OMS Pirate Press Weekly Newsletter
Week of June 10-14, 2024
8th Grade Trip to View Boston
Our 8th grade students visited View Boston at The Prudential Center in Boston. The group met on the Top of the Hub on the 52nd floor of Boston, where they had panoramic views of the city. They were able to take in the views of Boston's famous landmarks from the 360 degree outdoor Cloud Terrace as well as engage in interactive exhibits and STEAM lesson plans. Students were able to learn about the history of Boston, view and discuss historical Colonial landmarks relative to the Revolutionary War, immigration to the city, and the engineering of the city's buildings, infrastructure, and waterways. Students enjoyed the trip and had fun posing at the top of the viewing deck. Enjoys some snapshots from the trip.
OHS Grade Parade at OMS
On Thursday, June 6th, OHS graduates visited OMS and OXPS schools. OMS hallways were lined with students and staff cheering on the OHS students and celebrating their accomplishments. This was a special event for OHS grads, who were filled with emotions visiting their former schools and educators who helped to encourage and impacted their learning and growth along the way. It was also an emotional moment for teachers, whose hearts were filled with pride in seeing their former students ready to make the next step in their lives. It was also a great moment for our OMS students to see the excitement and support of grads, helping to inspire them to continue to work hard toward their goals and persevere. Congratulations to the OHS Class of 2024! 🧡🖤👨🏻🎓
NHS Full Committee Meeting
NHS met on Wednesday, June 5th. This was the meeting of the 2023-2024 NJHS and the 2024-2025 NJHS meeting together. Students discussed the NJHS expectations, by-laws, and had discussion about the transferal of responsibilities, goal setting, etc. This was a great opportunity for our outgoing NJHS to help support our incoming NJHS with their goals and learn more about the the work of this group first hand.
OMS Art
Our Art students designed and painted our new Be the 3 Sign to adorn our OMS hallway!
OMS Grade 8 Civics Project
Our Grade 8 Civics students learned about the US History, the federal government and the constitution. They also learn about US current events, citizenship, and civic participation. As a culminating assignment at the close of each year, students take on a civics project and examine ways in which they can work to research, assess, make recommendations for improving elements of our community, either local, state, or federal. Below is Ms. Curtis' class presenting their project on why air conditioning should be mandatory in each educational facility in the country. Each student had a role in the research and presentation process and accepted feedback from OMS staff in response to their "bill proposal."
#Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters Stats and Info
Week of May 31-June 6, 2024: OMS Attendance Rates:
- Grade 6: 95.7% Grade 6 keeping it strong until the end! Nice work!
- Grade 7: 93.2%
- Grade 8: 93.1%
- OMS: 93.6^
Our goal is 95%. We fell short this week. Let's make the last full week a strong one!
Schedule and Important Notes and Highlights for the Upcoming Week
Schedule for the Week of June 10-14, 2024 and Related Info
Important Info for the week ahead:
- Fall OHS Weight Room: Workouts have concluded for the school year.
- Bus Survey for 2024-2025 School Year: Please remember to complete the OXPS Bus Survey for each of your children enrolled in OXPS schools.
- Yearbooks: Yearbooks will be disseminated this week. Grade 8 will receive their yearbooks first and then the next day grade 7 and 6 will receive their yearbooks. We have a few extra yearbooks that were not reserved. The yearbook availability for those unreserved yearbooks will be first come first served. We will take names of students in each lunch on Wednesday, June 12th for those students interested in purchasing a yearbook.
- Library Book Info: All library books need to be returned to the library by Friday, May 24th. We will close book check out on Friday, May 24th. Notices will be sent home after May 24th to those who have not returned books.
- Spree Day: June 11th. Important information to help prepare your child for Spree Day is below.
- 8th grade Events: Very Important for Grade 8 Students and Families!
- June 12th (provided Spree Day is June 11th)Movie: Students will have the opportunity to watch the Disney movie Elemental. This is a rated PG movie. If you are concerned about your child viewing this movie, please email me at ljoseph@oxps.org .
- June 13th: Grade 8 Students will make OXPS themed Tie Dye Tshirts in advisory to be worn on Monday, June 17th. Students are asked to go to their advisory Google Classroom to complete sizes. Those not entering a size will receive a Large. We ask students to please pay $1 for their tshirt. This money should be submitted to Ms. Berube in room 280. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting messy!
- June 13th: Grade 8 Completion and Awards Ceremony practice 1:00
- June 14th: Grade 8 Completion and Awards Ceremony 8:15 a.m-9:15. 8th grade students are permitted 2 guests per student due to auditorium capacity.
- June 14th: Pizza Party and yearbook signing 1:00
- June 14th: 8th grade Semi Formal 7:00-9:00; tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at door.
- June 17th: 8th grade Minute to Win It Activities; Wear your OMS made tie-dye t-shirts!
Daily Schedule:
- Monday, June 10, 2024: B Day
- Homework Center closed today for staff meeting. No clubs, activities, or help sessions after school today.
- Tuesday, June 11, 2024: C Day
- Spree Day
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024: D Day
- Carbuncle Lot closed on Wednesday 6/12 for DPW work.
- Spree Day Rain Date
- NJHS and Student Council Tour Guide Meeting, auditorium for Grade 5 Step Up Day 8:15
- Grade 8 Movie 11:45-1:50 (if Spree Day happens on June 11th)
- Thursday, June 13 2024: E Day
- Grade 5 Step Up Day 9:30-10:30; NJHS and Student Council Tour guides
- Grade 8 Tie-Dye Tshirts in advisory--don't forget to give $1 to Ms. Berube in room 280 for tshirt.
- Grade 8 Completion and Awards Assembly Rehearsal 1:00
- Last day of Homework Center for the school year after school.
- Friday, June 14, 2024: A Day
- Grade 8 Completion and Awards Assembly 8:15-9:30 OMS Auditorium. Doors will open to caregivers at 7:45 for this event.
- Grade 8 Pizza and Yearbook signing party 1:00
- Grade 8 Semi Formal 7:00-9:00; tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at door.
Spree Day Reminders:
Spree Day:
Tuesday, June 11th.
Rain Date: Wednesday, June 12th.
8:30-1:30
Start the day in advisory
We will have breakfast times scheduled during advisory
Grade 6 Breakfast: 7:25-7:40
Grade 7 Breakfast: 7:45-8:00
Grade 8 Breakfast: 8:05-8:20
No white clothing
Bring Extra clothes to change into
Bring Extra shoes
Bring Bagged lunch for those who don’t want school lunch
All students will be given a free icy treat
Every team has a color: (NO WHITE OR Light Translucent/Transparent colors/clothing)
Grade 8: Orange
Grade 7: Black
Grade 6: Gray
No cell phones or personal electronic devices. No chromebooks at Spree Day
Behavioral infractions leading up to Spree Day may result in loss of ability to participate in Spree Day events.
Last Call for Spree Day Chaperones
OMS is in the preparing for Spree Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 12th. If you are available and interested in volunteering to help supervise Spree Activity Events and OMS students, please see the link below to sign up. Please know that a CORI will need to be completed in advance of assigning and you will need to sign a district chaperone form.
Please reach out to our OMS Staff Spree Chairs Ms. Granger mailto:cgranger@oxps.org or Ms. Blood mailto:mblood@oxps.org with any questions.
Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5AF2BA4F8C07-49553163-spree#/
Grade 8 Close of Year Events
- 8th grade Events: Very Important for Grade 8 Students and Families!
- June 12th (provided Spree Day is June 11th)Movie: Students will have the opportunity to watch the Disney movie Elemental. This is a rated PG movie. If you are concerned about your child viewing this movie, please email me at ljoseph@oxps.org .
- June 13th: Grade 8 Students will make OXPS themed Tie Dye Tshirts in advisory to be worn on Monday, June 17th. Students are asked to go to their advisory Google Classroom to complete sizes. Those not entering a size will receive a Large. We ask students to please pay $1 for their tshirt. This money should be submitted to Ms. Berube in room 280. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting messy!
- June 13th: Grade 8 Completion and Awards Ceremony practice 1:00
- June 14th: Grade 8 Completion and Awards Ceremony 8:15 a.m-9:15. 8th grade students are permitted 2 guests per student due to auditorium capacity. Doors will open to caregivers at 7:45 for this event.
- June 14th: Pizza Party and yearbook signing 1:00
- June 14th: 8th grade Semi Formal 7:00-9:00; tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at door.
- June 17th: 8th grade Minute to Win It Activities; Wear your OMS made tie-dye t-shirts!
8th Grade Semi Formal
- Grade 8 semi formal is Friday, June 14th 7:00-9:00.
- Ticket sales are closed. Tickets will not be sold at the door. However, if an 8th grade student did not purchase a ticket but is still interested in doing so, please reach out to Ms. Joseph by Wednesday, June 12th.
- This is a semi formal dance, not formal. dress pants, collared shirt, skirt, blouse, dress/sundress.
- Grade 8 students may take an OMS grade 7 or 8 student as a guest, but the grade 8 student is responsible for ticket purchase and must host them--arrive with them.
- No formal wear or limos. Light refreshments will be served.
- Reach out with questions or concerns about attire.
- Flyer below.
- Students must be present in school on June 14th in order to attend.
- Students with behavioral infractions leading up to event, may not be permitted to attend.
Grade 5-6-7 Course Selection and Schedule Process Information
- Course Selection Information for grades 5-7 for 2024-2025 School Year: We are in the process of our scheduling mapping for next year. Please see important details below to be aware of:
- Core Content areas: All students will have math, ELA, history, science.
- Math Placements grade 7/8: Data is being finalized now and students recommended for Pre Algebra in grade 7 and Algebra in grade 8 will be notified in the coming days by way of US Mail letter to confirm placement for next year. Please sign this letter and return to OMS.
- Unified Arts areas: All students will have PE annually, and students will have a balance of STEM, Art, Music, Technology throughout their years here, as designed by grade level.
- Music Options:
- Next year students will have a choice of taking chorus, band, or general music as part of their regular weekly schedule. This past year, students have all taken general music with pull-outs for chorus and band during extension and unified arts blocks. Next year, we will be scheduling chorus, band, and general music classes separately as part of their weekly schedule.
- Email Correspondence will go out on the evening of Tuesday, June 11th with a link to complete a Google Form to complete for your child's music choice--band, chorus, or general music.
- Spanish/Reading and Literacy:
- Grade 6 will take exploratory Spanish.
- Grade 7/8: We hope to begin offering Spanish I and Reading and Literacy to grade 7 and 8 students. This process will be phased in over the next 2 years. Students in grade 7 and 8 who are at grade level for ELA standards and skills and have a strong grade average for ELA and Exploring Spanish will be recommended for Spanish 1. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1 at OMS will have Spanish 1 on their high school transcripts that will count toward their years of foreign language. Many 4 year universities require a minimum of 2 years foreign language and successful completion of Spanish 1 at OMS will count toward those 2 years. Those not taking Spanish 1 will have Reading and Literacy.
- Students recommended for Spanish 1 will be notified the week of June 10-14th by way of US Mail letter to confirm placement for next year. Please sign this letter and return to OMS.
- Schedules for 2024-2025 School Year will be released to students and families the week of August 17th.
Summer School
- Summer School: Summer school will be available for students in grade 8 for English and Math. Summer school will be offered at OHS for this group. Information to come in closing days of school.
Summer Reading
- Summer Reading: "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." We encourage our students to continue to explore the literary world by reading books, poems, short stories, articles. Please see staff suggestions for encouraged summer reading and information from Ms. Kennen that contains reading logs and incentives to encourage reading throughout the summer. "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."
Save the Date:
Save the Dates:
- Last Day of School for 2023-2024 School Year: With 3 snow days so far, the last day of school is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th, which is a scheduled half day of school.
- First Day of School for 2024-2025 School Year: Tuesday, June 27, 2024
- OXPS School Year 2024-2025 Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/4acb/01/24/24/145713-e7ec4bb5-ee84-4575-880d-b5dc3f62160b.pdf
OXPS Bus Survey for the 2024-2025 School Year
Caregivers, We are in need of your support to complete a form on PowerSchool informing OXPS about your child's transportation to and from school for next year. The process is free. This will help us create better routines for pick up and drop off at the schools, and provide us with a list of students who need a bus stop. This form must be completed for each child. The link for information on how to complete this survey is https://4.files.edl.io/547c/05/22/24/125820-9747d4bd-e70a-4264-8477-771224067061.pdf
Thank you for your support in assisting us in planning early for the next school year.
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Reminders
- Chromebooks:
- Students are reminded that Chromebooks are a daily necessary item for school and should be present with them daily, charged and ready to go. Students are encouraged to bring their charger with them to maintain connectivity throughout the day. Chromebooks should be treated with respect and are property of OXPS.
- End of year:
- Students leaving OXPS must turn in their chromebook to OMS Main Office before they transfer schools.
- Students remaining at OXPS will retain their chromebooks for the next school year.
- Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Reminder: OMS has an away for the Day Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Rule. Students are not permitted to access, use, or have cell phones/personal electronic devices, including earbuds, visible during the school day. We've had an uptick in Cell phone and earbud visibility and usage. Please help us to keep our educational time uninterrupted by not contacting your child via cell during the school day. Instead, if you need to get a message to them, please contact 508-987-6074. Students will received progressive consequences for failure to comply with these expectations. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we keep our time at OMS focused on academics and safety.
School Menu and Food Services Information
Summer Food Service Announcement
Oxford Public Schools will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program this year. Information is linked below.
Please respond to the following survey to indicate whether you choose to participate in the program and if so which meals are needed (breakfast, lunch, or both), how often you'd like to participate each week, and which site is most convenient for you to attend. https://forms.gle/LHLqquHeUbNcGkTe6
- The June OMS menu is copied below.
From the Health Office
- Ms. Packard is on maternity leave 5/20 until the close of the year. Please contact Nurse Iott with any questions or concerns mailto:tiott@oxps.org
- Unsure of whether your child should attend school with an ailment?
- Check out the guidelines: https://www.smore.com/n/4tsnm-nurses-notes
- FYI Guidelines on Viral Respiratory Infections: https://www.smore.com/n/g1mp5-nurses-notes
- 7th Grade Physicals
- According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Laws, a physical examination is required for each student upon entry into public school or entrance into a new public school district plus at intervals of three to four years thereafter. To be in compliance with this law the Oxford Public Schools, requires updated physical examinations in the 4th, 7th and 10th grades.
- If you have not done so already, please send in a current physical complete with an updated immunization record. If you are unsure what your child is missing please email school nurse at mailto:tiott@oxps.org You may send in a copy with your child or have the pediatrician’s office fax it to 508-987-2588.
Given you and your family’s busy schedules, I appreciate your time and effort regarding this Oxford Public School requirement.
Friends of Oxford Middle School (FOMS) Fundraisers and Info
FOMS Spirit Wear Fundraiser
FOMS is sponsoring an OMS Spirit Wear Shop. You can order the latest in gear--t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, outerwear, hats, and more! . All proceeds benefit FOMS, which in turn benefit our OMS students and programs. Please see the link below to order and the flyer below for more info. https://www.kerringraphics.com/customer_portal/login.html?ut=b174a64a-ac5d-43a5-bfa2-424393e5bc8d
*****NEW***** FOMS Spirit Wear Shop has started to add club and team clothing. So far, they have field hockey, soccer, track and field, art club, music, and Yearbook club added. There are several options--short sleeve tshirts, long sleeve tshirts, tank tops, shorts, sweatpants, a variety of sweatshirts, bags and much more! Stay tuned for more clubs and sports to come, as they are being added every week!
OMS Club Info-Get Involved!
Homework Club and Center
Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will run on Mondays-Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays after school 2:00-3:00, with the exception of the once a month faculty days held mostly on Mondays, but some rare Tuesdays due to long weekends Students wishing to stay will need a blue Homework Center form signed by a teacher with a specific assignment/project to work on and the parent/guardian signature. See or email Ms. Kennen for permission slips and with questions. mailto:akennen@oxps.org . No homework club Monday, June 10 2024
Incoming Grade 6 Field Hockey Club-Fall 2024-
Want to be involved and learn more about Field Hockey? Please consider joining the OMS Grade 6 Field Hockey Club. Information is below.
Oxford Community Youth Athletics
OCC Summer Outdoor Basketball Clinics
Interested in sharpening your basketball skills or having some fun playing hoops this summer? Consider registering for the summer outdoor basketball clinics run by OHS Varsity Coach P at OCC this summer. Information and Registration is below.
Oxford Annual Boy's Basketball Clinic 2024
The Oxford Public Schools will sponsor a Boys’ Basketball Clinic to be held this summer at Oxford
High School. The Clinic will be held 3 days. Please see the attached flyer.
Oxford Webster Youth Football and Cheer 2024 Registration
This group welcomes children ages K-8th grade. Registration information is attached below.
Field Hockey Clinic and Girls Basketball Clinic
Please see attachments below for information regarding local field hockey clinic and girls' basketball clinic.
Community Groups and Supports
Th NAN Project Informational Meeting about Children's Mental Health
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
GRG Support group-join us!
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) and caregiver support group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from September to June @ 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Oxford High School. Coffee and snacks will be provided, please park in front and come in the main entrance. Feel free to contact Kimberly Rockwood with any questions-(978) 413-8989- all are welcome!
NAMI Support Group
NAMI Support Group via Zoom:
We are collaborating with NAMI to offer a FREE new Support Group for caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges provided for our Oxford families by the Central Mass chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI Support Group for Caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges is a peer-led support group for any adult who cares for a child or adolescent who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. The group will enable you to gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. You are not alone. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
FREE of cost to participants
Designed for adult loved ones of young people with mental health conditions
Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
60-120 minutes long and meeting weekly, every other week, or monthly (varies by location)
No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
CONFIDENTIAL
The NAMI Support Group for caregivers of Pre-teens and Teens with mental health issues (POPTT) will begin on Wednesday evening, October 25th, from 7:00 – 9:00pm, via Zoom, and continue on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. To sign up for this group, please email Robin at robinbahr1@gmail.com or Joy at cummingspj@worcesterma.gov. Please indicate that you are interested in joining the POPTT group; give your email address and the best phone number at which to reach you. The email link will be sent the day before each meeting.
Helpful District and School Resources
- Are you getting text messages of our automated calls/texts/emails? If you are not currently receiving text prompts about school and district news, please send a message to the number 22300 and type ALERT in the message in order to receive texts in the future.
- Our District Calendar can be found via the following links:
- District School Day Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/b2fc/08/30/23/192743-caa5596d-7c83-451f-8868-d753af9ebf0d.pdf
- District Events: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/district_calendars
- School Hour changes, per district updates and the implications for OMS students. The link to the school hours is here: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/school_times .
- Electronic Backpack: Please be sure to remember to check the electronic backpack for forms, letters, community announcements as well. The link to the electronic backpack for OMS is as follows: https://oms.oxps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2070226&type=d&pREC_ID=2128528
- Athletic Schedule: https://sites.google.com/oxps.org/athletics
Bus Stops and Times:
- Bus stops and times are currently posted on our website at:
- Here are additional instructions for parents to view buses traveling in real-time on the First Student website when awaiting pickup or drop off:
- If you have any questions please email our bussing team at transportation@oxps.org.