OMS Pirate Press Weekly Newsletter
Week of May 13-17, 2024
Thank You!
OMS staff would like to thank FOMS and the community for your generosity and support in celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week. You helped to make this week AWESOME! Thank you!
OMS Spring Concert
Our band, conducted by Mr. Kim and Mr. Rubenacker, displayed all of their learning and growth, performing A Shaker's March, Atlantis, Eagle Summit March, and Galactic Episode.
Our 6th grade chorus, conducted by Ms. Rutkiewicz, performed Here Comes the Sun, Edelweiss, The Moon, and I'm Still Standing. Our 7th and 8th grade chorus performed The World and Me, the Ghanaian folk song Pete, Pete, and This is Me from The Greatest Showman.
Our OMS chorus will be singing The National Anthem at the Oxford Town Takeover Day at the Woo Sox at Polar Park on Saturday, May 25th 4:00 p.m. In addition to OMS chorus, NJROTC will be there Presentation of the Flag and Posting the Colors, and several Oxford Youth groups will be in attendance as part of the event. Information about the game is below in the community section.
April Student of the Month
OMS announces its April students of the month. These students have been nominated and selected by staff as exemplifying the characteristics of Be the Three--Respectful, Responsible, and Safe-- exemplifying leadership and citizenship at OMS, and/or making great strides in their efforts, academics, and/or attendance. We are proud to celebrate our April students of the month!
History Club Goes to Battleship Cove
On Friday, May 3rd, history club students traveled to Battleship Cove to view and tour USS Lionfish, USS Joseph P Kennedy Jr., USS Massachusetts, PT617 and PT 796 and among other US Naval craft. They had the opportunity to learn about Navy warships from WWII, Vietnam War era and beyond. They not only learned about the history of the vessels, the living and working conditions and features, but also about the courage, honor, and patriotism that those who served and serve the US exemplify.
OMS Student Completes US Equestrian Interscholastic Athlete Program
Grade 6 OMS student Willow Keller completed the US Equestrian Interscholastic Athletic Program, developed to recognize the accomplishments of young equestrians and encourage their continued future involvement in the equestrian sport. Students in this program must document at least 100 hours of training and participate in 3 equestrian competitions in the course of a year. Below, Willow is pictured on Splash (left and right) and on Meryl (center). Congratulations to Willow!
Attendance Matters Stats and Info
Week of April May 3-May 9, 2024: OMS Attendance Rates:
- Grade 6: 96.5% Way to go grade 6!
- Grade 7: 94.9% Almost there, grade 7, keep up the good work.
- Grade 8: 93.9% Grade 8 had a few outstanding days, but fell a tad short. Keep plugging!
- OMS: 95% We did it this week! Nice job everyone! Keep up the good work!
Our goal is 95%.
Schedule and Important Notes and Highlights for the Upcoming Week
Schedule for the Week of May 13-17 2024
- Monday, May 13, 2024: C Day
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024: D Day
- MCAS Science Grade 8 only
- Grade 7 class trip group 1--Walia, A Grzembski, Curtis advisories
- FOMS meeting 6:00 OMS Cafeteria
- Hiking club
- Esports (next week May 21st is the last day of ESports)
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024: E Day
- MCAS Science Grade 8 only
- Grade 7 class trip group 2-Pietro, Blood, Livermore's advisories
- After School Band today 2:00-3:00 (May 15th is the last day of after school band)
- Thursday, May 16, 2024: A Day
- History Club meeting after school
- Book Club
- Friday, May 17, 2024: B Day
Important Notes and Highlights for Week of May 13-17, 2024
- MCAS Science Grade 8: Math Science will take place on Tuesday, May 14th and Wednesday, May 15th in student's advisory classrooms during the first 4 periods of the day. The remainder of the day will be periods 5-6-7 of the regular day rotations (Tuesday D Day and Wednesday E Day). Please see the MCAS Testing Information section below on helpful tips to help your child prepare for testing days.
- Grade 7 Class trip: Students will need a water bottle as there is a refillable station, sneakers, and their lunch. Comfortable clothes suitable for exercise (shorts, sweatpants, tshirt) as they will be moving around quite a bit. ( a drawstring bag may be helpful in carrying their water and lunch). Groupings for trip are as follows: Tuesday 5/14: Ms. Walia, Mr. Grzembski, Ms. Curtis advisories; Wednesday 5/15: Ms. Pietro, Ms. Blood, Ms. Livermore's advisories
- Grades 6 and 8 Field Trip Reminders: Don't forget to get your field trip permission slip and money in, due May 17th!
- Grade 8 semi formal is Friday, June 14th 7:00-9:00.
- Tickets are now on sale in the main office $10 through May 17th and $15 May 20-24th. Tickets not on sale at door.
- This is a semi formal dance, not formal. dress pants, collared shirt, skirt, blouse, dress/sundress.
- Grade 8 students may take an OMS grade 7 or 8 student as a guest, but the grade 8 student is responsible for ticket purchase and must host them--arrive with them.
- No formal wear or limos. Light refreshments will be served.
- Library Book Info: All library books need to be returned to the library by Friday, May 24th. We will close book check out on Friday, May 24th. Notices will be sent home after May 24th to those who have not returned books.
MCAS Testing Information
MCAS Dates
- MCAS Dates and Preparation: While students are expected to bring their OMS issued chromebook to school daily, it is especially important to be sure that students have their chromebooks with them for the following days for MCAS preparation and MCAS exams:
- Grades 6-8 Technology/Infrastructure Check in Advisory March 20th and weekly on advisory thereafter until all students have completed tech infrastructure and/or testing begins. Students must complete this process in order to properly load MCAS.
- MCAS ELA Grades 6-8: April 9 and 10, Make-ups daily through Friday, April 26 before test window closes.
- MCAS Math Grades 6-8: May 7-8
- MCAS STE Grade 8: May 14-15
- MCAS Civics Grade 8: May 28-29
2. How to best support your MCAS Test Takers:
- A good night sleep. Recommend bed by 9, remove technology before bed.
- A nutritious breakfast to feed the brain.
- Hydration, drink water.
- Charge their Chromebook the night before.
- Send them to school on time with their chromebook all charged and with charger in hand, a clear refillable water bottle
3. MCAS Rules/Guidelines:
- Absolutely no cell phones, earbuds, or other electronic devices are to be out, seen, or used during MCAS. Failure to comply may result in student scores being compromised/nullified by state.
- No snacks or beverages other than water during MCAS testing in test sites.
- It is recommended that students bring an alternate book/magazine to read when finished with MCAS. OMS Library is closed during the school day on MCAS testing days as it is a test site location.
All Sports Banquet
The annual All Sports Banquet sponsored by the Oxford High School Booster Club will be held on Thursday, May 16 in the Roger D. Bacon Gymnasium at Oxford High School. The banquet will begin at 6:00 PM.
Any OMS student that participated on an OHS team this year is eligible to attend
.
Tickets are now on sale through GoFan. Here is the link to purchase tickets:
https://gofan.co/event/1508272?schoolId=MA14688
Ticket prices are:
Student - $7 with a $1 fee for a total of $8.00
Adults - $15 with a $1.75 fee for a total of $16.75
Tickets will be on sale until Wednesday, May 8th. There will be no tickets available for purchase at the door. The Booster Club needs a firm headcount one week before the banquet for the caterer.
Any questions please contact our Athletic Director, Kevin May, at kmay@oxps.org"
Student Council Pet Supply Drive-May 20-24
#ATTENDANCE MATTERS
#Attendance Matters
Research shows that school absences directly impacts the academic and socio-emotional growth and progress of students. The state indicates that 18 or more absences in a school year is excessive. Excessive absences can lead to students falling behind in classes, which can impact their academic future growth potential. Research shows that students with excessive absences throughout elementary and middle school are more likely to drop out of high school, and drop outs have a greater number of economic, social, and legal challenges. Consider that if you are absent 18 days/year, by the time you finish 9th grade, you will have missed the equivalent of 1 full school year; when you think of it in those terms, you realize how much learning a student will have missed in that time. One of the greatest impacts of the Covid Pandemic was the impact on student academic and socio-emotional learning, engagement, and attendance. At OMS and OXPS, #AttendanceMatters. We will be looking at attendance trends and data in coming months and looking to partner with you on this important topic. Our Assistant Principals and Counselors will be reaching out to families of students who are chronically absent. Our main office staff will begin to call the homes of those chronically absent to learn of the reasons students are out so we can have a better understanding of the student and/or family's needs so that we may work with them to support student attendance and learning. We will also be monitoring our daily and weekly attendance rates, as we work toward 95% attendance rates for our school, grades, and students. Education helps to open doors and minds. #Attendance Matters
Not sure when to send your child to school when they have some illnesses? See the nurse's message here: https://www.smore.com/n/4tsnm-nurses-notes
April Attendance Matters: We will be tracking attendance Friday through Thursday. Any student who has 100% attendance during that time will be eligible for a Fun Friday activity and/or a weekly raffle with a variety of prizes throughout the week! At the end of the month, everyone with perfect attendance will be entered into a drawing for an awesome prize!
Save the Date:
Save the Dates:
- Next Student Council Meeting: May 20th
- Grade 8 recognition: Friday, June 14, 2024 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Auditorium. Max 2 guests per student. More info to come
- Grade 8 semi-formal: Friday, June 14, 2024 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Semi Formal.
- Ticket Info: May 6-17 $10 each; May 20-24 $15 each; tickets not sold at door
- 8th grade students are allowed to bring 1 guest from either OMS grade 8 or OMS grade 7
- Light refreshments will be provided as part of ticket price
- Additional candy/snacks may be purchased
- Spree Day: June 11, rain date June 12. More info to come.
- Grade 6,7,8 Class Trips: Field Trips have been announced and classes are in the process of disseminating permission slips
- Grade 6: Dinosaur State Park, 2 classes per day due to max numbers at location May 29, 30, 31st
- Grade 7: Ultimate Obstacle, classes split over 2 days due to max numbers at location: May 14 and 15
- Grade 8: Tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 7th to View Boston at Top of the Hub Prudential Center. We are still in need of a school nurse to accompany this trip. If you know of a certified nurse who would like to sub in our district and/or is available to work on June 7th, please have them apply to be a school nurse substitute. We need to have a school nurse attend or parents/guardians of students with critical medical needs to attend as a chaperone for us to be able to hold this field trip. If you have a grade 8 child with critical medical needs, please reach out to Abbey Packard if you are able and willing to chaperone this trip along side your child. mailto:apackard@oxps.org
- Last Day of School: With 3 snow days so far, the last day of school is currently scheduled for Tuesday, June 18th, which is a scheduled half day of school.
Transportation, Morning Drop off, Afternoon Pick Up, Stay After School Info
Bus Stops and Times:
- Bus stops and times are currently posted on our website at:
- Here are additional instructions for parents to view buses traveling in real-time on the First Student website when awaiting pickup or drop off:
- If you have any questions please email our bussing team at transportation@oxps.org.
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Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick Up Reminder:
PLEASE DO NOT DROP CHILDREN OFF IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING ENTRANCE BETWEEN 7:00-7:25 or 1:40-2:00. THIS IS WHEN WE HAVE BUSES AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP. USE THE STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP LANES. We have had several instances of folks looking to drop here because they are running late, it's raining, or students have projects. Unfortunately, by doing so, vehicles block the lane for school transportation for students to arriving by bus to arrive in a timely fashion. However, it has also become a safety concern. We've also had instances of driving by the buses while they are unloading, which is against the law and very dangerous. Please also look at signage on campus. There are DO NOT ENTER signs indicating flow of traffic. We've had instances of people not paying attention to these causing dangerous situations with vehicles and buses. Please be alert, cautious, and respectful of these requests for the safety of our students and campus. We appreciate your assistance with this.
When dropping off in the morning, please pull ALL the way up to the front of the student drop-off/pick-up lane, so that we can fit more cars in and expedite drop off and get students into the building on time. While we realize it's convenient for your child to have a shorter walk, it is making it difficult for all other students and families to not pull all the way forward. Please DO NOT drop off or pick up OMS students at the gas station across the street, on Carbuncle Road, Carbuncle Pond parking area, or OHS campus. While we do have a crossing guard on Main Street, it has become congested in this area causing safety concerns. With the amount of traffic on Carbuncle, it is unsafe to drop off/pick up OMS students in these areas.
Morning School Start Time:
Students' first class begins at 7:20 a.m. Please make every effort to get your child to school by 7:15 so that they are on time to their class and not a disruption to the flow of instruction and learning when they arrive. Repeated tardiness will be treated as a behavioral infraction and addressed by assistant principals.
Afternoon pick-up:
Please drop off/pick up at OMS drop off/pick up lane in front of OMS. If the lanes are full in the afternoon, you may park in the open spots adjacent to the police station and wait for the line to decrease. Please do not pull up in front of the building at this time, as that creates safety concerns. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in this.
- End of day-Leaving Campus when staying after school:
- Students must depart campus via the designate method identified by the parent/guardian at the start of the year unless written authorization has been provided for a temporary or permanent change. We bring this to your attention as the spring weather gets nicer, we are seeing students looking to remain on our near OMS/OHS grounds, visit the store across the street, visit the cemetery, fields, or lawn by the police station rather than depart campus. Students need to depart campus via their assigned mode of transportation unless they have a written permission slip to stay with a supervised school group. We do not have the supervision to permit students to stay otherwise.
- Students Staying after School are not permitted to leave school to go across the street for snacks and then return to campus, as we are responsible for them while here for school and events. Students and families should plan accordingly with snacks and beverages if your child has an after school activity.
Stay After School Reminders
Students must have a signed permission slip to stay after school with a supervised club, activity, help session, or Homework Center. We need verification of staying after in writing. Homework Center is by teacher recommendation only for days they are not available to work with students. Students must be engaged in work in the homework center or they will be sent to spend the remainder of time with our Admin until late buses or parent/guardian arrival and put future time in homework center in jeopardy. On the rare occasion that students forget to have the slip signed that was provided/requested by the teacher, we ask that you please email main office staff kdupuis@oxps.org and jestrella@oxps.org before 1:00. However, this should be the exception not the rule. If this method is abused, we will have to suspend this practice. We will not be arranging last minute requests to stay after when the teacher had not requested it and slip was not provided in advance. We will not accept calls as the method of request, as we must have documentation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this.
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Reminders
- Chromebooks: Students are reminded that Chromebooks are a daily necessary item for school and should be present with them daily, charged and ready to go. Students are encouraged to bring their charger with them to maintain connectivity throughout the day. Chromebooks should be treated with respect and are property of OXPS.
- Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Reminder: OMS has an away for the Day Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Rule. Students are not permitted to access, use, or have cell phones/personal electronic devices, including earbuds, visible during the school day. We've had an uptick in Cell phone and earbud visibility and usage. Please help us to keep our educational time uninterrupted by not contacting your child via cell during the school day. Instead, if you need to get a message to them, please contact 508-987-6074. Students will received progressive consequences for failure to comply with these expectations. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we keep our time at OMS focused on academics and safety.
Food and Snack Information
As a middle school, we do not have a scheduled snack time like elementary school. Students should bring a clear, refillable water bottle to school. Students should not be consuming snacks in classrooms without permission and the hallways should be clear of food and drinks other than water. Students permitted to consume a snack in the classroom are responsible for cleaning up and they should not become a distraction from learning. Students are only permitted to access the vending machines during lunches and after school. We do ask if packing a lunch or snack, please consider the type of snack and whether it's appropriate for a school environment. As a reminder all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch and please send your children to school with refillable water bottles, as we have water refill stations throughout the building.
School Menu and Food Services Information
- The May OMS menu is copied below.
From the Health Office
- Unsure of whether your child should attend school with an ailment?
- Check out the guidelines: https://www.smore.com/n/4tsnm-nurses-notes
- FYI Guidelines on Viral Respiratory Infections: https://www.smore.com/n/g1mp5-nurses-notes
- 7th Grade Physicals
- According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Laws, a physical examination is required for each student upon entry into public school or entrance into a new public school district plus at intervals of three to four years thereafter. To be in compliance with this law the Oxford Public Schools, requires updated physical examinations in the 4th, 7th and 10th grades.
- If you have not done so already, please send in a current physical complete with an updated immunization record. If you are unsure what your child is missing please email the school nurse at apackard@oxps.org. You may send in a copy with your child or have the pediatrician’s office fax it to 508-987-2588.
Given you and your family’s busy schedules, I appreciate your time and effort regarding this Oxford Public School requirement.
Friends of Oxford Middle School (FOMS) Fundraisers and Info
FOMS Spirit Wear Fundraiser
FOMS is sponsoring an OMS Spirit Wear Shop. You can order the latest in gear--t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, outerwear, hats, and more! . All proceeds benefit FOMS, which in turn benefit our OMS students and programs. Please see the link below to order and the flyer below for more info. https://www.kerringraphics.com/customer_portal/login.html?ut=b174a64a-ac5d-43a5-bfa2-424393e5bc8d
*****NEW***** FOMS Spirit Wear Shop has started to add club and team clothing. So far, they have field hockey, soccer, track and field, art club, music, and Yearbook club added. There are several options--short sleeve tshirts, long sleeve tshirts, tank tops, shorts, sweatpants, a variety of sweatshirts, bags and much more! Stay tuned for more clubs and sports to come, as they are being added every week!
FOMS Pirates Cove School Store Days
Pirates Cove School store will be open during lunches on the following days:
- May 10 and 24
- June 7
OMS Club Info-Get Involved!
Hiking Club with Ms. Greenough
HIking club will be held on Tuesdays in April and May after school with Ms. Greenoughl. The club will explore trails surrounding OMS and OHS. The club begins Tuesday, April 9th and ends Tuesday, May 21st.
Esports
Esports is an organized electronic gaming club who practice and compete in "skirmishes" with other Massachusetts schools. They compete in games that are age appropriate such as League of Legends Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Esports runs on Tuesdays through May 21st after school with Ms. Kniskern in room 175. Students should see her for permission slips and to join!
Yearbook Club
Yearbook Club: Interested in putting together this year's yearbook and help make memories for your peers? Are you artistic and creative and lookin for something new? Please consider joining yearbook club. Yearbook club will meet on mostly Mondays after school, beginning January 29, 2024. See Mr. Moriarty and/or Ms. Berube with any questions. Flyer is below. Students will need a stay after slip to attend. mailto:smoriarty@oxps.org or mailto:bberube@oxps.org
Afterschool Band
After school Band will resume for the second semester on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Band will meet weekly on Wednesdays after school. Students staying will need a signed permission slip to stay after. Please direct any questions to Mr. Kim mailto:mkim@oxps.org
History Club
Students interested in learning more about history are welcome to join History Club. History Club plans to become involved in History Day Competitions as well for those looking to delve deeper into historical events. History club meets on Thursdays with Mr. Moriarty in room 102. Stay after slips are in his room and must be submitted to stay after. Students with questions should reach out to Mr. Moriarty mailto:smoriarty@oxps.org History club runs through May 30th. No history club on May 23rd.
Book Club
Do you love to read? If so the Book Club may be for you.
See or email Ms. Kennen for more information about the club's next book and next meeting. akennen@oxps.org . Students wanting to stay will need to submit permission slips.
May Meeting: Thursday, May 16th
Homework Club and Center
Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will run on Mondays-Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays after school 2:00-3:00, with the exception of the once a month faculty days held mostly on Mondays, but some rare Tuesdays due to long weekends Students wishing to stay will need a blue Homework Center form signed by a teacher with a specific assignment/project to work on and the parent/guardian signature. See or email Ms. Kennen for permission slips and with questions. mailto:akennen@oxps.org . No homework club Monday, May 6, 2024
Grade 8 Fall Football Workouts:
OMS Grade 8 Students interested in playing football at OMS in the fall: Grade 8 students interested in playing football at OHS in the fall of 2024 are invited to participate in the Football weight training program. The program runs Tuesday-Thursday for OMS Students 2:00-3:30 at OHS weight room. Students will need a permission note from parents to attend, submitted to OMS office. Students will take late buses and get picked up from OHS at conclusion of club meeting time. Any questions, please contact Coach Jeff Clarkson mailto:jeffrey_clarkson@msn.com
Community Events
Oxford Town Takeover Day at Woo Sox
Oxford Day at WooSox: Oxford will be the special guest at the WooSox Town Takeover Day on May 25, 2024. We will have several Oxford students involved in the game day proceedings as well. All proceeds this year will go to support the Booster Club, which does an amazing job supporting athletics, performing arts and various clubs/activities for our students. Tickets are now available via the following link, just look for Oxford on Saturday, May 25th! https://www.milb.com/worcester/tickets/town-takeovers
Oxford Community Youth Athletics
Oxford Webster Youth Football and Cheer 2024 Registration
This group welcomes children ages K-8th grade. Registration information is attached below.
Field Hockey Clinic and Girls Basketball Clinic
Please see attachments below for information regarding local field hockey clinic and girls' basketball clinic.
Community Groups and Supports
Th NAN Project Informational Meeting about Children's Mental Health
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
GRG Support group-join us!
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) and caregiver support group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from September to June @ 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Oxford High School. Coffee and snacks will be provided, please park in front and come in the main entrance. Feel free to contact Kimberly Rockwood with any questions-(978) 413-8989- all are welcome!
NAMI Support Group
NAMI Support Group via Zoom:
We are collaborating with NAMI to offer a FREE new Support Group for caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges provided for our Oxford families by the Central Mass chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI Support Group for Caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges is a peer-led support group for any adult who cares for a child or adolescent who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. The group will enable you to gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. You are not alone. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
FREE of cost to participants
Designed for adult loved ones of young people with mental health conditions
Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
60-120 minutes long and meeting weekly, every other week, or monthly (varies by location)
No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
CONFIDENTIAL
The NAMI Support Group for caregivers of Pre-teens and Teens with mental health issues (POPTT) will begin on Wednesday evening, October 25th, from 7:00 – 9:00pm, via Zoom, and continue on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. To sign up for this group, please email Robin at robinbahr1@gmail.com or Joy at cummingspj@worcesterma.gov. Please indicate that you are interested in joining the POPTT group; give your email address and the best phone number at which to reach you. The email link will be sent the day before each meeting.
Helpful District and School Resources
- Are you getting text messages of our automated calls/texts/emails? If you are not currently receiving text prompts about school and district news, please send a message to the number 22300 and type ALERT in the message in order to receive texts in the future.
- Our District Calendar can be found via the following links:
- District School Day Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/b2fc/08/30/23/192743-caa5596d-7c83-451f-8868-d753af9ebf0d.pdf
- District Events: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/district_calendars
- School Hour changes, per district updates and the implications for OMS students. The link to the school hours is here: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/school_times .
- Electronic Backpack: Please be sure to remember to check the electronic backpack for forms, letters, community announcements as well. The link to the electronic backpack for OMS is as follows: https://oms.oxps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2070226&type=d&pREC_ID=2128528
- Athletic Schedule: https://sites.google.com/oxps.org/athletics