The OMS Community Newsletter
Week of March 11 - March 15, 2024
St. Patrick's Day is this Sunday, March 17th. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Principal's Message
Dear OMS Community,
Chromebooks! I've had a number of conversations with students, parents, faculty, and our technology department this year surrounding chromebooks. These school devices are an important school supply for all middle school students. Students should bring a fully charged chromebook to school everyday.
If a student has a damaged or broken chromebook, then they should bring it to our Learning Commons first thing in the morning to turn in to our technology department. While waiting for their chromebook to be repaired, students can check out a loaner chromebook for the day and return it at the end of the school day. Loaner chromebooks are given out between 7:30 - 8:30am, though students should try to get to the Learning Commons as early as possible as there is limited availability.
Parents/guardians, please be aware that we have seen an increase in intentional damages to chromebooks. We are seeing two main reasons for intentional damages. One reason is that when a student becomes frustrated, they are taking the frustration out on their chromebook by pulling apart keyboard keys, pressing the screen until it breaks, or running a magnet over the keyboard. The other reason is Tik Tok/social media trends that lead to the chromebook's intentional damage. If a student intentionally damages their school chromebook, an administrator will be addressing the issue with the student, assigning consequences, and communicating with a parent/guardian.
Finally, Grade 8 students will be swapping out their current chromebooks for a newer model this Spring. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
Best,
Mrs. Katrina Crowley
Important Dates
Upcoming Events
SMACast Podcast
Principal Crowley joined Stephanie Patton (OASIS) for a middle school specific SMACast podcast. Parents/guardians, listen to the podcast to learn more about navigating the world of middle school. The conversation continues in a bonus episode!
"Where's My Handbook: Middle School: Big Feelings and Big Opportunities"
In this episode we welcome Katrina Crowley, the Prinicpal of the O'Donnell Middle School in Stoughton. In this conversation we talk about why curiousity about substance use is not uncommon in this age bracket. At the same time, actual use is uncommon for middle schoolers. In this episode we explore how that contrast can create opportunities for parents to engage with their child around this topic during this developmental time.
Bonus Episode: "Where's My Handbook: Middle School: Translating Middle Schoolers, 'Main Characters and NPCs'."
In this bonus episode we continue our conversation with Katrina Crowley, the principal of the O'Donnell Middle School. If it sometimes feels like your middle school child is speaking a different language or living on a different planet, this episode is for you!
OMS Spring Musical
The OMS Drama Club presents, High School Musical Jr. Performances are in the SHS Auditorium and there's still two more shows to catch!
Friday, March 15th at 7pm
Saturday, March 16th at 2pm
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors/students. They can be purchased online in advance or cash at the door.
If any OMS students wish to attend this show without a parent/guardian, they will need to present their green SPS Event pass and they will need to purchase a ticket.
Performing Arts Classes at OMS
Calling all 5th, 6th, and 7th graders who want to sing, act, or play an instrument at OMS next year! We have Chorus, Band, and Drama class offerings at OMS. Next week, Grade 6 and 7 students will get the chance to select these course offerings when Mrs. Kellogg visits their classes to discuss next year's schedules. Mrs. Bauman-Field will be visiting elementary schools this month to meet with Grade 5 students and answer any questions. In the meantime, students and families can watch this short video going over the performing arts offerings at OMS.
Data Find!
Secondary students completed the Stoughton Youth Health Survey on February 8, 2024. The survey allows SPS educators to learn more about our students' health and wellness. At OMS, we are reviewing the data and will use it to plan programs and provide support to students. This information is very helpful for school staff and parents/guardians to know about the students in our community.
A quick fact will be shared each week so we can all learn more about our OMS students.
Did you know...
Pi Day!
Thursday, March 14th was Pi Day. Pi is an irrational number that is approximately 3.14 so March 14th (3/14) is Pi Day! Our math teachers celebrated the day and got OMS students and staff involved in celebrating the day with some math trivia.
This month's board was brought to you by the OMS Math Department.
Clothing Drive
Tana Bernard, Project 351 Ambassador, is organizing a clothing drive at OMS!
OMS Athletics
Registration is open for Spring Track & Field! This is open to students in Grades 7 and 8. The registration deadline is April 7, 2024. Students must have an up-to-date physical on file and they must complete ImPACT testing before try-outs. ImPACT is tool we use to establish a baseline for students in case a concussion is sustained.
Town-Wide Beautification Day
Stoughton's Recreation Department is hosting a town-wide beautification day! Join your neighbors to help clean up and beautify our community. Anyone can sign up to volunteer. This is a great way for our students to get involved and give back to our community. Sign up to volunteer!
Stoughton Public Library: March Events for Teens
Previous Newsletters
Missed a newsletter? Click below to access previous newsletters from this year.