December 2020
A Letter from Mrs. Anderson, Principal of Ola Middle School:
Dear OMS Parents,
It seems like the school year just began, and we are already preparing for the December winter break. We have had a very busy year thus far with the different learning models we have worked to implement over the last four months.
This holiday season we are especially thankful for your support. Our students are able to achieve at greater levels when our parents and teachers work together to set goals and develop strategies that can be used both in the classroom and at home to ensure mastery of learning.
As we move into the next semester your help is needed. Students must stay with the school option that was chosen by the parent unless a formal change has been requested and made through our counseling department and approved by an administrator. If students are signed up for on-campus learning they are expected to be at school each day to participate in learning. If students are signed up for remote learning, they are expected to participate from home using the same schedule and hours as outlined for all learners.
At OMS we expect the very best from our students. The school culture of Ola Middle reflects norms, values, standards and practices that reinforce academic, social and emotional growth for each student and supports the professional growth of all educators. The OMS practices and procedures are there to foster a sense of community and belonging to ensure that staff and students maximize their capacity for teaching and learning.
Our Objectives –
· Increase student achievement
· Ensure a healthy and safe environment
· Build school pride
· Foster understanding and acceptance of diversity
Expectations at OMS must be at the very highest level – nothing but a student’s best is acceptable. It is important that our children understand what is expected when at Ola Middle.
Teachers, staff, counselors, administrators and a school level social worker are here to help ensure the best for each child. Your support of school rules, procedures and expectations provides a team approach to ensure that students are giving their personal best at all times. With your support we believe that we can create powerful learning opportunities that can create stronger communities and change the world. In an effort to ensure that our students leave OMS with a strong skill set for learning, it is extremely important that we work together. Every day we live our mission to keep student learning at the core of what we do.
As we get ready for our winter break, semester exams will take place December 14 – 17, 2020. Friday, December 18, 2020 is a county early release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:55 p.m. that day.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season! We look forward to a great New Year together!
Christine C. Anderson, Principal
Announcements for Kids
Check out our new weekly "Announcements for Kids" site designed to keep our remote learners up to date on school happenings.
HCS Strategic Plan - Adopted July 2020
Keeping Henry Healthy
Click here for helpful guidance on "How to screen your child for COVID-19 Symptoms".
Don't forget... All students must wear a mask when attending school on campus. This includes riding a bus to and from school. Please help us to ensure that students don't leave home without a mask.
Upcoming Events
MAP Testing- December 1
Berry Mango's Spirit Night- December 10
Papa John's Spirit Night- December 17
Final Exams- December 14 - 17
Early Release Day- December 18 at 12:55 p.m.
Last Day of first semester- December 18
PTO Update
Thanks to everyone who donated to our November Kindness Event.
Have you joined the PTO for this year? This school year will present challenges never faced before by our parents, teachers, administration, staff, and students. We ask that you join us in building a strong, inclusive school community. Please see this attached flyer for more information on how to join the PTO today.
Technology Helpdesk News
1. The Chromebook Issues – What YOU can do guide https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G-GfI_nNO5LslHu1oJ-Quh4sHiOWdGrA/view?usp=sharing (this is in My Drive as a link available to anyone on the internet )
2. Please remember, for any Chromebook issues, go to the Ola Middle School website and click on the Student Chromebook Support link on the main page and complete the OMS – Technology Help Request Form https://forms.gle/aWkFeFxcAn3pYYmE8 and one of our tech will reach out to you.
3. Respect the Tech tips:
· Charge your chromebook every night—it is preferred that you leave your charger at home
· Keep your chromebook inside the case ALWAYS!
· Do not put anything else in your case—NO PAPER, NO EARBUDS, NO PENCILS
· CLEAN YOUR CHROMEBOOK!! You can use a squeezed out disinfectant wipe to clean your screen, keyboard and touchpad. It’s the best way to Respect your Tech!!
OMS Schedule
COUNSELING CORNER
Infinite Campus/Parent Portal
Go Mobile. Anytime, anywhere access. Get your Campus Portal information when you want it from your mobile device. Parents, please remember to download the Infinite Campus app to receive important notifications pertaining to grades, attendance, and assignments!
https://www.infinitecampus.com/info/new-campus-mobile-apps
FAQs
How do I obtain a GUID Activation Code to create an account on the Parent Portal?
Parents who do not receive their GUID activation codes should contact their child’s school and provide photo identification to obtain a code OR if you are identified as the student's guardian you may go to the following link: https://campus.henry.k12.ga.us/campus/K12_Custom/cParent/index.jsp?appName=henry
This will return the appropriate GUID Activation Code on record for you to create your Parent Portal Account.
What happens if I forget my ID/password?
If you have a Campus Parent Portal Account and have forgotten your log-on information, go to the following link: https://campus.henry.k12.ga.us/campus/portal/henry.jsp and select 'Problems logging in?' located next to the 'Log In' button.
Enter in your home e-mail account in the box provided. The system will send your log-on information to that e-mail account. You then will be able to log onto the parent portal.
If you no longer have access to the original email account, you will need to create a new account with a different email address.
How often is information updated in the Parent/Student Portal?
Information is updated in real time. As soon as information is entered into Infinite Campus, it is available on Campus Portal. Grades are updated at least every two weeks.
Student Ambassadors
Thank you to our Student Ambassadors who have been doing a phenomenal job with leading each of our school-wide initiatives. Our Ambassadors have played an integral part in spreading important messages for our Start with Hello and Red Ribbon Week campaigns about ending social isolation and being drug-free. These students have also been showing model behavior and we are so proud of them!
Kindness Week
Last month we celebrated Kindness Week with our students! They did a great job participating in our activities. Students posted Kindness messages on Padlet to other students, and created videos on Flipgrid with positive messages for OMS teachers and staff.
Check out our Flipgrid here: https://flipgrid.com/+kindnessweek2020
and some of the Padlet responses below.
Athletic Department Update
County Champs
Congratulations to our Softball Team for winning first place in Henry County!
Basketball & Wrestling Season
Girls and boys basketball and wrestling season are going on now. We are limiting 3 guest per athlete for these games and meets. Masks will be required for anyone who attends the games and meets.
Our concession stand will be up and running cashless.
How to use digital tickets: Quick Start Guide and Video: Buying Tickets & Checking in
Be in the know about everything that is going on with OMS Athletics! Follow OMS Athetics on Instagram at athletics_oms and on Twitter at athletics_oms.
Shout Outs!
WAY TO GO, VEX ROBOTICS TEAM!
At the 11/14 Georgia Technology Student Association Fall Leadership Conference both Ola Middle School Vex Robotics teams competed virtually and impressively. Tremendous thanks go to Dr. Schmitt and the OHS robotics team for their continued support and mentorship.
5203G played up with the high school VRC league where they won the design award for best robot design. Team members: Kenneth Clay, Dustin Pouliot, Carson Schmitt, Conner Middlebrooks, and Lincoln Durden
5203B is an all-girl team that swept their Vex IQ division by winning both available awards: design and robot skills. They are currently ranked #1 in Georgia. Team members: Makenzie Middlebrooks, Hannah Mock, Asha Pandya, Karina Pandya, Kate Mangual, and Jayla Brown.
Shout Out to FFA Students!
FFA members, Madison Chavous, Olivia Cates, Kelly Cole, and Jillian Butler competed in the region floriculture competition yesterday. They placed 4th against 21 teams in plant identification and plant science general knowledge. They beat every Henry County school in the competition (County Champs!)
Olivia Cates was the 2nd highest scoring individual out of 84 students.
Abby Harkcom placed 4th in the region prepared public speaking competition
We are proud of our FFA students!
Media Center News
Thank you to everyone who supported our online bookfair in November!
November's Book Club selection was New Kid by Jerry Craft.
December Book Club
The Book Club for December will read The Maze Runner by James Dashner. The club will meet during lunch on December 11 (Remote students) and on December 14 (in-person students). Click here to sign up.
READING GOAL FOR 1ST SEMESTER
Don't forget to log what you are reading on your reading log. The goal for 1st semester to read at least 1500 pages and this is due to Ms. Harp by January 8. Click here for a reading log and watch the video to learn about the reading challenge.
Thank you to everyone who supported our online bookfair in November!
Drive Thru Checkout
Drive thru checkout will continue for students who are remote learners. This will be every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Students may reserve a book by filling out this form.
Library books want to come home!
We need all students who are in 7th and 8th grade to return their books from last year so that other students may check them out. Current 6th graders who have books from their elementary school may return them to OMS and we will make sure they get back home. Books can be brought to school or there is a drop box outside the media center door (in the bus lane) for after hours.
The official school day begins at 8:45 a.m. for both on-campus and remote learners. Students arriving in person or logging on after this time will be considered tardy for homeroom.
Please ensure that students have everything they need for the day when arriving to campus. We are unable to receive items dropped off in the front office during the day.
The school day ends at 3:55 for both on-campus and remote learners.
In an effort to protection instructional time check-outs between 3 - 3:55 p.m. are limited to emergencies.
Changes in transportation for on-campus learners must be sent in writing to the main office by 10 a.m. and must include the signature of the enrolling parent. Changes in student transportation cannot be taken over the phone or by email. Any transportation changes sent by fax must include a copy of the photo ID along with the signature of the enrolling parent.
From the Graduation Coach:
Ms. Diane Wright( diane.wright@henry.k12.ga.us)
CDC REPORTS MOST MIDDLE SCHOOLERS DON'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommendations at least 9-12 hours of sleep for children aged 6-12, and 8-10 hours for children aged 13-18. But here's what they found:
Among middle school students, 57.8% reported insufficient sleep, with nearly 12% reporting sleeping fewer than 6 hours a night.
And that nearly 89% or more of teens keep at least one electronic device in their bedroom at night.
Sleep benefits the brain and promotes attention, memory, and analytical thought. Sleep also facilitates expansive thinking that can spur creativity. Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder have routinely been linked to poor sleep and sleep deprivation in teens .Numerous studies have also found that teens who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors .
What can you do:
Budget eight hours of sleep into their daily schedule and keep that same schedule on both weekdays and weekends.
Create a consistent pre-bed routine to help them with relaxation and falling asleep fast.
Avoid caffeine and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Have them put away electronic devices for at least a half-hour before bed and keep them on silent mode to avoid checking them during the night.
Meet the Mustangs
Mrs. T. Anderson
What do you do here? I teach 6th grade math & accelerated math.
Education/colleges/degrees: Bachelors in Middle Grades Education from Georgia College and State University.
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math & Social Studies
Favorite hobbies- Reading, coloring, and playing with my kids.
Favorite quote:- “The expert at anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes
Why I teach- I love seeing the “ah ha” moment when a student understands something for the first time.
Mrs. Mainor
What do you do here? I am the 7th grade counselor.
Education/colleges/degrees:
Bachelor's in Sociology from Georgia College and Master's in School Counseling from Mercer University
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Language Arts and Algebra
Favorite hobbies- I love to read- I have read 75 books already this year! I also love hiking with my family, playing board games, and eating chocolate (is chocolate a hobby? I think it should be).
Favorite quote- "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." -Aristotle
Why I teach-I want students to feel valued, know that they belong, and believe they can succeed. I have the most rewarding relationships with my students and love seeing them learn new skills and achieve their goals. To me, mental health is just as important as academics. We can be successful when we have support from others and strategies to cope with hard things.
Mr. S. Jones
What you do here? I teach 8th grade social studies.
Education/colleges/degrees
Albany State university, Brewton-Parker College, and Thomas University (Degrees: Bachelor's in Business Administration and Master's in Education (Curriculum and instruction))
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Social Studies
Favorite hobbies- Playing on my XBox and watching movies
Favorite quote- "The greatest glory in living lies not in falling, but rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
Why I teach- I love teaching because I love being around students and being a role model. I never though that I could have such an impact on students. This is something that I value highly and take seriously. I want the best for my students and I also give my best to them!
Mr. Holley
What do you do here? I am the band director.
Education/colleges/degrees-Georgia State University, B.Mu. ’15; University of West Georgia M.M. ‘21
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Cooking, Playing piano/organ, Exercising
Favorite quote- “Never take criticism from someone you’d never go to for advice.”
Why I teach- I love music and working with the kids. Sometimes band is the only thing kids look forward to in the school day and I enjoy being a part of that.
Mr. Pace
What do you do here? I am an ESE Case Manager & 8th grade Math teacher
Education/colleges/degrees- Masters of Business Administration, Finance
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- My favorite subject in middle school was science. I love learning about our world!
Favorite hobbies- My favorite hobbies include hiking, traveling, and being outdoors with my family.
Favorite quote- “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
-Dalai Lama
Why I teach- I teach because I see the need for adults to be involved in the lives of young people. Teaching goes beyond academics, and includes nurturing the emotional and social well-being of students as well. It’s about making small differences in the lives of students every day.
Mrs. Snelson
What do you do here? I teach 7th grade math.
Education/colleges/degrees - Bachelor of Arts: Middles grades education – Clayton State University
Masters of Arts: Elementary Education – Piedmont College
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Reading, Swimming, Spending time with family
Favorite quote- Practice makes Permanent
Why I teach-I teach to help students overcome their math phobias! It gives me great joy when I see my students experience their “light bulb” moments. The excitement they show when they “get” the math they thought was hard can not be beat!
Connect with Ola Middle School and be in the know!
Twitter: @OMS_HCS
Website: https://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/oms/domain/5234