Oxford Preparatory Academy - South Orange County Home

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Congratulations OPA SOC and OPA SV for 2023 California Distinguished School Recognition

Congratulations OPA SOC and OPA SV for 2023 California Distinguished School Recognition Image
    
Chancellor Velez's Welcome Message (2023-2024) Image

Chancellor Velez's Welcome Message (2023-2024)

Dear OPA-SOC Families, 
 
I hope this email finds you all in good health and high spirits. The summer break has provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate our successes, and prepare for an even more extraordinary academic year ahead. As we all know, OPA-SOC has officially transitioned from a TK-8th grade campus to a TK-5th grade elementary school. It is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that we look forward to reuniting with our beloved Champions and look forward to meeting over 260 new students who will be joining our school community. 
 
At OPA-SOC, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and collaboration. Our mission is not to just impart knowledge but also to instill essential values that will shape students into responsible, compassionate, and confident individuals ready to embrace the world beyond our school walls. 
 
Throughout the school year, we will continue to build upon our strong foundation, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among our young learners. There will be numerous opportunities for your children to explore their needs, participate in extracurricular activities, and excel academically. Our dedicated teachers and support staff are committed to nurturing each child's unique strengths and talents, making OPA-SOC a place where they can thrive and grow. 
 
As we embark on this new adventure together, I encourage you to stay connected with us through various communication channels. Our school website (LINK), Weekly Game Plan (formerly the Sunday Scoop), parent-teacher conferences, and our social media sites are just a few ways we will keep you informed about important events and updates throughout the year. 
 
With the first day of school less than three weeks away, I want to make sure everyone has all of the information you need to know prior to our first event which is Meet Your Professor on August 11th. Please make sure you read through all of the information. 
 
Data Confirmation Information:
 
We need all OPA parents to complete Data Confirmation to ensure that we have the most accurate information regarding each of our Champions. In order to view your child’s professor on August 11th, you must complete Data Confirmation. Teacher assignments are not available in Aeries until the day of Meet Your Professor.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to update your Champion(s) information prior to the start of the school year. 
 
How do I log into Aeries Parent Portal Account?
 
Through this process, you will complete all of the “Start-up Packet” forms and information so that we have accurate, up-to-date information regarding your student. To complete Data Confirmation, you will need to log into your Aeries Parent Portal account. This can be accessed at https://oxfordprep.asp.aeries.net/Student/LoginParent.aspx?page=default.aspx
 
Steps to complete the data confirmation:  Please follow this LINK to view the nine steps to complete the data confirmation.
 
What if you have forgotten your password?
 
If you have forgotten your password, please click on the “Forgot Password” link on the page. If you need to create an account, you will need to contact the school for your student’s “permanent ID number” and “verification code” before creating the account. You can reach our registrar for this information via email at [email protected] or via phone at 949-305-6111.
 
What if I do not have access to a computer/printer?
 
If you do not have access to a computer or printer to complete the Data Confirmation process, you may complete the process during Meet Your Professor. Please note, computers will be limited, so it is recommended that you have the process complete and forms printed before coming to the school on August 12th.  You will need to wait your turn to access a computer and printer during Meet Your Professor. 
 
Meet Your Professor on Friday, August 11th:
 
Meet Your Professor will take place on Friday, August 11th. In preparation for that day, you must complete the Data Confirmation process through Aeries in order to access the name of your child’s professor. Once you complete that process, on the morning of the 11th, you will be able to view your child’s professor(s) and classes by logging into the Aeries Parent Portal and selecting the classes tab. All families are welcome to come to campus to meet your child’s professor. To help alleviate the congestion in the neighborhood, we kindly ask that you plan to attend during the designated time by your last name. 
 
1:30-2:00 
A-F
2:00-2:30 
G-K
2:30-3:00
L-Q
3:00-3:30
R-Z
 
Checklist of Documents to PRINT and bring to Meet Your Professor on Friday, August 11, 2023.  These documents are all found in the your Aeries Parent Portal.  
·         Signed Emergency Card (This is the last screen in Aeries. This must be printed)
·         Signed 2023-24 Residency Verification Affidavit 
·         Proof of Residency and Residency Verification Affidavit 
·         Technology User Agreement for Students 
·         Free and Reduced Priced Meals Application (if applicable)
 
*LINK to instructions for how to access these documents in Aeries. 
 
What if you are not able to attend Meet Your Professor?
 
If you are unable to attend Meet Your Professor, please send these documents in with your child on their first day. Their homeroom Professor will turn in these forms to the front office. 
 
School Supply Lists 
 
Recommended school supply lists are available on the school website for grades TK-5. I have also linked them HERE for your convenience. Please note, all professors worked together to create a comprehensive list for each grade level. Some professors may have classroom specific supplies that they recommend for their individual classrooms and will provide that information at Meet Your Professor. However, the lists that are available now should have everything your Champion needs to have a successful start to the school year. 
 
Campus Beautification 
 
Our SOC staff and Honour Society are thrilled to host our first campus beautification day on Saturday, August 12th between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. We will have a number of projects for everyone to help with. Parents and students are welcome!  Bring your whole family and join us!  If you are interested in attending this event, please sign up using the following link. Link to Sign Up
 
OPA Dress Code Policy
 
Champions are expected to be dressed for success on a daily basis. Please make sure your Champions follow the school Dress Code Policy. It is available on the OPA-SOC website under Resources. For your convenience a direct link can be found HERE. You may purchase OPA Wear that meets our Dress Code Policy by visiting the Schoolbelles website to place your orders. Use school code S3000 to access the OPA store on the Schoolbelles website. Schoolbelles is our official new OPA Wear vendor, however, families can purchase dress code 
appropriate pieces from other vendors, such as Walmart, Children's Place, Amazon, or Target, if they choose. Also, any families who need financial assistance to purchase OPA Wear can reach out to our school front office.
 
2023-2024 Student Calendar 
 
The updated student calendar is available on the OPA-SOC website under Resources → Calendar. A direct link can be found HERE. 
 
Don’t forget the first day of school is Tuesday, August 15th! 
 
2023-2024 Bell Schedule 
 
The updated Bell Schedule for the 2023-2024 school year is linked HERE. It is also available on the OPA-SOC website. There have been some changes to the bell schedule so please make sure you review it. The biggest change is our kindergarten Champions will attend school from 8:30 am to 2:25 pm on Monday - Thursday and 8:30 am to 12:10 pm on Friday (and minimum days).  Kinder Champions are dismissed 20 minutes prior to the rest of the school. We hope this minor change will help alleviate the traffic at the front of the school and will allow our kindergarten parents easier access to the parking lot for pickup. 
 
Before and After School Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
 
Please make sure you review the Arrival and Dismissal Procedures (LINK) presentation prior to the start of the school year. As we constantly try to improve our process and ensure the safety of our students, we will have one drop off and pick up lane in the carpool loop. All families will have a colored placard that should be displayed on your dashboard to help speed up the process and locate each Champion. Parents are still permitted to drop off and pick up their child in the carpool loop, at the top of the hill on Via Aurora, or along the sidewalk down Via Santa Maria. 
 
In closing, I wish to express my profound excitement as we begin another promising chapter at OPA-SOC. Together, we will create a nurturing and inspiring environment where our Champions can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for being part of our school community. Let’s make the 2023-2024 academic year an exceptional one! 
 
With warm regards, 
 
Mrs. Velez 
Chancellor 
 

News & Announcements

Weekly Game Plan: 9/24/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 9/24/23

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The votes are in! After a very tight race we are officially the OPA-SOC Dragons!! Our new
mascot design will be coming soon!! Last week SOC received the PBIS Silver
Implementation award. This award is given to schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Additionally, OPA was also awarded Best Charter School by Parenting OC magazine. OPA was nominated and families voted for OPA. Thank you to all of our Professors and Staff that continue OPA’s tradition of excellence.
Weekly Game Plan: 9/18/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 9/18/23

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This is going to be an exciting week at SOC. On Monday, Mrs. Merlette and I will host our first Monday Morning Assembly
where our new mascot will officially be announced. Be on the lookout for some new Spirit Wear designs that include our
new mascot as well! New this year, we will also recognize a Champion from every class that exemplifies the character trait
of the previous month. In August, we focused on self-control and we are excited to surprise 25 students with this special
recognition tomorrow.
Weekly Game Plan: 9/11/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 9/11/23

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It seems like September is flying by! Now that our Champions have settled into their routines, a lot of learning is taking
place throughout campus. Mrs. Merlette and I have enjoyed visiting classrooms each day and seeing all of the unique
lessons, small groups and M.I. activities that our Champions are engaged in. Each class is also hard at work completing
their benchmark assessments which will help provide crucial information for parents during parent/professor
conferences at the end of the month. This Friday, please be on the lookout for an email from your child’s professor that
will invite you to schedule a conference on either September 27th, 28th, or 29th. All three days are minimum days where
students will attend school from 8:30-12:30 p.m. Conferences can be scheduled in the afternoon on each of those days.
Weekly Game Plan: 9/3/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 9/3/23

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at University Orientation. It was a wonderful event and I know professors were thrilled to be able to share more information about themselves and their classroom procedures. If you did miss the event, your child’s professor will share their presentation with you so you have all the information. In addition, for those of you who were unable to attend the Administration Sessions, I have linked the presentation HERE
Weekly Game Plan: 8/27/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 8/27/23

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We had a remarkable first full week at SOC. Our Champions started attending their speciality courses and getting
used to their full weekly schedule. I want to welcome all of our speciality professors and thank them for their
flexibility and commitment. Some of our specialty professors see each class up to three times each week. The
amount of planning and dedication that goes into these classes is truly remarkable and one of the things that
se4tes our school apart. On Thursday, August 31st, we are looking forward to seeing all of our families at University
Orientation.
Weekly Game Plan: 8/20/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 8/20/23

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It’s hard to believe that the first week of school is officially behind us. I am so humbled by the amount of support and encouragement our staff have heard as we officially kicked off the 2023-2024 school year! The first week was packed with different events and OPA traditions. From First Day of School teal donuts, learning the Antecedents of Excellence, and finally to our awesome LOMA (Life of Marital Arts) and TNT Dunk Squad assembly on Friday. I wouldn’t be surprised if your child came home absolutely exhausted.
Weekly Game Plan: 8/13/23 Featured Photo

Weekly Game Plan: 8/13/23

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The first week of school is officially here. On behalf of our entire OPA Staff we could not be more excited to welcome our Champions back to school on Tuesday, August 15th. I know the first day can be filled with mixed emotions for many parents, but one thing I can assure you is that your child is in great hands. You will soon learn that OPA will become their home away from home. It’s where they are supported, cared for, and safe.
May 14, 2023 Featured Photo

May 14, 2023

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This is your last chance to complete the Intent to Return form for the 2023-2024 school year. As we anticipate our staffing needs for next year it’s helpful to know if your Champion will be returning to SOC next year. Please take a moment to fill out the Intent to Return form for each of your students. (LINK to the INTENT TO RETURN- this is for TK-4th grade only)

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete the form! It really does help in our planning as we start to prepare for next school year.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Velez
May 8, 2023 Featured Photo

May 8, 2023

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This week we are officially kicking off our CAASPP testing for Champions in 3rd-8th grade! Our students have been preparing all year to be able to showcase their knowledge on the state test. We want this testing period to be a positive one for our Champions. A good night's sleep, a hearty breakfast, arriving at school on time, and words of encouragement help start their day go a long way! If you have a student in a testing grade, please make sure they come to school with a charged chromebook and wired headphones (earbuds will not be compatible for the test). It is imperative that students attend school during our testing window, which will take place over the next three weeks. You can see a detailed schedule by viewing the CAASPP Chancellor Chat presentation.

It is also that time of year again where we send out the student Intent to Return forms for all of our Champions. As we anticipate our staffing needs for next year it’s helpful to know if your Champion will be returning to SOC next year. This year Champions in grades TK-4 will be able to complete the form linked below. Students in grades 5th-7th will be receiving a separate link from Mr. Briquelet. Please take a moment to fill out the Intent to Return form for each of your students by May12th. (LINK to the INTENT TO RETURN- this is for TK-4th grade only)

I also wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who put on an amazing Golf Tournament. It was an incredible night and I couldn’t be more humbled by the generosity of our OPA community. Thank you to everyone who came out for the event!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Velez