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Goodrich Area Schools

Preparing Students for Life

Oaktree Observer ~ November 13

Posted Date: 11/13/26 (04:05 PM)
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A sports team logo featuring a blue and gold Trojan helmet with the text 'MARTIANS' integrated into the crest, set against a black background.

Oaktree Observer

Oaktree Elementary School

November 13, 2026
A modern tan building featuring a distinct gabled entryway with decorative tile pillars under a partly cloudy sky.
 

Oaktree Watch DOGS

An adult and a young boy stand smiling together in front of a yellow wall with blue lettering.
A smiling man and young girl pose in front of a yellow and blue display board.
A man with a beard and a young girl stand together in front of a yellow and blue banner.
 

Thank You Veterans!

A Veterans Day graphic with an American flag and a list of staff members, alongside a 'Martians' logo.
A Coast Guard officer and a young student pose together in front of a digital display showing an American flag.
A smiling man and young boy proudly display a military uniform in front of a digital screen showing an American flag and the words "Veterans Day".
 

Miss Rutherford's 5th Grade Class Earned The Golden Paintbrush Award!

A group of students poses for a photo inside an art classroom, with shelves of supplies in the background.
 

Mr. McGahey Talks Fire Fighting

Our own Mr. McGahey talked to our 2nd graders about firefighters as community workers in connection to their reading unit on government.
A firefighter in full gear stands in a classroom, presenting to a group of attentive children sitting on the floor.
A firefighter in uniform speaks to a group of children sitting attentively on a carpeted school room floor.
A firefighter in uniform speaks to a group of elementary school students sitting on the carpet in a classroom.
A firefighter in full gear and an oxygen mask stands before a classroom of seated students.
 

Oaktree is Martian STRONG!

We are excited to share two new initiatives at Oaktree designed to recognize positive student behavior and provide consistent support as students learn to make responsible choices.

STRONG Cards – Celebrating Positive Choices!

We are excited to introduce our new STRONG Card incentive program during lunch and recess! This program gives students an opportunity to shine by demonstrating our Martian STRONG expectations.  Students who are "caught" making positive choices and demonstrating Martian STRONG behaviors will receive a STRONG Card. Students can then enter their cards into a weekly Friday drawing for a chance to win fun incentives, such as free seating at lunch for a week, extra recess with a friend, and other special rewards!

We look forward to recognizing and celebrating our students for making Oaktree a positive place to learn and grow!

Supporting Martian STRONG Behavior – Our New 5-Step Process

We are also introducing a new 5-Step Behavior Support Process to provide students and staff with a consistent approach to addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom, cafeteria, and on the playground.  Our goal is to help students reflect on their choices, take ownership of their actions, and develop the skills needed to make better decisions.

Our 5-Step Process:

  1. Kind Reminder: Students receive a friendly reminder of expectations and an opportunity to correct their behavior and make a positive choice.
  2. STRONG Station: Students are offered an opportunity to visit a designated STRONG Station in the classroom to take a break, reset, and prepare to return to learning.
  3. Buddy Room / Reflection Sheet: Students may be asked to visit a buddy classroom or complete a reflection sheet to think about their choices and identify ways to make better decisions moving forward.
  4. Parent Contact / Yellow Card: If the behavior continues, the teacher may contact parents and issue a Yellow Card. This serves as a warning and an opportunity to correct the behavior before a formal referral is necessary.
  5. Red Behavior Referral: If the behavior persists, a formal behavior referral may be issued. The student will meet with a Student Success Coordinator or Mr. Bryan, parents will be contacted, and an appropriate consequence or intervention will be determined.  More severe behaviors may warrant an immediate red Behavior Referral without progressing through the 5 steps.

Our focus is on teaching, supporting, and reinforcing positive behavior. While this process provides a consistent framework, staff will continue to consider individual student needs, the severity of the behavior, and the circumstances of each situation. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building a positive, respectful, and supportive school community where every student can be Martian STRONG!
 

Can Food Drive Supporting the Goodrich Lions Club

Oaktree Student Council collected 867 nonperishable items to donate to the Goodrich Lions Club.  UofM supporters came in first with 591 cans to MSU's 276.  Thank you to everyone who was able to donate!
 

Wonder Wednesday results are in!

A pie chart showing survey results for the question 'Do you think it is important to vote if there is an election?'.
 
A white announcement card on a wooden background with autumn leaves, reading "Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL NOVEMBER 25-27".
 
A blue flyer for the Goodrich Middle School Band Concert featuring 5th through 8th grade students on December 10th at 6:30 pm at GHS Auditorium.
 

Martian STRONG Family Newsletter

Oaktree & Reid Elementary November family newsletter titled Martian STRONG, focusing on teamwork and gratitude with autumn decorations.
 
 
A promotional schedule for 'Wreaths Across America Spirit Days' lists themed dress-up days for November, including USA Day, Michigan/MSU, Camo Day, Wacky Hair Day, Flannel Day, Career Day, and PJ Day.
Click Here For More Info
 
A poster for the 4th Grade Music Concert features five cartoon children joyfully singing while holding open songbooks, with colorful musical notes floating above them.
 

Goodrich Boys Basketball

An informational flyer and registration form for the Goodrich Boys Jet League Basketball program.
 
A flyer for the Goodrich Wrestling Club detailing practice schedules, locations, and registration fees.
 
A festive flyer for the Mini Martian Dance Clinic, featuring bold blue and yellow text, Santa hats, and snowflakes.
 
A festive flyer for the 2026 Goodrich Cheer Mini Martian Clinic, detailing date, time, location, and registration info in blue and gold.
 
An informational poster titled Call Push Shock explains how to save a life from sudden cardiac arrest using CPR and AEDs.
 
A promotional flyer for Young Rembrandts drawing classes for kids grades K-5 at Oaktree Elementary.
 
Poster announcing 'Super Saver' and 'Deposit Day is Here!' for 2026-27 with a list of dates.
 

Watch D.O.G.S

Oaktree is excited to participate in the Watch D.O.G.S program again this year! We are inviting male role models from our Oaktree community to serve as a positive influence in our school. Please click below for program information and to register! Spots fill up fast! 
Click Here to Register!
 

Goodrich Martian PTO

The Martian PTO is always looking for people to get involved.

Please email the Martian PTO at Martianptoinc@gmail.com or visit the Martian PTO web page for more information.

The Martian PTO is also on Facebook: Martian PTO Facebook Page
Invitation to Martian PTO monthly meeting dates: September 17, 2026; January 21, 2027; May 20, 2027.
An informational flyer titled "Meet the Goodrich PTO 2026-2027" listing board members with their photos and roles.
Click for Martian PTO Spiritwear
 
A white sticky note pinned to a yellow background reads, "Reminder! Make sure your I-CHAT form is complete and on file!!"
Fill out your I-CHAT here!
 
An informational graphic announces the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps, showing the app icons and a phone display.
Reminder: Download the ParentSquare app, a district-wide communication tool, today.
Stay in the loop with ParentSquare!

Don’t check your email often? No problem. With ParentSquare, you choose how you get updates - text, app notifications, or email.

  • Easy sign-up
  • All-in-one communication
  • District-wide connection

Sign up today and never miss an important update again!

For more information visit here: https://www.goodrichschools.org/cms/One.aspx...
A graphic encourages connection with Oaktree Elementary on social media.
 
The 2026-2027 district calendar for Goodrich Area Schools, featuring monthly calendars, building schedules, and important dates.
Breakfast & Lunch Menus Here!
 

School Hours & Attendance

Oaktree's school hours are:
Full Day: 8:20am – 3:40pm, Half Day: 8:20am – 12:00pm.
Tardy: Students should be in their classroom ready to learn by 8:30. After 8:30, or if they miss the parent drop off line and are brought in the office for drop off, they are marked tardy.
Half Day (AM or PM Absence): Arrive after 9:15 or leave before 2:50. Please use the ParentVue app or call the attendance line to report your child’s absence. Parents will receive an automated phone call, text, and email if an absence is not verified to the office by 9:30am. After receiving these communications, please call the front office or attendance line or the absence will remain unverified.
Excused Medical Absence: In the case that your child missed school because they were under the care of a physician, please turn all doctor’s notes into the office within one week of their return to school.

Student Drop-Off Procedure

AM Student Drop-Off Procedure: All students are to be dropped off at our Parent Drop Off area beginning at 8:10. This is located at the far West End of the building. 
PM Student Drop-Off Procedure: All students being picked up after 3:00pm must be picked up from our West End of the building. Please park in the large parking lot, and enter through door 8. All parents arriving after 3:00 will be directed there.
 
A yellow poster with the word 'MARTIAN' and the acronym 'STRONG' listing positive values.

Oaktree Elementary School

District Mission Statement - Learners of all ages will develop the skills and habits they need to build emotionally and physically healthy lives while growing into caring, responsible adults.

District Vision Statement - Preparing Students for Life

Location: 7500 South Gale Road, Goodrich, MI 48438
Phone: 810-591-5200