Principal Rubino's Newsletter

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· Vietnamese: Trong hộp đen ở phía trên cùng của bản tin, chọn dịch ký nhận để chọn ngôn ngữ mong muốn.

· Swahili: Katika sanduku nyeusi juu ya jarida, chagua Jarida la Tafsiri ili kuchagua lugha taka.

We are closing in on quarter 1 if you can believe it! Time flies when you're having fun. Nov. 8 is the last day of quarter 1, so if your student has any missing work or make-up work to complete, now is the time to do that. Please have students reach out to their teachers with any questions about their work and refer to the grade portal for questions about grades. Quarter 2 begins on Tuesday, Nov 12.

The first quarterly art show will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come visit OMS and take a look at the creativity from our student artists this term.

Thank you, families, for voting in the School Council election. You have selected the following caregivers to represent OMS: Carmine Granucci, Ted Lombardi, and Shauna Pellauer. Our first meeting of the year is Tuesday, Oct. 29 before school.

Thank you to the families, Student Council, and the entire OMS community for attending last week’s Interrupting Hate Speech community conversation. I hope this will be the first of many dialogues and community-building conversations to help ensure that everyone in our middle school feels a true sense of belonging. The OMS Student Council is eager to engage in this important work and will be collaborating with the APS DEIBJ department to develop interrupter phrases for students. These phrases will be shared and explained during an upcoming advisory lesson.

Arlington Community Resources is a list of organizations available in the community to support your family.

As always, please remember our core values: Engage, Empower, Excel: We work hard; we are kind, we speak our truth. Have a great week!

Please read on for important information for this week and beyond.

This Week:

• Monday, Oct. 28
• SOS: Air & Storm
• Tuesday, Oct. 29
• OMS School Council; 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. hybrid via Zoom
• SOS: Water & Sea
• BIPOC Affinity Club: 3 - 3:50 p.m. in METCO office
• Wednesday, Oct. 30
• Informational Session for 8th grade students interested in joining the AHS Football Team next year; After school in the cafeteria
• Friday, Nov. 1
• Informational meeting about Newsies, Jr.; OMS music room at 3 p.m.

Looking Ahead:

• Monday, Nov. 4
• SOS: Earth & Sky
• Tuesday, Nov. 5
• Election Day; No School for students
• Staff PD Day
• Thursday, Nov. 7
• Quarter 1 Art Showcase: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Friday, Nov. 8
• Minuteman Showcase Field Trip - Grade 8
• Last Day of Quarter 1
• Monday, Nov. 11
• No School in honor of Veterans Day
• Tuesday, Nov. 12
• First day of Q2
• GO PTO Meeting; 7 p.m. at OMS
• Wednesday, Nov. 13
• School Picture Retakes
• Early Release at 11:45 a.m.
• Conferences in person: 12:15 - 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 14
• Conferences via Zoom: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 19
• Quarter 1 Report Cards Available in PowerSchool
• Sea & Sun field trip to Bodaborg
• Friday, Nov. 22
• Earth Field Trip: Level 99
• Wednesday, Nov. 27
• Early Release at 12 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Nov. 29
• No School; Thanksgiving Break

Arlington Public Schools District Calendar

There will be an informational meeting for all students who would like to learn about the Ottoson Musical, Newsies Jr, on Friday, November 1st. The meeting will take place at Ottoson Middle School from 3:15-4 in rm. 102 (Music room). If you have questions, please email director Mrs. Antonakas at nantonakas@arlington.k12.ma.us.

If a student would like the retake photo to replace the original photo, please have the student return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. We will replace the original package at no additional cost.

If this is the first time being photographed, just have the student/staff go to the camera and we’ll create a proof for them that will be sent to the school (and/or to their family email if we have that information). These proofs will be delivered approx. 4 weeks after picture day. An order code will be on the proof along with ordering instructions.

Students in Mr. Manion's science classes went outside to test the flight patterns of their paper airplanes during some warm weather this past week. It was a glorious autumn day!

If your family is in need of support, please complete the APS Family Support Request Form. Once you complete this form we will share your responses with the family engagement department and/or school social workers or counselors to support your family.

Students to do now:

• Join the Audition Google Classroom for all the music, lyrics and choreo you need for auditions here. Code: i7o5sba

• Fill out the google form. Consult with your adults before filling out the Musical Intake Google Form.

• Very important information that we need in order to plan rehearsals and cast the show.

• Please be as honest and as specific as possible with your answers, as we

are being very clear about the commitment level required to be part of the musical to maintain a fair and successful session. While we understand that there can be a lot to juggle, if you cannot commit, other students will be asked to step in for you.

Auditions:

*A brief meeting will be held on Friday, November 1 at 3:15 in room 101 at OMS with the Production Team to answer questions!

• Audition Process Meeting Monday, November 18th from 3:30-4:30 in rm. 101. (Teaching Session and audition process review)

• Everyone should be there.

• Tuesday November 19th Singing Auditions 3:00-5:30 (you can leave after you audition)

• Wednesday November 20th Acting and Dancing auditions 3:00-5:30 (you may leave after you audition) in rm. 101.

• Call backs Friday, November 22nd 3:00-6:00pm.Students who are called back should plan to stay for the whole session. If you are not called back, that does not mean you did not get a role.

• Bring your best New York Accent! :) See the video on the Google Classroom!

Accepted Cast Members

• Full Read Through Thursday, December 19th 3:30-4:30 in rm. 101

• Rehearsals start Monday, January 6th.

• Rehearsals are Monday, Tuesday, and Fridays from 3:00-5:00 (Harmonics can join at 3:45 on Tues). You will not be called to all rehearsals, and will receive a monthly calendar two weeks in advance of each month. We know Gibbs studentswill arrive late, this is okay!

• Saturday rehearsals are mandatory for cast members

• March 29th 9-3 OMS

• April 12 9-3 AHS

• April 26 9-3 AHS; this is the second Saturday of April break. Please make travel plans accordingly so you can be at rehearsal.

• Tech week is 4/14-4/18. Rehearsals will be Monday-Friday this week from 3:15-6:30pm at OMS.

• Production week is 4/26-5/3. Rehearsals will be Monday-Friday this week from 3:15 -6:30pm at AHS.

• The Shows are 5/2 at 7pm and 5/3 with a matinee at 2pm and evening show at 7pm.

Conflicts

• Any regular conflicts on Monday, Tuesday or Friday from 3:00-5:00 pm need to be disclosed prior to auditions.

• Disclosed conflicts do not excuse students from rehearsals. If students are unable to attend a rehearsal, please reach out to the person running the rehearsal to ask to be excused. Students are responsible for making up the rehearsal with assistance from the google classroom videos and audio tracks.

• Unexcused absences or excessive absences could result in being asked to leave the cast or a change in the role you have been assigned.

• Students are not permitted to miss tech week or production week rehearsals

• Students are not permitted to miss Saturday rehearsals unless disclosed on the conflict sheet and received permission by Mrs. Antonakas.

Communication, Rehearsal Schedules, and Costumes

• All communication is posted on the Newsie’s Jr.Google Classroom (code will be given once the show is casted) as well as emails to families.

• We use the email addresses provided on the cast contract form that the cast submits once casting is complete.

• As the show gets closer, important information will be emailed frequently.

• Lots of avoidable problems happen when families and students are not receiving/reading the emails or not checking Google Classroom daily.

• Rehearsal schedules are posted monthly at least two weeks in advance of each month

• Costume information will be shared in January. Costumes are due at our first Saturday rehearsal on March 8.

Academic and Behavioral Expectations

• Participation in the musical is not dependent on grades. It is dependent on effort, assignment completion, and behavior.

• Teachers will be provided with the cast list. If you are not completing assignments or you are disrespectful in class, you may be asked to leave the musical.

• Never use rehearsal as an excuse for not doing your homework. Please talk to us if you are struggling. We are here to support you!

• Cast members are expected to be the best of Ottoson and Gibbs. You will be inclusive and kind. You will be focused and do what is asked of you, even if no adult is directly supervising you. You will not disrupt the larger OMS community during rehearsal time, or the neighbors as you leave rehearsal.

• We take nothing more seriously than our reputation.

If you are cast in the show. Here is what you need to do between casting and the first rehearsal:

• Get a folder or binder for your music. If you got a script, highlight and start memorizing.

• Get a garment bag to hold your costume.

• Watch the show online. Get a sense of the plot and where you fit. The movie and the Jr. version are very different - make sure you are watching a jr version (they are painful, usually - ours will not be).

• Most important: fill out the cast contract form and join the Cast Google Classroom.

• Sign up to get alerts when there is a post and CHECK IT DAILY!

A note about being a part of Stage Crew for 7th and 8th graders only:

Sometimes students who did not audition for or did not receive a role in the Musical decide they would like to be part of the Stage Crew. Find the information about how to apply to be on Stage Crew here.

We look forward to your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the show. No one in this cast is more important than anyone else. What makes us great is our attention to detail with the ensemble. Everyone needs to be committed and working together.

All the Best,

Mrs. Antonakas, Director nantonakas@arlington.k12.ma.us (please email all questions to Mrs. Antonakas)

Mr. Smith, Music Director nsmith@arlington.k12.ma.us

Teacher Smith, Producer csmith@arlington.k12.ma.us

Ms. Flynn, Choreographer rflynn@arlington.k12.ma.us

Lost & Found items can be retrieved from Ms. Duffy at the main office. Please take a look and see if anything you are missing has been found.

Photo Gallery Link :

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vBlZCVjwomB0pHxObTkPqovawPv5lqqL?usp=sharing

As you may remember, this summer I started a book club for the OMS community. We read and discussed “Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times” by Phyllis L. Fagell.

I plan to hold a second event to discuss this book, so if you haven't read it yet or were unable to make the first event, here's your chance. The date is TBD, but it will likely be an evening in November or December. After that event, we will select a book to read for the second half of the school year. I hope you will consider reading this book and joining me in a dialogue.

CLICK HERE to see the book on Amazon.

The Menotomy Math Club at Ottoson Middle School is an exciting new club designed to deepen students' engagement with mathematics. The club will meet every Friday morning from 7:25 to 8:25 AM starting from September 27 (room TBD).

Unlike traditional math programs, the Menotomy Math Club focuses on the creative side of mathematics—problem creation. This innovative approach will allow students to design their own math problems and develop critical thinking skills in preparation for a mathematics competition organized by the club later in the school year.

By participating in the Menotomy Math Club, students will:
- Enhance their problem-solving abilities through original problem creation.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Foster teamwork and collaboration in a supportive environment.

We believe this club will not only enrich students' understanding of mathematics but also inspire a lasting interest in STEM fields. If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can get involved, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for supporting this exciting new initiative at OMS!

For more information, please email Prathamesh Gupta at pgupta2029@spyponders.com.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. An affinity lunch group is a group of people who come together to share a common interest or experience. In the context of BIPOC, an affinity lunch group is a group of people who come together to discuss and support one another in their shared experiences as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The purpose of this type of group is to create a safe and supportive space for BIPOC individuals to connect and share their experiences, and to provide a sense of community and solidarity.

Robotics club uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kits. Students will get hands-on experience building and programming their own robots, exploring the exciting world of robotics and coding. Perfect for aspiring engineers and tech enthusiasts, this club offers a fun, educational environment where imagination and technology come together. We meet every other Thursday (starting in October) from 3-4PM in Ms. Fradin's room. Reach out to lfradin@arlington.k12.ma.us with questions.

The yearbook club will start meeting after February break. It is open to all students, and the day of meetings will be determined by what works best for the students. Anyone interested can email scarlson@arlington.k12.ma.us

The Ottoson Insider is a student-run newspaper club at Ottoson Middle School, offering a platform for students to share news, stories, and opinions about school events, student life, and current happenings. Whether you're interested in reporting, photography, creative writing, or design, The Ottoson Insider provides an opportunity to develop your skills, work as part of a team, and have your voice heard. This is your chance to stay informed and inform others—because The Ottoson Insider is a news source for Ottoson students, by Ottoson students! Meetings will be held Thursdays from 3-4 in Room 305, beginning September 26th.

Mirabile Scriptu, Ottoson’s Literary and Art Magazine, is a space for students to showcase their creativity through original writing and artwork. Whether you're passionate about poetry, short stories, essays, painting, or photography, Mirabile Scriptu celebrates student voices and imaginations. Our editorial team works together to solicit, select, edit, and present a diverse collection of submissions, creating a publication that highlights the talent within our school. Share your vision, inspire others, and be a part of something amazing! Our first information meeting will be Monday, October 7th. Google Classroom Code: kcipbzt

History Day is a National contest. Students will research a topic based on this year’s theme: "Rights and Responsibilities in History." Each project will use primary and secondary sources. Students will create a project and compete at the district contest in March. First meeting: Friday 9/20 after school in Mr. Levy's classroom (445) Contact information: Mr. Levy: jlevy@arlington.k12.ma.us History Day google classroom code: ogghykw

Jewish Club: Jewish students and staff members gather together to celebrate and connect at various intervals during the year. Build positive memories and experiences associated with a proud Jewish identity!

Art Club - a guided open-studio art club! Art Club meets Thursday after school in room 326. Students will work on both independent projects and group projects and activities. There is no requirement to sign up - students can come any time in the year!

World of Difference Peer Leaders

*Provide students with opportunities to develop and practice leadership and social action skills

*Provide a forum where young people can learn about and discuss bias and discrimination

*Use positive peer influence to promote healthy, supportive and respectful educational environments

Thursdays 3-3:30 in room 214 Vicki Ross vross@arlington.k12.ma.us

AAPI Affinity Group, Wednesdays from 3-4. A designated safe space for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students of OMS to gather and talk about shared experiences, learn about each other's' cultures, and discuss about identity in a predominantly white community. Email is abonnettekim@arlington.k12.ma.us

Drama Club. The club will meet every other Monday at 3:00PM until rehearsals for the fall show begin. The first meeting will be Monday, September 16th. Students are welcome to join the google classroom for additional information. 5fbnjgl

Current Events Club: We will investigate current events and create posters, bulletin boards, flyers or newsletters to keep OMS informed. This club will run after school on Tuesdays in room 457.

Science Olympiad or (SciOly) Division B (middle school level) is planning to meet after school on Mondays. We will typically meet in Miss Little's classroom, room 210 and will be joined, usually virtually, by Science Olympiad members from AHS Science Olympiad for help with various topics and preparation for competitions.

Science Olympiad Division B or (SciOly) is a club for interested students who share a common curiosity for science and learning as well as participating in team based competitions. You can still participate in Science Olympiad without competing, we can discuss this further at our meetings. This is a club you will be able to continue to participate in at AHS in the high school division if you are interested in doing that.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Miss Little (8th Grade Science Fire LC) at klittle.arlington.k12.us.ma who will be the advisor for SciOly at Ottoson.

Queer Students Alliance will be held on Tuesdays after school 3-3:45 in room 232. It is a drop-in club, you do not have to come to every meeting, and everyone is welcome! If you have any questions email Ms. Miller (kmiller@arlington.k12.ma.us). Google Classroom code: u6kq7l7

KnitWits - crochet and knitting club. Fridays from 3 - 4:00 in Room 302 Hang out with friends, chill, and do some hand crafts. No experience necessary - we can teach you and we have materials!

Take climate action with the Ottoson Green Team!

We meet Wednesdays from 3-4pm in Room 232

Our google classroom code is 2pwwqiq

The Middle School Student Council is a group of students who plan fun events, and work on projects that improve the school community. It's a great way to develop leadership skills, make new friends, and make a positive impact at school! Meeting dates: Thursdays from 3 - 4 p.m. in room 211. Please reach out to Ms. Akeson (kakeson@arlington.k12.ma.us) for more information.

There are many voluntary opportunities at Ottoson for extra singing outside the school day. Our small groups are open to any Ottoson students who are in chorus, band or orchestra, OR who cannot schedule big groups due to a scheduling constraint. So if you have a friend in those circumstances who loves to sing, please send them our way! In addition to the concerts, the small choral groups perform at Great East Festival and go to an amusement park in the spring. If you are interested in auditioning for small groups, you can try out for Harmonics or Dynamics. If you don’t want to audition, you can join Bel Suono or Singing Bros. *All students accepted into Harmonics and Dynamics must also participate in Bel Suono or Singing Bros*

Bel Suono is for grades 7 and 8 female identified singers as well as students who are non-binary; the group sings SSA music. Bel Suono meets Friday mornings from 7:30-8:20am in rm. 102. There is no audition, come to be assigned your voice part on Friday morning, September 13th from 7:30-8:20am. Please join the google classroom with code: wnxhxcl

Singing Bros is for grades 7 and 8 male identified singers as well as students who are non-binary, we sing SATB music. Singing Bros meets Friday mornings from 7:30-8:20am. No audition, come to be assigned your voice part on Friday morning, September 13th from 7:30-8:20am. Google Classroom code is 46yqap2.

Harmonics is open to all grade 7 and 8 students. The group sings SATB music and is for the more experienced singer. There is an informational meeting on Tues. September 10th at 3pm in rm. 102. The audition will be on Sept 17th from 3-5pm (you can leave after you audition). Approximately 20 singers are accepted. Rehearsals are Tuesday afternoons from 3-3:45 and accepted singers must commit to the rehearsals. To learn more about the audition process for Harmonics, please join the google classroom at code tz3flao.

Dynamics (show choir) open to grade 7 and 8 students. Please see Mr. Smith in rm. 101 for audition information! Dynamics (Show Choir) meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20am.

First info session will be September 11 at 7:30am in Mr. Smith's room 101(we will go through the audition song). Auditions are September 16th at 7:30 am. Dynamics google classroom code is icrmbvi. The practice tracks music and dance for your audition will be posted in GC August 28th.

Junior Districts

There is an opportunity for all singers to audition for Northeast Junior District Festival. The auditions will be on February 1, and if accepted, the festival is March 12, 14, and 15. We start working on music in late October. This is an incredible opportunity for interested singers! Check out https://www.northeasterndistrict.org/junior.html. Google classroom is h3idxzj.

Spring Musical

This year we will be performing Newsies Jr at the beginning of May. Auditions will be the first week of November. Google classroom code for the auditions is i7o5sba. If you have any questions, email the director, Mrs. Antonakas at nantonakas@arlington.k12.ma.us or the music director Mr. Smith at nsmith@arlington.

Drama Club

This year’s director of the Drama Club is Ms. Scott. Be sure to go see her and say hi in rm. 222. You can email her at bbeldenscott@arlington.k12.ma.us. Drama club google classroom code is: 5fbnjgl

What is SEPAC? The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a volunteer group of parents, guardians, and caregivers that works to build a supportive community inclusive of all students, caregivers, educators, and stakeholders. It provides families with training and resources and collaborates directly with district administrators and the Arlington School Committee to promote effective family-district communications and appropriate service delivery and accommodations to students with disabilities. Learn more

Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s success. Please make every effort to ensure they are present and on time every day. This will be a focus of our administration and counseling team this year and you can expect to receive communication from the main office if your child is tardy or absent from school.

Please take the time to read through the handbook to review our policies regarding school attendance.

The best way to report any attendance issues (absence, tardy, or dismissal) for your child is by sending an email to the Ottoson absentee line – omsattendance@arlington.k12.ma.us

Please make sure to give us:

• Student Name

• a reason for the absence or tardy

• expected date of return

• for dismissal, the name of the person who will be dismissing your child

Students should arrive each day ready to learn, with all necessary materials and a positive mindset.

Ottoson does have AM/PM programming. Click here to register.

We encourage all students to stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing water bottles. Only water is permitted in the classrooms.

To maintain a focused and healthy environment, beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, or popular "pink drinks" from outside establishments like Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks are not allowed in the building.

At Ottoson Middle School, we are dedicated to providing an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Our faculty and staff are passionate about teaching and are here to support your child every step of the way.

We are excited about the year ahead and the opportunities it holds for academic growth, personal development, and building strong, lasting connections. Together, we will create a supportive and vibrant school community.

We believe in open communication and encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns throughout the year. Our partnership with you is vital to your child’s success, and we are here to support you as well. Please reach out to your child’s teachers if you have any questions. You can expect communication from your child’s teachers and teaching team early on in the school year.

Your child’s grade-level assistant principal can help to provide communication and support. Ms. Lindsay Migliero will be working primarily with grade 8 students and families and Dr. Michelle Crawford will be working primarily with grade 7 students and families.

The staff list will be available on the website at the start of school. We are in the process of updating it to reflect the new learning community assignments and new OMS staff. I will feature our new staff, including photos, in a future newsletter.