OMS Friday Knight Live
April 14, 2023
In This Newsletter:
- Information for our registrar: Not Returning to OMS Next Year?
- Community Service Hours Due Monday by 3:00 p.m.
- 8th Grade Information
- BVEF Night of Lights
Not Returning to OMS Next Year?
If your student is not returning to OMS for 2023-2024 please notify our registrar at BDCastle@bluevalleyk12.org Thank you.
Community Service Hours Due MONDAY by 3:00 p.m.
Community Service hours for this year's Blue Valley Volunteer Service Awards are due to Allyson DiNitto in the Counseling office by 3:00pm today! Students who have completed 50 or more service hours from April 1, 2022-March 31, 2023 will be recognized with service awards at the end of the school year. The 3 levels of recognition: Bronze (50-74 hours of service), Silver (75-99 hours of service) and Gold (100+ hours of service).
Service hours can be for any volunteer work done to help an organization or person that you do not receive payment or goods for the service. Service work is to help others, outside of yourself or your family.. **Being part of a school club or activity does not count for service hours, unless the group worked on a project to help another organization or cause.
Please use the 2022-2023 Volunteer Log (or your own version of it) to record your volunteer hours! If you have questions, please contact Allyson DiNitto at adinitto@bluevalleyk12.org.
**8th Grade Information**
8th Grade Celebration Date Is Set!
8th grade families, the 8th grade celebration is set for Thursday May 25th from 8:00am - 9:30 am. The PTO needs volunteers if we are going to have a celebration - watch for signups coming soon!
Click here for 8th Grade Celebration Information 2023. This information was sent out in an email last week. Mark your calendars to submit pictures, field trip fee and permission slip by April 28th. Field trip forms coming home today: Friday, April 7th. Ask your student for the form!
Pictures needed by April 28! A baby/toddler photo and a current photo are requested (.JPGS Only and all school dress code standards apply). All photos are due April 28! The photos are the highlight of the 8th grade year end activities - do not let your child be left out! Email 2 photos with student’s First and Last Name to oxfordmspto@gmail.com No LATE submissions!!
Main Event field trip - 8th graders will be going to Main Event on May 25 after the celebration. Permission slips and money must be turned in to your student’s ELA teacher (not the office) by April 28 All checks should be made out to Oxford Middle School and all cash should be in a sealed envelope with student first and last name on the front (no change available at school). Money to be turned in to your student’s ELA teacher. No Late submissions!!
8th Grade – Class of 2027 Spirit Wear
Blue Valley Northwest High School welcomes the incoming freshmen who will be the class of 2027! The BVNW Spirit Wear shop is OPEN! Here is a great opportunity to stock up on BVNW gear before the start of school this fall. The store will close on April 21st and all items will be sent directly to you.
8th Grade Students: BVNW Colorguard Clinic & Tryouts
All 8th grade students are invited to the 23-24 BVNW Colorguard/Flag Team clinics and auditions. Join this amazing team for performances at football games, parades, basketball games, assemblies, and competitions. Clinics start April 25 both morning and afternoon.
Click HERE for more information and Dates and Times
BVEF Night of Lights
BVEF is looking forward to another annual signature event to raise money for our schools AND celebrate all the wonderful things about the Blue Valley district!
Night of Lights 2023 will feature food trucks, robotics, musical performances, cheer demonstrations, yard games, face painters, caricature artists, a fire truck, inflatables, a juried art show, a balloon artist, a raffle for a Weber grill package, glow items to purchase and fireworks for a great evening of fun on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. on the District Office Campus at 15020 Metcalf.
But we need LOTS of volunteers to make this happen! All community residents are welcome to attend Night of Lights, but we specifically need middle school students, high school students and adults to volunteer. There are many roles to fill, so please look at the link below and choose a slot! Students can earn volunteer hours and this a great opportunity for a scout group, community club, sports/academic team, families, etc. to come work together for a short time and enjoy a great evening!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA9AC29A3FEC16-night
Thanks for supporting BVEF and sign up today!
Helpful Repeated Information
PTO Thank You and Do You Want to Purchase a Party?
A HUGE thanks to everyone who came out Saturday night to support our Trivia Night! If you weren't able to make it out, you're in luck, as you can still attend the parties! There is no better way to raise money for the school... than by partying? Yes, that's right!
We have three options for you - and all include food and drink, so it's actually a steal. A poolside Derby party, a rip-roaring Oktoberfest, and a Scavenger Hunt on the last day of school for all middle school girls.
See the link for more information on each party and to sign up: https://omspto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/227240
2023-2024 PTO Open Positions
We have open positions next year for President, Vice President, Fundraising Chair, and Newsletter. Please contact current PTO President Laura Pulliam, Lauraannpulliam@gmail.com or 913-948-2132, if you have questions or would like to discuss. We need YOU!
TOP 5 REASONS TO JOIN THE PTO BOARD
1) IMPACT: As a PTO Board member, you have the opportunity to positively impact your child’s learning environment in significant ways. The PTO Board decides how to allocate funds to purchase learning resources such as new books for the library, in-classroom tools, subscriptions, field trips, and more. The PTO also gives funds to support the teachers and staff to help ensure they feel supported, productive and happy.
2) NETWORK: Expand your network both inside and outside of school by being on the PTO Board. Get to know the teachers and staff that interact with your children, meet other parents who want to make a positive impact, and get the inside scoop on what’s going on at the school.
3) FLEXIBILITY: There is a valuable role on the PTO Board to accommodate any interest or availability. Ask about role descriptions and estimated time commitments. We even have opportunities to co-chair.
4) EXPERIENCE: You bring valuable skills to help the PTO do more with available resources. Being on the PTO Board can allow you to try something new that may be of interest and learn new skills for yourself!
5) TITLE: If you’ve ever had aspirations to rock the Vice President title, now is your big chance!
8th Grade Track Meet Time Change
8th grade Track and Field team members, please note that the start time for the May 11th 8th Grade District Meet has changed to 2:00pm. The meet will take place at Blue Valley high School.
Testing Days & Early Pickup
State testing begins this month and continues for 6 different days through the end of the year. Make sure all chromebooks are fully charged for testing days! Please make sure to use ParentVue to notify us if you are picking up your child early. We will not easily be able to pull your child from testing areas without prior notice.
Kansas Assessments: April 12-20 *see below for specific information
MAP Testing Dates: Reading April 25-26, Math May 1-2
i-Ready Math: May 15-16
Student Pickup Requirements
Parents and Guardians, just a reminder on the procedure to pick up your child from Oxford. You must park your vehicle, come to the front doors to ring the doorbell, and show your driver’s license or id. We cannot send your child out of the building without these steps being completed. We ask that you wait for your child to exit the building. The safety of all our students is of the utmost importance.
Morning Entry Time for OMS
The entry doors to OMS do not open until 7:15am. With warmer temperatures students will be waiting outside until the entry doors are unlocked. Students may ring the doorbell if they have a morning rehearsal.
Parents Still Matter Newsletter for Middle School
Parents and Guardians, read the newest articles on topics like the 3 Cs of respect, spring fever, connection with friends, boundaries, organization, and how to help with homework without doing it for them, and so much more!
Click HERE for the April 2023 Newsletter
Blue Valley Summer Programs
Is your child enrolled in one of Blue Valley's Summer Programs courses? Fees will be posted in ParentVUE for all Summer Programs and available for payment starting April 10. All Summer Programs fees are due by May 1. Visit bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms for more information.
Blue Valley Food Pantry Now Open
Family members can now make an appointment at the Blue Valley Food Pantry. This choice pantry is intended to provide hands-on vocational training for high school students with disabilities while also providing a food resource for families and employees. To learn more, please visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/bvpantry.
Appointments will be available on days school is in session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. To schedule an in-person appointment, please visit the Food Pantry website. At this time, we are not taking orders or appointments by phone. Families will select “Make a Shopping Appointment” on the website. The food pantry is located inside of the Hilltop Conference Center, 7700 W. 143rd St.
4th Quarter Requests from Teachers
OMS families, it is the start of 4th quarter and our teachers are asking for a supply check. Many students are coming to classes without pencils, pens, notebooks, and calculators. Students are not able to complete assignments and tests or participate in labs and activities without these supplies. Please take a quick look at your child’s binders and pencil pouches for needed daily items.
OMS Spring Edition of the OMS Knightly Newspaper
Click HERE for the Spring Edition of the newspaper club’s latest edition! See photos, current clubs, dates for upcoming events, and a student compiled gift guide!
Kansas Education Enrichment Program
Our social worker has provided information regarding the KEEP program which can assist with education related costs. Click HERE for the flier.
Student Picture Gallery
The OMS website has a Student Picture Gallery showing everyday classroom activities, science labs, activities, clubs, athletics, and special events. Want to see 8th grade science labs? Community Service and Student Council projects?
Click HERE for the Student Picture Gallery and feel free to download your favorite shots!
Oxford Update Regarding Snacks at School
Students who are allowed to have snacks in classrooms will no longer be allowed to purchase food after cafeteria meal times. The nurse will not have snacks available in the health room. Students need to either bring a snack from home or purchase during breakfast or their designated lunch time.
Traffic Lane Tips
Safe Schools Reporting
Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all of our schools. Through the convergence of physical and intellectual security measures, we are continuously working to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from a wide range of emergencies. Please check out available ways to report safety concerns
Community Service Hours for 2022-23 Recognition
Community Service hours for this year's Blue Valley Volunteer Service Awards are due to Allyson DiNitto in the Counseling office by Friday, April 14, 2023! Students who have completed 50 or more service hours from April 1, 2022-March 31, 2023 will be recognized with service awards at the end of the school year. We have 3 levels of recognition: Bronze (50-74 hours of service), Silver (75-99 hours of service) and Gold (100+ hours of service).
Service hours can be for any volunteer work done to help an organization or person that you do not receive payment or goods for the service. Service work is to help others, outside of yourself or your family.
Examples: being a team manager, volunteering at a food pantry, doing yardwork for an elderly neighbor, being a peer mentor for another student, helping at an animal shelter, cleaning up an area park. **Being part of a school club or activity does not count for service hours, unless the group worked on a project to help another organization or cause.
Please use the 2022-2023 Volunteer Log (or your own version of it) to record your volunteer hours! If you have questions, please contact Allyson DiNitto at adinitto@bluevalleyk12.org.
Allyson DiNitto
O.M.S. Counselor (L-Z)
Student Absence Reporting ** Help Needed
Parents/Guardians we need your help. Please do not email or call staff members directly about student absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals (that includes Mrs. Orenstein, Mrs. Domoney, Mr. Holsapple, or any teacher). When those individuals are absent, your messages do not reach the attendance team.
We Highly Encourage you to use the “Report An Absence” feature in ParentVue. You may leave comments in the notes section if you are notifying us of a late arrival or early pick up. Please do not call Mrs. Orenstein directly – call the attendance line at 913/239-5505.
Thank you – we appreciate your assistance.
8th Grade Families- 8th grade celebration
Hello 8th grade families. It is time to start planning for the end of the year 8th grade celebration! This fun event involves a ceremony in the OMS gym, refreshments and an 8th grade only field trip.
In order to make this event memorable we need a committee. If you would like to help plan this fun 8th grade tradition, please click this link 8th Grade Celebration Committee
If you have any questions, please email us at oxfordmspto@gmail.com
Thank you,
Oxford PTO
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.
Families, it is flu and cold season. Please keep your students home if they have (or in the past 24 hours have had) a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Student Picture Gallery
The OMS website has a Student Picture Gallery showing everyday classroom activities, science labs, activities, clubs, athletics, and special events. Want to see the Pre-Engineering egg drop? 6th grade science project? Sept 22 Cross Country Meet?
Click HERE for the Student Picture Gallery and feel free to download your favorite shots!
Clubs and Activities
We have had requests for a listing of clubs and activities by day. We have had new clubs start (Welcome Anime Club!!) and several change days and times (Check Photography Club and Show Choir).
Click HERE for 1st Semester Club and Activity List by Day and Week
Candid Photos for Yearbook and Website
OMS families we would love to have some candid photos of your student at games, meets, practices, etc..
Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg, or.png for inclusion on the website, the parent newsletter, and the yearbook.
Photos must be in focus
Please do not send multiple photos of the same pose, group, or action – we love variety!
Thank you for uploading photos directly to the yearbook google drive! Click HERE for the 22 23 Yearbook Photo Link
Securly at Home
Your child’s online safety, in the palm of your hand. The time to take action is now. We recognize that student safety and well-being in the online world is a shared responsibility between our schools and families, and with Securly - the district’s cloud-based filtering system - taking an active role in your child’s online safety has never been easier.
Click HERE to access the Securly Parent Toolkit to setup your parent portal and custom notifications.
OMS Building and Office Hours
Doors open in the morning for students at 7:15am – students will be waiting outside until the doors open. Students are to proceed to the Commons/Gym and they may not go to lockers or to classrooms. Students must be in their seats in their 1st period classroom by 7:51am. When the afternoon bell rings at 3:00pm students must leave the building unless they are at a supervised after school activity or practice. Office hours are 7:15am - 3:30pm.
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