Senator Snapshot
A LOOK At The Week Ahead: September 26 - September 30
Hello! from the OMS staff
Hispanic Heritage Month
Change your mindset
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Guardians,
“It is not our abilities that show what we truly are… it is our choices” – Dumbledore, from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This week’s quote is brought to us by our 7th-grade math teacher, Ms. Piekarz. Middle school is an important transition period in a student’s life. Middle school is a time when students are given more opportunities to discover themselves, their abilities, and their interests. There are times that a student may feel their actions or abilities define them but as the wise Dumbledore puts it, it is their choices that define them.
It’s middle school…” but Mr. Durbala & Mr. Cobo, students don’t always make the best choices so how could that define them?” This is very true. As we shared at curriculum night, our students may occasionally make unexpected choices but they do have a choice in how they respond to those choices. When speaking about young adults, we think even Dumbledore would agree that the choices students make don’t define them. Students' growth through how they respond to the consequences of those choices is what will help to define them.
Life-long learning is a trait we want to instill in our Senator students. If we allow them to think one decision defines them then we take away the idea that we are continually learning and we all make mistakes. One thing our staff has made an effort to do this year is to share their mistakes with students so our Senator students see that we have changed our mindset this year to focus on growth and learning. Mistakes are how we learn and the choices we make in the future are based on our past learning experiences.
As always, if you have any additional questions you are welcome to call the main office (630) 719-5815 between 8 AM and 4 PM Monday - Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Durbala & Mr. Cobo
District 58 Referendum
District 58 will place a proposal on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot to issue $179 million in bonds to improve District 58’s facilities. To learn more about the District 58 referendum, please visit www.dg58.org/referendum.
This website contains helpful information, including the District’s Master Facility Plan, frequently asked questions, ballot language, voter information, tax impact, facility presentation and videos and much more. If you have any questions about the referendum not answered on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please know, as a school district, we can provide factual information about a referendum, but we cannot advocate for or against it.
School Safety Message from Dr. Russell
Dear Staff and Families,
District 58’s number one priority is ensuring that all our students and staff are safe. Last December, I sent this letter to all families outlining how seriously we take threats to our schools. The purpose of this letter is to be proactive in terms of safety and ask for your assistance. Preventing school violence is the responsibility of the entire community and we need your help.
Last school year, the United States once again experienced senseless acts of school violence. School shootings in Oxford, Michigan, and Uvalde, Texas, underscore the urgent need for all of us to be vigilant. I am asking all families to once again speak with their child (ren) in an age-appropriate manner regarding school safety. Please emphasize with your child(ren) the following:
- If you see something, say something.
- Making any kind of joke about violence toward someone else or a school is not permitted.
- Making a threat against someone else or a school (in-person or online) is not permitted.
- Possessing a weapon or a look-alike weapon at school is not permitted.
- Talking about a weapon or a look-alike weapon at school is not permitted.
Please remind your child(ren) that if he/she makes a threatening statement or brings a weapon or lookalike weapon to school, they will immediately be referred to the Downers Grove Police Department. Police consequences may include arrest, referral to the State’s Attorney, and the Juvenile Court System. Further, your child(ren) will receive significant consequences at school, which may include expulsion (see Board Policy 7:190). We will not take any chances when it comes to the safety of our students and staff. District 58 is also here to help any student or family that is struggling with mental health issues. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us right away.
I am once again asking for your assistance to help ensure the safety of our students and staff. Please speak with your children about the importance of being safe at school. As I shared last year, I view every student and staff member in our District as a part of my family. I will do everything possible to make sure that our students and staff are in a safe environment. Let’s continue to be proactive and collaborate with one another, as the safety of our students and staff is the highest priority. If you see something, say something. District 58 staff are ready to assist anyone in need and we are grateful for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Russell
District 58 Superintendent of Schools
Join the PTA
Please think about joining the PTA below is a link to join & donate:
School Lunch
Students and families are reminded that ALL students must use their student ID when buying anything from the cafeteria. Students were given a temporary ID at the beginning of the year and a 2nd ID during our recent picture day.
Any student without their ID will be sent to the main office to get another copy. After 3 times students will be charged $3 for a new ID.
Middle School students at district 99 football games
I want to share that there have been some adjustments regarding middle school students attending District 99 sporting events.
Here is the information that you need to know:
- All District 99, middle school students, and elementary students may attend the game free of charge with a paid adult.
- All middle school and elementary students must be accompanied and supervised by a paid adult with a ticket/pass who is present the entire time the student is present at the game.
- If there is no adult present, the middle school/younger student will not be allowed in the game. If the younger student is in the stadium without an adult, they will be removed from the stadium and a parent will need to pick them up.
- Outside beverages are not allowed in the stadium
- Balls, Frisbees, or other like items are not permitted
- Skateboards, hoverboards, bicycles, or other like items are not permitted
- Bags and personal items may be subject to inspection
- There is no entry after half-time
Thank you for your continued support of our community and District 99 sports.
Curriculum Night Follow up
Thank people you to all the Senator families that attended our Curriculum Night this past Wednesday. It was amazing to see so many families and build our relationships to help support our Senators. If you were unable to attend or want to review our Student Support slides or the Advisory slides, we have linked them below:
The Week Ahead: September 26 - September 30
Monday, September 26 - 2:10 PM dismissal - BELL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 27
4:30 PM: Cross Country Meet @ Herrick
4:30 PM: Girls Volleyball HOME 8th grade plays first
Wednesday, September 28
3:20 PM - 3:50 PM: Gaming Club - Room 210
Thursday, September 29
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Girls Volleyball HOME 7th grade plays first
Friday, September 30
TODAY: Custodian Appreciation Day
Important Information for parents
District 58 2022/2023 Calendar: View the 2022-23 school year calendar.
Upcoming Dates to Note:
NO SCHOOL: Monday, October 10, 2022 - Columbus Day / Indigenous People's Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences: October 18, 20 , 21
NO SCHOOL: Friday, October 21, 2022 - School Improvement Day
Picture Retake Day: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
NO SCHOOL: Wednesday, November 8, 2022 - Election Day
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-25, 2022
Winter Break: Dec. 19, 2022 -Jan. 2, 2023
Spring Break: March 27-31, 2023
Last Day of School: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (if no emergency days are used)
Is your child not feeling well? Please be diligent with reporting if your child is not feeling well. 1) Keep students home from school if they do not feel well. 2) Students with covid related symptoms should be kept home.
Coats: The weather is unpredictable. Students that wear a coat to school should be putting their coats in their lockers and not wearing in classrooms
Morning Announcements: Did you know you can read our daily announcements? The announcements read to students each morning are also available on the OMS website so families can also stay informed. Click here to see a sample
Face Coverings: Face masks are optional for students and staff
Activity bus: Students that stay after school for clubs, sports, extra help, or detentions can take the activity bus home at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Order your OMS Spirit Wear now!
Place your order using the link below.
Mental Health Resources
Meet the Senator Staff
O'Neill Middle School
Email: mdurbala@dg58.org
Website: https://dg58.org/on/
Location: 635 59th Street, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630-719-5815
Twitter: @ONeillPrincipal