OMS Pirate Press
Week of September 25-29, 2023
OMS in Search of Parents/Guardians to serve on School Advisory Council
OMS is in need of 4 parents/guardians/caretakers to join us on the School Advisory Council, as outlined in DESE Ed Reform Act of 1993. The Council is instrumental in discussions surrounding our school. The focus of this group is to discuss means to continually be reflecting and evaluating ongoing ways in which we can be improving our schools. If you are interested in serving on this council, please email Principal Leigh Joseph at ljoseph@oxps.org
Save the Date-School Conferences
November 20th 11:30-1:45 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
November 21st 11:30-1:45 and 6:00-8:00 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
March 7th 5:00-7:00 Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
Student Learning Supports
Students have completed their first reading and math assessments. Those students needing additional intervention support to bring their skills to grade level have been identified and support intervention groups will begin during the week of September 28th. Parents/guardians of students who have been identified as needing additional supports will be contacted by email to explain the next steps in the process. The message from our student support team is below.
Cycle one of Reading and Math Tier 2 Intervention groups will begin on September 28, 2023 during the Extension Period. Selection for this support was decided by our data team and is based on the IXL beginning of the year diagnostic assessment data. Math Intervention will focus on Numbers and Operations. Reading Intervention will focus on Reading Strategies. Since the Extension Period is designed for such targeted support, students will not miss any class instruction time. Cycle one will end on October 20, after which students will be assessed again to evaluate their progress. An email will be sent out to parents whose students will be participating in one of these groups on 9/27/23. For math questions, contact Ellen Prunier (pruniere@oxps.org) or Cathy Looney (clooney@oxps.org ) and for reading questions, contact Kimberly Hill (khill@oxps.org).
School Events
Oxford Pride Day: Show your Pirate Pride by dressing in Oxford Orange and Black or Oxford gear on Friday, September 29th to show your support for our fall athletes and programs.
*NEW* 8th grade Bay Path Informational Meeting: 8th grade students will assemble on the morning of Friday, September 29th to receive a presentation from Bay Path staff regarding the offerings of Bay Path Vocational Technical High School. Later this fall, those interested in applying to Bay Path will have the opportunity to visit Bay Path on October 24th.
*NEW* Cheapo Depot: Open the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Open Friday 9/29.
Halloween Dance: Student Council will be hosting the annual Halloween Dance for OMS students on Friday, October 13th 6:30-8:30 p.m. Students may wear costumes. Costumes must be school appropriate and no masks. Students must be in good standing and be present in school on that day in order to attend. More information to come.
Spirit Day: Friday, October 13th: Dress Like a Pirate Day-!
Scholastic Book Fair: Our library will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair October 16-20th. Please see the link for more information:
OMS Sings @ The Railers game: OMS grade 7 and 8 chorus will be singing the National Anthem at the Worcester Railers game on Friday, November 3, 2023 7 p.m. See the attached flyer below (Oxford Schools Night Flyer) for more information.
Clubs and Activities
Fall Musical: No rehearsal Friday 9/22/23. Monday, 9/25 rehearsal will be for all except for stage crew.
Chess/Board Game Club will meet on Tuesdays after school in the Cafeteria with Ms. McConnaughey beginning Tuesday, September 26th. Permission slips will be available on or before Wednesday, September 20th. Please see or email Ms. McConnaughey with any questions. mailto:tmcconnaughey@oxps.org
Book Club: Do you love to read? If so the Book Club may be for you. The book club will hold its first meeting on Thursday, September 28th after school 2:00-3:00 with Ms. Kenner in the library. At this meeting, students will choose their first book and pick the days they will be meeting moving forward. Students interested should see or email Ms. Kennen for a permission slip.mailto:akennan@oxps.org
Homework Center: Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will open on Tuesday, September 19th after school 2:00-3:00 and 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:akennan@oxps.org . Homework Center closed Monday, September 25th and October 4th for staff meetings.
Art Club (Fall Session): Art Club is for students who would like additional time to make art after school. There are limited spots due to space--20 students. Art Club will begin on September 28th and will meet every Thursday 2:00-3:00 p.m. Students should arrive at the art room #167 at the end of all dismissals. The information and permission slips are below.
Bus 6
Bus 6 will be delayed by approximately 30 minutes daily for the near future, as students will be taking bus 2 after bus 2 does their route. This plan will be in place until such time as a new driver is hired and trained on the route for the afternoons. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The bus company is looking for new drivers. If you or someone you know is interested, the flyer is below, titled FS Hiring.
Friends of Oxford Middle School Doughraiser 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
*Reposted* Please support Friends of Oxford Middle School and all of the wonderful things they do for OMS students and staff by dining at Papa Gino's Webster Location tonight, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 between the hours of 11AM-8 PM. 20% of all qualifying sales will be donated to FOMS.
Wednesday, Sep 27, 2023, 11:00 AM
Papa Gino's, East Main Street, Webster, MA, USA
Spanish Speaking Countries Project
OMS 7th and 8th grade Exploratory Spanish students learned about the 21 Spanish speaking countries, researching the countries traditions, landmarks, customs and celebrations, government, money, legends, important historical events, and more.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Our 7th and 8th grade Spanish Exploratory students kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) by researching the 21 Spanish speaking countries and the rich history, traditions, and contributions they've made to the United States.
Pics of this
Community Events
Car Seat Check!
The Oxford Police & Fire Department are offering a Car Seat Check Saturday (tomorrow) on September 23rd. Certified car seat technicians will be available to ensure your car seat or booster seat is properly installed. There will also be a limited number of car seats and booster seats available for parents and guardians which will be properly installed. No appointment is needed. The event will be in the Oxford Middle School parking lot from 8 a.m. until Noon. Come on by and say hello and ensure your child is riding safely and securely in a motor vehicle.
Tickets for Athletic Events:
The School Committee voted on Monday night to change the admission prices for OHS athletic events moving forward. Students are now FREE- this will hopefully increase school spirit, and have more kids at games rooting for our student athletes! The new prices will go into effect for our home football opener vs Uxbridge tonight at 7:00 p.m.
The new prices are:
Adults: $8 Students: Free! Senior Citizens $3
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 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.
Oxford Winter Recreational Basketball at the community center has announced registration information. See the link below and in the Electronic backpack.
Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse welcomes Oxford students to register for the Spring League. Information is attached below (DCYLA 2024 registration flyer).