The Middle Matters
OMS Parent Newsletter Jan. 21- February 3, 2023
Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day.
From the Principal
Because of the close proximity of OMS to Washington Elementary, much of our traffic before and after school goes through the intersections patrolled by elementary students. PLEASE take a moment to read through patrol protocol and be patient, supportive, and respectful of their work in safely crossing students getting to school:
It is important that the drivers in the area understand how our patrollers are communicating with one another and with them. When a patrol member needs to cross students, here’s what that looks like:
One patrol member will verbally communicate with the other that they need to cross students.
Once the two patrol members are aware, both will raise their flags high into the air to signal to the drivers that they will soon be entering the intersection.
The patrol members will look (and attempt to make eye contact) with the drivers in the area to be sure they see them.
The patrol members will verbally talk to one another to signify that they are entering the intersection.
Both patrol members will enter the intersection slowly and then will ask those crossing to cross once they are situated.
Once everyone is across, they will verbally communicate and then exit the intersection.
We continue to support our patrol members with being consistent and ask that all drivers and pedestrians follow the direction of the patrollers and the adults out supervising in order to keep everyone safe. We are fortunate to have an awesome group of patrollers and an amazing patrol advisor! Thank you for supporting our kids by understanding and following the process for communication with patrollers at the intersections around our school.
Important Information Regarding Testing
FastBridge Testing will be taking place next week, January 23-27.
- Students are encouraged to bring their own WIRED headphones. (no ear buds)
- Please bring your Chromebook to school each day with your charger.
- Please make sure it is fully charged before school.
- Try to schedule any appointments before or after the school day to avoid interruptions to testing.
- Make sure your children get plenty of sleep and are well rested for testing.
Calendar
Monday, January 23:
Fastbridge Testing
A Day
Pledge of Allegiance - 8:10 am
School Board Meeting - 5:30 pm OHS
Tuesday, January 24:
Fastbridge Testing
B Day
Jazz Band - Band Room - 7:00 am
Middle Level Jazz Festival 9:00 am
Play Practice - 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Wednesday, January 25:
Fastbridge Testing
A Day
College Wear Wednesday
AVID - Walk-in Wednesday - 7:30 pm - Rm 101
Stage Crew Meeting for Play - 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Homework Help 2:45 pm - Learning Stairs
Thursday, January 26:
Fastbridge Testing
B Day
Morning Basketball - 7:15 am - Big Gym
Play Practice - 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Mixed Roots - 2:45 pm - Learning Stairs
Friday, January 27:
Fastbridge Testing
A Day
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am - Orchestra room
Morning Basketball - 7:15 am - Big Gym
School Store Open - All four lunches
Monday, January 30:
Fastbridge Testing
B Day
Morning Choir - 7:00 am
Pledge of Allegiance - 8:10 am
Tuesday, January 31:
Fastbridge Testing
A Day
Jazz Band - Band Room - 7:00 am
Play Practice - 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Wednesday, February 1:
Fastbridge Testing
B Day
College Wear Wednesday
AVID - Walk-in Wednesday - 7:30 pm - Rm 101
SOAR DAY
Stage Crew- 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Homework Help - 2:45 pm - Learning Stairs
Thursday, February 2:
Fastbridge Testing
A Day
Morning Basketball - 7:15 am - Big Gym
Play Practice - 2:40 pm - Performance Platform
Friday, February 3:
Fastbridge Testing
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am
Morning Basketball - 7:15 am - Big Gym
B Day
Saturday, February 4
Saturday School 8-11
Inclement Weather Day/Emergency E-Learning Day Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has an unplanned absence. What should I do? Call the attendance line at 444-8705. Leave your child’s name, grade and a reason for absence. To ensure the health and safety of all students and staff, please list specific symptoms of illness for Public Health Tracking. Please leave parent's name and a phone number where we can reach you at in case we have further questions.
My child is going to be absent in the future. How should I handle this? You may call the attendance line in advance at 444-8705. Leave your child’s name, reason for absence and the date(s) they will be gone.
If I have questions about my child’s attendance, who should I call? You may call Mrs. Hunt at 444-8711.
My child will be late coming to school due to an appointment or leaving early due to an appointment? What should I do? For late arrivals: Please call the attendance line at 444-8705 before 9:00 am. State your child’s name and reason they will be arriving late. When they arrive, they may enter through the 15th St NE doors and go directly to the office to check in with Mrs. Denton to get a pass to class.
For early dismissals: Call the attendance line before 9:00 am. Leave your son/daughter’s name, reason for dismissal and the time you want them dismissed. They will receive a pass before their departure time. They may keep this pass to show their teacher. The student then proceeds to the 15th St NE doors and shows the Security Guard their pass. When they see you pull up, they may head out to your vehicle. It is not necessary to come in to the building.
The 15th St NE entrance are the only doors students may enter and exit through between 8:10-2:40 pm.
Can my child get homework if they are absent? Homework can be requested if the student has been gone more than two days. You may call or email the teachers to gather the homework. Typically we require one full school day to gather the homework for students. If possible, the teachers may email you the homework; otherwise, it may be picked up in the office at the end of the school day.
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 Mesich: Students A through K 444-8724
Olivia Gullickson: Students L through Z 444-8548
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. Their contact information can be found on the website.
Conferences are also held two times per year. You are encouraged to attend with your child. The dates are November 3 and 7 and again on March 9. All conferences are held in the individual classrooms and run from 3:30-7:00 pm. (These dates may be subject to change.)
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.
Janessa Jandt: Students A through K 444-8727
Chely Flores: Students L through Z 444-8719
How do I pay on my child’s lunch account? There is a payment box outside the office where your son/daughter can drop off payments. Please put it in an envelope and write your child’s full name and grade. You may also pay online on Infinite Campus. Just log into your Parent portal to access this option.
We are at home and having problems with our Chromebook, who do I call? Please call the Chromebook Technology Hotline at 444-8630 or fill out this form.
I have to work late and want to pick up my child late. Can they just hang out at the school? Can I drop them off early? All students must be dropped off after 7:55 a.m. and picked up by 2:50 p.m.