Otsego Middle School
November 20, 2020
Upcoming Events
Nov. 25-27 - No School - Happy Thanksgiving
Dec. 2 - Bulldog Success Program - 10-3 p.m.
Dec. 4 - Dawgs Got Talent audition video due by 11:59 p.m.
Dec. 9 - Bulldogs Success Program - 10-3 p.m.
Dec. 10 - Student of the Month celebration - 7:10 a.m. - OMS Media Center
Dec. 16 - Bulldog Success Program - 10-3 p.m.
Dec. 18 - Dawgs Got Talent premier - Facebook - 7 p.m.
Dec. 19-Jan. 3 - No School - Happy Holidays!
Virtual Art Club to Start Wed., Nov. 25th
OMS Student Council Virtual Food Drive
Audition Time is Here for Dawgs Got Talent!
Link of the Week!
Bittersweet Ski Club Information is Now Available
Student Support Services Spotlight
The book Grit by Angela Duckworth describes an extensive psychological study of what makes people successful. The one quality that consistently stood out as necessary for success was "grit." Grit is described as passion and perseverance. Grit is the "never give up" attitude. Top leaders in business, athletics, entertainment, law, and medicine had this quality.
How can we teach it to kids? Grit is a mindset. The idea that anything is possible if we work hard, stay focused, and practice. Duckworth says that we often get sidetracked by talent. We think that if we don't have natural talent in an area, it is not meant for us. Have you ever heard your child say, "I wish I was better at _____?" The reality is, we may have to work hard to develop a talent in an area. Passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
Duckworth suggests the following ways to build grit in kids (and adults!):
- allow for interest development: have many hobbies, interests, passions
- set goals
- plan to work toward those goals
- look for opportunities to stretch yourself/take risks
- when challenges occur, don't give up! Look for the lesson.
One of the quotes in the book is "Success is never final and failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts." As we start a new trimester, look for ways to support your child's grit. We can do it!
Meal Distribution for the Week of Nov. 23rd
Scripps Spelling Bee Sign Up Information
This year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has developed an online testing platform that will allow Otsego Middle School to host a school spelling bee program, whether your children are learning in classrooms or remotely from your home.
In place of our traditional spelling bee program, we will hold our competition through online spelling tests. The first step to spelling bee participation is for you to register for the Scripps National Spelling Bee's online testing platform by visiting https://online-test.spellingbee.com.
Be sure to watch the tutorial video tutorial below that will walk you through the registration process:.
Once you have registered, Mrs. Drumm, our spelling bee coordinator, will be able to assign the appropriate test to your child. Your child must complete the test before the given deadline, and these tests can be taken on any device with a web browser, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Students scoring in the top 25% will advance to the Schoolwide Championship Spelling Bee, which will end with one champion. Our school champion will then move on to represent Otsego Middle School in the Kent Intermediate School District regional spelling bee program, which also may include online tests in lieu of in-person spelling bee events.
The first step to spelling bee participation is to register at online-test.spellingbee.com. Please register at your earliest convenience. Mrs. Drumm will begin assigning tests to students soon. If you have already registered in the online testing platform for another child, you can log in to your account and add an additional child to that same parent account. There is no need to register a different email address for each child in your household.
Please reach out to Mrs. Drumm a cdrumm@otsegops.org if you have any questions about our school spelling bee program.
Application to Participate in STAND 2020-21 - “Students Taking A New Direction”
STAND is a grassroots middle school based alcohol and other drug abuse prevention program committed to the idea that empowerment of youth is a key element in the creation of drug free communities. The STAND program is designed for the middle school student, with attention to their positive youth development and skills. Being a part of this organization will offer opportunities for building relationships, participation in meaningful activities and the assumption of responsibility. It will offer opportunities for meaningful participation and responsibility (skill development, community service, parent involvement, social activities and safety awareness). If you are interested in helping to promote a drug free and safe environment at OMS, we would love to have you apply to join! STAND will meet once a month starting in November at 6:50 am in the Media Center. A small breakfast will be offered.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Tera Secord, the STAND advisor, Mrs. Kalleward or Mrs. Back (the co-advisors). Please carefully consider if you are willing to commit to this organization and apply by filling out this application. We are seeking people who really want to make a difference and have lots of fun!
Mrs. Secord
(269)694-7544
Mrs. Kalleward
(269)694-7533
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