The Middle Matters
February 1-5, 2021 OMS Parent Newsletter
Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day.
Looking Ahead: A Note From the Principal
Routine: January 25 marked the first day of quarter three. We are so excited to have students back in the building. Better yet, quarter three does not have any days off the hybrid schedule until the Friday before spring break, which is the end of the quarter. We look forward to consistency even if it is in the hybrid model.
Testing: We are in the process of preparing for testing season, which is still on as of right now. While we would love to not have to administer MCA and ACCESS tests, we have not received any indication that these will be put on hold. Students test in Reading and Math in 6th and 7th grades. In 8th grade, they test in Reading, Math, and Science. Our ACCESS tests are for our English Language Learners in grades 6-8. FastBridge testing happens three times a year in Reading and Math. Students need wired headphones for MCA and FastBridge testing. We do have some at school, but students will be encouraged to bring their own if they have them.
Lockers: Now that we are back in the building, students were given the option of getting a locker to use at the beginning of the day and the end of the day. About 100 students requested a locker. Most are getting used to carrying their backpacks and coats with them, but the option is there if they want to store items during the day. Lockers that are being used have been spread out in the building to avoid close contact between students.
Energy: There is no doubt that bringing students back has brought a positive energy back into the building. Even with masks, we are exctied to see faces and connect with students in person!
Registration: We will begin the registration process for next school year the first week of February! It is hard to believe we are already starting that work, but the background work that has to be done to determine the number of sections we offer to align with our staffing allotments is critical. We will send a phone message to let you know when students will be receiving the registration materials. The actual registration process will happen in school and will be done online as we did last year. However, students have to have a signed registration form before they can do the online registration.
BE PREPARED 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!
MASKS
Students are required to come to school with masks each day they are here. While we have some masks as back-up, we regularly hand out 30+ masks each day. It is difficult for us to keep up with that number. PLEASE remind your child to bring his/her own mask to school for everyone's safety!
Calendar
Monday, February 1, 2021
Group 1 - A Day
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Group 1 - B Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
No Tech Tuesday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
College Wear Wednesday
Distance Learning Day
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Group 2 - A Day
No Tech Thursday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Friday, February 5, 2021
Group 2 - B Day
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Registration Information for Current 8th Graders
Incoming 8th graders will be invited to attend a series of virtual informational meetings on the evening of February 3 hosted by the guidance counselors. During the meeting, the counselors will present a live or prerecorded video that outlines general registration. Following the live presentation, the counselors will be available for questions. The meetings will be broken into smaller groups by the counselors' alphabet assignment.
Please check your email for more details. You may also call the high school at 444-8800.
Registration Information for Current 6th and 7th Grade Students
If your child is in 6th or 7th grade, the OMS admin team and counselors will be visiting with classes over the next week to hand out registration forms and registration guides for the 21-22 school year.
Please remind your children to give you the information. The forms are time sensitive and need to be returned to their child's teacher before February 12th.
All 21-22 forms can be found on our website. If you would like to take a look at what they will be bringing home or if need another copy at some point, please follow this link. Registration Forms
All forms can be found in English, Spanish and Somali.
If you have any questions after looking over the documents, please contact your child's counselor at:
Students A through K
Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa
E-mail: lhugstadvaa@isd761.org
Phone: 444-8724
Students L through Z
Jessica Procopio
E-mail: jprocopio@isd761.org
Phone: 444-8764
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.
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
Children's Remedial Fund
A Program intended to provide financial support to eligible families who have children with medical, dental, vision, hearing, school supplies and winter clothing needs.
Eligibility is based on:
* Any child age 0-18;
* Residency in Steele County
* Income Guidelines consistent with
the Free and Reduced School
Lunch Program
* Service of current needs only
(can not assist with old debts)
Coverage:
80% of charges with payment directly to provider; remaining 20% is the responsibility of the applicant.
If interested, request an application from your community school nurse or school social worker. The application is also available on the website.