Hello, O'Maley Families!

I hope you are all well!

I am reaching out about a few things before vacation. As I am sure you are aware, school is closed all of next week, beginning February 15th, and will reopen Monday, February 22nd. I hope you get to enjoy some family fun and stay safe! If you plan to leave Massachusetts please follow the link below for information on MA COVID-19 Travel Orders and make sure you have followed all of the steps before returning to school.

Term 2 report cards were posted on the Schoolbrains Community Portal yesterday and I encourage to view reports with your child(ren). One of the best ways to engage your student(s) in a conversation about school is to look at grades together. Students have their own login to the portal with their school credentials. They can also show you their work in Google Classroom. Don't be shy about asking to see what they are working on! Middle schoolers often try to convince parents that it's their private space, and it is most certainly not! For a refresher on how to use the Schoolbrains Portal, please see below.

A few other items are below. Please read on, and as always, reach out with questions or comments any time!

Best,

Principal Lynne Beattie

During Advisory Block on Tuesday, students took the reins and took the opportunity to present a lesson to their classmates and teacher. They chose topics, created presentations, and led the class. Above are a few photos from Ms. Turosky's 6th grade advisory. Everyone learned a lot. I wonder if we have some budding teachers in our midst!

Check out our new swag at https://www.omaleyspiritwear.com/! Customize you orders for t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pants, masks and more! Choose your product, chose your design, and even add your name.

Parent and Student accounts provide access to grades in the Community Portal. Using the portal to monitor your child is an excellent way to ensure that you are up to date on how s/he is doing.

The link for the portal is below and is also on the O'Maley and GPS websites. Term 2 grades are now viewable.

To access, link to the resources below:

SchoolBrains Community Portal Link

Viewing Report Cards on SchoolBrains

SchoolBrains How-to Guide Including Report Card Viewing Information

The O'Maley SAILS Council has been hard at work. Rather than week-long spirit celebrations, they requested this year to have ongoing weekly Theme Fridays. They have come up with the following so far:

February 12 - Twin Day, Homeroom Style - the entire homeroom dresses like each other or a theme

February 26 - Welcome to the Jungle Day - Jungle animals, explorers, flora and fauna

In other news from the Council:

• Snowperson contest - The next sticky snowstorm everyone is encouraged to make a snow person and take pictures. We will have a contest!
• Virtual Talent Show - Planning for March 3rd for a virtual show.

Even if you do not have a SAILS Council member in your family, there is representation from each homeroom, so encourage your students to share their ideas with reps.

As we try to minimize Covid-19 in our community and our schools it is essential that parents/guardians communicate with school if their child is out, sharing the details of why you are keeping your child home.

Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children:

• Fever (100° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills

• Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Headache when in combination with other symptoms

• Muscle aches or body aches

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms

• Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms

Please be reminded that the only permitted drop off and pick up area is in the rink parking lot. Parking along Cherry Street is not allowed on either side because it blocks traffic. Residents and passersby have begun to make calls to both DPW and the Gloucester Police Department due to both traffic and safety concerns for our students who walk.

While there is often a line at both arrival and dismissal, it moves quickly. Please be patient and use the provided drop off and pick up areas.

Thanks!

Last week the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education removed the previously announced requirement for students to have a flu vaccination.

Email: lbeattie@gloucesterschools.com
Website: http://omaley.gloucesterschools.com
Location: 32 Cherry Street, Gloucester, MA, USA
Phone: 978-281-9850
Twitter: @omaleyprincipal

February 11, 2021 | January 25, 2021 | January 17, 2021 | November 23, 2020 | October 26, 2020 | October 2, 2020 | September 22, 2020 | September 12, 2020 | September 4, 2020 | June 18, 2020 | June 12, 2020 | June 5, 2020 | May 29, 2020 | May 22, 2020 | May 15, 2020 | May 8, 2020 | May 3, 2020 | April 26, 2020 | April 19, 2020 | April 12, 2020 | March 30, 2020