The Middle Matters
April 5-9, 2021 OMS Parent Newsletter
Inspiring Excellence. Every Learner. Every Day.
MCA Testing Season Is Here
PLEASE READ: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The following week our in-person learners will begin testing.
April 12:
8th Grade - 1st, HC & 2nd hour
7th Grade - 3rd & 4th hour
April 13:
6th Grade - 2nd and 3rd hours
Please remember to bring:
- Fully charged Chromebook and charger (we do not have extras available)
- Wired Headphones
Please try and schedule any appointments or personal days at times that DO NOT conflict with MCA Testing.
A Note From the Principal
As I write this note, we are heading into our second day back with 1,000+ students. It almost feels "normal" again! Some of your children may have filled you in on longer-than-normal lunch lines or crowded hallways; we are working on some possible solutions, but we want to give a little time to fall into new routines before we make changes.
For the most part, students remembered their masks, computers, and power cords. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child leaves for school each day with these items. We simply do not have the resources to supplant these items for students who forget them.
Starting Monday, April 5, we fall into a regular four-day school week routine. Please refer to the previous calendars sent if you have any questions about our A Day/B Day schedule.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate education in different formats!
Now that we have transitioned to four days per week in-person learning, our Counselors & Social Workers at OMS have three suggestions/reminders to help make this transition go smoothly.
1: SLEEP--SO IMPORTANT, AND SO EASY TO NEGLECT! The recommendation for children ages 6-12 is 9-12 hours or sleep. FOR CHILDREN Ages 13-18, 8-10 hours of sleep IS RECOMMENDED. SETTING A REGULAR BEDTIME FOR YOUR CHILD CAN HELP MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. ALSO HAVING CHILDREN GET OFF OF TECHNOLOGY A HALF HOUR BEFORE BEDTIME WILL HELP THEIR BRAINS GET READY FOR SLEEP.
2: MOVEMENT: Physical activity helps the overall well being of your child. DID YOU KNOW THAT ANY FORM OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE CAUSES THE BRAIN TO RELEASE SEROTONIN, THE FEEL GOOD HORMONE? 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended three times per week!
3: ROUTINE: Following a routine provides children with structure and stability. Please consider setting a schedule of the day's events (this includes before school, during, and after school.) Research has proven that students who follow a schedule feel more in control and feel safe. They also tend to engage in learning because they know what is coming next. It is important to set clear expectations of homework and chores.
BRING YOUR MASKS, CHARGER, AND CHROMEBOOKS EVERY DAY
Every student must bring their mask, Chromebook, and charger to school every day. Make sure your Chromebook is fully charged.
Teachers will be using these on a daily basis; it is crucial your child brings his/her computer to school every day!
Calendar
Monday, April 5, 2021
A Day
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
B Day
Jazz Band - 7:00 am - Band Room
Homework Help - 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St NE Entrance
No Tech Tuesday in the Cafeteria - Lunch
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
College Wear Wednesday
Distance Learning Day
Husky Haven - 8:00 am - East Learning Commons
MCA Reading Test for Distance Learners
Distance Learners, please remember to bring:
- Fully charged Chromebook and charger (we do not have extras available)
- Wired Headphones
Thursday, April 8, 2021
A Day
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 am - Orchestra Room
Free Lunch pick-up - 8:30-9:30 am - 15th St NE Entrance
Friday, April 9, 2021
B-Day
Homework Help 7:00 am - Learning Stairs
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Saturday School - 8:00 am - Learning Stairs
Wednesdays: Distance Learning
If a student has been asked to come in and work with a teacher on our Wednesday Distance Learning Day, please drop them off at the main doors on 15th St NE. We have a security guard there between 8-11:30 a.m. to let them in the building. Just a reminder that prior arrangements must be made with a teacher in order for students to come in and catch up on work. You must bring your Chromebook, charger and a mask.