OMS Friday Knight Live
March 1, 2024
In This Newsletter:
- End of Quarter Information: Canvas Courses
- OMS Academic Stop Dates
- Track Informational Meeting March 20th
- Parents Still Make a Difference newsletter
- Giving The Basics Supply Drive ends March 6th
- OMS PTO Announcements and Requests
- Spring Break is Coming
- March Celebrations and Observances
End of Quarter Information: Canvas Courses
At the end of each quarter, most courses in Canvas will conclude and will no longer be visible on the Canvas app. A concluded course is only visible through the Canvas website by selecting All Courses on the Courses tab and scrolling down to the Past Enrollments section. Courses for this quarter will conclude on March 7th, 11:59 pm. Report cards will be generated and viewed on ParentVUE at the end of the school day on March 22nd. At the start of the new quarter, teachers will publish new Canvas courses. As courses are published, students and families will again be able to see current courses on the Canvas app and Canvas website. For Canvas parent resources, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/canvas.
*CANVAS TIP: Be sure you have downloaded the latest version of the Canvas Parent App (download in iTunes and Google Play).
OMS Academic Stop Dates
With the end of 3rd quarter approaching, the last day to turn in assignments for each grade level/content area is below:
6th grade:
ELA and Social Studies - Tuesday, March 5th at 3:00 p.m.
Math and Science - Wednesday, March 6th at 3:00 p.m.
7th grade: Monday, March 4th at 3:00pm
8th grade: Monday, March 4th at 3:00 pm.
Track Informational Meeting for Students March 20th
Any 7th or 8th grade student interested in Track & Field should plan to come to an information meeting on Wednesday May 20. Students (only) will meet in the gym from 3:00pm - 3:30pm. Students will receive a calendar and handbook that includes practice information, meet information, and expectations.
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!
Giving the Basics Supply Drive
The OMS Community Service Club and Student Council will be sponsoring our annual collection drive for Giving the Basics, starting on Monday, Feb. 26 and running through Wednesday, March 6.
Giving the Basics started in the Midwest, with a mission to provide personal hygiene products to community members in need. They have grown with support from many community agencies and now reach more than 400,000 recipients! OMS has been a partner with GTB for the past several years. If you would like to find out more about GTB, please visit their website: https://givingthebasics.org/
We will be collecting specific items each day of our drive and students who donate items for each day's theme will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes!! We will have a winner at each grade level and will draw for prizes on March 7 at lunch.
Collection barrels will be located in the OMS front entry hall. Thank you for your support!
OMS PTO Announcements and Requests.
The PTO Board has several positions that need to be filled for the next school year. If you sign up now, we will have the opportunity to connect you with the current volunteer so they can easily show you what needs to be done. Here is a quick look of the available opportunities:
1. Secretary - attend monthly meetings and take minutes.
2. Assistant Treasurer - assist the Treasurer with making bank deposits, and withdrawing cash from the bank for events.
3. Teacher Appreciation - coordinate restaurant food to be delivered to the school for various teacher appreciation events throughout the school year.
4. School Supply Coordinator - work with the school supply vendor and the administration to put together accurate lists for supplies, then promote school supply orders at the end of each school year.
5. Student Socials Coordinator - work with volunteers to plan a fun after school social event once each semester.
6. Concession Coordinator - work with volunteers to stock and sell concessions at OMS games throughout the school year.
For more information about any of these positions, please reach out to Janie Snider at 816-716-4025 or jmlogansnider@gmail.com.
Spring Break is Coming
- 3rd quarter will end Thursday, March 7th. There is no school for students Friday, March 8th.
- Spring Break is the week of March 11-18th.
- 4th quarter resumes Tuesday, March 19th.
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.
Helpful Repeated Information
Community Service Logs due April 2
Volunteer hours can be logged between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024 and are due to Mrs. DiNitto in the counseling office by April 2, 2024. *Community service is anything you do to better society, not yourself or your family. (Examples: Team manager, volunteering at food pantry, yardwork for an elderly neighbor, peer mentor, helping at an animal shelter, picking up trash in an area park, etc.)
**Activities that are required for a class (school concert) or being a member of the school play or a club that do not provide a service to others DO NOT count towards this award.
Students who log 50 hours or more of community service are eligible for recognition. Please use the form on the next page to log your hours. Use an additional sheet of paper if necessary.
Are you a material mama? A notions nana? A polyester threat papa?
Ms. Blackman in the FACS/sewing room is looking for donations. Do you have unused or extra sewing materials you are willing to donate? The following items are needed:
Usable lengths of cotton material
Usable lengths of denim
Coats & Clark thread, any 100% polyester or 100% cotton thread
Notions such as ribbon, cord, ric-rac trim, elastic, velcro, buttons, snaps, and hooks & eyes
Any donations greatly appreciated!
Reminder About Athletic/Cheer Eligibility
As a reminder, all students who participate in any of our schools athletics programs are held to the OMS Athletics & Activities Academic Expectations. Please note that these expectations will be enforced during basketball, cheer, and Track and Field season this spring.
We appreciate your assistance in fostering a strong culture of academic success at OMS.
Track & Field Practices to Start March 25th – Don’t Wait on Registration and Physical
OMS Track and Field is scheduled to begin Monday March 25th, 2024 at 3:00pm. All 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to participate.
All students who are interested must have a KSHSAA Physical Packet on file with the school by uploading this document to the rSchool website. You will need to create an account and upload these pages here. Be sure to have all pages signed by both a physician and parent/guardian before uploading. Students will not be allowed to participate in any capacity until the Physical Packet is signed and on file with the school.
If your student has already participated in another sport this school year, please sign in to the rSchool website and make sure that Track & Field is also selected in the system as one of their activities.
8th Grade Celebration
8th grade families, we will not have confirmation on the date of the 8th grade celebration until after spring break. The school district will finalize the last day of school and the 8th grade celebration date will be set accordingly.
There will be a great deal of information coming specifically for 8th grade families so watch the Friday Knight Live newsletters!
Raffle for a Reason
Want Taylor Swift concert tix? How about a trip to Disneyland or Washington DC? BVEF is selling ONLY 300 raffle tickets at $100/ticket and the lucky winner has their choice of one of eight amazing packages! See them all at Welcome! (onecause.com)
Proceeds support our students and educators; winner drawn March 6 so don’t delay!
OMS PTO News
OMS Spirit Wear Store
The OMS spirit wear store is open! Has your student outgrown their spirit wear, or is it time to freshen up the wardrobe? Hundreds of items are available on the website, and they can be shipped directly to you. Visit the website at https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/KS/Overland%20Park/Oxford+Middle+School.
PTO Board Positions
The PTO Board has several positions that need to be filled for the next school year. If you sign up now, we will have the opportunity to connect you with the current volunteer so they can easily show you what needs to be done. Here is a quick look of the available opportunities:
1. Secretary - attend monthly meetings and take minutes.
2. Assistant Treasurer - assist the Treasurer with making bank deposits, and withdrawing cash from the bank for events.
3. Teacher Grant Coordinator - work with the administration and the PTO Board to coordinate the teacher grant process which typically takes place in January and February each year.
4. Spirit Wear Coordinator - work with the spirit wear provider to be sure we have great options available to the OMS families. Promote spirit wear ordering at the beginning of the school year and again during 2nd semester.
5. Teacher Appreciation - coordinate restaurant food to be delivered to the school for various teacher appreciation events throughout the school year.
6. School Supply Coordinator - work with the school supply vendor and the administration to put together accurate lists for supplies, then promote school supply orders at the end of each school year.
For more information about any of these positions, please reach out to Janie Snider at 816-716-4025 or jmlogansnider@gmail.com.
Social Worker Resources
Kansas Gas Services - Share the Warmth: Winter heating aid program for people residing in 82 counties served by Kansas Gas Service. This service is provided in cooperation with The Salvation Army. The program is primarily designed to help low-income KS residents with home heating expenses. The Salvation Army uses donations to make payments directly to the utility or fuel supplier on behalf of the person receiving assistance. Funds are awarded as a one-time grant annually, up to $300, on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for energy assistance, please call The Salvation Army at 1-816-756-5392 and select option 2.
Eligibility – Must live in one of the 82 counties served by Kansas Gas Service, must be the primary account holder and resident on the utility bill, income at or below 200% poverty level. Do not need to be a Kansas Gas Service Customer, do not need to use natural gas to heat home.
Window for application: Share the Warmth applications are accepted from November 15 to April 30, annually. Applications submitted after April 30 cannot be considered for assistance.
Parents Still Make a Difference – February 2024
This month’s newsletter contains articles including Imagination & Humor, how to handle outbursts, using stocks for real life math lessons, word choice and motivation, articles on test success, and so much more!
Social Worker Resources
On Thursday February 29, 2024, Johnson County Mental Health Center will host a FREE virtual Parent Connect meeting. Angela Guzman from Children’s Mercy’s Behavioral Health Community Education Coordinator will present information about easy-to-access resources on suicide prevention, tips for behavioral health hygiene, and more. Parent Connect is open to any parent or caregiver living in Johnson County. The goal of the series is to provide parents and caregivers with information and learning opportunities through presentations from community and parenting experts. More info...
Winter Testing Reports
Winter Testing Reports for math (iReady) and reading (Fastbridge) have been given to teachers. If your student has not already brought them home, they will early next week.
Planning for Inclement Weather Days in Blue Valley
As the winter months continue, there is always the possibility of inclement weather. When extreme weather conditions exist, the district may cancel school or utilize a two-hour delayed start when temporary adverse weather conditions exist. When possible, inclement weather announcements will be made the day before so staff and families can plan. More information about inclement weather (including 2-hour delayed starts) can be found on the district website.
Securly HOME
Have you ever wondered how to monitor your child’s usage on their Blue Valley device? We have parent tools that will allow you to receive notifications to ensure your child is using their device safely. School staff members monitor these devices during the school day and intervene, when necessary. However, parents can receive alerts if concerns arise when students use devices after school hours–including weekends and school breaks. Check out the Securly Home Parent Portal App here.
8th Grade Families: New High School Graduation Requirements
8th grade families, please listen to the Blue Valley podcast about the new requirements for high school graduation.
New Schedule for All Boys Basketball Teams
OMS has 5 boys basketball teams this year. Coaches are A Team1: Jake Johnson , A Team 2: Ms. Alexander, B Team 1: Mr. Kieffaber, B Team 2: Mr. Campin, and Coach B Team 3: Mr. Ahern.
Click HERE for 2024 Game Schedule by Date
Second Semester Course Fee Payment Now Open
Middle school course fee payment for the second semester is open and online now. Your ParentVUE login and password are required to pay course fees.
Course fees are assigned based on your student’s enrollment. Some seventh and eighth grade exploratory/elective classes include course fees.
Course fees are assigned for the second semester only.
Questions regarding fee payment should be directed to OMS Bookkeeper, Christina Fowles.
913-239-5500
OMS Clubs 23-24
Now that second semester is back in session, there are a few new clubs and activities at OMS. Click HERE for Club and Activity Slides. Any student can join! Contact club sponsor with any questions.
ASK Begins
ASK is beginning for 2nd semester. This is a great time for students to work on homework and get help from OMS teachers after school. ASK is from 3-4 p.m.
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!
Looking for OMS Information? Try the Website!
The OMS website has most of the information you will need for and during the school year. You can find staff lists (including email addresses), rules about cell phones, school calendar, class and lunch schedules, links to the lunch payment system, how to notify us of a student absence, candid student and event photos, sports schedules, clubs and activities, and so much more! Our website is updated multiple times a week so check for current updates! OMS Website
Community Resources
Energy Bill Assistance
Apply in person at the upcoming community event for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating fuels. See attached.
Health Partnership Clinic
The Health Partnership Clinic is now accepting Appointments for Marketplace Enrollment during the open enrollment period of November 1 through January 15, 2024. They offer free, in-person help with the health insurance application. Appointments are required, call (913) 730-3653 to schedule. A certified application counselor is available to help you in English or Spanish.
https://hpcks.org/health-partnership-clinic-now-accepting-appointments-for-marketplace-enrollment/
Kansas Gas Services - Share The Warmth is designed to help Kansas families needing assistance in paying their winter heating bills. You may utilize the website to download a copy of the application or for a paper copy of the application call 816-756-5392 Option 2.
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/mokan/utility-assistance/
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
Student text “Come Get Me”?
Parents and guardians, we need your help. If your student texts or calls you from their cell phone saying they don’t feel well and want you to pick them up — please tell them to go to the nurse’s office. The school tracks contagious illnesses, number of students out due to illness, and Nurse Piper watches for illness trends. Your student should only be calling you from the nurse’s office if they are going home ill.
Students who are ill? They need to stay home
OMS Families, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of students who are coming to school when ill and then having to go home. All students sit in close proximity to each other during classes and lunch. We are trying to reduce the transmission of coughs, colds, influenza, covid, strep throat, etc. Students may not come to school unless:
They are fever free (without tylenol, advil, etc.) for 24 hours
They have not vomited or had diarrhea in 24 hours
They are not coughing or have uncontrolled runny noses
Reminder – students should not text or call parents directly if they are not feeling well. Students need to go to the nurse’s office. Please direct your child to go to the nurse’s office if they contact you.
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.
Important Travel Outside of the USA Information
This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it.
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