Oyster Traditions
Summer Reading and the 25 Book Campaign - All year
The school librarian coordinates the Oyster Summer Reading Program, for which each Oyster student must read and report on two books in English and two books in Spanish. These books count toward each student's goal of reading 25 total books per year.
Community Read - 5 Books during the year
In order to promote literacy at Oyster, the librarian with assistance from the Heritage Committes selects children's books with a message as part of the Community Read. All classes read and respond to the books. There are also opportunities for parents to get involved.
Principal's Coffees - All year
The principal sponsors informal meetings for parents on certain Friday mornings. Coffee and light breakfast items are served. These Principal's Coffees are a great opportunity to network with parents and to share ideas with the principal.
Fannie Mae Holiday Walk for the Homeless - October
Oyster celebrates Halloween by dressing in costume and walking around the neighborhood. For each student who participates, Fannie Mae donates money to homeless agencies across the District.
Bilingual Book Fair/Feria Biling?e de Libros - November/December
The Bilingual Book Fair is the Oyster library's major fund-raising event. The cafeteria is filled with books in both languages for sale. Students and parents can buy books for themselves, for relatives, or for the staff. The Book Food Caf? always takes place on the Friday evening of the Book Fair; parents and students bring food that relates to a book that they have read.
Spelling Bee - January
Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from each classroom participate in the school Spelling Bee. Each classroom holds a competition to determine who will represent their class. The top two finishers in the school Spelling Bee progress to the Division III Bee in February, and they may also move forward to the Citywide Spelling Bee and, finally, the National Spelling Bee. For the past two years, Oyster has had a student representative in the Citywide Spelling Bee, which is aired on NBC 4 every March.
Science Fair/Feria de Ciencias - February
Individual and classroom projects are on display at the school Science Fair. The Fair promotes hands-on science and the mastery of the scientific method. In 2003-04, four students were selected to participate in the Elementary Citywide Science Fair in June to display their outstanding projects.
Concurso de Poes?a - March
Students are selected to recite their own poetry or the poetry of others in Spanish at the Concurso de Poes?a. Prizes are awarded to Spanish-dominant students and Spanish language learners.
Ten Who Are 10 - March
Students who are ten years old have the opportunity to complete a project based on a district-wide theme. One student's project is selected to be judged by an esteemed panel, which selects the ten best projects from all students in the District to become the "Ten Who Are 10." These ten students are honored at a banquet and, upon graduation from high school, are promised scholarships of $2,500. For more information, go to the DCPS website (www.k12.dc.us) and click on the Ten Who are 10 link.
Fiesta - 1st Saturday in May
The Oyster Fiesta coincides with Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican celebration. The Fiesta has a carnival atmosphere, with food, games, singing, and fun.
Auction - Once a year
The Oyster Auction is held on one evening in the spring. Donations from the community, parents, and staff make up the auction items, so that all proceeds can go directly to the OCC. There is a silent auction and a live auction, as well as food and entertainment. This is an event for grown-ups only!
NEW- VAMOS 5K Race and Family Health Fair - October
Held in the Woodley Park neighborhood with a fair at the Oyster campus. Promotes health in the community and raises funds for the OCC.