The Viewpoint
Friday, September 16, 2022
Positivity Project at Oakview
This week we kicked of our weekly conversations through the Positivity Project. The mission of the Positivity Project is to empower America’s youth to build positive relationships by understanding, appreciating, and exemplifying the character strengths in us all. Our focus was the Other People Mindset. This means anything that builds relationships is going to make you happy.
People who have strong positive relationships do five things consistently - these are the five practices of the Other People Mindset. 1. Recognize the good in other people, 2. Recognize that everything you say or do affects other people, 3. Support others when they struggle, 4. Cheer people on when they succeed, 5. Remain present when giving people your attention. People who have a strong Other People Mindset are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with others.
Student Handbook Discussions
This week each grade level and their teachers were invited to the cafeteria to meet with Mr. Coccia and Mrs. Perry to discussion academic, behavioral and social expectations at Oakview. Click here to review the full Middle Level Handbook. Here are a few of the highlights from the discussion:
1. Academics - Middle school is about establishing strong habits to be successful. Students are now balancing routines and expectations for six different classes - that can be a lot! Organization and communication with teachers are key. Students should be engaged during classes, participating and asking questions. They should reach out to teachers with any questions - we are here because we want to help and want to see kids do great things! Checking regularly on PowerSchool is a helpful habit - students can monitor their grades, attendance, upcoming deadlines, etc.
2. Attendance - Regular attendance is so important for student success. Students should do their very best to be at school each day and be on time to classes. If a student is sick and needs to stay home, a parent/guardian needs to call/email the school to verify the absence. When the student returns, a doctor's note should be turned in to the main office to exempt a student from the truancy process. Any questions about the attendance policy, please reach out to Sarah Perry, sarah.perry@lok12.org. To verify a student's absence, please reach out to Megan Taylor, megan.taylor@lok12.org.
3. Technology use - Student laptops are for the purpose of using for school-related activities and work. This is not a personal device for gaming and social media. It is the student's responsibility to bring the laptop back and forth to school each day and bring to classes when asked. Device insurance is HIGHLY recommended (see link below).
Cell phones are not required for students. Please call the main office to relay any messages to your students. Cell phones are not to be seen nor heard throughout the school day. Occasionally a teacher may allow students to use their phones for a classroom activity, however, will make accommodations if a student does not have a cell phone. This is the ONLY time students should use their phone during the school day. Please reinforce this message and help us limit the distractions to their day!
4. Dress code - We understand that students use clothing to express their individual personalities and an opportunity to try new looks or styles. Personal taste is just that, personal. We do our very best to make sure students feel comfortable here at Oakview by allowing them to wear clothing of their choosing as long as it meets our dress code policy set forth by our district. Messages on tops should be positive and not advertise things not allowed at school. Students should not show midriffs and tanks should go to the shoulder. Shorts/skirts should be of a tasteful length. These are some of the most common reminders we need to give to students. For the full policy, please go to the link for the handbook provided above. We appreciate your support by having these conversations with your student at home!
5. Transportation - Our bus drivers have one of the most challenging jobs in the district. Students have an easy job - sit quietly and enjoy a relaxing ride home. They should understand the bus is like a classroom with wheels, the same expectations apply! Appropriate language and behavior is expected and the privilege of riding the bus can be removed is they can't respect this.
Laptop Distribution
Laptop will be distributed to students next week. Any student that has not returned a laptop or charger from the previous school year OR has unpaid fines for damages to the laptop will not receive a device until the return of the charger or fines are paid.
Device Protection Coverage (HIGHLY recommended!)
If you choose to purchase the optional device protection coverage in case of damage to the device during the school year then you will need to complete the REGISTRATION FORM and payment.
All the information on device protection coverage program can be found on the Protection Coverage Info page.
Oakview Middle School Yearbook
Yearbooks are available for purchase - go to jostensyearbooks.com. Yearbooks start at $42 and can be personalized for more if you'd like. A yearbook is a great keepsake to look back on for years to come!
English Learner Department Parent Open House
The first parent open house for the English Learner Department will be held on Tuesday, October 11, from 9 - 10:30 a.m., in the Waldon Middle School Media Center. Parents of English Learners will receive an invitation to this open house as we get closer to the event, but we wanted to to get on your calendars now. Please contact Carol Burke (carol.burke@lok12.org) if you have any questions.
You Before Me Club
Oakview “You” Before ME club
The You Before ME club is ready to start the 2022/23 year!
What is the You Before ME club? It is a club where students volunteer and help Oakview, help our community, maybe help our state, and can even help the world. Volunteer opportunities continue throughout the year. There are many ways to give back or volunteer. You get to choose what you want to participate in. You may join us for one event or all of them. *Students can earn service hours.
Click here to learn more about the club and see the opportunities already available! A fun event helping at Camp Agawam is coming up on September 24.
Middle School Bowling Team
The middle school bowling program begins at the beginning of October. The team meets two evenings per week for 20 weeks. Coaching is provided to all students and no experience is required! All your student needs is a good attitude and a willingness to learn the game! For additional information or any questions, please reach out to Doug at Collier Lanes, 248.628.2851 or dougyaba@msn.com.
9/20
Basketball v. Oxford Blue
9/21
Football v. Oxford Gold @ Waldon
9/22
Basketball @ Waldon
9/23
Cross Country - New Balance Invite
10/3
Picture Re-Take Day
10/11
English Learner Department Parent Open House @ Waldon Middle School, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Lamp of Learning, 7:30 p.m., LOHS
(Invites were email to 7th and 8th grade families on 9/14)