Otsego Middle School
October 19, 2022
Mark Your Calendars
Oct. 17-21 - Intersession Week
Oct. 19 - Football vs. Paw Paw - 5:30 p.m. - Home
Oct. 22 - 7th Grade Volleyball at Three Rivers - Wolverine Conference Tournament
8th Grade Volleyball at Plainwell - Wolverine Conference Tournament
Oct. 24 - OK2Say Virtual Assembly - 9:00 a.m.
Oct. 25 - M & M - Monthly Meeting - 9:00 a.m. - Media Center - Topic: Assessments
Oct. 26 - NO Delayed Start - Regular Day
Career Quest for 8th graders who registered
Oct. 27 - Deadline to purchase Boo Bash tickets
Oct. 28 - Boo Bash - 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 7- 11 - Red Ribbon Week
Student Support Services Spotlight (aka social/emotional health)
Middle School Students Still Need Intentional Parenting
Remember when your middle school student was a toddler? He/She was stumbling around on unsteady feet getting into things they shouldn’t? This forced you, as the parent/guardian, to pay attention, be alert, and keep their environment as safe as possible. Well….guess what? There are actually many similarities between toddlerhood and tween years! They may be bigger and think they know more, but they still need your guidance, supervision, and love.
As your tween begins to flirt with independence, remember that their brain is still underdeveloped! Their impulsivity, problem-solving skills, and sense of self are in flux. You will need to act as their “brain” to help keep them safe. Some of this means you must pay attention, be alert and keep their environment safe.
Here are some ideas:
- Pay attention to their friends, notice who they are talking about, talking to and complaining about. This is valuable information!
- Pay attention to their moods. When do they seem happiest? Saddest? Most nervous?
- Pay attention to their habits. Are they in their room a lot? On a device constantly? Eating sporadically?
- Be Alert to the apps on their devices, who they communicate with and why
- Be Alert to changes in mood, dress, appetite, or conversations
- Be Alert to changes in grades, attendance or interest in activities
- Keep their environment safe by making arrangements to meet their friends and the adults who will be in charge of your child when at a friend’s home
- Keep their environment safe by sticking around when you take them to the park, movies, mall or other area with no supervision. You don’t have to be right next to them, but stay in their view so they know you are there if needed.
- Keep their environment safe by communicating with their teachers and coaches.
Although they are older, hairier, and have a unique scent…they are still developing just like toddlers and still require your diligent attention to keep them safe. You’ve got this! For questions or concerns about your child’s safety or emotional health please reach out to Anna Starr at 269-694-7510 or astarr@otsegops.org
OK2Say Virtual Assembly on Monday, Oct. 24th
LINKS Members Assist at Plainwell Life Care Center
M & M Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022, 09:00 AM
OMS Media Center
Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest - “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free”
Students have a chance to win a $25, $30 or $50 Amazon card! Students are encouraged to participate in this year’s Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest. The theme is Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free. The poster templates became available on Thursday, October 13th. Students can see Mrs. Secord for more information and to pick up the poster template.
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Volleyball Team for a 1st Place Finish at the Portage Invitational!
Thank You OMS Parents!
Way to go Mason!
Boo Bash is Back!
The OMS Student Council invites our students to its annual Boo Bash celebration! The event will take place on Friday, October 28th from 5:00-8:00 PM at the middle school. Tickets will be sold online only, and are $6. Tickets will be sold until 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 27th. Thank you in advance for purchasing by the deadline so that we are able to know who to expect at the event! You can access the online ticket form by clicking on this link: https://otsegopsorg.finalsite.com/forms/~form-uuid/301e9af1-9a25-4abb-acd8-73680340f304
Boo Bash is a Halloween-themed party, and will have games, snacks, music with a DJ, a movie, an optional costume contest, and an optional pumpkin contest. Parents, we would love your help at the event. If you are unable to help, perhaps you are able to donate an item or two. You can sign up to help or donate by clicking on this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E48ACA92AAAFF2-boobash
Halloween at OMS!
OMS staff and students love to have fun! We are looking forward to having some fun on October 31st. In order to make the day a success, we want to go over a few guidelines.
Most importantly, all costumes must be school appropriate.
Please follow the school dress code, outlined in the Student Handbook. The only exceptions to the usual rules is that hats, face paint, and other small accessories will be allowed on this day. All students participating must come to school dressed in their costumes -- no getting ready in the building. Therefore, students should not bring makeup or hair products to school.
Basic Costume Don't's:
- Costumes may not have parts that interfere with learning. This means no masks or costumes that restrict movement or vision, prevent sitting at desks, or prevent participation in physical education class. Costumes must not obstruct movement in the hallways.
- Costumes may not be violent or suggestive.
- Costumes may not promote violence or have accessories or props that could be used as a weapon.
Career Exploration:
8th Graders will be attending the MiCareer Quest on Wednesday, Oct. 26th. We are looking for 5 parents or guardians to join us in the fun. If you are interested in chaperoning, please fill out the form.
Winter Session I Sports to Begin End of Oct.
https://www.otsegops.org/athletics
Basketball tryouts will be held October 24-26.
6th Grade: 3:00-4:30 7th grade: 4:00-5:30 8th grade: 5:15-6:45In order for an athlete to try out, they must be registered on Final Forms.
WMU Football Players Visit OMS Leadworthy Students
October's CKH Word of the Month.....Self Direct
Thankful for Thoughtful Students!
Attendance Line - 269-694-7580
RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:
988--Suicide Prevention HotlineThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Gryphon Place: 269-381-4357 (HELP). Gryphon Place is a 24/7 service for immediate emotional support or crisis.
Text Hotline: Text the word HOME to 741741. This is a resource for texting support when someone is in emotional distress.
Otsego Middle School
Email: mkoenig@otsegops.org
Website: www.otsegops.org
Location: 540 Washington Street, Otsego, MI, United States
Phone: 269-694-7500
Twitter: @mkoenig72