November 2020
A Letter from Mrs. Anderson, Principal of Ola Middle School:
Dear OMS Parents,
We are finishing our 5th week of our hybrid school learning. Over the last five weeks, we have learned a great deal about how to effectively teach and engage both in person and remote learners at the same time. We realize that the school year has presented many challenges beyond just health and safety concerns. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure learning at the highest level possible for our students both in person and remotely.
As we are quickly approaching the midpoint of the second grading period we ask for your help and support in ensuring the success of our students. Please take a moment to read through a few reminders.
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
Basketball and Wrestling begin- November 2
Teacher Workday- November 3
Chorus Mattress Fundraiser- Saturday, Nov 8 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Picture Day - November 9
Virtual Book Fair- November 9-22
End of 4 1/2 weeks- November 11
4 ½ weeks Progress reports go home - November 23
Thanksgiving Break- November 23-27
PTO Update
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.
November Thankful Event Due by 11/6/2020
National Gratitude Month is an annual designation observed in November. Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” Gratitude's amazing powers have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. Please help us show our appreciation to our OMS staff by helping us purchase $5 gift cards for them.
Remote Learning Update
Google has accessibility tools to assist students with disabilities. There are accessibility tools for those who are low vision, blind, deaf or hard of hearing, or have limited motor skills, difficulty focusing, or dyslexia. This link will take you to resources to support these students.
OMS Schedule
Support the OMS and OHS Chorus Classes
with our Mattress Fundraiser!
Are you or someone you know looking to replace a bed in your home? Now is the time. The OHS/OMS Choruses are excited to be hosting a one-day Mattress Fundraiser on November 8th, from 10:00AM - 5:00PM at the Gallery at Hood St. There will be over 25 beds on display for customers to try. The brand name mattresses are made to order, have full factory warranties, are available in all sizes, and are priced below retail. In addition to beds, there will also be luxury pillows and sheets and even adjustable power bases! Delivery and financing is available.
COVID-19 precautions will be in place and social distancing will be observed.
COUNSELING CORNER
FREE YOUR FEELS
Key Messages to Remember:
Talking about your worries can make them seem not as big.
There is no shame in talking about your feelings or seeking help.
Listening judgment-free is key to showing a teen that it is safe to talk about their feelings.
It's important for parents/caregivers to know the signs that a young person is struggling emotionally and have the tools to help, or know where to turn to get that help.
Students deal with some pretty heavy stuff. Ask them to share their feelings with you.
Need resources to do that? Go to www.freeyourfeels.org
Need immediate help? Call 1-800-715-4225 to talk to a mental health professional and download the MyGCAL app for your teen to use.
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.
Red Ribbon Week
A huge congratulations goes to our Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners! You all submitted amazing work and did a great job celebrating National Drug-Free Week!
Alura Jabiru (6th grade)
Penelope Peterson (6th grade)
Kailani Chiszle (8th grade)
See the link below to view our student masterpieces! https://padlet.com/melaniemainor/redribbonweek
We also hosted a virtual parent informational session, sponsored by CVS Pharmacy to further promote awareness related to prescription misuse and abuse among youth. Parents were able to learn current information, hear real-life stories, and get answers to questions! Please review the following information presented by CVS Health:
At CVS Health, our purpose is helping people on their path to better health and I would like to take a moment to talk to you about prescription drug misuse, now considered a national epidemic. One in four teens have misused prescription drugs once in their lifetime, with most getting them from a family’s medicine cabinet. Children who learn about the risks of drugs from their parents, however, are up to 50% less likely to misuse or abuse drugs.
If you were unable to join the presentation on 10/29/2020, please consider accessing the recording below at your convenience:
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!
Student Panel Discussion #3 OPERATION: Communication
Our amazing 7th & 8th grade Student Mentors led a panel discussion to help students with communicating effectively with their Teachers!
Academy of Advanced Studies (AAS) 2021-2022
ATTENTION 8th grade parents/guardians, the Academy of Advanced Studies (AAS) will have it's 1st event on Thursday, November 19th from 4:00pm-6:00pm (with future events occurring in January). All events will be virtual. Please see attached flyer for more information about AAS 2021-2022.
Athletic Department Update
Basketball & Wrestling Season
Girls and boys basketball and wrestling will start Nov 2nd. we are limiting 3 guest per athlete.
Our concession stand will be up and running cashless.
Please have an updated physical uploaded into DRAGON FLY MAX.
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!
Congratulations to our UNDEFEATED, Self-proclaimed county softball champs! Way to go Coaches and players!
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Football Team! The team is undefeated and will play their final season game here Wednesday evening!
Remote Students- New Kid book club meets Nov.5 @ 11:45 a.m.- on Google Meet.
In-person students- will meet Nov. 6 @ 11:45 a.m.
Media Center News
November Book Fair
Our virtual book fair is coming soon- from Nov 9-22. Check out all the newest books, shop for holiday gifts, all while helping our media center.
Here is the link to shop at our VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR.
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)
Managing Your Student’s Test Anxiety:
Here are four tips parents can give their kids to calm their nerves on test day. Once kids build up their confidence, they'll be better able to control their anxiety on future tests:
Sleep: Make sure they get plenty
According to the National Sleep Foundation, middle school students need 10-11 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep is not just important for our overall good health, but it can also improve our ability to focus and retain facts.
Brain Food
Students have trouble concentrating on an empty stomach, and junk food causes sugar spikes. Encourage your student to eat healthy snacks. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge every day to every student. Have your student take advantage of starting the school day on a full stomach.
Prepare
When your student knows the date of the test or quiz, he or she can be ready in advance. Encourage your student to write all assignments in an agenda to help stay organized. Cramming for a test only increases your child’s anxiety. Instead, prepare for each test by adding test prep time into their daily study time.
Past Successes
Remind your student of past successes. Times they worried about a science test but ended up getting a great grade. Or when they worried about failing and yet did really well. Any conquering memories work, even if they are not school related. These memories simply need to reflect a time a child doubted their success and then prevailed.
Meet the Mustangs
Mrs. Velez
What do you do here? I teach 8th-grade math
Education/colleges/degrees: Bachelors in Middle Grades Education from Clayton State College, Masters in Instructional Technology from West Georgia
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Traveling and spending time with my family
Favorite quote:- You got this.
Why I teach- I love helping students.
Mrs. McDaniel
What do you do here? I am the Instructional Technology Para. It is my job to assist students with their Chromebook issues.
Education/colleges/degrees:
I graduated from Stockbridge High School and attended Clayton State. I have worked off and on as a substitute teacher here in Henry County since 2008 and have learned the majority of my technology skills from various jobs.
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Art
Favorite hobbies- My interests are scrapbooking, book folding, and any kinds of crafts—especially doing it with kids!
Favorite quote- It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it’s what you leave behind you when you go.” Randy Travis
Why I teach-I love working with kids of all ages. My house was always the “kool-aid house” where all the kids loved to hang out. Combining my love for technology and students makes my job all the more satisfying.
Mrs. McDonald
What you do here? I teach math on team 801. I am also an Academic Bowl and Beta Club Sponsor and Assistant Track Coach
Education/colleges/degrees
Georgia Southern University (Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Accomplished Teaching)
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Reading, hanging out with my friends and family, and watching The Ohio State Buckeyes
Favorite quote- If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your Math teacher told you to the first time!
Why I teach- I teach because I want students to know that they will always have me in their corner. Years after they leave my classroom, I’ll still be around if they ever need anything. I want to help students realize they really can learn and do math, even though many think they can’t.
Mr. Crumbley
What do you do here? I teach 7th Grade Science
Education/colleges/degrees-Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education: Science and Social Studies, Master’s in Science Education, Specialist’s in Instructional Technology (Fall 2020)
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Teaching, Learning, and Loving Every Day. Reading and telling jokes.
Favorite quote- Start every morning with a cup of positiviTEA”
Why I teach- One reason I teach is that at an early elementary age I fell in love with breakfast pizza provided in the school cafeteria. My love of cafeteria food continued to grow as I grew up, and I continue to need the school’s food in my life.
Mrs. Wright
What do you do here? I am the Graduation Coach
Education/colleges/degrees- California State University, Long Beach. Marketing &Finance Major
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- I loved Language Arts and writing; I wanted to be a journalist back then.
Favorite hobbies- Boating on the lake with my family and cooking traditional Italian meals
Favorite quote- The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s what you’re made of. Not the circumstances.” – Unknown
Why I teach- I enjoy helping students and parents overcome obstacles that prevent them having a positive experience in middle school. It’s important to me to develop the school-student-parent relationship which will ensure their academic, emotional and social success. I feel like I’m every student’s 2nd “mom”.
Mrs. Jackson
What do you do here? I am a Para SID/PID
Education/colleges/degrees - Associates Administrative Medical Assistant/Business Management
Favorite subject when you were in middle school- Math
Favorite hobbies- Making Crafts
Favorite quote- Everything Happens for A Reason
Why I teach- I really enjoy helping kids and seeing them grow and develop what they have learned.
Connect with Ola Middle School and be in the know!
Twitter: @OMS_HCS
Website: https://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/oms/domain/5234