Our goal is to combine the many talents of parents, teachers, and school administrators to create an environment at Oak Forest Elementary that best serves the diverse needs of our students. We encourage you to join us in making our school the best it can be and a place of growth and learning for our children.
Welcome to OFE for the 2025–2026 School Year!
My name is Emily Olaloko, and I am thrilled and honored to serve as your PTA President this year. My husband, Ade, and I have two proud Bobcats: Brock, who is about to begin the magical year of 5th grade at OFE (please pass me a tissue), and Charlie, who’s eagerly starting an exciting year in 2nd grade.
I’ve been fortunate to support our school and PTA in many ways over the years—whether as a room parent supporting our incredible teachers, vice chair of our PTA Spirit Committee alongside our famous mascot, Bobby the Bobcat, a member of our one-of-a-kind OFE Auction Committee, or as part of the impactful Long Range Planning Committee. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on our PTA’s Bylaws and Standing Rules Review Committee and OFE’s SDMC (Shared Decision-Making Committee). In past PTA officer roles, I’ve served as Parliamentarian, First Vice President of Programs, and most recently, President-Elect.
While I’ve experienced many sides of our school and PTA, my favorite role is the same one you’re about to enjoy: being a proud OFE parent. Our beloved school is truly something special, and I think you’ll soon agree that our PTA is, too.
If you're new to OFE, it won’t take long to see what makes our community so exceptional. Our terrific teachers, supportive staff, and A+ administration truly are the best of the best—and our PTA, made up of over 90 dedicated board members and volunteers, works hand in hand with this outstanding team. We’re all united by a shared goal: excellence for our Bobcats.
Each year, OFE is guided by a theme. And somehow, they keep getting better. For 2025–2026, our theme is “It Starts With You.” This powerful reminder reflects how every Bobcat—and, I'd like to think, every family—plays a role in shaping our school culture.
Just as our children are encouraged to make an impact in their big OFE world through our school’s strong values, I invite YOU to make a difference here, too. Whether that means joining the PTA as a valued member and partner, volunteering your time if you're able, participating in our school’s enriching events, programs, and service opportunities, supporting important Boosterthon and Auction fundraising efforts, or simply cheering on your Bobcat (and their amazing teacher!)—your involvement matters.
Together, we can continue to make OFE a truly remarkable place to grow and learn.
It Starts With You. It Starts With Us. Now let’s begin—and while we’re at it, let’s make this our best year yet.
Warmly,
Emily Olaloko
OFE PTA President, 2025–2026
A Message from Our Principal
Dear OFE Community,
As we begin another year together, I'm honored to serve as your principal. My name is Andrew Casler, and my passion lies in creating a positive learning environment for all our students.
Now beginning my 10th year at Oak Forest Elementary, I'm continually impressed by the creativity and expertise of our teaching staff. We believe in creating cultures of thinking that help students learn new concepts and then apply what they've learned through projects and other performative work that deepens understanding.
As a school community, we're guided by one essential question: what will our kids be like when they are adults? We're committed to nurturing the thinking dispositions and habits of mind that help them grow into thoughtful, kind, and curious learners.
My wife and I have two amazing kids, Madeleine (11) and Eli (7), who attend HISD schools while we call Westbury home. Our house has gotten a little louder lately too — we've added a third dog, a Great Pyrenees-lab mix, to the family, and she keeps all of us on our toes. When we're not chasing her around, we love gardening and cooking together.
In my free time, I engage in hobbies such as barbecuing, golfing, and reading science fiction novels. As a two-time graduate of the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) I love staying connected to my alma mater, both professionally and by cheering on the Cougars, especially during basketball season.
Our theme this year is "May the Forest Be with You" — a fun nod to Star Wars' 50th anniversary and to our identity as a forest here at Oak Forest. It's also an invitation for our Bobcats to discover their own driving force, and the force that connects us as a community. I'm looking forward to another great year with all of you.
Warm regards,
Andrew Casler Principal, OFE
Support Our Bobcats!
Oak Forest Elementary PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Charitable donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules.
