OMS Friday Knight Live
December 20, 2023
In This Newsletter:
- End of Semester Grade & Canvas Information
- Second Semester Classes Start January 4th
- Games on District Devices
- 8th Grade Boys Basketball
- Rock of Ages Musical
- Mark your calendar... Friday Knight Club 1.5.23
End of Semester Canvas & Grade Reporting Information
The end of the first semester is nearly here. Our students have had a great first semester of learning and we continue to see the positive impacts of our learning management system, Canvas, in our classrooms. As we gear up for the end of the semester, please take note of the important information below regarding grades and courses in Canvas.
End of Semester Information
At the end of the day on Dec. 20, courses in Canvas will conclude and will no longer be visible on the Canvas Parent app. A concluded course is only visible through the Canvas Website. To view concluded courses, open Canvas in a web browser, log in, and click on the Courses tab. Click View All Courses and scroll down to find the past enrollments. Access Past Enrollment guide (Video tutorial)
Final exam scores and other individual assignment grades can be viewed in Canvas. Semester grades reports will be published in ParentVUE on January 12th.
Need some help?
Blue Valley has a variety of resources available for parent support on the district’s Canvas web page, www.bluevalleyk12.org/canvas.
Second Semester Classes Start January 4
Please check for your new class schedules in ParentVue or StudentVue BEFORE you come to school on January 4. We will not be printing schedules for students.
Games on District Devices
In an effort to reduce distractions in the learning environment for all of our students, beginning on January 4, 2024, all students will have general gaming websites blocked on district devices (examples include: Fortnite, crazygames.com, recreational games, arcade-like games, etc.). Educational games will still be allowed.
Friday Knight Club 1.5.23
OMS mark your calendar for Friday January 5, 2024! Friday Knight Club will take place from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Fun, friends, music and more! OMS Students Only may attend.
Purchase tickets online here: Oxford Middle School PTO - Friday Knight Club Jan 24
8th Grade Boys Basketball -- January 4th 2024
Boys Basketball is set to begin Thursday, January 4th right after school (the first day back from break). Tryouts will run from Thursday the 4th through Monday the 8th.
All students who tryout 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. DUE DATE: January 4th, 2024 (First day of tryouts). If your student has already participated in an OMS Sport this school year, their current physical on file will suffice.
All students participating should bring appropriate basketball attire and a water bottle that can be easily filled at one of our water bottle stations. As a reminder, ALL students who tryout will be placed on a team for the season -- there are no cuts.
A link to the season schedule can be found at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_geZPbW0r_jzcdd0u4TuG-V9N5oF0W7N6_E1QU1FK8c/edit?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, please contact coach Jake Johnson at jjohnson03@bluevalleyk12.org
Rock of Ages: January 25 & 26
Mark your calendars for an OMS rocking musical! Shows Thursday January 25 and Friday January 26 at 7:00pm. Online ticket purchases only – link coming soon!
Helpful Repeated Information
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
Community Resources
Family Support Group - Virtual
This virtual support group is for those who are supporting someone with a mental illness. Friends, loved ones and family are invited. Click title for link.
Family-to-Family - NAMI of Johnson County
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. In person 8-session program that meets in February. Click title for information and link.
Winter Edition of the Student Newspaper
Our student newspaper is now available for viewing. Read all about: our KOPE Ambassadors, concerts, Veteran’s Day Assembly, author visit, interview with Ms. Wilkins, a student short story and so much more.
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
Boys Basketball Starts January 4, 2024
Is your student interested in playing Boys Basketball this winter? Be sure to sign-up using the following link:
Boys Basketball Sign-Up Link (Click HERE)
Tryouts for Boys Basketball begin after school on Thursday, January 4th. All boys who participate will make one of our teams and have the opportunity to play and participate throughout the season.
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. DUE DATE: January 4th, 2024 (First day of tryouts). If your student has already participated in an OMS Sport this school year, their current physical on file you do not need to feel out another one.
Weather = 10 Extra Minutes
We have many families picking up and dropping off in the car line this year. Please allow extra pick-up/drop-off time on days when it is raining, snowing, or cold. The goal for everyone is to keep all our students safe! Families should line up in the car line and may not park in the south/teacher lot. We have had near misses this week with cars leaving the south lot and almost hitting students and staff. No one may pickup students on Switzer. We can get 615 students safely to and from school within 20 minutes with your help and patience.
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.
Countdown – 2 ½ Weeks- Check the Lost & Found!!
All items on the Lost and Found table will be donated or thrown away on December 20. Have you students check now for hoodies, lunch boxes, water bottles, books, and so much more!
Social Worker Resources
December 11 Meal for Families in Need
The Blue Valley Northwest Student Government is offering a grab-and-go meal to any family in need. The meal must be picked up on Monday December 11 at Hilltop Learning Center (7700 W 143rd St, Overland Park, KS 66223). The pickup location is located by the Conference Center entrance (take the drive to the left of the building and circle around to the back of the building). The family meal is free but registration is required by December 6. Click HERE for information flier
Click HERE to register for the December 11 meal registration
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/
OMS PTO Information
Volunteers are needed for the OMS girls' basketball concession stand! Please click this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48AFA723A1FC1-46236419-concession
Trivia Night Fundraiser - Mark your calendar for January 27th 7pm - 8:30pm at The Yellow Barn, 11272 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe. Tickets are $25 per person, and will go on sale in December. The evening will include an exciting game of trivia, a wine toss, and silent auction. Bring your own food and drinks and have a great time raising money for our school. All proceeds benefit OMS teachers and students.
Community Celebrations and Observations
Community Celebrations and Observances - to promote awareness and appreciation of our Blue Valley families.
Some December Celebrations & Observances:
Universal Human Rights Month - people all across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans.
International Day of People with Disabilities - December 3 - a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, promote an understanding of disability issues, and mobilize support for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
Hanukkah - evening of December 7 - evening of December 15 - an eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Some Jewish families will celebrate by lighting a Menorah and eating foods cooked in oil.
Christmas - December 25- a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Some Christian families will celebrate by attending church services and exchanging gifts.
Kwanzaa - December 26 - January 1 - a seven-day African-American holiday celebrating culture, family, and community. For some, celebrations may include song, dance, storytelling, and a large traditional meal.
Resource for Families: Johnson County Christmas Bureau
Johnson County Christmas Bureau offers a 9-day Holiday Shop during the month of December. At the Holiday Shop pre-qualified clients shop by appointment. All clients are below 150% of the poverty level and reside in Johnson County, Kansas.
Johnson County Christmas Bureau- 2023 Holiday Shop
To apply- https://jccb.org/apply2023
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.
All Choir, Band, and Orchestra Students
If your student is taking a music course this year, please complete the registration information in rSchool No physical is needed (unless participating in athletics), but completion of the registration will allow us to access emergency information/use as a permission slip when traveling to festivals and field trips.
When signing up, the system will say “Athletic Registration”. Please click ‘Continue’ as band, choir, and orchestra are KSHSAA sponsored activities. There will be a section for you to select band, choir, or orchestra for your student (and any other athletic/activity that pertains to your student).
Link to rSchool registration website is linked here: https://bluevalleysd-ar.rschooltoday.com/oar
ASK- After-School Homework Help
6th Grade
McBride rm. 12 WEDNESDAY
Mullin-Mall rm. 6 THURSDAY
7th Grade
Brown rm. 27 TUESDAY
Rindom rm. 20 THURSDAY
8th Grade
Savage rm. 39 MONDAY
Evans rm. 40 WEDNESDAY
Spanish
Harris rm. 26 WEDNESDAY
UPDATED Directions to prevent game access on student chromebooks
Preventing Game Access from Student Chromebooks: Securly Filter Request
The number one complaint in past years from parents and teachers has been student access to game sites during the school day. Parents can now choose to place their 3-12th grade students in Seculy’s "High Restrictions Filter Group" by logging a BVCARE Technology ticket. *Educational Games sites used by curriculum will still be allowed.
To log a BVCARE Technology ticket, click here: Select your user type to login to BV CARE (bluevalleyk12.org)
Securly at Home
Order Yearbooks NOW
If you want a 2023 2024 yearbook for your student please order it now. Go to ParentVue → Fees → Optional Fees and select the 23-34 YRBOOK for $25. Extra yearbooks are not available at the end of the year. Avoid end of the year tears and order today!
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.
Preventing Game Access from Student Chromebooks: Opt-In Option for Securly Filter
The number one complaint this past year from parents has been student access to game sites during the school day. Parents can now choose to place their 3-12th grade students in the High Restrictions Filter Group by signing up here. The link has detailed information about the differences between the Default and High Restrictions Policies. The Securly update will be effective September 1.
*Educational Games sites used by curriculum will still be allowed.
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.
Parents/Guardians For Your Refrigerator
We have created a Parent Reference Sheet and QR Codes for your reference during the school year. Scan the QR codes for links to reporting absences, adding money to lunch accounts, school day bell schedules, ParentVue, Canvas, bus company, and so much more!
Click HERE to download the 23-24 Parent Reference Sheet
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 the school calendar, class and lunch schedules, links to the lunch payment system, staff lists (including email addresses), rules about cell phones, 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 here for current updates! OMS Website
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