Ogden Elementary School

 “Gardens don’t stand still: they are always in flux.”

Maggie O’Farrell

Hamnet

August 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome back to Ogden Elementary School!!

As usual, the summer has been a whirlwind of activity and drifted by much too quickly. This summer I read a book written by Maggie O’Farrell titled, Hamnet. One of the lines that caught my eye and made me think of all of us collectively at Ogden was:  “Gardens don’t stand still: they are always in flux.” That is us, isn’t it? We are a garden of diverse flora that collectively create a unique, energetic, and special space where we nurture all the seedlings who enter each year. 

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. It gives me immense pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all our returning families and an enthusiastic greeting to those joining our school community for the first time. We are excited to have each one of you as part of our Ogden Family.

I am thrilled to welcome our newest member, Mr. Robert Machado to Ogden Elementary School as our new Assistant Principal. Mr. Machado has served the Hewlett-Woodmere School District since 2014 in various capacities and was most recently the Hewlett High School Department Chairperson for Business and Computer Science. You will have the chance to meet Mr. Machado on our first day of school as well as our first PTA Meeting on Friday, September 22, 2023.

The start of a new school year is always a time filled with anticipation and possibility. It is a time when we renew our commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Together, as a partnership between parents, students, and the school, we can ensure a successful educational journey for your child.

At Ogden, our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience that supports the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of each student. We strive to cultivate a love of learning, critical thinking skills, and a sense of responsibility in our students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

We have been diligently working over the summer to enhance our facilities, refine our curriculum, and develop innovative programs that promote engagement and student success. Our goal is to create an environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions, pursue their interests, and develop the skills necessary to become well-rounded individuals. 

I encourage you to stay connected with us throughout the year. We value your input, feedback, and involvement in your child’s education. Our school Website, https://www.hewlett-woodmere.net/Domain/204, will serve as a valuable resource for information, updates, and upcoming events. Additionally, we will be hosting a celebratory first day of school for your child that we call Waffles and Welcome and a Back-to-School Night where you will have an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and learn about our plans for the year ahead. Both events are on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Back-To-School Night (BTSN) begins at 5:00 PM. We hope that this evening sets your entire family up for success early in the school year. The purpose of having BTSN so early is so you can meet the educator(s) with whom your child will be spending so much time learning and growing with this year. If you have more than one child, please divide your time up accordingly. Grade 5 teachers will present as a grade, so you can hear about departmentalization and ask questions to the entire team. 

Schedule for Back-to-School Night, September 5, 2023

All OES children attend each of the special areas listed above during the six-day cycle.

Some children receive support services based on academic needs.

Thank you to the parents who assist us in creating the supportive environment at Ogden that helps all our students to thrive. These parents work tirelessly to  create unforgettable experiences:

• Co-Presidents: Keisha Grant and Tracy Hopkins

• Vice-President: Nicole Eliopoulos

• Treasurer: Shana Fratti

• Recording Secretary: Niomi Singh

I am eagerly looking forward to a productive and rewarding year at Ogden. Together, let us embrace the opportunities that lie before us, celebrate our collective achievements, and support our students in reaching their full potential. In addition, thank you to all the parents who volunteered to join Ogden’s Slate of dedicated parents who assist in running the many events at Ogden. The slate can be found in the back of the District Calendar. We couldn’t do outstanding work without you!

Once again, welcome back to Ogden. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or our dedicated staff if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. We are here to partner with you in providing the best possible education for your child. 

Wishing you and your family a successful and fulfilling school year!

Warmly, 

Dr. Dina M. Anzalone

Principal, Ogden Elementary School

Ogden Elementary School

Supply Drop-Off

August 31, 2023

11:00AM - 1:30PM

Location: Front Circle Driveway at Ogden

We encourage you to drop off your child’s school supplies during this time, so they do not have to carry them to school the first day. 

PLEASE LABEL EVERY ITEM WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME, GRADE, AND TEACHER’S NAME. 

There will be designated tables separated by Grade/Teacher Name. 

Staff members will be available to assist you.