O.J. DeJonge Middle School
may 3, 2024
From the Principal's Desk
Hello Oriole Students and Families:
We've reached the end of M-STEP season! Our students rocked it this week as they took their second M-STEP test; we are proud of their efforts! Over the next two weeks, students will be taking the NWEA in ELA and math. These will be done in their math and ELA classes so the building schedule will remain the same as it would on a normal day of school. Students take the NWEA three times each year to help them see their growth over time and we are excited to see our students meet or exceed their personalized goals they set.
Next week is Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week! O.J. is lucky to have the best staff in the business! Our teachers and staff are amazing educators that continue to learn and grow in their practice, even though our results are already at the top of our region and other schools like us throughout the state. This is a testament to their professionalism and to how much they truly care about our students and community. I am incredibly proud of the work our staff does on a daily basis to help kids in our community.
Our team is going to continue to provide an amazing educational experience for our community. We are looking forward to an amazing month of May!
Thank you for your continued partnership!
With Oriole Pride,
Mike Hart
UPCOMING EVENTS
Student of the Week!
This week's Student of the Week is 6th grader Lucas Sailor! Lucas was nominated because he comes to class each and every day with a smile on his face and his positive energy is infectious. He always gives his best effort and is an active participant in his learning. Lucas has also been recognized as showing respect and kindness everywhere he goes. Way to go, Lucas! We are proud of you!
Another OJ National Champion! Tommy Seng
Seventh grader Tommy Seng recently earned NATIONAL CHAMPION honors at his gymnastics competition in Cleveland. Tommy won the national championship in both the vault and high bars. Way to go, Tommy Boy! We are proud of you!
Outdoor Rec Field Trip
Students in Mrs. Helminski's Outdoor Recreation class had a field trip to Ludington State Park today where they were able to go on a hike and explore the amazing recreational opportunities that are available in our community. Special thanks to Ranger Alan from LSP for always supporting these opportunities for our students!
The OSCARS in Mr. Knoll's ELA Classes
There was a little bit of Hollywood at OJ today, as the OSCARs were held in Mr. Knoll's eighth grade ELA classes. Students created commercials using Aristotle's rhetoric - the art of persuading any subject. Students had to include pathos (emotion), logos (logic), ethos (trust), and kairos (time) in their commercials and celebrity judges awarded students with OSCARs for the best actor, most unique commercial, and best overall commercial. Students loved it!
Bike to School Day
Waves and Wheels Day
Important Upcoming State Testing Needs
As was mentioned above, we are entering the state testing season. During M-STEP and NWEA testing, it is imperative that students bring a fully-charged iPad to school so that they can complete the testing.
All students will also need earbuds for the M-STEP testing - please bring your own if you have them!
Student attendance on testing days is incredibly important! Please make every effort to have students in attendance on the testing days.
Oriole Sports Update
All sports schedules and news are available on the new LASD athletics webpage at LASDathletics.com.
SPORTS PHYSICALS
New Oriole Field Entrance
Due to road construction on Tinkham Avenue this spring, the north entrance to Oriole Field on Lowell Street will become the only entrance to the athletic facilities. When attending OJ Track or LHS activities, you must use the north entrance to access Oriole Field.
Mason County Youth Advisory Council PSA
Summer Programming at WSCC
West Shore Community College will once again be hosting a number of great opportunities for students in our region. Click on the attachment below to learn more!
Employment in LASD
Are you interested in having a flexible schedule that aligns with your children's schedules? If so, then working for Ludington Area Schools might be the right fit for you! There are several positions available within the District, please see https://www.lasd.net/district/employment-information/ for more info!
Be Safe Because You Matter at OJ!
Contact OJMS
Website: www.lasd.net
Location: 706 East Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI, USA
Phone: (231)845-3810
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/OJMSParentInfo
Twitter: @OJ_Orioles