Parents, this is your friendly reminder that our weekly newsletter is the place to stay informed and help your child finish strong at Oak Lane. This week’s edition is especially important because it includes everything you need to know about EOG testing week and the events that follow.
Here’s what you’ll find inside this week’s update 👇
📝 Message from the Principal
Why EOG testing matters for your child and our school
How student performance impacts Oak Lane’s school report card grade
A reminder that Oak Lane is currently a “C” school, and we know our students are capable of so much more
Encouragement for students to do their best without stress—just confidence, effort, and using the strategies they’ve learned all year
📊 Testing Week Details
Reading, Math, and Science EOG dates
What students should focus on (hint: effort over perfection!)
Why showing growth is the real goal
🔁 Retesting Opportunity (Grades 3–5)
Students who are not proficient will have a chance to retest
Students build confidence after exposure to the test
Highest score is always what counts—no risk, only opportunity
📅 Important Dates Coming Up
Retests, celebrations, awards programs, promotion ceremonies, and more
A full end-of-year schedule so you don’t miss a thing
🧠 Family Survey + Parent Input Opportunities
Help shape future decisions in our district
📚 End-of-Year Reminders
Library book returns
Important deadlines and school updates
We appreciate our families for staying connected, staying informed, and partnering with us to help every Cougar finish strong.
📩 Check it. Read it. Use it.
Because at Oak Lane, success starts with staying in the know.
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
As we head into the final month of school, there is so much happening at Oak Lane, and we want to make sure every family stays informed and prepared.
📚 End-of-Grade (EOG) testing is right around the corner
💛 Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up (May 4–8)
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Month activities are underway
🙌 Volunteer opportunities to support testing (EOG proctors needed!)
📆 A packed calendar of end-of-year celebrations, awards, and events
🐾 Important updates, reminders, and ways to support your child’s success
This is one of the most important newsletters of the year, especially for families of students in grades 3–5. It includes key testing information, important dates, and ways you can actively support your child as we finish strong.
👉 Please take a few minutes to read the full newsletter here:
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
Your partnership makes a difference every single day—and staying informed helps us work together to support our students academically, emotionally, and successfully through the end of the school year.
Thank you for staying connected and engaged with Oak Lane! 🐾
PUBLIC NOTICE: PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
In compliance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law (N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.10), notice is hereby given that members of the Person County Board of Education may be in attendance at the Person County Board of Commissioners Meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Although a quorum of the Board of Education may be present, no official business or action will be conducted during this meeting. This notice is being provided to ensure full transparency and compliance with state open meetings requirements.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This afternoon, at approximately 2:40 p.m., we were notified by local law enforcement that a nearby resident had reported hearing possible gunshots in our area. As a precaution, we immediately implemented a soft lockdown, which allowed instruction to continue while ensuring that all students and staff remained safely inside the building.
Law enforcement promptly investigated the report and did not find any cause for concern in our area. Officers remained on campus through dismissal to provide an added layer of safety and reassurance.
To avoid causing unnecessary alarm, students were not informed of the reason for the temporary restriction on outdoor activities. Only a few classes were affected, as the situation occurred during their scheduled recess period.
Please know that student and staff safety is always our top priority. At no time was anyone at risk. We are grateful to our community members for reporting something that did not seem safe, and we appreciate the quick and thorough response of our law enforcement partners.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bowling
Join us in celebrating the incredible members of our School Nutrition team across Person County Schools! From preparing nutritious meals to greeting students with a smile, they play an important role in supporting our schools each and every day.
Their hard work, care, and dedication help create a welcoming environment where students are fueled and ready to learn.
Please take a moment to thank a School Lunch Hero for all they do—we appreciate you today and every day! 💙
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #PCSStrong #ThankYou
PCS families: We need your input! As part of our Cognia accreditation process, PCS collects family feedback each year. We are currently in our mid-cycle review, and your input is an important part of this process. Please take a few minutes to complete our Family Survey. Your feedback helps guide our continued improvement. Thank you for your support!
https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/305163/p874
There’s a lot happening as we head into the final month of the school year, and this week’s newsletter is packed with important updates you won’t want to miss!
✨ A special Message from the Principal with tips on helping students finish the year strong
📝 Important EOG testing updates, including retesting opportunities for grades 3–5
🙌 A call for parent volunteers to support testing as proctors
📅 Key dates and events coming up (field trips, appreciation days, EOG schedule & more!)
💛 Our Tabs for Treatment community service project supporting Ronald McDonald House
🐾 A reminder of our Cougar PAWS expectations and how we celebrate positive behavior
⚠️ Action Items for Families:
✔️ Read about EOG testing and retesting (grades 3-5)
✔️ Sign and return retest permission forms (grades 3–5)
✔️ Consider volunteering as an EOG proctor (all parents)
✔️ Mark your calendars for upcoming events (all parents)
As things get busy, your partnership is more important than ever. Staying informed helps your child stay prepared, confident, and successful through the end of the year!
👉 Take a few minutes to read the full newsletter today!
Thank you for supporting our students and helping us finish the year strong! 💙
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
PUBLIC NOTICE: PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
In compliance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law (N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.10), notice is hereby given that members of the Person County Board of Education may attend various end-of-year school and district events in April and May 2026. A quorum of the Board may be present at one or more of these events. However, no official business will be conducted, and no actions will be taken by the Board. This notice is being provided to ensure full transparency and compliance with state open meetings requirements.
🎓 Class of 2026, this one is for you!
Graduation is right around the corner, and we could not be more excited to celebrate all that you have accomplished and all that lies ahead.
Before you turn the page to your next chapter, we invite you back to where it all began. Join us for a Former Student Reception at your PCS Elementary School (or Bethel Hill Charter School) on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 PM. This special evening is a chance to reconnect with former teachers, revisit familiar hallways, and reflect on how far you have come.
If you attended North Elementary School, your reception will be held at Person High School at 3:20 pm in the Media Center.
Please be sure to RSVP by Friday, May 8 using this form.
We cannot wait to welcome you back and celebrate the Class of 2026!
There’s a lot happening at Oak Lane this week, and you won’t want to miss a single update! From celebrating Earth Day and learning how we can take care of our planet, to recognizing the many people who make our school such a special place, this edition is full of meaningful moments and important reminders.
Inside this week’s newsletter, you’ll find:
* Opportunities to get involved—including volunteering as an EOG proctor
* Key dates and events as we head into a very busy end-of-year season
* A chance to support a powerful cause through our Tabs for Treatment community service project
* Celebrations for our staff, military families, and volunteers who make Oak Lane thrive
* Important updates to help your child finish the year strong
As we move closer to the end of the school year, staying informed and connected is more important than ever. Your partnership truly makes a difference in the success of our students and our school community.
Take a few minutes to read through this week’s newsletter—you’ll be glad you did!
With Cougar Pride,
Heather Bowling 🐾
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p
We will be collecting aluminum can tabs to support Ronald McDonald House Charities—an incredible organization that provides a “home away from home” for families with children receiving medical treatment. These small tabs are recycled to help fund housing, meals, and essential resources so families can stay close to their child during challenging times. ❤️💛
This effort is about more than collecting tabs—it’s about showing compassion, supporting children bravely fighting cancer, and standing alongside their families.
Let’s come together as a school community to show that even the smallest acts can make a big impact. Please turn in all tabs by Thursday, April 30! Thank you for helping us lead with kindness and serve with purpose! 💙🐾
Come explore careers with Person County Schools at our upcoming Job Fair!
🗓 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Helena Elementary School
355 Helena Moriah Road, Timberlake, NC
At Person County Schools, we’re committed to preparing students for success in a changing world by developing leaders who think critically, collaborate effectively, and give back to their communities.
✨ We’re hiring for a variety of roles, including:
• Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, and High School positions
• Exceptional Children (EC)
• Speech Language Pathologists
• MTSS Academic Interventionists
• Teaching Assistants
• Maintenance (HVAC)
• School Nutrition
• Before/After School Care Substitutes
💼 Incentives include:
• Licensure Support
• Competitive Local Supplement
• Certified Licensed Teacher Signing Bonus
👉 Register today: PCS County Schools Career Fair Registration Link
📅 Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Come see how you can be part of something meaningful. We’d love to meet you!
If you weren’t able to catch everything (or just want to revisit it), please take a few minutes to look back through the presentation. It’s filled with important links, contact information, and the documents you’ll need to complete enrollment.
We can’t wait to partner with you for an amazing kindergarten year—it's going to be a great one! 💙📚✨
https://canva.link/iwh21isphhbyj2q
Join us April 20–24 for Spirit Week as we honor and support those who serve and the children who stand beside them.
💜 Monday – Camo or Branch Pride Day
💜 Tuesday – Purple Up! Day
💜 Wednesday – Red, White & Blue Day
💜 Thursday – Military & Service Appreciation Day
💜 Friday – School Spirit Day
Together, we celebrate our military children and the important role they play in our school community. #PurpleUp #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild
Person County Schools is excited to celebrate student creativity while promoting mental health awareness through this year’s art contest!
✨ Theme: Radiate Resilience
Show how you shine through challenges!
We encourage all schools to participate as we recognize student winners at the May 7 Board of Education Meeting.
📅 Submission Details:
Artwork should be delivered to the Central Office on April 20 between 2:00–4:00 p.m.
🏫 What to Submit:
Each school should select and submit winners in the following categories:
Elementary (K–2): 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Elementary (3–5): 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Middle School: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
High School: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
(PCLA and Virtual Academy may submit either three total entries or divide by grade levels.)
🎨 Artwork Requirements:
• Include student name, grade, and school on artwork
• Size: 8.5” x 11” to 11” x 14”
• All art forms welcome—sketches, collages, digital art, and more!
💡 Ideas to Inspire:
• A lighthouse shining through a storm
• Overcoming obstacles with light around you
• Symbols of hope: sunrises, stars, candles
• Acts of kindness and support
• Sources of strength, creativity, or self-care
🏆 Winners Will Receive:
• Recognition on PCS social media
• Feature in the Roxboro Courier-Times
• Recognition at the May 7 Board Meeting
• Gift cards
Please be sure to:
✔️ Select your school winners before April 20
✔️ Enter winners into the provided spreadsheet so certificates can be prepared
Let’s come together to highlight student voice, creativity, and resilience. 💚
Create & inspire—let your art shine bright!
🌟 We’re Back & Finishing Strong! 🌟
As we return from Spring Break, we’re heading into one of the most important (and exciting!) parts of the school year—and you won’t want to miss what’s ahead.
📢 In this week’s newsletter:
✔️ Remember, starting tomorrow, we will be extending our school day an additional 10 minutes to make up for the time missed due to inclement weather.
✔️ How we’re teaching students to respect personal space and build a safe, supportive school community
✔️ What families need to know about upcoming End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments
✔️ Why attendance, focus, and daily effort matter more than ever
✔️ Important dates, field trips, and events you need on your calendar
✔️ How you can support your child at home during this busy season
✔️ Opportunities to volunteer as an EOG proctor and make a BIG impact
💡 This is a quick read with important updates to help your child stay confident, prepared, and successful through the end of the year.
👉 Take a few minutes to check it out—you’ll be glad you did!
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. Let’s finish the year strong together! 💙🐾
PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE PERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION'S ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION AT THE PCS KITCHEN TABLE DISCUSSIONS
In compliance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law (N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.10), notice is hereby given that a majority of the Person County Board of Education may attend and participate in the Kitchen Table Discussions hosted by Person County Schools to gather stakeholder input to support the development of the PCS 2030 Strategic Plan. These discussions will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
Monday, April 13, at Northern Middle School (including Northern Middle School and its elementary feeder schools)
Tuesday, April 21, at Southern Middle School (including Southern Middle School and its elementary feeder schools)
Tuesday, April 28, at Person High School (including Person High School, PECIL, PCLA, and PCSVA
Although a quorum of the Board may be present, no official business will be conducted. This notice is being provided to ensure full transparency and compliance with state open meetings requirements.
Spring Break begins tomorrow, April 3, with the Good Friday holiday!
We hope all of our students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on April 13!
Due to a bus driver shortage, Bus #40 (Mrs. Ford’s bus) will run approximately one hour later than normal for both morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off on Thursday.
What this means:
*Students who usually ride Bus #40 will instead ride Bus #51 (Ms.
Williams’ bus).
*Pick-up and drop-off times will be about one hour later than your
child’s usual time.
If you need to change your child’s transportation for the day:
* Please complete the transportation form to let us know your plans.
Submit one form per child if you have multiple students.
Please note:
* This form is ONLY for families of students who normally ride Bus #40
(Mrs. Ford’s bus). All other buses will run on their normal schedules.
Thank you for your flexibility and for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal for all students!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemF4x42xZH6eAJbAkdZ0Vk1-ibZKPLpZRaJ2au85gkFco8Wg/viewform?usp=dialog
Fun Day Reminders:
- Please send your child with a change of clothes and a towel. They may get a little wet.
- Sunscreen and hats are encouraged.
- Students should wear shoes that are easy to get on and off.
- Students should wear their 2025–2026 Oak Lane Cougars T-shirt. If you cannot locate your child’s shirt, please try to send them in a shirt that is the same color.
- Parents, please take a moment to check the Lost and Found while you are at school tomorrow.
Volunteers:
All volunteers should plan to meet at 8:30 a.m. in the front lobby for quick instructions before the day begins.
Thank you for helping us make this such a fun and memorable day for our students. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone tomorrow!
