Mark Your Calendars
Mar. 14 - STAND Meeting - 7:00 a.m. - Media Center
Mar. 15 - Delayed Start - 1st hour starts at 9:15 a.m. - Doors open at 8:45 a.m.
Mar. 16 - Career Speaker Series - 9:45-11:00 a.m.
Mar. 20 - NWEA testing
Mar. 21 - Musical Preview for OMS students - 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 30 - Dawgs Got Talent
CKH Word of the Month - Courage
This month, we are focusing on the word Courage. One of our 7th grade students, Eve Weaver, took the word and wrote a poem. Check out her phenominal work!
Courage is.....
Courage is strange
Not at all the time
Courage is caring
when you can
Courage is persevering
when it is tough.
All these great words
to a describe a 7 letter word.
Nobody talks about
the lesser words.
Courage is weak
but not showing it.
Courage is desparate
but having nobody there
except for yourself
that's when
the big words come in.
Courage is stepping up
for yourself and others
Courage is strong
not all the time
Courage is caring
when you can
Courage is persevering
when it is tough.
Student Support Services Spotlight (aka social/emotional health)
Attention Seeking Behavior?
The term “attention seeking” is often used to describe behaviors which are annoying and unexplainaable. Behaviors such as lying, for no reason or starting a rumor in order to gain favor with someone. When we change the term “attention seeking” to “connection seeking” the behaviors are not only easier to deal with, but often make more sense. Sometimes these connection seeking behavior are more likely to happen at the end of a long week when our kids are more vulnerable. Other times, these connection seeking behaviors may come at the end of a long week for us….a week when we haven’t been as emotionally available to our kids are we’d like. The connection seeking behavior calls to us like a beacon “see me, help me, talk to me, love me.” Our job is simply to “lean in” to that behavior and make sure they know they matter. If connection seeking behaviors (such as lying) need to be addressed, do so AFTER they receive connection. For example, once the lie has caught your attention and you listen to your child, then you can address the lie. It is a great chance to let them know you can be asked for connection at any time--not just under false pretenses.
Questioning your child’s behaviors or need for connection? Feel free to reach out! You can contact Anna Starr at 269-694-7510 or via email at astarr@otsegops.org
Student Support Services Update:
This week students have had the opportunity to work in Xello, our career exploration platform, to explore, develop, and revise their Educational Development Plan. Take a minute this weekend to ask your student what kinds of careers they are finding interesting and the possible pathways someone could take to get there, or even better, login to Xello with them and check out what they are interested in.
Leadworthy Classes Organize Local Donation
Our CKH focus word for February was Kindness. We couldn't be prouder of our three Leadworthy classes for organizing a collection for Braden's Closet, a local resource for families. In addition to our OMS families contributing, fans from Niles & Three Rivers also contributed. During the week of intersessio, we hosted two home girls basketball games. Attendees who brought in an item for Braden's Closet were able to get in free to the game.
In one month, this community service project collected the following:
23 packs of socks, 24 pairs of Pj's, 19 pairs of shorts, 4 hats, 32 shirts, 4 pairs of pants, 16 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses, 1 coat, 2 sweatshirts, and $40 in gift cards. Braden's closet was also in need of garbage bags, and we raised 4 boxes of garbage bags.
Pizza with the Principals
Twitter: @Pfagell
Facebook: Phyllis Fagell
Website: phyllisfagell.com
Phyllis is a full time middle school counselor at Sheridan School in Washington DC.
Yearbook Cover Contest
Guidelines:
Design must include: Otsego Middle School , 2022-23, a Bulldog, and a positive message
Paper Size: 8.5 x 11" white paper, leave a 1/2 inch margin, wrinkle free
Color: Submission must be in color - crayons, markers or colored pencils
Be sure to have your student write their name and grade in pencil on the back of their submission.
Session 3 for Art Club is Now Open
Be Nice Order
Summer Opportunity!
A 2 day Summer Writing Camp! This is no ordinary camp! We lean into what kids love and craft lessons filled with inspiration and excitement. We introduce them to mentor texts to guide their own work and model living a "writerly life" We take them on 'Writing Marathons" around town, share our work and celebrate our writing together. Our goal is that their writing is both personal and impactful.
Bethany Burnett and I (Meggin Verduzco) will be hosting the camp at the Allegan and Plainwell (Ransom) Public Libraries. This will be our 7th year partnering to give young writers in Allegan County a unique writing experience. We have each taught upper elementary/ middle school for over 20 years and host writing camps to help enrich the skills of young writers. The camp is sponsored by the Lake Michigan Writing Project at Grand Valley University.
July 11th (Tuesday) 9-4 Allegan Public Library, Allegan
July 12 (Wednesday) 9-4 Ransom Public Library, Plainwell
For more information, visit the website:
RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:
988--Suicide Prevention HotlineThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Gryphon Place: 269-381-4357 (HELP). Gryphon Place is a 24/7 service for immediate emotional support or crisis.
Text Hotline: Text the word HOME to 741741. This is a resource for texting support when someone is in emotional distress.
Otsego Middle School
