OMS Thursday Knight Live
February 8, 2024
In This Newsletter:
- No School Friday, 2/9/24
- No Cooking Tuesday: Fajita Pete's Night!
- Congratulations to the OMS Math Team
- 6th & 7th Grade Families: Enrollment Forms Due 2/16
- PTO News
- 8th Grade High School Enrollment Information
- February Community Celebrations & Observances
- From our Social Worker: New Resources for Families
- Deadline to order a yearbook: February 29th!
No School Friday, 2/9/24
Thanks to our OMS families for coming to conferences this week. We had a great turnout and truly appreciate partnering with our parents and guardians to support our students.
There is NO SCHOOL Friday, February 9th. We will see all of our students back at school on Monday, February 12th!
No Cooking Tuesday the 21st! It’s Fajita Pete’s Night!
Congratulations to OMS Math Team
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Oxford Middle School Math Team who competed at the Kansas Northeast Regional Math Counts Competition on Tuesday, 2/6, and to 8th grade student Eddison Chen who placed first among more than 200 competitors in our region!
6th & 7th grade Families – Enrollment Forms Due Friday February 16
Enrollment forms for 2024-2025 are due on Friday February 16. Forms must be signed and turned in to the Counseling Office. Forms are time and date stamped and are processed in the order they are received.
OMS PTO News
OMS Spirit Wear Store
The OMS spirit wear store is open! Has your student outgrown their spirit wear, or is it time to freshen up the wardrobe? Hundreds of items are available on the website, and they can be shipped directly to you. Visit the website at https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/KS/Overland%20Park/Oxford+Middle+School.
PTO Board Positions
The PTO Board has several positions that need to be filled for the next school year. If you sign up now, we will have the opportunity to connect you with the current volunteer so they can easily show you what needs to be done. Here is a quick look of the available opportunities:
1. Secretary - attend monthly meetings and take minutes.
2. Assistant Treasurer - assist the Treasurer with making bank deposits, and withdrawing cash from the bank for events.
3. Teacher Grant Coordinator - work with the administration and the PTO Board to coordinate the teacher grant process which typically takes place in January and February each year.
4. Spirit Wear Coordinator - work with the spirit wear provider to be sure we have great options available to the OMS families. Promote spirit wear ordering at the beginning of the school year and again during 2nd semester.
5. Teacher Appreciation - coordinate restaurant food to be delivered to the school for various teacher appreciation events throughout the school year.
6. School Supply Coordinator - work with the school supply vendor and the administration to put together accurate lists for supplies, then promote school supply orders at the end of each school year.
For more information about any of these positions, please reach out to Janie Snider at 816-716-4025 or jmlogansnider@gmail.com.
Boys Basketball Concessions – Help Needed
OMS PTO needs your help with the boys basketball concession stand this month! It is very easy and a fun way to get involved! All proceeds from the concession stand support the PTO budget for teacher appreciation and student support. Please click the link to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48AFA723A1FC1-47807328-boys
8th Grade Families – BVNW Counselors Monday, February 12th
8th grade families, the counselors from Blue Valley Northwest will be talking to the 8th grade students Monday February 12th at 8:00am. The students will meet the counselor assigned to them at the high school and get information about classes and enrollment. It is important that 8th grade students not be late to school and this information session on Monday.
8th Grade Families- BVNW Enrollment Night Tuesday, February 13th
Community Celebrations and Observations
Community Celebrations and Observances - to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families.
Some February Celebrations & Observances:
Black History Month - created to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritages of African Americans. Black History Month highlights the triumphs and adversities that have helped shape the United States.
World Hijab Day - February 1 - this day recognizes the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. Inviting women of all identities to wear the hijab for one day, it promotes understanding of other cultures and personal freedoms of religious expression.
Lunar New Year - February 10 - celebrated by families of Chinese and other Asian heritages, some people celebrate with religious ceremonies honoring ancestors, giving and receiving red envelopes containing small amounts of money, lighting colorful lanterns, and eating traditional foods such as dumplings and sticky rice balls that symbolize family unity.
Ash Wednesday - February 14 - a Christian holiday signifying the first day of the Lenten season, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading to Easter. Some families will attend religious services and receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead.
Magha Puja Day - February 24 - an important Buddhist festival celebrating the gathering between Buddha and his first disciples. Some families will attend temple, meditate, listen to teachings, perform giving alms, and hold candlelight processions.
Social Worker Resources
Kansas Gas Services - Share the Warmth: Winter heating aid program for people residing in 82 counties served by Kansas Gas Service. This service is provided in cooperation with The Salvation Army. The program is primarily designed to help low-income KS residents with home heating expenses. The Salvation Army uses donations to make payments directly to the utility or fuel supplier on behalf of the person receiving assistance. Funds are awarded as a one-time grant annually, up to $300, on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for energy assistance, please call The Salvation Army at 1-816-756-5392 and select option 2.
Eligibility – Must live in one of the 82 counties served by Kansas Gas Service, must be the primary account holder and resident on the utility bill, income at or below 200% poverty level. Do not need to be a Kansas Gas Service Customer, do not need to use natural gas to heat home.
Window for application: Share the Warmth applications are accepted from November 15 to April 30, annually. Applications submitted after April 30 cannot be considered for assistance.
Yearbook Order Deadline: February 29, 2024
Last chance to order a yearbook for the current 2023-2025 school year. Orders should be placed in ParentVue by selecting your Oxford student, going to Fees, scroll down to Optional Fees, and select YRBOOK 23-24. All yearbooks cost $25.
Avoid end of the year tears and confusion and order your yearbook today. Extra yearbooks are NOT ordered or available for purchase in May. Deadline is 11:59pm on Thursday February 29.
Helpful Repeated Information
Parents Still Make a Difference – February 2024
This month’s newsletter contains articles including Imagination & Humor, how to handle outbursts, using stocks for real life math lessons, word choice and motivation, articles on test success, and so much more!
Social Worker Resources
On Thursday February 29, 2024, Johnson County Mental Health Center will host a FREE virtual Parent Connect meeting. Angela Guzman from Children’s Mercy’s Behavioral Health Community Education Coordinator will present information about easy-to-access resources on suicide prevention, tips for behavioral health hygiene, and more. Parent Connect is open to any parent or caregiver living in Johnson County. The goal of the series is to provide parents and caregivers with information and learning opportunities through presentations from community and parenting experts. More info...
Winter Testing Reports
Winter Testing Reports for math (iReady) and reading (Fastbridge) have been given to teachers. If your student has not already brought them home, they will early next week.
Planning for Inclement Weather Days in Blue Valley
As the winter months continue, there is always the possibility of inclement weather. When extreme weather conditions exist, the district may cancel school or utilize a two-hour delayed start when temporary adverse weather conditions exist. When possible, inclement weather announcements will be made the day before so staff and families can plan. More information about inclement weather (including 2-hour delayed starts) can be found on the district website.
Securly HOME
Have you ever wondered how to monitor your child’s usage on their Blue Valley device? We have parent tools that will allow you to receive notifications to ensure your child is using their device safely. School staff members monitor these devices during the school day and intervene, when necessary. However, parents can receive alerts if concerns arise when students use devices after school hours–including weekends and school breaks. Check out the Securly Home Parent Portal App here.
8th Grade Families: New High School Graduation Requirements
8th grade families, please listen to the Blue Valley podcast about the new requirements for high school graduation.
New Schedule for All Boys Basketball Teams
OMS has 5 boys basketball teams this year. Coaches are A Team1: Jake Johnson , A Team 2: Ms. Alexander, B Team 1: Mr. Kieffaber, B Team 2: Mr. Campin, and Coach B Team 3: Mr. Ahern.
Click HERE for 2024 Game Schedule by Date
Second Semester Course Fee Payment Now Open
Middle school course fee payment for the second semester is open and online now. Your ParentVUE login and password are required to pay course fees.
Course fees are assigned based on your student’s enrollment. Some seventh and eighth grade exploratory/elective classes include course fees.
Course fees are assigned for the second semester only.
Questions regarding fee payment should be directed to OMS Bookkeeper, Christina Fowles.
913-239-5500
OMS PTO Information
Trivia Night Fundraiser - Be on the lookout for information about OMS Trivia Night at The Yellow Barn, 11272 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe. Tickets are $25 per person. More information and date coming soon. The evening will include an exciting game of trivia, a wine toss, and silent auction. Bring your own food and drinks and have a great time raising money for our school. All proceeds benefit OMS teachers and students.
OMS Clubs 23-24
Now that second semester is back in session, there are a few new clubs and activities at OMS. Click HERE for Club and Activity Slides. Any student can join! Contact club sponsor with any questions.
ASK Begins
ASK is beginning for 2nd semester. This is a great time for students to work on homework and get help from OMS teachers after school. ASK is from 3-4 p.m.
2nd Semester: Do you have the supplies you need?
Families, please check on the supplies your students need for classes. Many students need refills on pencils, markers, spiral notebooks, and to find their chromebook chargers! Please help your student be successful.
Updated Info for Parents & Guardians... helpful school hints
We have created a Parent Reference Sheet and QR Codes for your reference during the school year. Scan the QR codes for links to
Athletics
Reporting absences
Homework when your child is absent
Chromebook information
Adding money to lunch accounts
School day bell schedules
ParentVue
Canvas
Bus company link
Principal’s Newsletters
Item Drop off,
and so much more!
Looking for OMS Information? Try the Website!
The OMS website has most of the information you will need for and during the school year. You can find staff lists (including email addresses), rules about cell phones, school calendar, class and lunch schedules, links to the lunch payment system, how to notify us of a student absence, candid student and event photos, sports schedules, clubs and activities, and so much more! Our website is updated multiple times a week so check for current updates! OMS Website
8th Grade Future Husky Night at BVNW February 13
8th grade families mark you calendars! Students and parents will attend Enrollment Night at BVNW starting at 6:00pm. Meet the BVNW principal, assistant principals, counselors, and teachers. Get your course enrollment information for Fall 2024’s freshman class!
Community Resources
Energy Bill Assistance
Apply in person at the upcoming community event for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating fuels. See attached.
Health Partnership Clinic
The Health Partnership Clinic is now accepting Appointments for Marketplace Enrollment during the open enrollment period of November 1 through January 15, 2024. They offer free, in-person help with the health insurance application. Appointments are required, call (913) 730-3653 to schedule. A certified application counselor is available to help you in English or Spanish.
https://hpcks.org/health-partnership-clinic-now-accepting-appointments-for-marketplace-enrollment/
Kansas Gas Services - Share The Warmth is designed to help Kansas families needing assistance in paying their winter heating bills. You may utilize the website to download a copy of the application or for a paper copy of the application call 816-756-5392 Option 2.
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/mokan/utility-assistance/
Games on District Devices
In an effort to reduce distractions in the learning environment for all of our students, beginning on January 4, 2024, all students will have general gaming websites blocked on district devices (examples include: Fortnite, crazygames.com, recreational games, arcade-like games, etc.). Educational games will still be allowed.
Want to know about OMS music or theatre events?
Take a look at the choir, band, strings, and theatre rehearsals and concerts for the school year. Click HERE for 2023-2024 Performing Arts Calendar
OMS Photos Needed
Would you share photos from OMS Events? We need candids from games, concerts, activities, clubs, Friday Knight Club, etc. A few guidelines for photos for the yearbook, OMS website, and newsletters:
.JPG or .PNG only (we cannot use apple or iPhone formats)
Clear and focused shots
Please do not send multiple photos of the same pose, group, or action – we love variety!
OMS Events only
Weather = 10 Extra Minutes
We have many families picking up and dropping off in the car line this year. Please allow extra pick-up/drop-off time on days when it is raining, snowing, or cold. The goal for everyone is to keep all our students safe! Families should line up in the car line and may not park in the south/teacher lot. We have had near misses this week with cars leaving the south lot and almost hitting students and staff. No one may pickup students on Switzer. We can get 615 students safely to and from school within 20 minutes with your help and patience.
Student text “Come Get Me”?
Parents and guardians, we need your help. If your student texts or calls you from their cell phone saying they don’t feel well and want you to pick them up — please tell them to go to the nurse’s office. The school tracks contagious illnesses, number of students out due to illness, and Nurse Piper watches for illness trends. Your student should only be calling you from the nurse’s office if they are going home ill.
Students who are ill? They need to stay home
OMS Families, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of students who are coming to school when ill and then having to go home. All students sit in close proximity to each other during classes and lunch. We are trying to reduce the transmission of coughs, colds, influenza, covid, strep throat, etc. Students may not come to school unless:
They are fever free (without tylenol, advil, etc.) for 24 hours
They have not vomited or had diarrhea in 24 hours
They are not coughing or have uncontrolled runny noses
Reminder – students should not text or call parents directly if they are not feeling well. Students need to go to the nurse’s office. Please direct your child to go to the nurse’s office if they contact you.
Securly at Home
Order Yearbooks NOW
If you want a 2023 2024 yearbook for your student please order it now. Go to ParentVue → Fees → Optional Fees and select the 23-34 YRBOOK for $25. Extra yearbooks are not available at the end of the year. Avoid end of the year tears and order today!
OMS Social Worker Provides Resource Information
Sue Ellen Jayne is Oxford’s social worker. She can assist with connecting OMS families with needed resources and services. Ms. Jayne has a resource page on the OMS website where we post community connections. Her page can be found under Families → Social Worker Resources OMS
School Day Access
Visitors, including parents and guardians, are not permitted in the building during the school day unless they have a scheduled appointment or meeting. Once the school day has begun at 7:50am visitors must ring the doorbell (located to the right of the main doors). Adults who are picking up a student early must wait outside for the student to exit the building. Please see the School Policies and FAQs page on the OMS website for more information about the door entry system, item drop off, and student absences.
Important Travel Outside of the USA Information
This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it.
School Hours
Students need to be in their first hour class by 7:51 a.m.
6th & 7th grade students report to the Commons before 7:45 a.m. when they may go to lockers and classrooms
8th grade students report to the GYM before 7:45 a.m.
Students who eat breakfast will eat in the commons and then report to the commons or gym
School is dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Students who are not staying for a club or activity exit the building by 3:10 p.m.
Interested in a carpool this year?
For students who do not receive bus transportation, families may fill out this form to see if other families near them are interested in arranging a carpool. Anyone who fills the form out will want to check regularly for new additions. Families who use this form will reach out to other parents and guardians on this form to arrange any carpools.
For the Latest Announcements and Information
Want to keep up on the latest OMS announcements and information? Check out the NEWS section on the OMS website. NEWS is located under the About Us tab.
Contact Us! We Are Here To Help!
Attendance Number: 913-239-5505
Mrs. Domoney, Principal: cdomoney@bluevalleyk12.org
Mr. Holsapple, Assistant Principal: jholsapple03@bluevalleyk12.org