Senator Snapshot
A LOOK At The Week Ahead: September 12 - September 16
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Guardians,
“Be the best version of yourself.” — John Calipari
This week’s quote is brought to us by our 8th-grade counselor, Mr. Kincaid. The quote is a perfect example of what we strive for day in and day out with our students. There is an emphasis on academics at O’Neill as we want our Senators to be academically well-equipped to enter high school. We also know that learning about themselves and about peer-to-peer interactions will help them in life as well.
Being the best version of yourself doesn’t always mean what others think about you but what you think of yourself. We want to work with our Senator students, families, and staff to ensure that we bring out the best in everyone. O’Neill knows that not every day is our best day, but that every day is a new day to be the best version of yourself. It is the continual growth and desire to grow that can create the best version of yourself.
We will write often this year in the newsletter about how we are grateful for the opportunity to work in this wonderful community and this week was no exception. We are so grateful that we get to educate your students and work with this community in a partnership to build and empower our Senators moving forward. Thank you all for your continued support and collaboration with us at O’Neill as we model the benefits of a collaborative and respectful relationship.
As always, if you have any additional questions you are welcome to call the main office (630) 719-5815 between 8 AM and 4 PM Monday - Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Durbala & Mr. Cobo
Patriot Day
Today is the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, a significant day in our nation’s history. Sept. 11 has been designated Patriot Day by the President. On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time.
In accordance with the President’s request, flags throughout District 58 will be flown at half-staff on Friday. While school is not in session at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, we will share a Patriot Day message with students and invite them to observe a brief moment of silence during the school day today.
Parents, we encourage you to discuss this significant event in our nation’s history with your children to the extent and depth you believe is developmentally appropriate for your child(ren). Additionally, this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our children to look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless and loving and, if possible, to say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
One reason we remember Sept. 11 is that we want to preserve the memory of the victims who lost their lives and those who died in service to others. Another reason to remember is to honor the courageous service of our firefighters, police officers, paramedics and military. In the face of this disaster, we saw courage: firefighters, police officers and paramedics rushed to help. We saw selflessness: strangers helped strangers. We saw love: people from around the world sent cards, supplies and comfort.
This is an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity by honoring the good work of others and by doing good works ourselves. Today, look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless and loving, and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
Join the PTA
Please think about joining the PTA below is a link to join & donate:
School Lunch
Students and families are reminded that ALL students must use their student ID when buying anything from the cafeteria. Students were given a temporary ID at the beginning of the year and a 2nd ID during our recent picture day.
Any student without their ID will be sent to the main office to get another copy. After 3 times students will be charged $3 for a new ID.
Health/Physical Examination & Immunization Record due October 15th
As required by law, all new students, as well as students entering grades K, 2 and 6, must receive health examinations and immunizations and submit completed health forms by October 15th. To learn more check out the Health Services page on the District 58 website.
Thank you to many of the families who have already completed and submitted these forms. If you have not already scheduled your appointment this is a good time to plan ahead! Failure to comply with these requirements by the end of the day on Oct 15, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, of the current school year will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met according to Illinois law. All sections of the child examination form must be completed including the health history, which must be completed by the parent.
District 58 communicates frequently regarding these requirements as it is our hope to avoid school exclusion for all of our students. If you are in need of additional assistance, our school nurse, Tammy Shanley, would be happy to assist you in accessing resources or assisting in removing other barriers to completing this requirement.
Middle School students at district 99 football games
I want to share that there have been some adjustments regarding middle school students attending District 99 sporting events.
Here is the information that you need to know:
- All District 99, middle school students, and elementary students may attend the game free of charge with a paid adult.
- All middle school and elementary students must be accompanied and supervised by a paid adult with a ticket/pass who is present the entire time the student is present at the game.
- If there is no adult present, the middle school/younger student will not be allowed in the game. If the younger student is in the stadium without an adult, they will be removed from the stadium and a parent will need to pick them up.
- Outside beverages are not allowed in the stadium
- Balls, Frisbees, or other like items are not permitted
- Skateboards, hoverboards, bicycles, or other like items are not permitted
- Bags and personal items may be subject to inspection
- There is no entry after half-time
Thank you for your continued support of our community and District 99 sports.
The Week Ahead: September 12 - September 16
Monday, September 12 - 2:10 PM dismissal - BELL SCHEDULE
7:00 PM: Board of Education Meeting - O'Neill Middle School
Tuesday, September 13
TODAY: MAP make-up testing
4:00 PM: Cross Country Meet HOME @ Barth Pond
4:00 PM: Girls Volleyball @ Herrick 8th grade plays first
Wednesday, September 14
TODAY: MAP make-up testing
Thursday, September 15
TODAY: MAP make-up testing
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Fire Drill with DGFD
4:00 PM: Cross Country Meet HOME @ Barth Pond
4:00 PM: Girls Volleyball HOME vs Glenside
4:00 - 6:00 PM: District 58 String Festival Workshop - DGN
Friday, September 16
TODAY: MAP make-up testing
2:10 PM: Activity Assembly in Main Gym
Cell Phones and Wearable Technology in Middle School
This is a reminder that students must have their cell phones and all other wearable technology silenced, cell phones should be put away, and should not be used throughout the school day (except for an emergency). If a student receives a reminder and continues to use their cell phone, their parent will be required to pick up the cell phone from school.
If at any time a student needs to call a parent, they are able to come to the main office and call their parents on our office phone.
While a student can bring their electronic device (including cell phones and AirPods) to school, all non-district-issued technologies are to be silenced and out of sight throughout the school day. Students are allowed to wear smartwatches, but they are to be silenced during the school day. The district-provided technology will be utilized for students to participate in lessons and complete assignments. Please be sure to go over these expectations with your student as the policy was recently amended (District 58 Board Policy 7:190 - Prohibited Student Conduct, Item 5).
Join the OMS Choir
The O'Neill Choir wants you to join! Come make music and sing your heart out this year! Sign up can be found HERE. It is NOT too late!
Order your OMS Spirit Wear now!
Place your order using the link below.
Mental Health Resources
Meet the Senator Staff
O'Neill Middle School
Email: mdurbala@dg58.org
Website: https://dg58.org/on/
Location: 635 59th Street, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 630-719-5815
Twitter: @ONeillPrincipal