Oneida Elementary PTO

Today we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

This Memorial Day, Oneida City School District joins our community and nation in reflection and gratitude. We recognize that freedom is not free, and we are forever grateful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live, learn, and grow in peace.

As we gather with family and friends this weekend, may we take time to remember the courage, dedication, and selflessness of our fallen heroes. Their legacy lives on in our classrooms, our communities, and the values we strive to uphold each day.

From all of us at OCSD, we extend our deepest gratitude to our fallen service members and their families. We remember you. We honor you. We thank you.

Some more fun from Seneca Street as they are learning about plants with Ms. G, one of everyone's favorites if you couldn't tell!! Great work everybody!!

They're stacking cups over at WP!! Great job!!

Students at Willard Prior Elementary School had a great time using cups in PE to stack and build tall towers!

This engaging activity helped students strengthen important skills such as teamwork, communication, hand-eye coordination, balance, and problem-solving. Through creative play and movement, students also practiced patience, focus, and perseverance while working together to reach their goals. Learning can happen in many fun and active ways in PE!

Some art fun from Mrs. Leahy's class at SS! Very creative! Love it!

Stay off that floor! They're having fun at Seneca Street too!!

It's gym time from WP!! Way to go kids!

Good Thursday!!

Check out this artwork from WP!! Fantastic stuff!!

✨ Last But Certainly Not Least, Meet Sarah Dustin! ✨

We’re excited to introduce the final member of our PTO introductions and celebrate another incredible person dedicated to supporting our students, schools, and community. 💙

Sarah Dustin has proudly called Oneida home since 2011. She is the proud mom of Ellie (7), stepmom to Lilianah (21) and Sebastian (23), and dog mom to three doodles who are fully convinced they’re humans. 🐾

Sarah has a strong passion for community involvement and supporting local families. Since 2023, she has served as President of the Friends of the Oneida Library, and in 2024, she began coaching AYSO 6U and 8U soccer teams. She has also previously been involved with the OSMS/OHS Music and Sports Booster programs while her older children attended the Oneida City School District.

Outside of volunteering and community involvement, Sarah enjoys making art, teaching workshops, and spending time outdoors on nature walks. Professionally, she works in higher education administration at Hamilton College.

Sarah’s dedication to community connection, family involvement, and creating positive experiences for children makes her a wonderful addition to our PTO team. We’re so thankful to have her involved and look forward to all the great things ahead! 💙

✨ Meet Another One of Our PTO Members! ✨

We’re excited to continue introducing the wonderful individuals who are passionate about supporting our students, families, and schools throughout the Oneida City School District. 💙

Next up is Erica Silkowski!

Erica is a lifelong member of the Oneida community and a proud graduate of the Oneida City School District. She is excited to further support and give back to the schools and community that have played such an important role in her life.

For over six years, Erica has worked within the Oneida community at Arc Madison Cortland’s Article 16 Clinic as a Behavior Specialist and Plan Coordinator. Her professional experience, combined with her passion for helping others, has strengthened her commitment to supporting children and families both inside and outside of the classroom.

Erica is also a proud mom to twin daughters currently in first grade, while her husband serves as a teacher at the high school. Since her daughters began school, Erica has been actively involved with the PTO and has enjoyed volunteering at events such as fundraisers, popcorn days, book fairs, and spooky storybook walks.

Through these experiences, Erica has loved seeing the joy and excitement shared by students, families, and teachers alike. She is excited to continue growing her involvement by bringing her dedication, communication, and organizational skills to the PTO Board as the organization works together to support students, strengthen schools, and create new opportunities for the Oneida community.

We’re so grateful to have Erica as part of our PTO family! 💙