The Middle Matters
February 22-26, 2021 OMS Parent Newsletter
Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day.
A Note From the Principal: A Smattering of Items
*For current hybrid learning families, please take a minute to complete the survey sent out by the district regarding the return of all hybrid learners four days a week. We want to hear your voice as we work with recent information from the state of MN and the CDC. Your responses will help guide our next steps in this process!
*Registration: Current 6th and 7th grade students will have completed their online registration for next year in classes by the end of the day on Friday, February 19. If your child has not brought their registration sheet to school, please ensure they do so ASAP. For distance learners, we ask that you either complete it electronically and send to us or take a picture of the front/back and email it to us at pkrenke@isd761.org. Registration in classes is what determines our staffing and master schedule for this year, so it is important that we get this completed as soon as possible!
*Registration for current 8th grade students: Many of you already joined a virtual information session held by OHS office staff. The week of March 1, students will watch an informational video from OHS in their Health classes and receive paper copies of information. The following week, March 8, students will complete their online registration in Health classes with the help of OHS and OMS counselors.
Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions about registration: OMS--444-8700 or OHS--444-8800.
P-EBT: Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer
What is P-EBT:
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary food benefit available to Minnesota families with children. More information about the P-EBT program can be found here: https://mn.gov/dhs/p-ebt/
How can parents apply for P-EBT:
This is no direct application for P-EBT. Benefits will be issued on a new P-EBT card, and eligibility will be determined automatically based on their eligibility for Educational Benefits (free/reduced meals), or if they are enrolled in SNAP or the Minnesota Family Investment Program.
They can apply for Educational Benefits through the Nutrition Services webpage.
They can apply for SNAP and MFIP at ApplyMN.
How to ensure they receive their benefits.
Parents/guardians can help ensure there is a smooth process for receiving their benefits by making sure they have submitted an application for education benefits for the 2020-2021 school year and have their current address and contact information on file in Infinite Campus.
If parents have additional questions about applying for Educational benefits, they can contact Nutrition Services at 507-444-8616 or can go to our Nutrition Services webpage: isd761.org/district-services/nutrition-services/free-reduced-meal-application
If parents have additional questions about P-EBT specifically, please have them visit https://mn.gov/dhs/p-ebt/ or email PEBT.mde@state.mn.us
Flyers with additional information are also available for your reference and to share with families as needed. These flyers are also posted on our Nutrition Services webpage.
BE PREPARED EVERY DAY - CHARGE AND BRING YOUR CHROMEBOOKS
Every student must bring their Chromebook and charger to school every day. Make sure your Chromebook is fully charged.
Teachers will be using these on a daily basis; it is crucial your child brings his/her computer to school every day!
Late Arrivals
MASKS: We need your help!!
Students are required to come to school with masks each day they are here. While we have some masks as back-up, we regularly hand out 30+ masks each day. It is difficult for us to keep up with that number. PLEASE remind your child to bring his/her own mask to school for everyone's safety!
Calendar
Monday, February 22, 2021
Group 1 - A Day
Twin Day - plan a similar outfit as a friend
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Group 1 - B Day
Pajama Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St Entrance
No Tech Tuesday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Jazz Band - 7:00 am - Band Room
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am - Orchestra Room
College Wear Wednesday
Distance Learning Day
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Group 2 - A Day
Twin Day - plan a similar outfit as a friend
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St Entrance
No Tech Thursday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Friday, February 26, 2021
Group 2 - B Day
Pajama Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Saturday School - 8:00-11:30 am - Learning Stairs
Wednesdays: Distance Learning
If a student has been asked to come in and work with a teacher on our Wednesday Distance Learning Day, please drop them off at the main doors on 15th St NE. We have a security guard there between 8-11:30 a.m. to let them in the building. Just a reminder that prior arrangements must be made with a teacher in order for students to come in and catch up on work. You must bring your Chromebook, charger and a mask. REMINDER: We will NOT have students in the building on Wednesday, March 10 as we will have staff engaged in professional development that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do if we are having Chromebook issues? Please call 444-8630 to speak with our Technology and Innovations Department.
How is my child doing in school? Parent Portal is a very useful tool to follow your child’s progress in school with grades and attendance. If you have not yet requested a username and password, please contact your child’s counselor.
Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa: Students A through K 444-8724
Jessica Procopio: Students L through Z 444-8764
If you have any questions about grades or assignments, please contact your child’s teacher. If you are concerned about a pattern that you are seeing with academics, please contact your child’s counselor.
Who do I contact if I am concerned about my child’s mental health and personal well being. Please contact the school social worker that corresponds to your last initial.
Sue Schroeder: Students A through K 444-8727
Chely Flores: Students L through Z 444-8719