hosting concessions or the student art show, as both require significant planning and preparation with the possibility of a last-minute cancellation.
Instead, our featured student artwork will be proudly displayed at Oak Lane next week in the 3–5 grade hallway. The display will open on Wednesday and remain available for viewing through the following Monday.
We invite families to come enjoy the wonderful artwork created by our students. You are welcome to visit during breakfast or lunch hours, between 3:00–3:30 PM, or on February 13th during the hours of the school dance.
Thank you for your continued support of our Creative Arts program and our talented student artists.
Sincerely,
Heather Bowling
Principal, Oak Lane Elementary
Person County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay for students tomorrow, Friday, February 6th. This will allow our bus drivers to run their routes in daylight in case there are some icy patches on secondary roads due to the overnight freezing temperatures. Staff will report at their regular times. We are looking forward to having students back in buildings.