The Middle Matters
March 1-12, 2021 OMS Parent Newsletter
Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day.
A Note From the Principal
We know the return to more in-person learning has caused mixed emotions in students, staff, and families. Some are excited to be back in school four days a week. Others are apprehensive about adding more students and class sizes. Whatever you and/or your child are feeling, we understand the mixed emotions. We will do everything we can to continue safe practices, which include the following:
*3 feet between students in classrooms when feasible
*Addition of a fifth lunch period and spreading students out to accomodate the additional students
*Sanitizing desks between classes
*Students reporting to first hour when they enter the building in the morning
*Mask wearing at all times and ensuring masks cover nose and mouth
We need your help with masks! We have given out thousands of masks this school year and cannot keep up with the demand. If a student forgets a mask, they will be calling home to have someone bring one. *You might want to encourage your child to keep a couple of masks in his/her backpack to ensure they have one!
We are thankful for the time to make the necessary changes before students return. We will be sending out an updated end-of-quarter three schedule and a quarter four schedule to reflect the transition days and changes made.
If you have any questions or want to talk to an administrator about any possible changes for your student, please feel free to reach to the main office at 507-444-8700 by Wednesday, March 10. We will be happy to connect with you!
Incoming 9th Grade Students - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OHS
During the week of March 8-12, one of the OHS counselors will visit the middle school students and answer questions.
- Starting March 8, incoming 9th graders will be registering in Health class at OMS and in Math at St. Mary's.
- A specific video will be shared with 8th-grade students (and families) next week that shows how to fill out the worksheet and register through the Infinite Campus portal.
- The actual registration process takes only 5-10 minutes at the most. Students will need to bring the following to school with them the week of March 8-12:
- Their Chromebook
- A completed digital or hardcopy of the 9th-grade level worksheet (linked here)
- Infinite Campus login information
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE 9th GRADE WORKSHEET HERE
If you missed the presentation of the Info session, you can watch a recording of one of the meetings (here)
BRING YOUR CHARGER AND CHROMEBOOKS EVERY DAY
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
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.
Calendar
Monday, March 1, 2021
Group 1 - A Day
Access Testing Begins
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Group 1 - B Day
Final Day of Wheel 4
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, March 3, 2021
Jazz Band - 7:00 am - Band Room
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am - Orchestra Room
College Wear Wednesday
Distance Learning Day
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Group 2 - A Day
First Day of Wheel 5
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St Entrance
No Tech Thursday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Friday, March 5, 2021
Group 2 - B Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Monday, March 8, 2021
Group 1 - A Day
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Group 1 - B 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, March 10, 2021
Jazz Band - 7:00 am - Band Room
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am - Orchestra Room
College Wear Wednesday
NO DISTANCE LEARNING TODAY
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Group 2 - A Day
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St Entrance
No Tech Thursday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Friday, March 12, 2021
Group 2 - B Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Access Testing Ends
Saturday, March 13, 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
IMPORTANT DATES AS WE TRANSITION BACK TO ALL IN-PEARSON LEARNING
March 16: Group 2 - B Day (PLEASE NOTICE THE CHANGE IN GROUP)
March 17: Distance Learning Day
End of the 3rd Quarter
March 18: NO SCHOOL - Transition Day
March 19: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day
March 22-26: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
March 29: NO SCHOOL - Transition Day
March 30: All hybrid students return--A or B Day (TBD)