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.

Parents—this one is packed, and you don’t want to miss it 👀👇
🔍 Can you find the hidden paw print?
📣 A message from the principal with important schedule updates
⏰ Late arrival details + altered lunch/specials info
💙 School Counselor Appreciation Week (help us celebrate Ms. Woody!)
🎬 FREE Movie Night at The Kirby + how you can help
📅 Important dates you’ll want on your calendar
📘 mCLASS Midyear Reading Assessments—what they are & how to help at home
🎯 PTO Spring Fundraiser fun + prizes
🔗 Helpful family resources & links
There’s a LOT happening at Oak Lane, and it’s all in one place 📬
👉 Take a few minutes to read the Paw Print Newsletter and stay in the loop—your future self will thank you 😉
💬 Bonus: Comment 🐾 when you spot the hidden paw print!
https://app.smore.com/n/sga9p

This delay will allow our staff to reassess road conditions early in the morning following any snowfall forecasted this evening. Safety remains our top priority, and the extra time will help us ensure that buses can safely travel their routes. The delayed start will also give our bus drivers the opportunity to identify and navigate any residual snow or icy patches before transporting students.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we take the necessary steps to keep all students and staff safe.

School buildings will open at 10:00 a.m. for staff who choose to report. There will be no classes for students.
To support our families, free take-out lunch will be available for students at Southern Middle School from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these weather-related conditions. Please stay safe and warm.
12:00 pm EBPS
12:30 pm EIFS/PECIL
12:45 pm Elementary/High
1:00 pm Middle

School buildings will open at 10:00 a.m. for staff who choose to report. There will be no classes for students.
To support our families, free take-out lunch will be available for students at Southern Middle School from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these weather-related conditions. Please continue to monitor district communications for any additional updates.
Since many of us are iced in, sipping coffee at home ☕❄️ and navigating remote learning, now might be the perfect time to take 3–5 minutes to share your thoughts!
Please complete our Parent Survey on Social-Emotional Learning and your child’s attitude toward school. Your feedback is anonymous and helps us celebrate what’s working while growing where we can do better.
At Oak Lane, we believe in Showing Our PAWS 🐾 — practicing kindness, acting safely, working responsibly, and showing respect. Your voice helps make sure those values shine through every day.
✨ Quick
✨ Confidential
✨ Truly helpful
📌 Please complete one survey for each child you have at Oak Lane.
👉 Take the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRYfrVQQgKBmV374eQaibKt-LGBNHXrLcR1aGseH4-v95UhA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113517647371585956312
Thank you for partnering with us—even on snowy, stay-at-home, remote-learning kind of days! ❄️💙

