OMS Pirate Press Newsletter
March 2-6, 2026
- Schedule for the week of March 2-6, 2026
- Upcoming events
- Student Recognition: Quarter 2 Honor Roll
- Grade 7 Pi Day Pie in the Face Fundraiser Info
- NJHS Basket Raffle Fundraiser
- OMS Read-A-Thon February 16-March 9th Info-- Oxford Middle School parents, we are holding a Read-A-Thon and we really need everyone to participate. If you have not already done so, please click on this link to activate your reader’s personal page:
- OMS Spring Musical: Disney's Descendants Show and Ticket info. Show is weekend of March 27-29th
- OMS/OHS Spring Sports Registration Info
- Mobile Dentist Coming to OMS on April 2nd. Info Below
- Attendance Matters
- Breakfast and Lunch Info
- Clubs and Activities---New Club announced--Intramural Volleyball for month of March
- From the Health Office
- Helpful School and District Resources
- Oxford Community Information and Recreation Activities-- Youth Sports, OCC/Town Events, OHS Events/fundraisers
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)
- 3/6/2026: NAEP testing in ELA and math for 50 randomly selected grade 8 students. Information sent via Parent Square message to families of those selected for testing.
- 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:
- Friday, March 20, 2026 No School Students, Staff Professional Development Day
- 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)
Conferences:
- Thursday, March 19th; evening parent conferences. (registration will be online via myconferencetime.com the week of March 2nd)
Grade 8 Bay Path Admissions: Application Deadline January 16, 2026. Application: https://baypath.go2cte.com/
School Student Events:
- OMS Read-A-Thon February 16-March 9, 2026. More information to follow.
- Grade 8 students invited to Spring Outdoor track and field informational meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 2:00-2:30 at OHS with Coach Chris Pietro. Students will walk to OHS, remain with Mr. Pietro until late buses, unless picked up by a parent earlier.
FOMS(Friend of Oxford Middle School) Fall Fundraisers:
- Little Caesar's Fundraiser
- Money Madness: Dates TBA. More info to follow as we approach Money Madness kick-off.
- 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
The 7th Grade is raising money to help reduce the cost of our end of the year class trip to Ultimate Obstacles and the teachers will take a pie to the face!
HOW IT WILL WORK::
- Each participating teacher will have a donation jar.
- Students place money in the jar of the teachers they want to see pied.
- The teachers with the most money collected will receive a whipped-cream pie in the face!
DONATIONS:
- Will be collected during all lunches
- Donations accepted from Monday, March 2 until Thursday, March 12.
EVENT:
- Pie Day Event - Friday, March 13 during all lunches
QUESTIONS?: Email Grade 7 Teacher, Mrs. Pietro at Lpietro@oxps.org
- Friday, March 27, 2006 @ 7pm
- Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 5pm
- Sunday, March 29, 2026 @ 1pm
Ticket Prices are $10 (adults) and $5 (students/seniors)
Can be purchased at OMS main office and at door beginning March 6, 2026.
Seating is limited
DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Registration is now open for OMS/OHS Spring Sports.
The following sports are available to OMS Students:
- Boys and Girls Track and Field - 8th grade
- JV Baseball - 8th grade
- JV Softball - 7th & 8th grade
- Boys and Girls Tennis - 7th and 8th grade
The link to register can be found here: Spring Registration .
Registration will close on Friday, March 13th at noon. Practices will start on Monday, March 16th.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Great news! The mobile dentists are coming to Oxford Middle School to offer in-school dental care.
The in-school dentists will be here on Thursday, April 2, 2026 during school hours.
Permission forms went home today with your student. Simply complete the permission form and turn in into the main office or go to www.myschooldentist.com to sign up your child TODAY! Permission forms are due ASAP!
Best of all, in most cases there is no cost to you if your child is insured with Medicaid/CHIP! Private insurance and affordable self-pay options are also available. For those without insurance or the means to pay, we are pleased to offer a grant program. NO CHILD IS TURNED AWAY DUE TO AN INABILITY TO PAY.
Having your child seen by the dentist at school saves you valuable time. Top quality care is provided by local, licensed dentists in the familiar surroundings of your child’s school. Dental care includes a complete exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride, and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings.
Keep Your Child Healthy Children who see a dentist regularly may have fewer health issues like:
• Early tooth loss due to dental decay
• Gum disease
• Heart disease
• Impaired speech development
Sign up today with the QR code pictured, top right!
Please feel free to contact the school nurse if you have any questions. Thank you.
OMS School Nurse
Amanda Cronauer, BSN, RN
acronauer@oxps.org
Our school Read-A-Thon begins on Monday February 16, 2026 and runs through March 9. It is sure to be a fun and exciting event.
We understand that your time is valuable. We also know that providing the best education for your child is important. That's why we are encouraging everyone to activate their student's Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.
Watch a short video to see how to sign up your reader:
https://youtu.be/12tmuXH8zCg
This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/dzCwGd/1?utm=email
Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers!
Our daily goal is 95% attendance. It was a short week with only 3 days of school due to snow days on Monday and Tuesday. For this short week, we just made it--95.9%
Don't let the cold weather and snow keep you from school! Attendance Matters, every day, all day! We can do this!
Grade 6: 95.6% Good job, grade 6!
Grade 7: 97.9% Fantastic job, grade 7!!!
Grade 8: 93.7% Better week, but we still have room for growth, grade 8!
OMS: 95.9 %
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.
Art Club #2
OMS Art Club Winter Session is about to kick-off. If your child is interested in art and would like to join the after school art club to participate in a number of fun and engaging special art projects, this is the club for them.
Art Club will meet on Thursdays beginning January 15th and ending on April 2nd.
Students interested in participating should return the attached permission slip in order to attend. These permission slips will be available in the Art Room #167 with Ms. Crutcher and the main office. Permission slips should be returned to Ms. Crutcher in room 167. The art club is limited to 20 spots for safety and materials reasons.
Art Club is now full.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Crutcher kcrutcher@oxps.org
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 & 16
- 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 willbe 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
Drama Club
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS THAT WANT TO BE A PART OF THE OXFORD MIDDLE SPRING MUSICAL, DISNEY DESCENDANTS!!!!
STAGE CREW, ACTORS, SINGERS, DANCERS, ARTISTS & BUILDERS
THERE WILL BE AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025 from 2 - 3 PM IN AUDITORIUM
AT THIS MEETING:
YOU WILL RECEIVE A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR REHEARSALS
MUST SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THE AUDITION DATES (12/16, 12/17, 12/18) *2-3 PM each day
WILL RECEIVE PERMISSION SLIP TO PARTICIPATE, QUESTIONNAIRE, & CONTRACT
STAGE CREW DO NOT HAVE TO AUDITION
Drone Club
OMS is looking to kick off its own drone club for the first time. Drone club will provide hands-on STEM learning through activities like flying, programming, fostering skills in engineering, physics, and teamwork. In the club, students will focus on competitive drone racing, drone flying obstacle courses, and real-world applications. The club offers a collaborative environment to learn new technology and problem solving. The club will run 2 days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) October until March. Permission slips are available in the main office. Reach out to Ms. Walia with any questions rwalia@oxps.org .
The last after school day of Drone Club is Wednesday, February 26th with the last event being the OHS Drone Extravaganza on February 28th 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. at OHS.
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: Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Robotics Club
In Robotics Club, students will be designing, building, and programming Lego Spike Robots. Students will be working collaboratively with their peers to design and build a robot. They will learn to program their robots to complete several challenges.
Students must display the Be the 3 OMS Motto of Respect, Responsibility, and Safety in order to be and remain in the club, as they are working with expensive robotics equipment.
Robotics will run on Thursdays for 10 sessions beginning January 8, 2026, running through March 19th.
Students must have signed permission slip to attend. Permission slips are available in the main office, attached below, and with Ms. Kniskern. This group is limited to 16 students due to equipment supplies. Please reach out to Ms. Kniskern with any questions: akniskern@oxps.org
Ski Club
Ski Club runs on Mondays. Dates are listed below. Students depart OMS at 2:00 and return to OMS from Wachusett Mountain at approximately 8 p.m.
Ski Club weeks are
January 5, 12, 26 (26th rescheduled due to snow day)
February 2, 9, 23 (23rd rescheduled due to snow day)
March 2 (make up date for January 26th)
March 9 (make up date for February 23rd)
If any weeks are canceled due to no school on a Monday Ski Club Date, then ski club will be extended by the number of weeks ski club had to be rescheduled.
Contact Ms. Tallis with any questions- jtallis@oxps.org . Don't forget to follow the Ski Club Parent Square.
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 is Monday, March 2nd.
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
Volleyball Intramurals
Ms. Greenough will be hosting an Volleyball Intramurals after school on Tuesdays during the month of March (March 3,10, 17, 24). This after school activity is for students in grades 6-8 who are interested in playing competitive volleyball after school. Students participating will play volleyball according to volleyball game rules, keep score, and compete. Teams will be made each week, as population may change from week to week. This afterschool activity is limited to 24 students and must have no fewer than 12 students in order to run. Students interested must have the permission slip completed and submitted to Ms. Greenough on or before February 27th, but keep in mind with a cap at 24, spots are first come first served and will fill up quickly. The form is attached below and available in the main office. Students who join must wear sneakers in order to play and comfortable, athletic clothes are recommended but not necessary, and it is recommended that all students bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Any questions? Reach out to Ms. Greenough dgreenough@oxps.org
This Club is now full.
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
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