OMS Friday Knight Live
April 5, 2024
In This Newsletter:
- Registration Open for 2024-2024. Every student needs to have a complete registration.
- Monday, April 8th- Solar Eclipse
- Nautical Bowls Fundraiser Thursday, April 11th
- Middle School Family Newsletter April 2024
- Counseling Corner: E-Safety Presentation for 7th grade students Monday, 4/8
- New: Champion for Students Award
- 8th Grade Celebration Information
- PTO Information: Updated
- PTO Trivia Night Canceled
- Thank You for PTO Grants!
2024 - 2025 Registration: Every Student Every Year
Middle school registration for the 2024-25 school year is open and online now for current students and families. Registration is required annually and is the time to update your child’s information (phone, email, emergency contacts, health information, etc.). At this time, you have access to pay all required fees except for course fees. Course fees will be assigned in September.
Completing registration now confirms that your child will attend school in August and helps the district appropriately staff classrooms. Thank you for providing important information as part of the registration process. For more registration information, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/registration.
Monday, April 8th- Solar Eclipse
On April 8, a solar eclipse will cross a portion of the United States. What a great opportunity for our school community to experience a rare scientific phenomenon! We plan to incorporate this unique learning experience into our afternoon on April 8th. We have ordered safe viewing glasses for our staff and students to utilize.
If you prefer your child NOT to participate in the solar eclipse viewing, please fill out this Solar Eclipse Opt Out Form.
There will be an option for your child to have an excused absence on this afternoon or a supervised, alternative activity that will be provided at school during the viewing.
Please contact the OMS office at 913-239-5500 with any questions.
Nautical Bowl Fundraiser Thursday, April 11th
Nautical Bowls will be giving a portion of every purchase to the OMS PTO on Thursday, April 11th! The 11648 W 135th St, Overland Park location will need you to mention Oxford Middle School. Dine in or Carry out. Click HERE for the menu!
Middle School Parents Still Make a Difference April 2024
This month’s newsletter is full of articles for middle school families: bouncing back from low grades, how exercise boosts academics, why attendance is important, high school transitions, parents setting limits, the steps for making decisions, and so much more!
Counseling Corner: 7th Grade E-Safety and Online Safety Presentation
On Monday, April 8, our 7th graders will have a presentation from Sunflower House on "E-Safety—Online and Technology Safety." Sunflower House is a child abuse prevention center and they have provided personal safety education for more than 40 years in our area schools. This presentation is focused on online safety topics such as sexting, cyberbullying, child exploitation, social networking, and staying safe online. Sunflower House staff, in partnership with local law enforcement personnel (when available), will share age-appropriate examples, videos, and information regarding educational, legal, and social consequences students may face while using electronic devices to communicate with others online. Safety tips and information on how and where to report concerns or abuse will be also presented.
If you would like information to help with this conversation at home with your child, please visit the Sunflower House website at www.sunflowerhouse.org for free virtual parent programs.
NEW! Champion for Students Award
Do you know an educator who cultivates a learning environment where relationships are the cornerstone, where kindness and compassion are guiding principles, and making a profound difference in the lives of young people is not just a goal but a lived reality? Now is your chance to recognize those educators whose impact extends far beyond their role, shaping the trajectory of our students’ journeys and leaving an enduring legacy of excellence.
Nominations are officially open for BVEF’s new Champion for Students Award. Anyone in the Blue Valley Schools’ community is welcome to nominate an educator (any staff member, e.g., teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, kitchen manager, etc.) for this prestigious honor. Nominate a Champion for Students today! https://bit.ly/BVEFCFS2024.
Winners will receive one of the following:
$2500 cash prize (subject to tax)
$2500 grant for their learning environment
$2500 tuition reimbursement for credit hours
8th Grade Celebration May 2024- information from email week of 4/1
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE FAMILIES!!!
Who: OMS 8th Grade Students
What: 8th Grade Celebration
When: Thursday, May 23rd 8:00 a.m.
Where: OMS Gymnasium
Why: We are excited to celebrate the OMS 8th grade class of 2024!
What Else: Please read carefully below to help make this event a success and to ensure every student is recognized and celebrated.
- Volunteer Opportunities- we need lots of support to make this event happen:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C44A4AE28A1F94-48853153-8thgrade
- 8th Grade Video Photo Recognition & Picture Submission:
- 2 photos: Upload 1 baby/child photo and 1 current photo to this folder: Class of 2024 Pictures
- Name the files (Student’s Last Name, Student’s First Name Photo #)
*ex: Domoney, Courtney 1
*ex: Domoney, Courtney 2
3. Photos must be school appropriate and will be approved by OMS administration
- Permission Slips & Money:
- Field trip permission slips will be distributed on Monday April 22nd, 2024 in 8th grade ELA classes.
- Permission slips and $$ will be collected by 8th grade ELA teachers and are due NO LATER THAN Friday May 3rd , 2024.
- The cost is $30 per student. Please refer to the permission slip for what is included in the overall cost of the event.
We look forward to celebrating the class of 2024 May 23rd!
The OMS PTO Needs Your Help!
Updated 4/5/24 -- Positions Filled & New Position Added
We have several OMS PTO volunteers who are aging out at the end of this school year, and we are hoping you would be willing to help out next year. Some opportunities are very easy and not too time consuming, and others are board positions that would require attending a monthly meeting that takes place in the evening. We are all busy, so we respect everyone's schedules, we try not to ask too much of anyone, and of course we have fun getting to know the OMS administration and supporting our kids and teachers! Here is a brief overview of the areas we need help. Please text Janie Snider at 816-716-4025 or email at jmlogansnider@gmail.com for more information.
1.School Supplies/Spirit Wear Coordinator - work with the school supply vendor and the administration to put together accurate list for supplies, then promote school supply orders at the end of each school year. The same vendor provides spirit wear, so this volunteer would also provide information at the beginning of the school year for online spirit wear orders.
2. PTO Fundraising Vice President - oversee the committees that coordinate concessions, trivia night, and restaurant nights. Attend monthly board meetings. Time commitment averages about 3 hours per month during the school year. Some months will be less of a commitment, and the months when fundraising events happen will be a little more of a time commitment. This would be a great position for two people to partner together to ease the work load.
3. Concession Coordinator - work with volunteers to stock and sell concessions at OMS games throughout the school year. The time commitment to coordinate volunteers would be about one hour per month. More time would be spent if you also choose to work at the concession stand during some of the games. This would be a great position for two people to partner together to ease the work load.
4. Student Social Coordinator - work with volunteers to coordinate after school student social events once each semester. This position will require about one hour of planning for the two social events, and attending the one-hour events twice a year.
We would love to work with you on anything that might fit your schedule!
Nautical Bowls fundraiser night will be Thursday, April 11th. They are located at 11648 W. 135th Street. Stop by to try their superfood bowls, acai and more! All proceeds donated by the restaurant will benefit teacher support and student events at OMS!
Attention Track & Field Parents
Your help is needed at one of the four track & field events taking place at OMS! If you will be there to watch your child compete, please also sign up to help at the concession stand. Here is the link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48AFA723A1FC1-48686472-trackPTO Trivia Night Canceled
Unfortunately, the PTO has had to cancel the Trivia Night originally scheduled for Friday, April 5.
PTO offering School Supply Kits for 2024-2025
Order next year’s school supplies for Oxford Middle School through 1st Day School Supplies and make back to school easier on you! Your order will be shipped directly to your house at least 2 weeks before school starts. The bulk items, such as tissues and disinfectant wipes, will be sent to the school directly. Be sure to order the grade level your child will be next school year. Online orders close June 30. Please email laura.pinkepank@farmers.com with any questions. Thank you!
Click HERE to order PTO 2024 2025 OMS School supplies
Families may purchase school supplies on their own by downloading the 2024 2025 grade level supply lists by going to the OMS website → Families → School Supplies
Thank you PTO for OMS Grants
Every year the money raised at OMS stays at OMS! Thank you PTO for providing new fitness equipment for the gym. We have been able to create an entirely new area for student and PE use!
Helpful Repeated Information
Middle School Math Competition Hosted by BVSW
Blue Valley Southwest High School is hosting a middle school math competition on Tuesday April 16th. All middle school students are welcome to register (cost is $10 per student). The competition will follow a MathCounts format with different rounds. Registration closes Friday April 5th.
Click HERE for more information or Click HERE to Register Now
8th Grade Girls – Interested in High School Volleyball?
Future Husky Volleyballers, this link allows you join our contact list, learn about summer BVNW volleyball opportunities and join our Spring Clinic and Summer South League team!
OMS PTO Trivia Night: April 5th INCOGNITO KNIGHT
Save the Date!
OMS Trivia Night
Friday, April 5th
A fun night out with other parents while raising money to support the OMS staff and students.
See details below!
Counseling Corner
Free Parent Seminar: Rumble Strips - Recognizing Signs of Addition
Parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers - you are invited to a free seminar April 2nd at 6:00pm at Hilltop Campus. The evening will have speakers discussing current addiction trends and a Q&A panel. Join us for this important topic. Seminar is free but registration is required by April 1.
Track & Field
Track & Field season is upon us! Anyone interested in track gear can place an on-line order. The online store closes on March 27 so order now!
Blue Valley Summer Programming Information
Blue Valley Summer Explorations enrollment opens March 18
Is your child looking to break out of summer boredom? Does your child want to learn more about football? Is your child looking to create harmony this summer? Sign your child up for Blue Valley’s Summer Explorations program, designed to engage students in learning through hands-on experiences and lots of fun. Enrollment for the one-week sessions will begin at 8 a.m. March 18 and closes 4 p.m. April 3. All summer programs take place in person unless otherwise noted. For more information about the Summer Explorations program, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms.
Blue Valley Summer Programs fees posted
Is your child enrolled in one of Blue Valley's Summer Programs courses? Fees are now posted in ParentVUE for all summer programs and available for payment. All Summer Programs fees are due May 1. Visit bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms for more information.
Parents Still Make a Difference
This newsletter is specifically designed for middle school parents. Articles this month include why attendance every day is important, setting realistic expectations, learning time management, protecting your child from the downside of social media, how to recover from mistakes, using art to help deal with emotions, and so much more!
Community Celebrations and Observations
Community Celebrations and Observances - to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families.
Some March Celebrations & Observances:
Women’s History Month - recognizes the achievements and contributions of women to society, culture, and American history. Women’s History Month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day - March 2 - aims to raise awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues among teenagers.
Ramadan - evening of March 10-April 9 - the holy month of fasting for the Islamic faith. For some Muslim families, it is a time for introspection, communal prayer, reading the Qur’an, and fasting between sunrise and sunset.
Holy Week and Easter Sunday - March 24-March 31 - includes the Christian holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy (Holy) Thursday, and Good Friday. Some families will attend church services to commemorate the week leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
Holi - March 25 - known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi honors the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of Spring. Some families will light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional music.
Updated Info for Parents & Guardians... helpful school hints
We have created a Parent Reference Sheet and QR Codes for your reference during the school year. Scan the QR codes for links to
Athletics
Reporting absences
Homework when your child is absent
Chromebook information
Adding money to lunch accounts
School day bell schedules
ParentVue
Canvas
Bus company link
Principal’s Newsletters
Item Drop off,
and so much more!
Want to know about OMS music or theatre events?
Take a look at the choir, band, strings, and theatre rehearsals and concerts for the school year. Click HERE for 2023-2024 Performing Arts Calendar
OMS Photos Needed
Would you share photos from OMS Events? We need candids from games, concerts, activities, clubs, Friday Knight Club, etc. A few guidelines for photos for the yearbook, OMS website, and newsletters:
.JPG or .PNG only (we cannot use apple or iPhone formats)
Clear and focused shots
Please do not send multiple photos of the same pose, group, or action – we love variety!
OMS Events only
Securly at Home
OMS Social Worker Provides Resource Information
Sue Ellen Jayne is Oxford’s social worker. She can assist with connecting OMS families with needed resources and services. Ms. Jayne has a resource page on the OMS website where we post community connections. Her page can be found under Families → Social Worker Resources OMS
School Day Access
Visitors, including parents and guardians, are not permitted in the building during the school day unless they have a scheduled appointment or meeting. Once the school day has begun at 7:50am visitors must ring the doorbell (located to the right of the main doors). Adults who are picking up a student early must wait outside for the student to exit the building. Please see the School Policies and FAQs page on the OMS website for more information about the door entry system, item drop off, and student absences.
School Hours
Students need to be in their first hour class by 7:51 a.m.
6th & 7th grade students report to the Commons before 7:45 a.m. when they may go to lockers and classrooms
8th grade students report to the GYM before 7:45 a.m.
Students who eat breakfast will eat in the commons and then report to the commons or gym
School is dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Students who are not staying for a club or activity exit the building by 3:10 p.m.
Interested in a carpool this year?
For students who do not receive bus transportation, families may fill out this form to see if other families near them are interested in arranging a carpool. Anyone who fills the form out will want to check regularly for new additions. Families who use this form will reach out to other parents and guardians on this form to arrange any carpools.
For the Latest Announcements and Information
Want to keep up on the latest OMS announcements and information? Check out the NEWS section on the OMS website. NEWS is located under the About Us tab.
Contact Us! We Are Here To Help!
Attendance Number: 913-239-5505
Mrs. Domoney, Principal: cdomoney@bluevalleyk12.org
Mr. Holsapple, Assistant Principal: jholsapple03@bluevalleyk12.org