OMS Friday Knight Live

1. PTO Restaurant Night September 26th!
2. There IS School Friday, September 27th
3. September Noteworthy Knight Staff Recognition
4. Social Worker Resources
5. Safe Schools Reporting
6. More PTO News: Coffee Bar & Concessions
7. BVNW Glow Show Oct. 19th
8. Upcoming Community Observances & Celebrations

Our next restaurant fundraiser will be held Thursday, September 26th, from 4pm until 10pm at Hawaiian Bros located at 12120 College Blvd., Overland Park (across the street from JCCC). They will give 10% back to OMS PTO for all sales made that evening - just mention that you are with OMS! This includes dine-in, carry-out, and drive through.

There is school Friday, September 27th.

Elementary students only do not have school.

See the Social Worker Resources OMS page for 2 new opportunities: Tiny Pantry is a small self-service pantry providing food and hygiene items. See social worker page for more information.

It's time to recognize OMS staff members who make a positive difference! Each month you can nominate any staff member. You can nominate multiple staff members each month. This is a great way to say THANK YOU to our amazing teachers, paras, custodians, anyone who helps your student at Oxford! Click below :)

September Noteworthy Knight 2024

Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all our schools. We are continuously working to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from a wide range of situations. Please check out available ways to report safety concerns.

The PTO needs your help setting up a coffee bar for our wonderful OMS staff! Please click on this sign up link to contribute K-cups or other fun things (including money) to help us set up the coffee bar in the staff workroom:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B4DACA828A0FF2-51544575-teachers#/

Thank you to those who have signed up! We still have remaining events this semester that need volunteers.

At our 1st home football game, we WON both on the field and in Concessions! We ran out of drinks, some snacks and went back to replenish our table 3 times!

We can’t offer concessions without volunteers to run them. Please consider signing up for one of our events.

Sign up here to be a concession volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FAAAD28A57-51004840-weneed#/

If you have questions, please contact Debra Burgess at dhburgesskc@gmail.com Thank you!

OMS families are invited to the Howlin’ Husky Marching Band Glow Show on Saturday October 19th at the Switzer DAC. Join the marching band for costumed trick-or-treating, raffles, and performances by the Drum Line and Howlin’ Husky Marching Band. Click HERE for more Information

Some October Celebrations & Observances:

• Down Syndrome Awareness Month - celebrates those with Down syndrome and raises awareness of their abilities and accomplishments. The colors blue and yellow symbolize support for the Down syndrome community.

• National Bullying Prevention Month and Bullying Prevention Day (October 2nd) raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

• Filipino-American Month - celebrates the heritage and achievements of the second-largest Asian American population in the U.S.

• Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year. The observance begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2, and continues through the evening of October 4. Some families will attend synagogue services, eat apples and honey for a sweet new year, and/or abstain from work, school, activities, and technology use.

• Yom Kippur - the Jewish day of Atonement (Forgiveness). The holiest day of the year starts at sundown on October 11. For some, families may fast for 24 hours, attend services at synagogue, and/or abstain from work, school, activities, and technology use.

Nurse Piper is in need of 6 volunteers to help with Hearing and Vision screenings on Wednesday October 9. See the 2024 Hearing Vision Volunteer sign up genius for specific times. Thank you OMS families!

School pictures taken at OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL on 09/04/2024 and 08/05/2024 are now available for parents to view and order online.

School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Event Code: FE136424

• Also Needed: Synergy Student ID

If you have a question or concerns, we want to help! Many times by starting at the building level, you will work with the person who is closest to the situation and will usually have the most information. If you feel further discussion is warranted, the following chart can be used as a guide for whom to call when questions arise on the most common topics.

Community Celebrations and Observances - to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families.

Some September Celebrations & Observances:

• National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 to October 15 celebrates the history, diverse cultures, and contributions of those with Hispanic and Latinx heritage.

• Hunger Action Month - dedicated to taking action to end hunger. The BV Food Pantry, located at Hilltop Conference Center, is available to all Blue Valley community members.

• Suicide Prevention Month - recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Raises awareness of mental health and resources available to discuss suicide prevention and seek help. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

• Labor Day - September 2 celebrates the achievements and contributions of workers to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

• Constitution Day - The United States commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

OMS families, please make sure your child knows their home address and a parent/guardian phone number. Yes really! Over half the students who come to the office or nurse do not know a home/parent/guardian phone number. In a class project using home addresses, almost half the students did not know their home address. This is a safety issue and we want all our students to be safe!

1. OMS Yard signs for sale. $20 each and delivered to your front door! Order online at OMS PTO Yard Sign

2. 8th Grade Celebration Coordinator Needed! The OMS PTO is looking for a parent volunteer to be the 8th Grade Celebration Coordinator. This is a great way to get involved if you enjoy party planning! You will work with the OMS staff to coordinate the details for this special day. You can work on it as your schedule allows during the school year. The majority of the time commitment will take place in April and May as the final details are coming together. Please contact Janie Snider at jmlogansnider@gmail.com for more information.
   

A Blue Valley Scouting informational meeting will be held Monday September 30 at Ironwoods Park (143rd and Mission). Drop in from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. All students aged 11 - 17 are welcome!

Meet the Troop Information

As we begin the school year, we would like to remind you to review the updated Blue Valley Student Code of Conduct. It can be found on our www.bluevalleyk12.org under the “Student Quick Links” section at the bottom main home page. It can also be found on our school website home page.

Student Code of Conduct

OMS Families, please share any candid photos you take during the school year This is for the yearbook so:

• No blurry or out of focus shots

• Upload a few shots (but no duplicates please)

• Please put in folder associated with your grade or event

• OMS events only

• .jpg or .png ONLY (no .HEIC)

Click HERE to upload photos for the 2024 2025 Yearbook

OMS has many clubs and activities before and after school. Look at our Activities page for clubs starting next week and check back often for updates. Click HERE for OMS Activities page

Starting Dates announced for:

• September 4 – ASK, Orchestra Club, Game Club, Jazz Band

• September 5 - Green Team, Video Game Club

• September 6 - Writer’s Club/Plot Twist

• September 9 - Sports Trading Card Club

• September 10 - Newspaper Club

• September 12 - Math Club, Animation club

• September 13 - Ping Pong Club

• September 17 - Show Choir

• September 18 - Book Club, Black Student Union

• September 19 - Community Service Club

• September 24 - Inside Out

• September 25 - Fellowship of Christian Athletes

• October 2 - Minecraft Club

• October 18 - Anime & Japanese culture

Click HERE for 24 25 Club Listing by Day

This is a newsletter for middle school parents and guardians. Topics this month include: Absences affect more than grades, school counselors, discussions about drugs and alcohol, note taking, and so much more!

Click HERE for Sept 2024 Parents Still Make A Difference

All students are welcome to attend any Academically Successful Knights (ASK) session Monday through Thursday. Students may go to any available session for a quiet place to work, for group projects, or homework help. Students should not leave the building and come back for ASK and must stay until 4:00pm.

Mr. Isbell and Ms. Alexander are planning an outdoor “Yard Games” unit for OMS students. They are looking for donations of yard games your family has outgrown or no longer use. Games need to be in working order and include all pieces. Send any donations into the front office by Sept 13th. Thank you!

Students who had their yearbook photos taken on August 5th may view and order photos online. Please use the following link and the event code to access the photos.

School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Event Code: FE136424

• Also Needed: Synergy Student ID

OMS families, every school has procedures in place for the safety of our students and to provide the best learning environment for everyone. Each year we check and update our procedures on everything from forgotten lunches to visitors in the building. Please refer to our 2024 2025 Student Planner, our School Information or Families tabs on the OMS Website for everything including:

• Reporting an Absence

• Dropping off forgotten homework, shoes, etc

• Visitors in the building

• Outside/restaurant food

• Sports eligibility

• Lunch money accounts

• So much more!

Please follow the OMS traffic loop, entering at the south entrance, looping around and exiting at the south entrance. OMS has received concerns about safety when cars are dropping students off in nearby neighborhoods.

Blue Valley families,

We are excited to have your families come to support our high school activities and athletics. It is great to see the entire community at these events. It is imperative that our parent community partner with us as we work to encourage positive elementary and middle school behavior at high school games or events.

We are asking that all elementary and middle school students enter the game with an adult and sit with that adult throughout the game. Please do not drop your child off at a district event without supervision as they will not be allowed to enter. It is challenging to monitor and keep all students safe without the help of our parent community. Thanks for your help with this protocol to make district events a great experience for all who attend. We hope to see your family cheering for our Blue Valley teams this school year.

Matt Ortman

Director of School Administration, Athletics and Activities

Blue Valley School District

This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it.

Thanks to all of our families for attending Back to School Night Thursday evening. We loved seeing you and look forward to a great school year!

Here are slideshows presented at Back to School Night:

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Elective Team

Administrator Presentation

Back Snack Program- A variety of food items are provided weekly for the student to take home.

Giving the Basics- Personal care items such as deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc. are available in the school social worker’s office.

These programs are voluntary, confidential, and offered at no cost to participants. If interested, please contact the school social worker, Sue Ellen Jayne at 913-239-5528, sejaynecolbert@bluevalleyk12.org

Health Partnership Clinic offers a range of medical, dental and behavioral health services through four clinics and at sites throughout the community. You are welcome at any age, with or without insurance.

https://hpcks.org/who-we-are/

Are you passionate about your job? Do you wish you knew more about what kinds of skills, knowledge, and duties your job required before you were looking to start a career? We are excited to offer Career Café once a month where a small group of students can meet with you, learn about your profession, and be able to ask questions about what it’s really like to be in the workforce. All professions welcome! If you are interested in being a participant, please fill out the following Google form and we will contact you for specifics. Thank you for your consideration!

CLICK HERE for the Career Café Interest Form

OMS yard signs are for sale for $20! They can be purchased online at (https://omspto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/130602735). Signs will be delivered to your front porch.

Online Purchase for OMS yard signs: https://omspto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/130602735

Families who live near 119th St. and 69 Highway should be aware that there will be closures due to the 69 Expressway construction project. This will begin in mid to late August and last for approximately 60 days. Please open the attached map for alternate routes to Oxford Middle.

Please help your student be successful by reviewing OMS expectations prior to the beginning of the school year.

OMS Student Handbook

Two items to note:

Personal Technology Devices are not used during the school day (7:51-3:00 p.m.). This includes cell phones, airpods or earbuds, and smart watches. These items must be put away during the school day to allow our students to focus on learning.

Backpacks are not used throughout the school day to allow our classes ample space for students to comfortably move around and learn. Backpacks are stored in lockers during the school day.

Thank you for reviewing our expectations at home so we can have a great school year!

For students who do not receive bus transportation, families may fill out this form to see if other families near them are interested in arranging a carpool. Anyone who fills the form out will want to check regularly for new additions. Families who use this form will reach out to other parents and guardians on this form to arrange any carpools.

OMS Carpool Interest Form

Please help our OMS carline move smoothly by following the OMS traffic loop. All cars enter the parking lot through the south entrance and exit through the south entrance.

Parents/Guardians may NOT drop kids off in our south parking lot. This creates a safety hazard for staff entering and exiting the parking lot before and after school. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

The 2024-25 school year is an exciting time in Blue Valley Schools as we have the opportunity to look to the future while refreshing our strategic plan.

Your input is invaluable as we prioritize the goals and initiatives that will guide us through 2030. This survey is your chance to voice what you believe should be our top priorities, ensuring that our plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.

💻 2025-30 Strategic Plan Survey (3-5 minute survey)

The survey will remain open through Aug. 21. For more information about the strategic planning process, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/strategicplan.

We are looking forward to having you and your student at OMS this year. Need a place to start for Oxford information? Click here for more information:

Oxford FAQ 2024-2025

The OMS student planner includes school schedules and student expectations. This would be a great resource to look at prior to the school year: 2- 2023-2024 Student Planner - Body.pdf - Google Drive

We have created a Parent Reference Sheet and QR Codes for your reference during the school year. Scan the QR codes for links to reporting absences, adding money to lunch accounts, school day bell schedules, ParentVue, Canvas, bus company, and so much more!

Click HERE to download the 24-25 Parent Reference Sheet

The school supply lists for the 2024-25 school year are available on the OMS Website under the Families tab. Click HERE for the School Supply page.

The OMS website has most of the information you will need for and during the school year. You can find the school calendar, class and lunch schedules, links to the lunch payment system, staff lists (including email addresses), rules about cell phones, how to notify us of a student absence, candid student and event photos, sports schedules, clubs and activities, and so much more! Our website is updated multiple times a week so check here for current updates! OMS Website

Bell Schedules & Calendar / Bell/Class Schedules (bluevalleyk12.org)

OMS FAQs: student handbook, lockers, etc.

Building & Traffic Flow Map

OMS Staff Directory

Want to keep up on the latest OMS announcements and information? Check out the NEWS section on the OMS website. NEWS is located under the About Us tab.

Click HERE for OMS NEWS

OMS Phone Number: 913-239-5500

Attendance Number: 913-239-5505

Mrs. Domoney, Principal: cdomoney@bluevalleyk12.org

Mr. Holsapple, Assistant Principal: jholsapple03@bluevalleyk12.org

OMS Calendar

OMS School Website

OMS Library Homepage