OMS Pirate Press Weekly Newsletter
Week of June 3-7, 2024
Oxford Town Take-Over Day at Woo Sox
Saturday, May 25, 2024 was Oxford Town Take-over Day at Polar Park for the Woo Sox game. The pregame festivities included many Oxford residents, including OMS chorus, OHS NROTC, and Oxford Youth Athletic leagues. It was a great day to celebrate the community!
NJHS Inductions Spring 2024
OMS proudly inducted 35 grade 7 students into National Junior Honor Society on Thursday, May 30th. Congratulations to our inductees! We also want to recognize our grade 8 NJHS students who attended, spoke, and helped guide the ceremony as well as all of the work they put in this year in volunteering at our school and community events. Simply Awesome! Thank you to the parents of NJHS students for donating refreshments for the awesome reception as well. We have an amazing community!
6th Grade Class Trip to Dinosaur State Park
Our 6th grade students enjoyed their trip to Dinosaur State Park this past week. Students examined the evidence of ancient life, including dinosaurs. They learned about the existence of dinosaurs , what made dinosaurs unique, fossils, and geology.
Spree Day Preparations
OMS is in the preparing for Spree Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 12th. If you are available and interested in volunteering to help supervise Spree Activity Events and OMS students, please see the link below to sign up. Please know that a CORI will need to be completed in advance of assigning and you will need to sign a district chaperone form.
Please reach out to our OMS Staff Spree Chairs Ms. Granger mailto:cgranger@oxps.org or Ms. Blood mailto:mblood@oxps.org with any questions.
Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5AF2BA4F8C07-49553163-spree#/
#Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters Stats and Info
Week of May 24-May 30, 2024: OMS Attendance Rates:
- Grade 6: 97% Fantastic, grade 6!!!
- Grade 7: 91.5%
- Grade 8: 92.8%
- OMS: 93.5% Just a bit short. Only a few weeks left, OMS. Let's finish strong with some Pirate Pride!
Our goal is 95%.
Schedule and Important Notes and Highlights for the Upcoming Week
Schedule for the Week of June 3-7, 2024
Major Events this week:
- Grade 8 Class Trip Friday 6/7
- Last week of all clubs/activities
- 8th grade semi formal tickets on sale in main office through Friday 6/7. Friday 6/7 is the absolute last day to purchase tickets! $15 each
Daily Schedule:
- Monday, June 3, 2024: B Day
- Tuesday, June 4, 2024: C Day
- Wednesday, June 5, 2024: D Day
- NJHS Meeting after school. This meeting is for ALL members--grade 7 and 8. Please see Ms. Wagner for permission slips.
- Thursday, June 6 2024: E Day
- History Club (last day!)
- Book Club (last day!)
- Advisory Day
- OHS Grade Parade
- Friday, June 7, 2024: A Day
- OMS Grade 8 Class Trip to View Boston @ Prudential Center, Boston
- Pirate's Cove School Store Open--Last Day! Don't miss year end close out sales!
Important Notes and Highlights for Week of June 3-7, 2024 and Planning for Next School Year at OMS
- Carbuncle Lot closed on Wednesday 6/5 and Wednesday 6/12 for DPW work.
- Spree Day Volunteers Needed:
- OMS is in the preparing for Spree Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th with a rain date of Wednesday, June 12th.
- If you are available and interested in volunteering to help supervise Spree Activity Events and OMS students, please see the link below to sign up.
Link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AA5AF2BA4F8C07-49553163-spree#/
- Please know that a CORI will need to be completed in advance of assigning and you will need to sign a district chaperone form.
- Please reach out to our OMS Staff Spree Chairs Ms. Granger mailto:cgranger@oxps.org or Ms. Blood mailto:mblood@oxps.org with any questions.
- Grades 6 and 8 Field Trip Reminders:
- Grade 8: Field Trip is Friday, June 7, 2024 to View Boston, Prudential Center.
- Grade 8 semi formal is Friday, June 14th 7:00-9:00.
- Tickets are now on sale in OMS Main Office $10 through May 17th and $15 May 20-June 7th. June 7th is the last day to purchase tickets. 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.
- Reach out with questions or concerns about attire.
- Flyer below.
- Course Selection Information for grades 5-7 for 2024-2025 School Year: We are in the process of our scheduling mapping for next year. Please see important details below to be aware of:
- Core Content areas: All students will have math, ELA, history, science.
- Math Placements grade 7/8: Data is being finalized now and students recommended for Pre Algebra in grade 7 and Algebra in grade 8 will be notified in the next 1-2 weeks to confirm placement for next year.
- Unified Arts areas: All students will have PE annually, and students will have a balance of STEM, Art, Music, Technology throughout their years here, as designed by grade level.
- Music Options:
- Next year students will have a choice of taking chorus, band, or general music as part of their regular weekly schedule. This past year, students have all taken general music with pull-outs for chorus and band during extension and unified arts blocks. Next year, we will be scheduling chorus, band, and general music classes separately as part of their weekly schedule. Please look for communication next week for your child's music course selection.
- Spanish/Reading and Literacy:
- Grade 6 will take exploratory Spanish.
- Grade 7/8: We hope to begin offering Spanish I and Reading and Literacy to grade 7 and 8 students. This process will be phased in over the next 2 years. Students in grade 7 and 8 who are at grade level for ELA standards and skills and have a strong grade average for ELA and Exploring Spanish will be recommended for Spanish 1. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1 at OMS will have Spanish 1 on their high school transcripts that will count toward their years of foreign language. Many 4 year universities require a minimum of 2 years foreign language and successful completion of Spanish 1 at OMS will count toward those 2 years. Those not taking Spanish 1 will have Reading and Literacy.
- Please look for course selection information over the course of the next 1-2 weeks.
- 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.
- Summer School: Summer school will be available for students in grade 8 for English and Math. Summer school will be offered at OHS for this group. Information to come in closing days of school.
- Summer Reading: We encourage our students to continue to explore the literary world by reading books, poems, short stories, articles. At the close of the school year, we will share summer reading suggestions to keep students engaged.
Save the Date:
Save the Dates:
- 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 8 Class Trip: Field Trip:
- Grade 8: Friday, June 7th to View Boston at Top of the Hub Prudential Center.
- 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.
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
Summer Food Service Announcement
Oxford Public Schools will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program this year. Information is linked below.
Please respond to the following survey to indicate whether you choose to participate in the program and if so which meals are needed (breakfast, lunch, or both), how often you'd like to participate each week, and which site is most convenient for you to attend. https://forms.gle/LHLqquHeUbNcGkTe6
- The June OMS menu is copied below.
From the Health Office
- Ms. Packard is on maternity leave 5/20 until the close of the year. Please contact Nurse Iott with any questions or concerns mailto:tiott@oxps.org
- 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 school nurse at mailto:tiott@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:
- June 7
OMS Club Info-Get Involved!
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.
June Meeting: June 6th last meeting
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, June 10 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
Incoming Grade 6 Field Hockey Club-Fall 2024-
Want to be involved and learn more about Field Hockey? Please consider joining the OMS Grade 6 Field Hockey Club. Information is below.
Oxford Community Youth Athletics
OCC Summer Outdoor Basketball Clinics
Interested in sharpening your basketball skills or having some fun playing hoops this summer? Consider registering for the summer outdoor basketball clinics run by OHS Varsity Coach P at OCC this summer. Information and Registration is below.
Oxford Annual Boy's Basketball Clinic 2024
The Oxford Public Schools will sponsor a Boys’ Basketball Clinic to be held this summer at Oxford
High School. The Clinic will be held 3 days. Please see the attached flyer.
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
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.