OMS Pirate Press Weekly Newsletter
Week of March 2-8 2024
Highlights for March 2-8, 2024
Saturday, March 2, 2024: Registration Opens for OMS Parent-Guardian/Teacher Conferences: Registration Opens at 9:00 a.m. today for OMS Parent-Guardian/Teacher Conferences, scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024 5:00-7:00 p.m. Parents/Guardians need to sign up in advance using the following link https://www.myconferencetime.com/oxfordmiddle/ Conference times are every 10 minutes, so please plan accordingly for your visit to OMS so you can get to one conference time to the next. Registration is open from Saturday, March 2nd 9:00 a.m. through Wednesday, March 6th at 6:00 p.m. You will not be able to register outside of this time period.
Teachers are primarily meeting in grade level teams to discuss overall progress. If you are unable to acquire an open spot with your child's teachers/team, please reach out to them by email to arrange a time to connect to discuss your child's progress.
While we are always happy to meet with all families to discuss student progress, we are especially interested in meeting with families of students with chronic absenteeism and who are having academic challenges with grades C or below so we can discuss goal setting and how we can work together to encourage and support our students to achieve their goals to matriculate to the next grade level with confidence and success.
Schedule of Days for the week March 4-8, 2024:
- Monday, March 4, 2024: D Day
- Yearbook club meets today after school. Stay after slips are outside Ms. Berube and Mr. Moriarty's classrooms.
- Tuesday, March 5, 2024: No School for Students; OXPS Professional Development Day
- Wednesday, March 6, 2024: E Day
- After School Band today 2:00-3:00
- Video Club Meets today room 218
- Thursday, March 7, 2024: A Day
- History Club
- Robotics Club at OHS
- Friday, March 8, 2024: B Day
- Pirate's Cove Store Open Today during lunches
- Barbie and Ken spirit day in honor of the 65th anniversary of Barbie and 63rd for Ken.
- NJHS Movie Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. Trolls Band Together. Tickets were on sale in advance during lunches and in the main office. Tickets were $5 each and required a permission slip.
Spring Sports Season
- Boys and Girls Tennis - 7th and 8th grade
- Softball - 7th and 8th grade
- Baseball - 8th grade
- Boys and Girls Track and Field - 8th grade.
Read-A-Thon
- OMS Read-a-thon is underway! Thus far, OMS students have read over 2,770 minutes and earned over $450 in donations for their efforts. We thank you for your support that helps OMS!
- During our Read-A-Thon, they can help encourage your child by donating to your child's reading goal. To help them get involved, below is a link you can use to easily email them about supporting our fundraiser: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/tool/UkDzkc/1
- If your child has not yet signed up for the read-a-thon, here is how they can get started:
- The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.
- Watch a short video to see how to sign up your reader: https://youtu.be/12tmuXH8zCg
- This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family.
- Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/UkDzkc/1
Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers!
Upcoming Student Events at OMS!
- OMS Movie Night: NJHS will host a movie night on Friday, March 8, 2024 5:30-7:30. The cost will be $5 per student. Students will need to purchase tickets in advance at lunches. Permission slips with information is attached below!
- Spirit Week: Student Council will sponsor a Spirit Week March 18-22, 2024. More info to come!
- Next Dance: Student council will sponsor the next dance on March 22, 2024 6:30-8:30 p.m. for OMS students only. Students will need to purchase tickets in advance at lunches. More info to come!
#Attendance Matters
Research shows that school absences directly impacts the academic and socio-emotional growth and progress of students. The state indicates that 18 or more absences in a school year is excessive. Excessive absences can lead to students falling behind in classes, which can impact their academic future growth potential. Research shows that students with excessive absences throughout elementary and middle school are more likely to drop out of high school, and drop outs have a greater number of economic, social, and legal challenges. Consider that if you are absent 18 days/year, by the time you finish 9th grade, you will have missed the equivalent of 1 full school year; when you think of it in those terms, you realize how much learning a student will have missed in that time. One of the greatest impacts of the Covid Pandemic was the impact on student academic and socio-emotional learning, engagement, and attendance. At OMS and OXPS, #AttendanceMatters. This past week's advisory lesson discussed the importance of school attendance and the impact of being chronically absent. We surveyed students on their feedback. We will be looking at attendance trends and data in coming months and looking to partner with you on this important topic. Our Assistant Principals and Counselors will be reaching out to families of students who are chronically absent. Our main office staff will begin to call the homes of those chronically absent to learn of the reasons students are out so we can have a better understanding of the student and/or family's needs so that we may work with them to support student attendance and learning. We will also be monitoring our daily and weekly attendance rates, as we work toward 95% attendance rates for our school, grades, and students. Education helps to open doors and minds. #Attendance Matters
For the week of February 12-16, OMS attendance rates were as follows:
- Grade 6: 91.9%
- Grade 7: 93.1%
- Grade 8: 91.9%
- OMS: 92.3%
Goal is 95%. #Attendance Matters, OMS!
Beginning Friday, March 1st, we'll be running March Madness Attendance Matters. We will be tracking attendance Friday through Thursday. Any student who has 100% attendance during that time will be eligible for a Fun Friday activity and a weekly raffle with a variety of prizes throughout the week!
Announcements and Reminders for Families
OMS Yearbooks Now On Sale
Yearbook Sales! Yearbooks are now on sale:
Capture the unforgettable moments of Oxford Middle School with our exclusive yearbooks. From heartfelt friendships to memorable events, relive the highlights of the school year. Don't miss out on preserving these cherished memories - secure your copy today at www.yearbookforever.com and treasure the magic of Oxford Middle School forever.
Don't miss out on all of the other photos of school events. Order your yearbook today!
FOMS Spirit Wear Fundraiser
FOMS is sponsoring an OMS Spirit Wear Shop. You can order the latest in gear--t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, outerwear, hats, and more! . All proceeds benefit FOMS, which in turn benefit our OMS students and programs. Please see the link below to order and the flyer below for more info. https://www.kerringraphics.com/customer_portal/login.html?ut=b174a64a-ac5d-43a5-bfa2-424393e5bc8d
Transportation/Morning Drop-Off/Afternoon Pick Up
Bus Stops and Times:
- Bus stops and times are currently posted on our website at:
- Here are additional instructions for parents to view buses traveling in real-time on the First Student website when awaiting pickup or drop off:
- If you have any questions please email our bussing team at transportation@oxps.org.
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Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick Up Reminder:
When dropping off in the morning, please pull ALL the way up to the front of the student drop-off/pick-up lane, so that we can fit more cars in and expedite drop off and get students into the building on time. While we realize it's convenient for your child to have a shorter walk, it is making it difficult for all other students and families to not pull all the way forward. Please DO NOT drop off or pick up OMS students on Carbuncle Road, Carbuncle Pond parking area, or OHS campus. With the amount of traffic on Carbuncle, it is unsafe to drop off/pick up OMS students in these areas.
Please drop off/pick up at OMS drop off/pick up lane in front of OMS.
Morning School Start Time:
Students' first class begins at 7:20 a.m. Please make every effort to get your child to school by 7:15 so that they are on time to their class and not a disruption to the flow of instruction and learning when they arrive. Repeated tardiness will be treated as a behavioral infraction and addressed by assistant principals.
End of day-Leaving Campus when staying after school: Students Staying after School are not permitted to leave school to go across the street for snacks and then return to campus, as we are responsible for them while here for school and events. Students and families should plan accordingly with snacks and beverages if your child has an after school activity.
Save the Dates:
Last Day of School: With 2 snow days, the last day of school is scheduled for Monday, June 17th.
From the Health Office
- 7th Grade Physicals
- According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Laws, a physical examination is required for each student upon entry into public school or entrance into a new public school district plus at intervals of three to four years thereafter. To be in compliance with this law the Oxford Public Schools, requires updated physical examinations in the 4th, 7th and 10th grades.
- If you have not done so already, please send in a current physical complete with an updated immunization record. If you are unsure what your child is missing please email the school nurse at apackard@oxps.org. You may send in a copy with your child or have the pediatrician’s office fax it to 508-987-2588.
Given you and your family’s busy schedules, I appreciate your time and effort regarding this Oxford Public School requirement.
OMS Club Info-Get Involved!
Open Gym with Ms. Greenough
WHAT IS IT? A variety of PE activities: kickball, basketball, dodgeball, capture the flag, team handball etc.
WHO CAN JOIN? Any OMS student in grades 6-8 (Space is limited to 30 so sign up early. This is a first come/first served activity & overall sportsmanship and appropriate behavior is mandatory)
WHEN? Tuesdays right after dismissal (2:00-3:00)
WHERE? OMS gymnasium
PROGRAM DATES: All Tuesdays (starts 2/27 ends 4/2)
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Club is now full.
Please wear comfortable clothes & sneakers. Don't forget your water bottle!
Art Club Session 2
The second semester Art Club will run on Tuesdays and will begin on January 23rd and run through April 4, 2024. Art Club session 2 is now full. Please reach out to Ms. Crutcher with any questions.
Yearbook Club
Yearbook Club: Interested in putting together this year's yearbook and help make memories for your peers? Are you artistic and creative and lookin for something new? Please consider joining yearbook club. Yearbook club will meet on mostly Mondays after school, beginning January 29, 2024. See Mr. Moriarty and/or Ms. Berube with any questions. Flyer is below. Students will need a stay after slip to attend. mailto:smoriarty@oxps.org or mailto:bberube@oxps.org ****The Next Meeting is Tuesday, February 27th*****
Afterschool Band
After school Band will resume for the second semester on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Band will meet weekly on Wednesdays after school. Students staying will need a signed permission slip to stay after. Please direct any questions to Mr. Kim mailto:mkim@oxps.org
School Chorus
If you like to SING, or are curious about singing in a group - It's time to join OMS Chorus! Come try something new, or bring a friend with you if you're returning.
Show up to room 122 at the following times to check it out or join:
6th Grade - THIS Friday, NEXT Monday, and Weds. - Period 5
7th & 8th Grade: THIS Thursday, Friday, and Monday - Pd. 6 or 7 during your specials class, after checking in with your specials teacher. These times will also be posted in the cafeteria...come sing with us - it's lots of fun!
History Club
Students interested in learning more about history are welcome to join History Club. History Club plans to become involved in History Day Competitions as well for those looking to delve deeper into historical events. History club meets on Thursdays with Mr. Moriarty in room 102. Stay after slips are in his room and must be submitted to stay after. Students with questions should reach out to Mr. Moriarty mailto:smoriarty@oxps.org
Video Club
OMS Video Club session 2 is about to start. Video club session 2 is open to all OMS students, grades 6-8.This club is limited to 15 students because of equipment. Interested students should see Mr. Janerico in room 218 for more info and permission slips; permission slips are also in the main office. If you have questions, you can also reach out to him by email jjanerico@oxps.org The club will be held every Wednesday from 2:00-3:00 beginning February 28 and running through June 12, 2014.
Robotics Club
Robotics Club: Mr. Kay at OHS is establishing a Robotics club with 2 sessions that he is inviting OMS students to participate in. Spots are limited. Students interested will need the recommendation of their STEM/Science teacher. Students will be working in collaboration with OHS JROTC students in these clubs. Recommendation/Permission slip forms will be available in the main office.
- The second session is open to grade 6-8 students and will focus on Vex IQ technology and run from February through June of 2024. The max group size will be 20 students. Vex IQ technology is a robotics program and will also include engineering and programming as well. Student in grades 6-8 interested should pick up a permission slip and return to the main office signed.
Book Club
Do you love to read? If so the Book Club may be for you.
See or email Ms. Kennen for more information about the club's next book and next meeting. akennen@oxps.org . Students wanting to stay will need to submit permission slips.
Homework Club and Center
Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will run on Mondays-Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays after school 2:00-3:00, with the exception of the once a month faculty days held mostly on Mondays, but some rare Tuesdays due to long weekends Students wishing to stay will need a blue Homework Center form signed by a teacher with a specific assignment/project to work on and the parent/guardian signature. See or email Ms. Kennen for permission slips and with questions. mailto:akennen@oxps.org .
Grade 8 Fall Football Workouts:
OMS Grade 8 Students interested in playing football at OMS in the fall: Grade 8 students interested in playing football at OHS in the fall of 2024 are invited to participate in the Football weight training program. The program runs Monday-Friday 2:00-3:30 at OHS weight room. Students will need a permission note from parents to attend, submitted to OMS office. Students will take late buses and get picked up from OHS at conclusion of club meeting time. Any questions, please contact Coach Jeff Clarkson mailto:jeffrey_clarkson@msn.com
Community Events
Oxford Community Theater Production
Oxford Community Theater Group will present The Enchanted Bookshop at OMS on March 15th at 6:30 p.m. and March 16th at 1:00 p.m.
English Language Learner's Family Game Night:
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED:
Originally was Tuesday, January 23, 2024 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Barton Elementary School Gymnasium, 25 Depot Road, Oxford, MA. Please look forward to a future announcement with a new date for this event.
Join us for a fun night of games, activities, pizza, refreshments, making connections, and having an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about English Language Learners program and supports. Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their children. RSVP or questions to Kristin Miller mailto:kmiller@oxps.org
Oxford Town Takeover Day at Woo Sox
Oxford Day at WooSox: Oxford will be the special guest at the WooSox Town Takeover Day on May 25, 2024. We will have several Oxford students involved in the game day proceedings as well. All proceeds this year will go to support the Booster Club, which does an amazing job supporting athletics, performing arts and various clubs/activities for our students. Tickets are now available via the following link, just look for Oxford on Saturday, May 25th! https://www.milb.com/worcester/tickets/town-takeovers
Oxford Community Youth Athletics
Oxford Softball League
Registration is now open for Oxford Thunder Softball league for U6Tball , and softball for U8, U10, U12, and U14/16. See flyer below with QR code to register. Email OxfordLassieLeague@yahoo.com with any questions.
Oxford Little League
Oxford Little League: Oxford Little League Spring 2024 Registration are now open. You may register at https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=851793 . Please see attached flyer below for more information about ages and cost.
Oxford Youth Soccer
Oxford Youth Soccer registration deadline for the spring season for students in grades K-8. was December 31, 2023!! Please see info via the following link: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/oxfordyouthsoccer Any questions can be directed to mailto:oxfordyouthsoccer@gmail.com
Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse
welcomes Oxford students to register for the Spring League. Information is attached below (DCYLA 2024 registration flyer).
Community Groups and Supports
Attention Oxford Area Gardeners
Oxford Pollinator Campaign Partners in cooperation with Oxford Conservation Commission will be hosting a workshop on Wednesday, March 27th 6:00 p.m. at Oxford Middle School Cafeteria. Guest Speaker Ellen Scheid will present on how to create a pollinator friendly yard. You will have experiences to learn more about pollination, native plants, garden design, butterflies, bees, and more! See attached flyer.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
GRG Support group-join us!
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) and caregiver support group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from September to June @ 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Oxford High School. Coffee and snacks will be provided, please park in front and come in the main entrance. Feel free to contact Kimberly Rockwood with any questions-(978) 413-8989- all are welcome!
NAMI Support Group
NAMI Support Group via Zoom:
We are collaborating with NAMI to offer a FREE new Support Group for caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges provided for our Oxford families by the Central Mass chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI Support Group for Caregivers of pre-teens and teens with mental health challenges is a peer-led support group for any adult who cares for a child or adolescent who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. The group will enable you to gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. You are not alone. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
FREE of cost to participants
Designed for adult loved ones of young people with mental health conditions
Led by family members of people with mental health conditions
60-120 minutes long and meeting weekly, every other week, or monthly (varies by location)
No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
CONFIDENTIAL
The NAMI Support Group for caregivers of Pre-teens and Teens with mental health issues (POPTT) will begin on Wednesday evening, October 25th, from 7:00 – 9:00pm, via Zoom, and continue on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. To sign up for this group, please email Robin at robinbahr1@gmail.com or Joy at cummingspj@worcesterma.gov. Please indicate that you are interested in joining the POPTT group; give your email address and the best phone number at which to reach you. The email link will be sent the day before each meeting.
Helpful Resources
- Are you getting text messages of our automated calls/texts/emails? If you are not currently receiving text prompts about school and district news, please send a message to the number 22300 and type ALERT in the message in order to receive texts in the future.
- Our District Calendar can be found via the following links:
- District School Day Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/b2fc/08/30/23/192743-caa5596d-7c83-451f-8868-d753af9ebf0d.pdf
- District Events: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/district_calendars
- School Hour changes, per district updates and the implications for OMS students. The link to the school hours is here: https://www.oxps.org/apps/pages/school_times .
- Electronic Backpack: Please be sure to remember to check the electronic backpack for forms, letters, community announcements as well. The link to the electronic backpack for OMS is as follows: https://oms.oxps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2070226&type=d&pREC_ID=2128528
- Athletic Schedule: https://sites.google.com/oxps.org/athletics