OCIS Digital Backpack

• End of MP2 - Wednesday, January 28
• OCIS Spirit Day - Monday, Feb 2
• SOUPerBowl Food Drive - Monday, Feb 2 - Friday, Feb 6 (see below for details)
• Club Photos & 8th Grade Class Picture Day - Thursday, Feb 5 (see below for details)
• Random Acts of Kindness Week - Monday, Feb 9 - Friday 13
• 6th - 8th Grade Drama Club Production - February 12 & 13 - 7:00pm @ OCHS
• No School - Monday, Feb 16

This is a reminder that the third marking period begins on Thursday, January 29th!

• Please note that with the change of marking periods students will have a new specials class. Students should check their schedules in PowerSchool so they are aware of their schedule for the 3rd Marking Period.

• Report cards will be released later once all grades are finalized. An email will be sent to all Parents / Guardians notifying them when they are available in PowerSchool.

This is a reminder that students must be in homeroom by 7:45am to be marked as present / on time.

Students receive two free unexcused lates per marking period (arriving after 7:45am). Any additional unexcused late arrivals will result in a detention being issued as outlined in the OCIS student code of conduct. Students arriving with a doctors note will be marked as an excused late arrival.

Due to travel concerns with our presenter from Don't Press Send, the presentation scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th will need to be postponed.

We are looking for alternate dates and times to reschedule. This will be communicated in the upcoming days as more information is available!

Students with excellent attendance throughout the entire month of January (no more than one unverified absence) will be entered into a drawing to win a Wawa gift card. One winner will be selected per grade level and announced at the beginning of February. Click here for additional details and information.

Please note:

• Unverified Absence = any absence without a doctor’s note.

• Verified Absence (with a doctor’s note) will not count against this initiative.

Regular attendance is key to student achievement and success. We look forward to celebrating our students’ commitment to being present and engaged every day.

This past Thursday (Jan 22), students in our 5th grade classes participated in a Spelling Bee sponsored by the Colony Club of Ocean City.

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee winner - Sebastian Judge!

We also extend our congratulations to the top 4 students:

• Owen Hoffman
• Scott Aragno
• Joseph Resetar
• Sebastian Judge

A huge congratulations to all 5th Grade students who participated and a special shout out to our 5th Grade Team of Teachers for helping to make this possible!

The annual Souper Bowl Food Drive sponsored by the OCIS Student Council will be held the week of February 2nd - 6th. Donations will benefit the EHT Community Foodbank and the "Have a Heart Drive" for South Jersey Veterans.

See donation categories for each grade level below. You can also select from the amazon wishlist developed by the South Hersey Veterans drive linked here

We will be taking Club Photos during the school day on Thursday, February 5th. Students will be called down by their club name to take a group photo in the cafeteria that morning. Please listen to announcements and follow directions so that we can move quickly through each group photograph.

The 8th Grade Class photo will also be taken on Thursday, February 5th. There is no specific dress code for this picture, but please plan accordingly.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of our 8th grade students:

As your student approaches graduation, our district is preparing for their transition to our high school. Please see the letter linked below from our Director of Student Services, Dr. Gunther. The letter contains information and resources about Ocean City High School, including programs offered, their curriculum, and the scheduling process. The information in this letter will be helpful as you and your student prepare to meet with an OCHS counselor the week of 2/9-13. You should have received an email on 1/8 with the details for your student’s appointment date and time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Kara Uhrich at 609-399-5611 ext 5438 or kuhrich@ocsdnj.org

8th grade letter orientation 26-27 OCIS.pdf

Please visit this link below to order your 25-26 Yearbook!

Yearbook Order Link - Click Here

Winter Sports are now underway! Please visit the OCSD athletics calendar for up-to-date information on games and events taking place throughout the upcoming weeks!

For District Sporting Events & Schedules, please click the link below:

OCSD Athletics Calendar - Click Here

Due to the weather, this event has been postponed. The new date will be Tuesday, February 3rd from 3:30-5:00pm.

Please remember to visit the Ocean City PTA website to view the many events / activities / and additional information from our amazing PTA!

OCPTA Website - Click Here

For a calendar containing all upcoming events at the library, please click the link below:

Upcoming Events - Click Here

Parents & guardians are asked to review the student dress code with their child.

At OCIS , we encourage students to express their individuality and personal style. At the same time, we ask that all clothing choices reflect the standards of a respectful and focused learning environment. Appropriate school attire helps us maintain a positive atmosphere where all students feel comfortable and ready to learn. Thank you for your continued support in upholding these expectations.

OCSD STUDENT DRESS CODE - Click Here to View

Students are also reminded that cell phones (including wireless headphones) must be turned off and placed in student lockers or bookbags throughout the day.

To report a student absence:

• Email: OCISattendance@ocsdnj.org
• Please state student's name, grade, homeroom teacher, and reason for the absence

Please note that an email or parent note does not excuse your child from school. For the absence to be coded as an absence not counting towards truancy (verified), a doctor's note or other proper documentation as outlined in the district attendance policy must be submitted to the main office when your child returns to school.

Please Review the School District Attendance Policy by clicking here for additional information on state requirements regarding absences and student attendance.

Tardy / Late To School

Students receive two free unexcused lates per marking period (arriving after 7:45am). Any additional unexcused late arrivals will result in a detention being issued as outlined in the OCIS student code of conduct. Students arriving with a doctors note will be marked as an excused late arrival.

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for success in school. Students should be absent from school only when it is absolutely necessary. If your child is going to be absent, parents are required to notify the school to report the absence prior to the start of the school day.

OCIS Attendance Guidelines / Types of Absences

• An Excused Absence per the state of New Jersey is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a day for the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16, Take Your Child to Work Day, Veteran’s Day or any other absence determined to be excused by the New Jersey Department of Education

• An Unexcused Absence per the Ocean City School District that does not count towards truancy (however, is still considered an official absence by the state of New Jersey) occurs under the following conditions:
• Illness, supported by doctor's letter
• Family illness or death, supported by parent / doctor letter
• Student’s required attendance in court; supported by written documentation.
• Necessary, unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than the school day; supported by written documentation.

All other absences are considered unexcused and will count towards truancy.

What happens if my child reaches a high number of absences that count towards truancy?

• Letters are sent home to parents if their child reaches 4, 7, 10, 15, or 20 days of absences that count towards truancy.
• Guidance, Administration, and School Nurses will be in communication to assist and develop the appropriate plan to assist your child and their attendance in school.
• Please communicate with Mrs. Uhrich (Guidance) or Mr. Engle (Principal) if there are ongoing concerns regarding attendance so we can approach in a proactive manner.

• Please continue to check your PowerSchool Parent Portal regularly to stay updated on your child's grades, attendance, and more.
• If you do not already follow our OCIS Facebook page, we encourage you to follow for posts & news throughout the year.
• To view the OCIS Morning Announcements, please visit our Morning Announcement Page
• The Ocean City Intermediate School Website is a great resource for information as well!