Principal Rubino's Newsletter

In the black box at the top of the newsletter, select Translate Newsletter to pick the desired language.

· Portuguese: Na caixa preta na parte superior do boletim, selecione Traduzir Boletim informativo para escolher o idioma desejado.

· Spanish: En el cuadro de Negro en la parte superior del boletín de noticias, seleccione Traducir Boletín de escoger el idioma deseado.

· Arabic : في المربع الأسود في أعلى النشرة الإخبارية، حدد ترجمة الرسالة الإخبارية لاختيار اللغة المطلوبة.

· 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.

I hope everyone enjoyed the extra hour of sleep this morning as the clocks fall back one hour today. This will be a short and sweet message this Sunday as I do not have too many new updates to share! If you didn't have a chance to read the OMS counseling newsletter on Friday, be sure to check it out as it has a wealth of information and resources for families.

As a friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Tuesday, Nov. 5 due to Election Day. Staff will be participating in professional development all day.

This Thursday is the OMS Quarter 1 Art Show. Be sure to swing by OMS between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to check out the wonderful student work.

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, 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

Looking Ahead:

• Monday, Nov. 11
• No School in honor of Veterans Day
• Tuesday, Nov. 12
• First day of Q2
• OMS School Council: 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
• 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.
• Friday, Nov. 15
• OMS Drama Club Presents: The Day The Internet Died
• 7 p.m.; Arlington High School Auditorium
• 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

Are you concerned about your child’s screen time? Looking for effective strategies to promote healthy technology habits? Join us for a series of engaging discussions designed for parents and caregivers!

In this forum, we’ll explore practical ways to reduce screen time, delve into parental controls for various devices, and examine the research on how excessive screen use impacts student learning. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents, share experiences, and learn from experts and each other.

Meetings will be held throughout the year, fostering a supportive community focused on nurturing our children’s well-being in a digital age. Together, we can make informed choices about technology use and create a balanced environment for our kids. Don’t miss out—let’s navigate this journey together!

Interested? Please join us at the Ottoson Middle Cafeteria on Monday, December 2nd from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

RSVP today using the following link:

Join the APS Responsible Tech Use Forum!

For more information, please contact Dan Hammond M.Ed at dhammond@arlington.k12.ma.us.

Mr. Hammond will be leading these workshops as part of his Educational Leadership Masters Program.

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.

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.

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.