Dear Jaguar Families,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well as we close the 2024–2025 school year. I want to take a moment to share several exciting updates and developments at OEC, and to reaffirm our continued commitment to the success and well-being of your children.
Administrative Support
- Next year’s budget enables us to add the two key leadership roles of Assistant Principal and Climate Manager! These administrative positions will strengthen our ability to support instruction, respond to student needs, and maintain smooth school operations.
- Ms. Williams, our new Assistant Principal, brings eight years of experience in the role, following prior service as a Dean and a classroom teacher for 17 years.
- Mr. Stone, our new Climate Manager, has six years of experience in school climate leadership, a background in behavioral health, and a history of Montessori teaching. He is also an adjunct professor at Drexel University.
Academics
- Some staff members have decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere. We are grateful for the contributions they made during their time at OEC, proud to be an early part of their blossoming careers, and wish them the very best in their future endeavors!
- As with any growing and evolving school, staff transitions are part of the process––and we have worked diligently to ensure we are bringing on highly-qualified professionals who share our commitment to your children’s academic and personal growth. They are also aligned with our focus on STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics). We’re excited to welcome:
- Ms. Mayfield, 2nd Grade Teacher––a primary grades educator with a Principal Certification and seven years of experience in targeted instructional support.
- Mr. Steele, 3rd Grade Teacher––a veteran Literacy Coach and former Teacher Leader with eight years of classroom experience.
- Ms. Rindgen, 6th–8th Grade Learning Support Teacher––a seasoned high school Special Education Teacher, Mathematics Teacher, and Mathematics Instructional Coach.
- Ms. Ross, School Counselor––a clinical counselor and former Elementary Principal with over 14 years of school counseling experience.
- Additionally, we’re thrilled to share that OEC has been awarded a brand-new Computer Lab! This state-of-the-art technology hub will be installed this summer in the presently-vacant lab and will include iMacs, MacBooks, robotics kits, and flexible furniture. Our new Digital Literacy class will prepare students for 21st-Century learning and the shift to online standardized testing for 2026.
Student Activities
- While we bid farewell to Ms. Leon and Ms. Aly, we are committed to continuing OEC’s Drama Club legacy. Mr. Rivers, our new Music Teacher, and Mr. Rivera, our 6–8 ELA Teacher (and former Music Teacher), will lead the charge toward next year’s production. We’re currently exploring partnerships with Artistic Directors from Philadelphia and New York for The Wiz in 2026.
- Mr. Rivers will also launch a Drumline Club in collaboration with Musicopia’s Gift of Music Program. This ensemble will build student’s musical skills, discipline, and confidence. We look forward to our Cheerleaders supporting a homecoming performance with our neighbors at Cassidy Academics Plus!
- With the invitation of Mr. Chaney (our former Climate Liaison), we are eager to send more classes on walking field trips to the new TGR Learning Lab at the Cobbs Creek Golf Course for immersive workshops on topics such as photography, rocketry, and microbiology.
Family and Community Engagement
- Thanks to the work of our robust letter-writing campaign, the OEC Slow Zone project is moving forward! The Streets Department has confirmed with Ms. Sandy and Ms. Kiki that a contractor has been selected, and traffic-calming measures are on the way to make our corridor safer for students and families.
- Through our partnership with West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC), over 2,000 new books have been cataloged and now line the previously-empty shelves of our School Library. We’re eager to train staff and families on our new digital lending system and celebrate with a grand reopening this fall. Let Ms. Kiki know if you are interested in volunteering!
Looking Ahead
We recognize that periods of change can bring questions. Please know that each shift—whether in personnel, programming, or practice—has been made in alignment with our school’s updated vision, which was revised in collaboration with staff and School Advisory Council:
OEC is a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment where all students, staff, and community members are valued and respected in order to ensure that each student’s path to the future is beyond the limitations of their environment.
This year, we are proud to share that many of our 8th graders were accepted into competitive admission high schools. We remain steadfast in our longstanding mission to ensure that all students graduate from OEC prepared to successfully pursue the high school of their choice.
We will soon share dates for summer info sessions, our annual Back to School Fair, our second Family Orientation, and School Advisory Council meetings. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your continued partnership and entrusting your children to us.
Warmly,
Olivia Jones
Principal