OMS Pirate Press Newsletter
April 6-10, 2026
- March Students of the Month
- OXPS Drone Competition
- Disney's The Descendants wrap up
- Schedule for the week of April 6-10, 2026--MCAS ELA this week on April 7th and 8th! Don't forget to bring your charged Chromebook to school, grade 7 and 8!
- Upcoming events--FOMS Little Caesars Pizza Pizza Fundraiser coming soon March 23-April 10th. Info to come soon!
- Carbuncle Beach House/Pond parking area closed on April 16th and 17th for town event. No drop off, pick up, or parking there on this day.
- Grade 8 Spring Flower Power Fundraiser Info
- Project 351 Cradles to Crayon Clothing Drive March
- Mobile Dentist Visits OMS on April 2nd. Information below.
- Attendance Matters
- Breakfast and Lunch Info
- Clubs and Activities---New Club announced--Open Gym April 14, 28, May 5 Dates
- From the Health Office
- Helpful School and District Resources
- Oxford Community Information and Recreation Activities-- Youth Sports, OCC/Town Events, OHS Events/fundraisers
MCAS Information
Please see Information below or through link regarding MCAS ELA testing, scheduled for April 7th and 8th, and other spring MCAS dates: https://app.smore.com/n/75zyw
Take Your Time and Show Your Abilities:
Students and families of grade 6, 7, and 8 students are reminded that Tuesday, April 7th and Wednesday, April 8th are the MCAS English Language Arts (ELA) test dates. This test is for all grades at OMS.
As we approach the MCAS, We want to remind our students of how important it is for them to put their best effort forward. This is their chance to show everything they've learned and how much they've grown. Their skills, their thinking, and their hard work matter—and these will shine through when our students try their best.
MCAS isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing what you know. We encourage students to take their time, stay focused, and believe in themselves. We know they have the tools, the knowledge, and the determination to do great well.
We’re proud of our students academic accomplishments and work and all the effort they’ve put in so far and want them to finish strong!
In preparation for the ELA exams on Tuesday, 4/7 and Wednesday 4/8, we ask that you assist us in preparing for your child’s testing by reviewing the following:
Students take their MCAS on their chromebooks, therefore we ask the following:
Garde 7 and 8: Charge your child’s OXPS issued Chromebook each night.
Grade 7 and 8: Send your child to school with their OXPS Chromebook and charging cord.
Grade 6 will use Classroom Chromebooks
Students get a good night’s rest the evening before. We recommend bed by 9:00 with electronic devices stored for the evening so as not to disturb sleep patterns.
Students have breakfast to fuel the brain and body to take the exam. Free school breakfasts are provided. Snacks are not permitted during MCAS tests, so a good breakfast is key!
Provide your child with refillable water container (clear preferable) so students stay hydrated. Beverages other than water and food are not permitted.
Reinforce with your child that cell phones and personal electronic devices are not permitted to be out during regular school days, and if out at all during MCAS testing time frame, must result in us notifying the state, per regulations, and may result in your child’s test being disqualified or nullified.
Any student absent on a day of MCAS testing will be scheduled to sit the make-ups when they return to school.
Students will report to advisory on the morning of their MCAS exams.
Library will be closed during the school day on MCAS days to accommodate small group and extra time testing.
Students are encouraged to bring something to do or read for when they are finished with their testing, as students are not permitted to access electronic devices, including school issued Chromebook after they have finished their individual exam during the testing time frame. Books, magazines to read, puzzle booklets word searches, coloring books are recommended to help pass time.
Testing will take place during periods 1-4. Following testing, students will attend classes for periods 5,6,7.
In addition to the above, while in testing, the following guidelines are expected:
- No communication with other students during testing time.
- No access beyond MCAS testing platform via internet and chromebook during testing time.
- No discussing test content with staff or students during testing breaks.
- No consulting of notes or references during testing.
- No looking at another student's exam or computer screen during testing time.
- No food or beverages other than water permitted.
- No discussing test content with other students
- No duplicating, photographing, or copying any portion of the tests that are on a computer screen (or in test & answer booklets)
- No access to personal electronic devices--NO accessing prohibited materials such as cell phones or other electronic devices (e.g., smartwatches, ear buds, any device capable of taking photographs).
- No communicating with other students (e.g., talking, whispering, writing notes)
- No looking at any other student’s computer screen (or test & answer booklets)
- No asking for or receiving help from anyone (except for reporting a concern about a test question to a test administrator)
- No providing help to another student
MCAS Dates for 2026:
- ELA: Grades 6,7,8 on April 7th and 8th
- Math: Grade 6,7,8 on May 5th and 6th
- Science: Grade 8 on May 12th and 13th
- Civics: Grade 8 on May 27th and 28th
Students absent on these dates will make up MCAS tests upon their return to school, provided it is within the DESE MCAS testing window.
Any Questions:
Please reach out to the following folks for assistance:
- Leigh Joseph, Principal ljoseph@oxps.org
- Miriam Sas, Assistant Principal msas@oxps.org
- Danny Keller, Assistant Principal dkeller@oxps.org
- Abbey Gould, Counselor A-ML agould@oxps.org
- Tim Donahue, Counselor M-Z tdonahue@oxps.org
Marking Periods:
Quarters:
- Quarter 1: August 27-October 31; Grades Post 11/10/2025
- Quarter 2: November 3-January 23; Grades Post 2/2/2026
- Quarter 3: January 26-April 3; Grades Post 4/13/2026
- Quarter 4: April 6-end of school year; Grades Post after close of last Day of School.
- R1: 8/27-10/8; grades post 10/17
- R2: 10/9-11/24; grades post 12/5
- R3: 11/25-1/21; grades post 1/28
- R4: 1/22-3/11; grades post 3/18
- R5: 3/12-5/1; grades post 5/8
- R6: 5/4-end of school year; grades post last day of school
Standardized Test Dates (MCAS and NAEP)
- 4/7-4/8/2026: MCAS ELA grades 6-8
- 5/5-5/6/2026: MCAS Math grades 6-8
- 5/12-5/13/2026: MCAS Science grade 8 only
- 5/27-5/28/2026: MCAS Civics grade 8 only
Holidays and No School Days:
- April 18-26, 2026 April Break
- May 25, 2026 Memorial Day
- Wednesday, June 17 is scheduled last day of school (currently 3 snow days, barring any further snow days)
Grade 8 Bay Path Admissions: Lottery Results posted Friday, March 6 @ 3:00. Students have 2 weeks to report their decision to Bay Path. After that time, the spot becomes available to be put into wait list lottery.
FOMS(Friend of Oxford Middle School) Fundraisers:
- Little Caesars Pizza (Pizza!) Fundraiser coming March 23-April 10th, delivery week of April 27th.
- Oxford Pride School Spirit Wear Store Open year round: https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/MA/Oxford/Oxford+Middle+School?utm_source=shortcode&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=school-direct
- School Store: Open February 27, March 6 and 27, April 3 and 17, May 8 and 22
- Interested in joining FOMS, email oxfordfoms@gmail.com
Our daily goal is 95% attendance. Unfortunately, we fell short again this week with 94.6%.
Attendance Matters, every day, all day! We can do this!
Grade 6: 96.5% Great job, Grade 6!
Grade 7: 93.3% Oh no! Grade 7, we can do this!
Grade 8: 94.2% Almost there, grade 8! You got this!
OMS: 94.6% So close! Just missed our goal.
School Breakfast and Lunch Menus are posted monthly and can be found here: https://www.oxps.org/menus
After School Band
After School Band with Mr. Kim will begin on Wednesday, October 1st after school until 3 p.m. After school band will run weekly on Wednesdays thereafter. Student staying must complete and submit a signed permission slip. Students may see Mr. Kim for the permission slip or pick one up in the main office.
No Afterschool Band or Chorus on April 29th due to Regional District Performances.
Book Club
Are you interested in reading some great books? How about discussing and sharing your favorite books with other students? If so the Book Club may be for you.
Book Club Meets take place after school until 3:00 p.m. in the library with Ms. Kennen.
Fall Book Club Dates:
- Jan. - 8 & 22
- Feb. - 5 & 26
- March - 5 & 26
- April - 2 & 30
- May - 7 & 21
- June - 4 - (Last day)
See or email Ms. Kennen for more information about the club's next book and next meeting. akennen@oxps.org . Students wanting to stay will need to submit permission slips.
After School Chorus
After School Chorus with Mr. Sampson will begin on Wednesday, October 1st after school until 3 p.m. After school band will run weekly on Wednesdays thereafter. Student staying must complete and submit a signed permission slip. Students may see Mr. Sampson for the permission slip or pick one up in the main office.
Coding Club
Coding Club will be taking place after school on Wednesdays with Ms. Munoz-Chesler in room 276. Coding club will provide opportunities for students to learn and practice programming skills in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. Participants will learn about programming languages, use structured project guides to do things such as create games, animations, as well as develop critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Permission slips will be made available in the main office when we have all the details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to adviser, Ms. Munoz-Chesler with any questions. vmunozchesler@oxps.org
Dungeons and Dragons
Join your friends for a game of imagination and creativity as the club explores fantasy worlds, fights monsters and saves the day! The first club meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 30th after school with Mr. Standrowicz in room 286 after school. No experience needed, students of all D & D levels of experience are welcome! Students need to have signed permission slips to attend. Reach out to Mr. S with any questions pstandrowicz@oxps.org
Gaming Club
Do you want to play or learn a variety of games with your peers? Then gaming club may be for you! Students will have the opportunity to learn and play a variety of games such as chess, checkers, board games, card games, and family style games. This is a great way for students to interact, socialize, and build community. Gaming Club will take place on Wednesdays after school with Ms. Berthiaume. You can join by week, month or year. Students interested should obtain a permission slip, get it signed and return to the Main Office or adviser, Ms. Berthiaume. Questions, see Ms. Berthiaume mailto:dberthiaume@oxps.org
History Club
If you’re curious about the past and enjoy discovering fascinating stories from history, come to the History Club on Thursdays in Mr. Moriarty’s classroom, Room 102, right after school. We’ll talk about what the club has done before, plans for this year, including National History Day and our country's 250th birthday, and some exciting new project-based activities. Permission slips are required and can be picked up from Mr. Moriarty or the office. Any questions, reach out to Mr. Moriarty smoriarty@oxps.org
Homework Center
Need help, time, and resources with homework, research, projects, and studying? The Homework Center will run on Mondays-Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays after school 2:00-3:00, with the exception of the once a month faculty days held mostly on Mondays. Students wishing to stay will need a blue Homework Center form signed by a teacher with a specific assignment/project to work on and the parent/guardian signature. NHS and/or NJHS tutors available weekly at Homwork Center. See or email Ms. Kennen for permission slips and with questions. mailto:akennen@oxps.org .
NJHS
NJHS Meetings:
Open Gym
WHAT IS IT? A variety of PE activities: kickball, basketball, dodgeball, capture the flag, team handball etc.
WHO CAN JOIN? Any OMS student in grades 6-8 (Space is limited to 30 so sign up early. This is a first come/first served activity & overall sportsmanship and appropriate behavior is mandatory)
WHEN? Tuesdays right after dismissal (see dates below) (2:00-3:00)
WHERE? OMS gymnasium
PROGRAM DATES: TUESDAY APRIL 14 & 28 AND TUESDAY MAY 5
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Complete the Permission form (attached below) and return it DIRECTLY to Mrs. Greenough. DO NOT send it to the office or give it to your period 1 teacher. There will be a folder on the board in the PE hallway where you can drop it off in case you don't see me during the day.
Please wear comfortable clothes & sneakers. Don't forget your water bottle!
Student Council
Student council is a group that learns about school leadership, celebrates school spirit, cares about our OMS Community, and encourages student voice. Please reach out to advisor Mrs. Blood mblood@oxps.org Room 202 with any questions.
Next Meeting:
Yearbook Club
Love capturing memories? Want to make help OMS capture our most memorable moments? Yearbook club is for you! Yearbook Club will have it's first meeting on Tuesday, February 3rd after school in room 102 with yearbook advisers Mr. Moriarty and Ms. Borowko. Permission slips are available in the main office and with Mr. Moriarty in room 102. Any questions, please reach out to Mr. Moriarty smoriarty@oxps.org or Ms. Borowko dborowko@oxps.org
Medications in Schools
Just a few reminders to families that have students who need to have medication administered here at school. This includes inhalers and epipens.
- Prescription medications require an updated physician's written order and must be in the original container.
- All medications also require a consent form from parent or guardian. The form can be found on the OMS website under the Nurse page.
- All medications should be transported to and from school by a parent or guardian (we cannot accept medication from a student). This includes inhalers and epipens.
- If you are dropping off an inhaler, I will need the Asthma Action Plan provided by your student's health care provider.
- If you are dropping off an epipen, I will need the Allergy Action Plan provided by your student's health care provider.
As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out anytime at: acronauer@oxps.org
SEPAC Meeting
Parents and caregivers, are you looking for ways to support your child with their reading at home? Join us for "Supporting Striving Readers at Home," a free virtual workshop from Learning Ally! Discover practical strategies to help your child and learn more about literacy instruction and learning challenges like dyslexia.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
5:30-6:30PM
Register today: https://learningally.zoom.us/meeting/register/4zaqz9tWRaCUMIJMuVlpOg
#LearningAlly #StrivingReaders #LiteracySupport #OXPS
Oxford Little League Spring Registration for Spring 2026
Please see the attached flyer below for Oxford Little League Spring Registration. Questions? Email oxfodlittleleaague@gmail.com
Dudley Charlton Boys and Girls Youth Lacrosse Registration for Spring 2026
Please see attached information below regarding Youth Lacrosse Registration for the Spring 2026 season. This league is open to school age children from Kindergarten through grade 8. For more info, see flyer below or www.dudley-charltonyouthlax.com/ OR EMAIL dudleycharltonlax@gmail.com
- Are you getting text messages of our automated calls/texts/emails? If you are not currently receiving text prompts about school and district news, please send a message to the number 22300 and type ALERT in the message in order to receive texts in the future.
- Our District Calendar can be found via the following links:
- District School Day Calendar: https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/10103/2025-2026finalcalendar.pdf
- District Events: https://www.oxps.org/school-calendars
- School Hours Link: https://www.oxps.org/school-times
- At OMS, doors will open to students (buses and drop-off) at 7:05 a.m. and OMS classes will begin at 7:15 a.m. This is a change from 24-25 school year, as we will now be opening doors and beginning and ending our day at OMS 5 minutes earlier than last year.
- At OMS afternoon dismissal will begin at 1:45 p.m.
- School Transportation Information: https://www.oxps.org/transportation