January
2021
A Letter from Mrs. Anderson, Principal of Ola Middle School:
Dear Ola Middle School Parents,
IIt is exciting to know that the 20-21 school year second semester is about to begin. As we are getting closer to the first day of the second semester, it is essential to revisit school schedules, procedures, expectations, and additional information that will enable all parents to assist their children in this transitional time.
First and foremost, we want our community to know that we want to have our students back in our building for on-campus learning as soon as it is safe to have them return. As communicated by our superintendent on Monday, January 4, 2021, we will transition to a remote learning model for ALL students for the two weeks between January 11 and 22. We believe in the guidance and direction of our Superintendent and the Board of Education. They assess and reassess weekly, daily, and hourly to maintain up-to-date information necessary to determine what is best for all Henry County Schools' stakeholders.
As we prepare for this two-week temporary shift, it is essential to share that our focus remains on ensuring effective instruction every day for every student. Know that our leadership team and OMS staff will do everything that we can to make remote learning work for our students and families while revisiting and planning for re-opening of on-campus learning starting January 25th, when it is safe.
Our current school-level plan for Ola Middle School represents where we are today based on current information:
· We will remain with an 8:45 a.m. – 3:55 p.m. school day schedule.
· We have added 5 minutes to the start of our classes, lessening the time between classes from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. The schedule can be accessed using this link ( 2nd Semester Schedule ).
Please ensure that students are logging on to google meet at the official start time for each class.
· We are shifting to an ongoing daily rotation for our A/B days. Please see the attached link ( A/B Rotation ) with the daily A/B days mapped out for our students.
· Attendance will be taken during the first 10 minutes of each class, starting with homeroom daily.
· It is the expectation that students remain engaged in learning and working during the entire instructional block.
· The lunch block will remain an hour long.
· Meal Pick-up will continue to take place on Wednesdays. Please see our website for more information.
Our students, staff, families, and schools remain the heart and soul of our community. We love and miss working day to day with our students and families. We know that we play a crucial and essential role in our community's health, safety, and stability. Ultimately, we want what is best for everyone.
You are not in this alone. We are not in this alone. Together we will get through this.
Christine Anderson, Principal and The Ola Middle School Administrative Team
Parent Virtual Workshop.docx
HCS Strategic Plan - Adopted July 2020
Keeping Henry Healthy
Click here for helpful guidance on "How to screen your child for COVID-19 Symptoms".
Upcoming Events
January 11- First day of 2nd semester
January 12 from 6-7 p.m.- Virtual Learning PARENT Workshop (click here to sign up)
January 13 from 11:30-12:30 p.m.- Virtual Learning PARENT workshop (click here to sign up)
January 11-January 22- All classes will be remote
January 13- School Meal Distribution 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (must register)
January 18- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No school)
January 20- School Meal Distribution 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. (must register)
January 25- Return to optional in-person learning at OMS/ remote learning continues
09-4 SNP Flyer #3.pdf
PTO Update
Thanks to everyone who donated to the December teacher event. The teachers were very appreciative of this kindness and we showed our support.
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
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!!
GAT Shield for Parents.pdfGATShield allows parents and guardians to view the student's online activity, see what sites they have visited, and much more. Please see the document below to monitor what your child is viewing on his/her Chromebook.
YOUR PHOTOS ARE READY!
Good news! JostensPIX was recently at your school to photograph picture day,
and your student's photos are now available for viewing and ordering!
Click on the button below to get started.
PHOTOS NOT APPEARING IN YOUR GALLERY?
FIND YOUR STUDENT USING EVENT CODE: FE54920
DID YOU KNOW?
- You can personalize your photos with a variety of backgrounds and
text - Photos are shipped directly to your home
- High-res digital downloads are available
- If you have more than one child, you can order together and pay
once
ESE Remote Support Flyer 1.6.2021.pdfSupport for ESE parents! The ESE Department is offering remote learning support to parents and teachers. Click on the flyer for more information.
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!
Dual Enrollment Night
Henry County Schools will host the annual Dual Enrollment Informational Night virtually on January 26, 2021. There will be two sessions that families can choose to attend 5:00-6:00 pm OR 6:30-7:30 pm. All students in grades 8 through 11, and their parents/guardians, are welcome to attend one of the sessions designed to give detailed information pertaining to earning college credit while still in high school. Post-secondary education partners such as Clayton State University, Georgia State University, Southern Crescent Technical College, Gordon State College, Georgia Military College, along with Georgia Student Finance Commission and Georgia Department of Education will be present to provide information as well. Don’t miss out on this event!
Families must register for only one time listed below, if they are interesting in learning about Dual Enrollment. After registering for the event, the link for the event will be sent to the registrant’s email.
Please email Dr. Chon Hester, if you have any questions: rhester@henry.k12.ga.us
Link for registering for the 5pm meeting: https://henry-k12-ga-us.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K_EeV8NVRGqSLfLWfGlX6g
OR
Link for registering for the 6:30pm meeting: https://henry-k12-ga-us.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aMVqCDn5Q7K62FPFfQWpag
OMS Choir 2.movChorus Concert Video- Great job Ms. Harvil and Chorus Students!
Athletic Department Update
County Champs
Congratulations to our Softball Team for winning first place in Henry County!
Basketball & Wrestling Season
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.
Yearbook Info
Yearbook order quantity has been reduced! To be sure you do not lose the chance to order this year’s book, you need to order ASAP online at www.jostens.com 8th grade ads are also available on this site. Books may only be ordered online this year, as we cannot complete orders here at school. Please email Coach Fowler at bfowler@henry.k12.ga.us if you have any questions,
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS:
Jan 18th is the cutoff for 8th grade AD sales. Please visit www.jostens.com to order your yearbook and get your ad in before the deadline. Unfortunately, we can’t sell ads here at school this year, so if you want an ad for your 8th grader it will need to be done at the Jostens site by the 18th!
Please send any questions to Coach Fowler at bfowler@henry.k12.ga.us
Shout Outs!
Shout out to our Softball team for winning first place in Henry County!
Media Center News
December's Book Club selection was The Maze Runner by James Dashner.
January Book Club
The Book Club for January will read Don't Tell the Nazis by Marsha Skrypuch. The club will meet during lunch in late January or early February. 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 15. Click here for a reading log
Congratulations to our 2019-2020 Readers of the Year:
OMS 8th (now OHS 9th) grader Jordyn Murray
RSE 5th graders (now OMS 6th) :
Amarie Brady, Andrew Tyson, Reilly Stephens, Maisie Davis
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.
From the Graduation Coach:
Ms. Diane Wright( diane.wright@henry.k12.ga.us)
How Do I Organize My Student?
It's never too late to get your student organized. If time is not planned for homework and studying in advance , it will often become an overwhelming task. Here's some tips on organizing your student as the 2nd semester starts:
Clean out 1st semester binders and folders and rubber band them together. Keep them at home.
Have extra supplies such as pencils, paper, post-it notes, folders, and binders.
Print out or digitally download the agenda below for your student. Have them keep track of assignments, tests, and project due dates .
Be organized yourself. Know your student's teacher's email addresses and how to view Infinite Campus for due dates and missing assignments.
Meet the Mustangs
Mr. Devane
What do you do here? I teach 6th grade social studies.
Education/colleges/degrees:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Potsdam College in New York, and a Master’s and Specialist’s Degree in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia.
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- My favorite subjects in Middle School were social studies and science due to the teachers I had.
Favorite hobbies- Music and exercise
Favorite quote:- “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary”.
Why I teach- I love teaching because teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin. I teach because I love to learn, and teaching requires that I learn my subject thoroughly. If I am successful, I allow others to get interested in the subject as well.
Mr. Albaugh
What do you do here? I teach 7th grade math.
Education/colleges/degrees: Bachelors from Ashland University and Masters in Math from Thomas University
Favorite subject when you were in middle school-
Math, since Lunch wouldn't be considered a subject.
Favorite hobbies-
Wrestling in college, following sports (Go Browns and Red Sox!)
Favorite quote-" Do not wish for it, work for it."
Why I teach- I enjoy watching students achieve their goals, whether difficult or not, and the excitement when they reach them.
Ms. Delk
What you do here? I teach math.
Education/colleges/degrees
Bachelor of Arts from Clayton State College.
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Spending time with family, painting, walking/jogging, hiking, reading the Holy Bible
Favorite quote-
"I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me"- Paul the Apostle
Why I teach- I teach to serve others.
Ms. Craft
What do you do here? I am the theater arts teacher.
Education/colleges/degrees-Bachelors in Middle Grades Education, Masters in Elementary Reading and Math
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Theater Arts
Favorite hobbies- Reading and boating
Favorite quote- All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
Why I teach- For my students
Ms. Reed
What do you do here? I am a 6th grade school counselor.
Education/colleges/degrees- Bachelors degree in Psychology, Masters and Specialist degrees in School Counseling from Georgia State University.
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Mathematics
Favorite hobbies- Dancing, swimming, music, arts & crafts
Favorite quote- "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why I teach- I love being part of students learning life skills that will help them to succeed and be a positive influence to those they enounter! I also enjoy exposing students to new concepts that encourage them to dream bigger and set higher goals!
Ms. Elliott
What do you do here? I teach 8th grade language arts.
Education/colleges/degrees - Bachelor's Degree in English with a minor in Writing from Georgia Southern University #GoEagles
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Language arts and PE
Favorite hobbies- Remodeling our home, playing volleyball, hiking with my 2 dogs, and traveling to new places.
Favorite quote- Don't stop trying until you're proud.
Why I teach- My goal is to make Language Arts as interactive as possible- to end the cycle of staying in a desk and just reading and writing. I enjoy getting to watch my students become creative, imaginative, and expressive through the work they do in my classroom. I want to prepare my students for the reality of life beyond middle and high school while having a little but of fun!
Connect with Ola Middle School and be in the know!
Twitter: @OMS_HCS
Website: https://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/oms/domain/5234