


Principal Rubino's Newsletter
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
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Message from Principal Rubino
Dear OMS Caregivers,
Today is Groundhog Day and according to Punxsutawney Phil, there will be six more weeks of winter! I always get a chuckle out of this folklore because as a kid, I used to really think that meant that summer would get here faster if he said otherwise; regardless, as we all know, six weeks of winter still remains - yet only two weeks remain until February school vacation week! Let's finish these last two weeks strong until the break.
Don't forget -
- The third session of AM/PM began last week. If you want to sign up, please register here.
- This Wednesday, Feb. 5, is an early release. Students are dismissed at 1:20 p.m.
Coming up! Random Acts of Kindness Day (week). February 10th-14th. Counselors will be in the lobby where students can write kind notes to staff or teachers.
This is a short and sweet update this week as I'm away with my daughter for a volleyball tournament. If I need to follow up with any reminders, I will send them along via email this week. Enjoy your Sunday and the week ahead.
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:
- Tuesday, Feb. 4
- AHS Computer Science Info Session @ 3:15 - See below for more info
- PTO Meeting - 6 p.m. at Gibbs
- Wednesday, Feb. 5
- Early Release at 1:20 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 7
- Submission Deadline for Youth Banner Contest - See below for more info
Looking Ahead:
- Random Acts of Kindness Day (week). February 10th-14th.
- Tuesday, Feb. 11
- OMS Community Conversations on Interrupting and Preventing Hate Speech
- Session 2 with Dr. Kalise Wornum
- 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at OMS
- Thursday, Feb. 13
- Anthony Valentine - Motivational Speaker Visit for OMS 8th grade
- Monday, Feb. 17 - Friday, Feb. 21
- February School Vacation Week - No School!
Vacation Week Lunch Bags
Arlington EATS will be offering free pre-packed bags of groceries to any family with kids in Arlington schools who could use extra food support over February break. Vacation lunch bags packed with with nutritious, easy to prepare, kid-friendly foods will be available to pick up on Thursday, February 13 and Friday, February 14 at Arlington EATS, 117 Broadway. Sign up here by February 10 or call 339-707-6757 ext. 6 to find out more.
Visit Arlington EATS at arlingtoneats.org to learn more about getting help with food, how to volunteer, and other ways to address food insecurity in Arlington.
AHS Computer Science Info Session
Tuesday, Feb 4, 2025, 03:15 PM
Ms. Kaplan's Room 328 or via Zoom
Arlington Youth Banner Contest - Click photo for more info
April 19, 2025 will be the 250Th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution and the battles that took place that day, many of them here in Arlington. In honor of this anniversary, this year’s Youth Banners theme will be: Arlington: 250 Years of Revolution and Change.
Eligibility: APS Students in grades 3-12
Submission Deadline: Friday February 7 by 3pm
Submission Details: Please use this link to submit an image of your artwork and artist statement. Give a physical copy to your art teacher or drop off at the HS Front Desk.
Check out the links below for artwork dimensions, thematic ideas, and other key details
Previous information that is still relevant
Upcoming Community Events
MPY PARENTING SOLUTIONS LIBRARY
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce that our free Parenting Solutions Library is now available in Spanish. MPY is offering this valuable resource in partnership with Peace at Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit organization located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Through this partnership, MPY is providing proven resources to help students’ families thrive.
Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The Parenting Solutions Library is easily accessed using the link on MPY’s home page. No log in or passcode is needed.
The Peace at Home Parenting Solutions Library is a free, valuable resource for PTOs, SEPACs, ELLPACs and other parent-oriented groups. We request your assistance sharing this valuable and free resource through school-based newsletters and school-based organizations. For your convenience, we have created this handout. Please contact MPY Executive Director Margie Daniels at margie@mpyinc.org with questions.
OMS Club Updates
Submit your writing & art to the OMS literary magazine
Ottoson's Literary and Art Magazine, Mirabile Scriptu is looking for original student work in:
- Poetry
- Short Stories
- Essays
- Visual Art (paintings, drawings)
- Photography
Our editorial team will select and present a diverse collection of student voices and perspectives, highlighting the talent within our school!
Editorial meetings will begin after Winter Break. To get involved, students can join our Google Classroom: 6yn2mot
Work can be submitted anytime! Literary and Art Magazine Submission Form
If students have questions or want more information, they can reach out to Ms. Harte by stopping by Room 305 or emailing kharte@arlington.k12.ma.us.
Thank you for your support!
2025 MCAS Dates - Mark Your Calendar!
APS Family Support Request Form
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 Photo Gallery
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. Everything remaining will be donated after Thanksgiving!
Photo Gallery Link :
News from SEPAC
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
Consistent Attendance:
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.
Reporting Absences, Dismissals, and Tardies
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
Come Prepared:
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.
Beverage Guidelines
Water Only
We encourage all students to stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing water bottles. Only water is permitted in the classrooms.
No Outside Beverages
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.
Our Commitment to Excellence
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.
Communication and Support
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 Mr. Christopher Mahoney will be working primarily with grade 7 students and families.