Welcome Back & Exciting News to Kick Off 2025!
OVMS Students and Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful and joyous holiday season filled with family, laughter, and cherished moments. As we return to school and kick off 2025, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news that truly reflects the incredible work happening at Orchard View Middle School.
As 2024 closed out, I had the honor of attending the District Administrators Annual Leadership Summit, in sunny Florida, where the winners of the “Districts of Distinction/National Distinguished School Awards” were announced.
Out of over 15,000 school districts nationwide, hundreds of schools were nominated for these prestigious awards. Three schools stood out as finalists in the ultimate category of “Academic Excellence”:
- Winner: Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recognized for their 59 campuses serving over 43,680 students.
- Runner-Up: Orchard View Middle School! OVMS was recognized for the innovative strides we’ve made and our unwavering commitment to creating a learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Runner-Up: La Porte Independent School District in La Porte, Texas, celebrated for their ongoing community investments and two National Blue Ribbon Schools.
While we didn’t take home the top prize, this national recognition is a monumental achievement for Orchard View Schools. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our teachers, staff, students, and families.
Together, we’ve built something extraordinary—a school where innovation, inclusion, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such an integral part of the OVMS family. Your partnership fuels our success and inspires us to reach even greater heights.
Here’s to an incredible 2025!
Warm regards,
Joshua Smith
Principal, Orchard View Middle School
More Exciting News: Additional Academic Support for Our Students!
I am excited to share some additional fantastic news about resources available to support our students' academic success.
Beginning the first week of 2025, Orchard View Middle School is partnering with Beyond Basics, a grant-funded program focused on improving literacy and academic achievement. This partnership brings experienced tutors to our school, providing personalized instruction for students who need extra help.
To ensure every student has the support they need, we have implemented multiple layers of academic assistance:
- Beyond Basics Tutors: Highly skilled tutors will work with students one-on-one to help improve literacy and overall academic performance.
- Response to Intervention (RTI): Our new RTI program targets students whose grades or test scores indicate they need extra support, providing tailored instruction to address specific learning gaps.
- Dedicated Teacher Support Time: Ten teachers have at least one hour built into their daily schedules to offer additional help to students in need during these RTI courses.
- After-School Tutorial Program (NEST - Need Extra Support Time): Held every Tuesday and Thursday, NEST provides small-group and one-on-one instruction with a minimum of two certified teachers, ensuring ongoing assistance beyond the school day.
These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to bridging learning gaps and empowering students to succeed academically.
If you have any questions about these programs or want to learn how your child can benefit, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Smith. Together, we can ensure that every student at Orchard View Middle School has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you again for your partnership and support!
Warm regards,
Joshua Smith
Principal, Orchard View Middle School
Week at a Glance
Monday, January 6
Early Release
Sports Pictures - Basketball and Cheer @ OVHS 1:30PM
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Tuesday, January 7
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Autobody: 2:30-4:45pm
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Environmental & vet Sciences: 2:30-4:45pm
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Art Club: 2:15-3:45pm
Red Club: 2:15-3:45pm
NEST Tutoring - 2:15-3:15pm
Wednesday, January 8
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Thursday, January 9
Mentorship - Yearbook Meeting (Ms. Gerrans' Room)
Girls' Basketball - Informational Meeting - 2:00 PM Cafeteria (Tryouts Jan. 22-24)
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Autobody: 2:30-4:45pm
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Environmental & vet Sciences: 2:30-4:45pm
Competitive Cheer - TUMBLING: 3:30-4:30pm
Art Club: 2:15-3:45pm
Crochet Club: 2:15-3:15pm
NEST Tutoring - 2:15-3:15pm
MathCounts Practice - 2:15-3:15pm (Ms. Bajt's Room)
Friday, January 10
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Saturday, January 11
Competitive Cheer MEET (AWAY: Ludington):
Cooking Class
If you are interested in Cooking Class, and you have not filled out the form, there is still time.
After break, Mr. Smith will look at how many students are interested, and create a system that allows as many students as possible to participate. Please make sure to fill out form (if you have not already) prior to Winter Break.
Do you love food and want to learn how to cook? We're excited to offer an after-school cooking class where you'll explore fun recipes, develop kitchen skills, and create delicious dishes!
If you're interested, please fill out this form to let us know. This will help us plan the best schedule and activities for the group. We can’t wait to cook up something amazing together!
🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Bajt's Class! 🎉
A huge shoutout to Ms. Bajt's class for their incredible effort in winning the canned food drive! Your generosity and teamwork have made a big difference in our community. 🥫❤️
As a reward for your hard work, your class will enjoy a Pizza Party this week! 🍕🎉 Stay tuned—details will be shared soon.
Red Club
Red Club is a fun after school group where students learn skills that will aid them in managing their emotions and behavior and in improving their school performance. Last year's activities included games, arts and crafts, hiking, and group discussions. Red Club meetings will be after school on Tuesdays, and a late bus will be available to provide transportation home. If your student is interested in joining Red Club, they can pick up a permission slip in the middle school office. If you have any questions, please contact Lilliana Duyck by emailing her at lilliana.duyck@orchardview.org.
Reporting and Supporting Each Other
Middle School is a fun and exciting time, but it is important that we take care of each other.
As social groups form, students will seek out attention and validation from one another. While this is typical of your age group, if these social relationships do not stay healthy, unnecessary drama can be created.
Before you act or before you speak, take a few breaths, and think, "who is this helping?"
Ask yourself:
1) Is this true?
2) is this helpful?
3) is this inspiring?
4) is this necessary?
5) is this kind?
If you can't say, "yes" to all of the above, then don't do or say whatever it is you are considering.
If you know about a situation between students filled with drama or emotions that you think could turn into an altercation, whether it be verbal or physical, please make sure to connect with an adult right away. Every adult in this building is trained to support you or to get you access to someone who can support you. Violence is never necessary.
At the start of every newsletter is the:
CLICK HERE for "I need to Speak to an Adult" form - this will get you help the quickest.
or
CLICK HERE for Okay2Say - this is completely anonymous (but doesn't get to principals as quickly).
Finally
We are here to help. Please make sure to follow the Hallway SOAR expectations and thank you for helping us make our school community safe!
Gator Recycling
OVMS gets money from this dumpster (by weight). We intend to use this money to fund things like our SOAR Store. Please consider dropping any paper-based recycling products in our bin.
