May

Osceola Middle School, working with families and the community, will engage all learners in high quality, rigorous, relevant, and standards-based instruction in a safe, inclusive environment.

Dear OMS Community,

It is hard to believe we are already in the final month of the 2025–2026 school year. As we move into state testing this month, our students are ready. They have put in the work all year, and now it is time for them to show what they know. We are incredibly proud of their effort, growth, and perseverance.

Families can play an important role in supporting students during testing by:

• Ensuring students get a good night’s sleep
• Providing a healthy breakfast on testing days
• Encouraging punctual attendance
• Offering positive words of encouragement and reassurance

Important Course Offering Update for 2026–2027

We have had to adjust our course offerings for next school year and, unfortunately, will not be able to offer Spanish 1 during the 2026–2027 school year. While this is disappointing, this decision is beyond our control at this time. Students who took Spanish 1 during the current school year will still have the option to take Spanish 2 next year if they choose. If opportunities allow in the future, we would welcome the chance to reintroduce Spanish 1 into our course offerings.

Our school counselors have met with students who selected Spanish 1 on their course requests to update schedules accordingly. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we finish the school year strong.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Johnson

Principal, Osceola Middle School

The OMS school code is 21890

Updates coming this summer to Building 2!

May 1, 2026

• Quarter 4 Progress Reports finalized. Be sure to check Skyward!
• 8th Grade Dance at OMS. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

May 2, 2026

• Northside Track Meet at Forest High School

May 4-8

• TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

May 5, 2026

• ELA FAST PM 3 State Assessment

May 7, 2026

• Math FAST PM 3
• Spring Chorus Concert at 6:30 PM in the OMS Auditorium

May 8, 2026

• Algebra and Geometry EOC

May 8-9

• County Track Meet (at Belleview Middle School)

May 13, 2026

• 6th grade awards (invite only) at 5:30 PM in the Bridgeway Auditorium
• 7th grade awards (invite only) at 6:30 PM in the Bridgeway Auditorium

May 14, 2026

• Science State Assessment (NGSSS) and Civics EOC
• 8th grade awards (invite only) at 6:00 PM in the Bridgeway Auditorium

May 15, 2026

• Gradventure Field Trip (8th grade students who are attending will leave OMS at 2:30 PM and are expected to return at 2:00 AM on 5/16/26).

May 18, 2026

• Field Day (for student who meet goals on PM 3, Algebra & Geometry EOC, Civics EOC, and the 8th grade science assessment)

May 19, 2026

• Band Movie and Awards Night at OMS
• FFA Banquet at 6:00 PM

May 20, 2026

• Kona Ice Day (this is not an ER day)

May 25, 2026

• No School

May 28, 2026

• Last day of school for students
• 8th grade walk (during the school day, this is not open to the public)

Save the Date!

August 7, 2026

• Orientation for 6th grade students and students new to OMS!
• Last name A-L: 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
• Last name M-Z: 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM

Please scroll down to the Clubs and Athletics section to view club meeting dates, and athletics game and practice dates

8:50 AM Student allowed on campus/breakfast (free for all students)

9:15 AM First Bell

9:20 AM Tardy Bell

3:55 PM Dismissal

Please note that supervision is not provided prior to 8:50 AM or after 4:25 PM. Any students on campus at 4:25 PM will be taken to MAP ($25 emergency drop in fee).

• April 13–16: Tryouts
• April 20–30: Practice Begins
• May 2 (Saturday): Northside Meet @ FHS Track & Field
• May 8–9 (Friday & Saturday): County Meet @ BMS Track & Field
• May 16 (Saturday): State Meet @ IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)

⏰ Practice Schedule:

• Monday–Thursday
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📌 April 13 – First Day Details:

• Informational meeting (meet dates, expectations, and conduct)
• Warm-up routine during the second half of the session

✅ What to Bring:

• Completed paperwork
• Proper athletic attire

*Any changes to the schedule will be communicated by the club sponsor to the students and families

OMS 2025-2026 Student Handbook

2025-2026 MCPS Student Code of Conduct

Thank you for supporting the OMS cell phone policy! Since implementing this policy, our discipline data shows a noticeable decrease in referrals — particularly in incidents related to bullying, misuse of electronics, and fights. Our teachers and staff also report that students are more focused and ready to learn. Great job, Chiefs!

If a student is absent from school, an absence note should be submitted to the Guidance Department upon their return. If a note is not provided, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. We encourage students to email their teachers to request any assignments or make up missed work.

Additionally, a note from a parent or physician is required for early check-outs and tardies.

Your child's daily, on-time attendance is critical to their success in school. Students learn best when they are present in the classroom — every minute matters, now more than ever.

A student is considered chronically absent if they miss just two days of school per month — that’s 18 days in a year — whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Even one year of chronic absence can cause a student to fall behind academically and significantly decrease their chances of graduating from high school. This can have lasting effects on their financial independence, physical well-being, and mental health.

The good news? Attending school every day greatly increases a child’s chances of success — both in school and in life. "Showing Up Together!" will improve school attendance when students, families, and schools work as a team to make regular attendance a priority.

*Any changes to the schedule will be communicated by the coach to the students and families

We celebrated the unveiling of our incredible new facility — a huge milestone for OMS!

Thousands of Patio Passes have been awarded to students for outstanding accomplishments, including:

• A Honor Roll
• A-B Honor Roll
• Perfect Attendance
• No Discipline Referrals
• Beating School Averages on Recent DPMAs
• Various incentives

• Girls Team: 2nd Place
• Boys Team: 3rd Place
  Way to go, Chiefs!

Congratulations to our amazing students:

• 1st Place – Opening & Closing Ceremonies
  Emmalynn Oakes, Paisley Otte, Sara Weaver, Lyla Christiansen, Kylee Rumans, Lowyn Yancey, Quinn Jarvis
• 1st Place – Extemporaneous Speaking
  Riley Loughlin
• 3rd Place – Prepared Speaking
  Emerson Cunningham
• Creed Speaking Participant
  Anais Gonzales

We are so proud of these incredible girls representing Osceola! They qualified for State in 5 of 6 events and brought home 1st Place thanks to Eastyn and Emma!
A huge thank-you to Mrs. Carter for her guidance and support every step of the way.

Congratulations to Evan Bond and Kate Mathes for creating the winning entry: The French Dog!
Their creation will soon be featured on the menu at Big Hammock Bites and Brewery in downtown Ocala. What an amazing achievement!

• NJHS collected 504 pounds of food for a holiday food drive.
• SAIL gathered a generous number of toys for UF/Shands.

These incredible student organizations truly spread joy and made a difference this holiday season. Thank you for your kindness and community spirit!

Our Ag team harvested over 75 pounds of fresh greens and delivered them to our cafeteria — feeding our students healthy, homegrown produce during lunches! Amazing work, Chiefs! 🌱💚

Our FFA officers took 2nd place in the district level Opening and Closing Ceremonies Competition.

· 1/27/26 FBLA represented OMS at the District 7 competition.
🏆 Results:
• Jairah Florestal – 1st Place, MS Public Speaking
• Mason Denman – 1st Place, MS Exploring Business Issues
• Isabella Leon – 1st Place, MS Career Research
• Bryce Helfrey – 3rd Place, MS Career Research
• Emma Ahlers – 1st Place, MS Career Exploration

Congratulations to our girls flag football team for bringing home the first place trophy for the second year in a row! Shout out to our boys for a hard fought season bringing home second place in the county. We are so proud of both teams!

Responsibility and Responsible Decision Making

Responsible Decision‑Making

Responsible decision‑making is the ability to think through choices and consider possible outcomes before acting. It involves evaluating options, understanding consequences, and making choices that are safe, ethical, and respectful of others. This skill helps students pause, reflect, and choose actions that support their goals and well‑being.

Responsibility
Responsibility means taking ownership of one’s actions, choices, and commitments. It includes being accountable, following through on expectations, and learning from mistakes. When students practice responsibility, they build trust, independence, and confidence—skills that prepare them for success both in and out of school.

Learn more about building resiliency at the link below!

https://www.buildresiliency.org/

Making Carline More Efficient

Please pull all the way forward to the end of the carline sidewalk before loading or unloading. Additionally, avoid leaving large gaps between vehicles. Your cooperation helps us move everyone through the carline quickly and efficiently.

Click the form below for instruction on the My Ride K-12 Mobile App!

To learn more about BRAVO, click the document below!

Communication is a top priority for us here at Osceola, and it is an essential part of the strong partnership we share as we work together for the success of our students. If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always here to listen, support, and help. For concerns that may be broader in scope, you are also welcome to contact school administration directly.

In today’s world, the “rumor mill” and word of mouth can easily become filled with misinformation, mixed perceptions, and unclear intentions. With the exception of Osceola’s official social media pages, social media is not a reliable source for accurate information or concerns. When you reach out to us directly, it allows us to hear your feedback, clarify information, and make adjustments when needed.

We value open, respectful, and timely communication, and we are committed to providing you with accurate information and exceptional support. Thank you for partnering with us to create the best possible experience for our students and families.

Click the link below to view a letter to Florida parents from Anastasios Kamoutsas, Commissioner of Education

The Marion County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race (including anti-Semitism), ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, religion, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively, "protected classes") in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices as required by Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Florida Educational Equity Act of 1984. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation. The District also provides equal access to its facilities for the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which is against the law and School Board Policies 1362, 2266, 3362, 4362, and 5517. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment activity by any of its members of the school district community, including students, employees, and third parties pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Rules and Regulations.

Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to the below designated personnel at 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Retaliation against an individual who files a report is also prohibited.

ADA, Employee Title IX Coordinator, and Employment Compliance:
Dawana Gary, Director of Employee Relations
Phone: (352) 671-7711; Email address: Dawana.Gary@marion.k12.fl.us

Section 504 Compliance:
Anna Williams-Jones, Director of Exceptional Student Education
Phone: (352) 671-6832; Email address: Anna.Williams-Jones@marion.k12.fl.us

Student Title IX Complaints:
John Kerley, Director of Student Discipline
Phone: (352) 671-7790; Email address: John.Kerley@marion.k12.fl.us

The Nondiscrimination Statement is also available in Spanish.

Policy 1122: Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity

Policy 2260: Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity

EEOC Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Posting

Notificación continua de no discriminación/Prohibición de acoso

El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Marion no discrimina por motivos de raza (incluido el antisemitismo), etnia, color, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, discapacidad (incluido el VIH, el SIDA o el rasgo de células falciformes), embarazo, religión, estado civil, edad (excepto según lo autorizado por la ley), estado militar, ascendencia o información genética, que son clases protegidas por la ley estatal y / o federal (colectivamente, "clases protegidas") en sus programas, servicios o actividades educativas, o en sus prácticas de contratación o empleo según lo requerido por el Título IX, el Título VI, el Título VII de la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1967, la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990 y la Ley de Equidad Educativa de Florida de 1984. La falta de habilidades en el idioma inglés no será una barrera para la admisión o participación. El Distrito también proporciona igualdad de acceso a sus instalaciones a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles patrióticos, como lo requiere la Ley de Acceso Igualitario de los Boy Scouts of America.

El acoso sexual es una forma de discriminación que va en contra de la ley y de las Políticas 1362, 2266, 3362, 4362 y 5517 de la Junta Escolar. El Distrito no tolerará actividades de acoso sexual por parte de ninguno de sus miembros de la comunidad del distrito escolar, incluidos estudiantes, empleados y terceros de conformidad con el Título VII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y las Reglas y Reglamentos del Título IX.

Las preguntas, quejas o solicitudes de información adicional con respecto a la discriminación o el acoso pueden enviarse al personal designado a continuación en 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. También se prohíben las represalias contra una persona que presente una denuncia.

ADA, Título IX y Cumplimiento de Equidad: Dawana Gary, Ed.S., Directora, Equidad y Cumplimiento Teléfono: (352) 671-7711; Dirección de correo electrónico: dawana.gary@marion.k12.fl.us

Cumplimiento de la Sección 504: Anna Williams-Jones, M.A.Ed., Directora, Educación para Estudiantes Excepcionales Teléfono: (352)671-6832; Dirección de correo electrónico: anna.williams-jones@marion.k12.fl.us

Quejas estudiantiles sobre el Título IX: John Kerly, Director of Student Discipline

Phone: (352) 236-0536; Email address: John.Kerley@marion.k12.fl.us