Mr. Quinn's 7th grade class exploring a dissection with chicken wings!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we head into the month of April, we want to share some important updates regarding the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing schedule, as well as information on an upcoming presentation for our 8th-grade students about the dangers of vaping.

MCAS Testing Schedule and Preparation Tips

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will be participating in MCAS testing throughout the month. Please see the testing schedule below:

• April 1 & 2 – English Language Arts (ELA) Testing: 7th and 8th graders

• April 7 & 8 – English Language Arts (ELA) Testing: 6th graders

• April 29 & 30 – Math Testing: 7th and 8th graders

• (May 13 & 14 - Math Testing: 6th graders)

• See other testing dates for May in section below "MCAS Testing Dates Spring 2025"

We understand that standardized testing can be a stressful time for students. Here are a few tips to help your child feel prepared and confident:

• Get plenty of rest: Encourage your child to get at least 8–9 hours of sleep the night before testing.

• Have a healthy breakfast: A nutritious meal can help with focus and stamina.

• Arrive on time: Being on time reduces unnecessary stress and allows students to settle in calmly.

• Encourage positive self-talk: Remind your child that they’ve worked hard all year and should approach the test with confidence.

• Limit screen time the night before: Reducing screen exposure before bed can help promote better sleep quality.

We appreciate your support in helping your child be well-prepared and confident for these assessments.

Vaping Awareness: Talking to Your Child

In recent years, vaping has become a growing concern among adolescents. To help educate our students, the District Attorney's Office will be presenting to our 8th-grade students on April 11 and April 18. The presentation, titled "Vaping and the Adolescent Brain", will cover the potential health risks, addiction concerns, and the impact of vaping on adolescent brain development.

We encourage you to have conversations with your child at home about the dangers of vaping. Here are some tips for starting the conversation:

• Be informed: Learn about the types of vaping products and the risks they pose.

• Ask open-ended questions: Rather than lecturing, ask your child what they know or have heard about vaping.

• Share facts, not fear: Use credible information to discuss the health risks without resorting to scare tactics. (See some facts below in section titled "Talking to your child about facts about vaping")

• Keep the conversation ongoing: Make it clear that they can come to you with any questions or concerns.

We are committed to keeping our students safe and informed and greatly appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these important messages at home.

Washington DC Trip: Grade 8 Parents

Also, it is important to note for Grade 8 Parents that there is a mandatory pre-departure meeting for those students going on the Washington DC trip on April 8 at 5:30pm in the OMS Team Room (upstairs). This is important to review student expectations for parents' understanding and for medication paperwork (only parents need to attend).

If you have any questions regarding the testing schedule, the vaping presentation, or any other matter, please feel free to contact our main office. Thank you for your continued support of Overlook Middle School.

Sincerely,

Kristina Bogosh, Principal

Lori Shattuck, Assistant Principal

During lunches, we celebrated our 6 and 7 grade students of the month on Friday, March 28. Cheers to all our students! We are so proud of all your kindness and hard work!

Here are some key facts about vaping and its impact on the adolescent brain:

🧠 Effects of Vaping on the Adolescent Brain

1. Brain Development is Ongoing Until the Mid-20s:

   • The adolescent brain is still developing, making it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine and other chemicals found in vaping products.

   • Nicotine exposure during this critical period can disrupt brain development, particularly in areas responsible for attention, learning, memory, and impulse control.

2. Nicotine Can Lead to Addiction More Easily in Teens:

   • Adolescents are more susceptible to addiction due to the plasticity of their developing brains.

   • Vaping delivers high levels of nicotine quickly, which can create stronger and faster addiction pathways.

   • According to the CDC, young people who vape are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes later.

3. Impact on Cognitive Function and Mental Health:

   • Research shows that nicotine exposure in teens can impact attention span, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

   • Vaping is also associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in adolescents.

🚫 Harmful Chemicals in Vapes

• Many vaping products contain toxic chemicals such as:

  • Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – known carcinogens.

  • Diacetyl – linked to lung disease (also known as "popcorn lung").

  • Heavy metals like lead and nickel, which can damage the brain and other organs.

• Even products labeled as "nicotine-free" may contain trace amounts of nicotine or other harmful substances.

💨 Misconceptions About Vaping

• "It’s just flavored vapor" – Many teens believe that vaping is harmless water vapor. In reality, it contains aerosols with ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

• "It’s less harmful than smoking" – While vaping may seem less harmful than combustible cigarettes, it still poses significant health risks, especially for young people. More research is happening that shows effects.

📊 Concerning Trends Among Teens

• Flavor appeal: Sweet and fruity flavors make vaping products especially appealing to adolescents.

• Peer influence: Many teens try vaping due to peer pressure or curiosity, not fully understanding the risks.

• Nicotine dependence: Even occasional use can quickly lead to nicotine addiction.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially for adolescents. It can harm brain development, increase the risk of addiction, and contribute to long-term cognitive and mental health challenges.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

🚫 Key Facts About Vaping and Smoking Marijuana as Adolescents

🧠 Impact on the Adolescent Brain

1. Brain Development is Still in Progress:

   • The brain continues to develop until the mid-20s.

   • Both nicotine (in vapes) and THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) can interfere with this development.

   • Early exposure can affect areas of the brain responsible for memory, decision-making, learning, and emotional regulation.

2. Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline:

   • Studies show that regular marijuana use during adolescence can cause lasting damage to memory, attention, and processing speed.

   • THC can alter the brain's reward system, making it harder for teens to feel pleasure from everyday activities.

   • Nicotine, on the other hand, can impair cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks) and impact impulse control.

💨 Vaping vs. Smoking Marijuana: Health Risks

• Vaping Marijuana:

  • Many teens mistakenly believe that vaping THC is safer than smoking it.

  • In reality, vaping delivers higher concentrations of THC, which can lead to stronger psychoactive effects and a greater risk of addiction.

  • Vaping marijuana products has been linked to lung injury due to the presence of harmful additives (like vitamin E acetate).

• Smoking Marijuana:

  • Inhalation of burnt cannabis introduces tar and other chemicals into the lungs.

  • It can lead to chronic bronchitis, coughing, and airway inflammation.

  • Long-term use may contribute to respiratory issues and lung damage.

⚠️ Addiction and Mental Health Risks

• Nicotine Addiction:

  • Adolescents who vape are at greater risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, which can lead to long-term tobacco use.

  • Nicotine addiction can also worsen anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Marijuana Dependence:

  • Regular use can lead to cannabis use disorder (CUD), particularly in teens.

  • Symptoms of CUD include difficulty quitting, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms (irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances).

  • Frequent marijuana use in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

📊 Marijuana Potency Has Increased

• Today’s marijuana is much stronger than in previous decades.

• THC levels in marijuana have increased from around 3-4% in the 1990s to 15-30% or higher in many modern strains and vaping products.

• Higher THC levels increase the risk of impaired judgment, paranoia, and addiction.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Both vaping and smoking marijuana during adolescence can have significant, long-term consequences on brain development, mental health, and overall well-being. The high potency of modern THC products and the ease of access to vaping devices make it especially important for parents to have open, informed conversations with their teens about the risks.

The 2024-25 Overlook Yearbook is currently for sale and can be purchased online at www.buytheyearbook.com. Use the code 724394 to access the OMS yearbook. The cost of the book is now $27 and will be on sale until April 11.

Additional option:

• 8th grade parents only option - create a student ad for your 8th grader using the tools on the buytheyearbook.com website. The student ads typically include a photo or two of your child and a personal message of congratulations. These ads will be ⅛ of a page in size and will be included at the back of the yearbook for an additional $10. Ends 3/28/25

Please pay close attention to the due date as there can be no late submissions or refunds.

All yearbook sales will end on April 11, so that the book can go out to print. Yearbooks will be delivered to students during the final week of school in June.

Thank you for your support!

OMS Yearbook Club

We need our students to be present and on time for testing. Please avoid doctor appointments and trips on these dates. If a student misses the testing window it does have negative effects on the school's state rating and standing.

English Language Arts

April 1 & 2 - Grades 7 & 8 (makeups April 3 & 4)

April 7 & 8 - Grade 6 (makeups April 10 & 11)

Math

April 29 & 30 - Grades 7 & 8 (make-ups May 1 & 2)

May 13 & 14 - Grade 6 (make-ups May 15 & 16)

STE (Grade 8 only)

May 19 & 20 - Grade 8 (make-ups May 21 & 22)

Civics (Grade 8 only)

June 3 & 4 (make-ups June 5 & 6)

Congratulations to the "Dirty Dodgers" 2025 Team. We had a wonderful success for our after-school, now annual, OMS Dodgeball tournament. This student-led tourney is assisted by Mr. T and Mrs. Field. Students did an outstanding job orchestrating the fun event! Great leadership skills were shown by all who coordinated!

Baking Club UPDATE: Mrs. Kelly, Ms. Pedro, and Student Lila Suarez started a baking club. Due to its popularity and size, we will have to limit students as there are only so many ovens to bake in that time. In addition, there are safety measures that need to be in place. There will be more information given but students may have to sign up and limit to 15 students per time and this will be on a rotating basis! Information will be forthcoming at the next meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment!

Also, we will be continuing play club on Wednesdays. It will be outside when possible but will be in the cafeteria and/or library for some indoor play. Please be sure to register your child we can take up to 75 registrations and we still have plenty of spots left as of this month!

Play Club is a program with a philosophy that free play with no adult planning or interfering allows students to make their own fun and solve their own problems while building resilience, social interaction, and creativity!!! This is important even for those in their adolescent years.

Play Club uses a loose parts approach for play. Loose parts are any materials that can be used in countless, open-ended ways. It can include hula hoops, balls, traffic cones, bales of hay, boxes, chalk, natural materials, craft materials, etc.

Play Club is a mixed-age group for any of our students in grades 6-8. Mixed-age play encourages cognitive development as children engage in activities that require problem-solving, negotiation, and shared-decision making. It also can allow for diverse perspectives by bringing various experiences to the environment and broadens a child's worldview.
It is different from a traditional recess. Here is a graphic below.
In a world where devices are a constant in our everyday lives, it is our belief that students require opportunities for free play. We want to provide an after-school opportunity for our students at Overlook. Included in this introduction is an attachment about the goals of Play Club and what the benefits are to free-play with minimal adult interference. Play Club operates on a paradigm of "You can handle it." Students will have to resolve their issues independently through a communication protocol called "Conflict Corner" which is also attached.

There are very simple ground rules for students:
1. Play respectfully: Do not deliberately hit or physically hurt another.
2. Get permission to leave the area/grounds.
3. Listen to the adults, who will intervene only when they must.

The Details
WHO: Any student in grades 6-8. (At this time maximum of 75 students can join play club.)
WHAT: Play Club
WHEN: Every Wednesday, except 1/2 days. From 2-3:30pm. Rain or Shine. Starting October 2nd.
WHERE: Outside on the OMS field (If raining or during winter months, students will play in the cafeteria, library, and/or gym, if available).
WHY: Kids need free play; it builds healthy relationships, problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation. Schools who have implemented free play report happier children and reduction in bullying.

If a student wants to join Play Club they and their parents will need to:
1. Complete this REGISTRATION FORM linked below (which also includes an acknowledgement of the Play Club Pledge - see attached). The Play Club has a limit of 75 students at this time. Students must be registered to participate. We understand if they cannot attend every date but would like a commitment to attend minimum of 75% of the dates.
2. Review the "Conflict Corner" expectations. Students will have to enter the "Conflict Corner" to resolve any spats or problems on their own.
3. Ensure timely pickup at the end of Play Club.

Thanks to our PTO and our Achieve Classroom, Overlook has their own cafe! See below!

Students were rolling up their sleeves and getting to business with their chicken wing lab dissections!

We are still looking for some help. We would like to outfit each classroom with a variety of quick indoor games for times when the weather is not cooperating, as well as some outside games for the spring.

We have put together an Amazon Wish List and would ask parents and friends of the community to donate from the Amazon list below, if possible. We would be very grateful!

If interested, we would love your support for our Overlook Brain Break Drive. Here is the list that will ship directly to the school:

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2FIN1UNAV2CAI

Students in Mr. Pack's Engineering Classroom were completing the tallest tower challenge! Some were pretty tall! Well done, students!

Thank you so much for supporting our PTO......Check all that is happening!

1. Check out our January meeting minutes here January PTO Meeting Minutes

2.As always.......We invite YOU to become a MEMBER of the Overlook Middle School PTO. We have 155 members for the 2024-2025 school year!

We appreciate the support you’ve given over the years at your elementary school and hope you will consider becoming a member at Overlook to continue your Support of the teachers, staff, students and community at Overlook.

To become a 2024-2025 PTO member:

● Fill out the membership Google Form: 2024-2025 Membership Form

● Pay the $5 dues with cash or check to “OMS PTO” and bring it to the office. Or Venmo @overlookmspto and comment “2024 membership for (your name).”

Take a look at our website https://sites.google.com/awrsd.org/overlookmspto/home or our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram OverlookMSPTO for all the latest information.

We have had to do a lot of reminders about keeping hands to one's self! Please remind your child that it is not appropriate to be "handsy" with others nor is it okay for anyone to be horsing around. This is a safety concern. We have had way too many conversations about this as of late. Thanks to Ms. Bennett for creating a this image for a poster that we have had printed and hung around the school as a visual reminder.

Coming prepared to school doesn't just mean bring a pencil and notebook - it also means making sure chromebook is charged. Please ensure your child's nightly routine includes charging their chromebook for the next day of learning.

Students cannot enter the building before 7:10am as there is no supervision.

Breakfast begins at 7:20 (students can exit the bus at this time if eating breakfast only).

Classes begin at 7:35am.

Dismissal is at 1:50pm.

Please be sure to not park in the general parking areas to let students off or pick them up. Use the line that goes behind the school. This is a safety concern with students running through parking lots and parents disrupting traffic patterns.

Also, please pay attention to staff members directing traffic. Do not drive-by when they ask you to stop.

Passing busses with flashing lights is a $250 traffic citation.

Students should not be wearing pajamas or slippers to school. This is part of our dress code. We do on occasion have a spirit day where students are allowed to wear pajamas as a "treat" but appropriate, everyday school attire does not include pajamas or slippers. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for school. Thank you!

• If students come to school in slippers or pajamas we may ask that parents come and bring the appropriate attire to school for students to change.

SMART watches are considered a personal device. Teachers have found that they can serve as a considerable distraction to students during class. They are also banned by the state during MCAS testing. We ask that all SMART watches be left at home or in the lockers during the school day. Please and thank you.

Students are only allowed water for drinks in class. There have been some young business entrepreneurs at OMS that have been selling the popular "Prime" drinks (as well as other things such as candy). Students are not authorized nor allowed to sell anything at school. Moreover, these drinks are not allowed. Please ensure that your student is not bringing these drinks to school or buying or selling these drinks at school or on the bus.

We see the school and home as a partnership. We ask to review these expectations with your child in an effort to create unified expectations from both the school and home fronts. Please see the matrix attachment below to review with your child.

• If your student requires an epipen or inhaler at school or during after school activities, they must have written parent permission and doctor's orders on file with the health office whether the medication is in the health office or they are carrying it. If you are not sure about the status of your student's paperwork or have any questions, please contact me at ntaylor@awrsd.org.

• According to the Massachusetts school immunization requirements, it is recommended that students receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine at age 11-12. One dose is required in Grade 7-12. It is typically given at the physical before entering Grade 7.
• The meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is also required with the first dose typically given in Grade 7 and the second dose given in Grade 11.
• Please submit documentation of these vaccines when your child receives them. This may be faxed by your physician's office to 978-827-4986, emailed to me or brought to school by your child (not recommended as frequently it is forgotten in the backpack).

• **In order to play sports, you must have an up-to-date physical in the last 13 months and must go to the Athletic website page and complete the online registration. Any questions please contact Athletic Director edawley@awrsd.org.

• Lastly, we want parents to know that if students call a parent/guardian to pick them up because they are not feeling well and a nurse has not officially dismissed them for medical reasons, this is an UNEXCUSED absence. We ask parents to discourage their child from trying to call home to be dismissed.

Physiology of Addiction by Ruth Potee (This is a recording that was given a few years ago on the teen brain and marijuana, nicotine, and addiction!) It is VERY helpful and informative for parents.

Get Outraged- Facts about Vaping:

https://www.mass.gov/get-outraged

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Handguns-in-the-Home.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/ten-things-parents-can-do-to-prevent-suicide.aspx

• NIH Articles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6449671/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27247125/
  
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183915/
• VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kGZvNbfrNag
• WEBSITE: https://www.humanetech.com/youth
• https://www.humanetech.com/take-control
• https://www.humanetech.com/future-generations
  
• NYT Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PdtQZAuVsflH0SuM9E6BMNyDkq9NPcjq/view
• NYT Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zvHPmlIQios-a2llfLFyj6DbdMWB5h8S/view
• Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/oct/05/smartphone-addiction-silicon-valley-dystopia
• PEW Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/
• VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rv0g8TsnA6c
• TIME Article: https://time.com/5555737/smartphone-mental-health-teens/
• INFOGRAPHIC: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/technology-addiction-concern-controversy-and-finding-balance-infographic

• Smithsonian & NMAAHC WEBSITE (Race): https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race
• Anti-Defamation League WEBSITE: https://www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/talking-young-children-about-bias-and-prejudice
• Oakland Library Resources DOCUMENT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0lCA3FlulVhK6DFE2d3uYCipc6ApY8Gn2rMwm6fYqw/edit
• PJ Library WEBSITE (Antisemitism): https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/february-2022/how-to-talk-to-children-about-anti-semitism
  
• Nick Helps WEBSITE (Bullying Prevention): https://www.nick.com/nick-helps/bullying-prevention/

Please check the Portal regularly. Google Classroom is not an accurate indicator of grades. Please reach out to the teacher directly if you have any questions.