Dear Families,

One of the first things that stood out to me about Oleander Elementary School when I entered the campus was how well the staff is promoting the importance of attending college after high school graduation. As soon as you enter our front office you will notice that college banners are displayed. On the bulletin board that is posted in front of the Health Office, there is a map displaying the names and locations of the colleges and universities our staff members attended. Each classroom has adopted a four year university. During the year students become more familiar with the university, learning the location and in some cases the fight song. We want our students to learn as soon as possible how vital a bachelor’s degree is to future success.

According to a 2007 research study “Education Pays”, the yearly earning by education level of a person with a bachelor’s degree is more than double of someone without a high school diploma. According to the study, if an individual obtains a doctorate their yearly earning is almost triple of someone that did not complete high school.

Oleander Elementary School is the first step on the road to college for all of our students. This year we will continue to teach our students how important graduating college is. The focus of future Bear Chats will be how to start preparing our students for college now. Counselors from the local high schools will visit to share about college entrance requirements. I also will work with a financial planner to come out and share about some different college savings plans available.

It is never too early to think about the future. I encourage all of parents to start discussing future career aspirations with their children and what it takes to reach that goal.

Sincerely,

Craig J. Baker
Principal