About the OSC

On behalf of the Ophir School Council (OSC) I want to welcome you back to school and take a minute to introduce you to YOUR organization. Here are some commonly asked questions with some hopefully useful answers:

What is the OSC? The OSC is Ophir School's local version of a parent-teacher organization. However, there are no national association affiliations, no dues, and no membership requirements. Quite simply, if you are a mom, dad, or guardian of a child at Ophir School, then you are a member of the OSC. Your participation is voluntary--and welcomed!

What does the OSC do?

1. We work to provide resources to children and school staff to enrich the educational experience at Ophir School. We do this by raising funds and meeting regularly to allocate those funds. OSC funding expands PE by getting our kids swimming, downhill skiing, and XC skiing too. OSC allows classes to go to Expedition Yellowstone, Washington D.C., Future Problem Solving, and many other field trips and expeditions. OSC brings artists, writers and musicians into the school, and provides band instruments, art supplies, special curriculum programs and more to the classroom. And this is only the icing on the cake. OSC provides thousands of dollars to Ophir teachers through individual requests, allowing them to make the most of their classrooms for our kids.
2. We provide fun activities that give students, families, and teachers a chance to get to know one another and build relationships. For instance, we hosted the Back-to-School breakfast on the first day of school, creating time for parents to catch up with one another after a busy summer or to welcome new families to the community. Throughout the year we'll have potluck dinners, ice cream socials, and other fun opportunities to get together.
3. We provide time for school staff and parents to communicate. At monthly meetings, Ophir administrators and teacher representatives are present to talk to parents about what is going on at the school and to look for opporunities to partner up and make great things happen for our kids.

How do I get involved? The OSC is your organization and you can be involved as much or as little as you want. There are as many ways for you to participate as there are personalities out there. Whether you simply show up once to help make copies or read a book to a child, or you chair an entire fundraising event, your time is valuable and appreciated.

We'll have sign-up sheets in a variety of places during the school year so that you can let us know what your skills are and how you might be able to help. I hope you will take a minute to fill one out. And just because we haven't thought of it yet doesn't mean we can't do it. New ideas are encouraged. And for that matter, we'll give old ideas another shot too!

If you have any questions or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact one of your OSC officers. Have a great year!