OMS Village News

Welcome to the 2nd Semester 2021!

Editor's Note: This school year is one for the history books. Students, staff, and faculty have been challenged to display innovation, perseverance, patience, and gratitude to an extent never before seen. When the 2nd Quarter report cards come out on February 11th, there will unfortunately be a much larger number of D's and F's than in a normal school year - meaning many students are still struggling with today's learning environment. For the first 2021 issue of the OMS Village News, I have asked a few teachers to give some helpful advice on how to succeed in today's hybrid learning model. - TWZ

Ms. Wilkinson’s Tips For Distance Learning

Distance learning is very new to us all. It is a completely different style of learning compared to what we are used to, and we are also dealing with the stress of a global pandemic on top of that. While I can’t do anything about the pandemic, I CAN give you some advice on how to succeed at this new way of learning. The first, and biggest piece of advice, is that your teachers WANT to work with you. We are used to seeing you everyday, and honestly, we miss interacting with you. If you turn on your cameras, and speak to your teachers, we are better able to help you with your assignments. If you do not understand an assignment, just try. If you turn in an assignment, even if it is all wrong, we can help figure out what you don’t understand. If you do not turn ANYTHING in, we can’t help because we do not know where to start.


My second piece of advice is to find a quiet place in your house to work. I know laying in bed during class is tempting, but it is not the best way to be successful. Find somewhere with the least amount of distractions. If you have a lot of people in your house, try going outside. If you are distracted by the Switch in your bedroom, go to the living room (or simply unplug it). There is a reason your teachers have been telling you to put your phone away for years: they are a distraction. If you are playing games while you're in class, then you are not listening to the best of your ability.


Another piece of advice is to keep organized. Find a way that works for you. Personally, I like to write down everything I need to do on post its, then when I complete it, I can throw it away. Some people like to use their planner, and write down their assignment in the calendar. Some people like to make lists on their phones and erase them when they complete it. Any way you choose, the part that is in common is being organized. We have a lot to do for school each day, and it is not possible to remember EVERYTHING, so find a system and write it down.


My last piece of advice is that it is never too late to try. I know it can be intimidating when you see an F, and it makes you want to give up. But don’t! You can still get that grade up. Every assignment can bring up your grade. Also, remember your grade restarts each 9 weeks. There is always a way, as long as you try!


Washing Your Hands: A Strategy Guide

By Dr. Abner Mality

Despite repeated guidance from Principal Morales and the Administrative team, many students still struggle with the concept of prehensile hygiene. The following tips should help everyone obliterate the viral microorganisms that have overtaken our world and shut down the movie theaters.


Tip 1: Your hands are those things at the bottom of your arms with those noodly doodads we call fingers (although math teachers refer to them as digits.)


Tip 2: When it comes to washing your hands, it doesn’t matter whether you’re right-handed or left-handed, although left-handed people die earlier, so choose wisely.


Tip 3: Washing your hands with hot water is best for killing germs, although it also causes shrinkage, fading, and wrinkles. Read the label.


Tip 4: You should wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” If you don’t know that song, Schubert’s String Quartet in E-flat Major (D. 89 Scherzo) will also do nicely.


Tip 5: When to wash your hands:

  1. Before eating

  2. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

  3. After an Algebra test

  4. During that boring class when you’re hiding in the bathroom for 20 minutes


So you see? It’s easy! If we all wash our hands more often, wear masks in public, and stay away from every other being on the planet, this pandemic will all be over by 2035.

Making a Long Distance Relationship Work

By Mrs. Hanley

Long distance relationships can be a challenge. I am not talking about the Hallmark movie themes. Let’s talk about virtual learning. Successful academic strategies should not be defined as “in person” or “virtual only.” They can work in both worlds.


  • Be an active learner - take notes for your benefit (not just because the teacher says to).

  • Participate in class (answer or ask questions in the chat box).

  • Review the notes in the evening or the next day, using highlighters to emphasize key points (doodling with a purpose)

  • If the notes do not make sense, watch the recorded lesson.

  • If you miss class, watch the recorded lesson that night to avoid falling behind.

  • Take advantage of tutoring but be active and engaged!

  • Submit assignments on time.

  • Plan - look at the week ahead to manage homework, projects and study time. Use a calendar (even a digital one)

  • Quality study time, not quantity. Work the problems, create flash cards, partner with a study buddy and quiz each other.

  • Always reach out to your teachers! We miss hearing from you!


Let’s make this a successful long distance relationship for the second semester.

Going to School During a Pandemic By Mr. Wellman

Wow, I never imagined something of this magnitude would rock the world, causing so many of the things we all do, change so dramatically. Last March 13th we left the school and many of you have yet to come back to campus. Online learning has been a learning experience of its own. I am sure you have not thought about the tremendous efforts your teachers have put forth, learning how to teach online. Yes, we had to figure out how to do this and in fact many, like me, are old dudes who thought online meant something hanging out to dry!

However, I have learned a few things along the way. I can now put together a slide presentation, use pear deck, make a quiz on Quizziz, etc… Guess, what? I think this is a cool way to learn. The unfortunate thing about online is that your success or not is dependent on YOU. When you’re in my class, I can badger you to do work but those who are at home can just not answer or drown me out with the latest Taylor Swift album. No?? The simple fact is you have to WANT to do well you can. Remain lucent of one fact, you are studying for you and only you. Mom, Dad and teachers may want you to do better but it is solely up to you.

Here are my suggestions for online learning. Like Nike says “Just Do It”. Completing daily classwork is key. Teachers are (should) be giving work that can be done in class or classes, without the need for homework. If you don’t like typing, ask your teacher if you can write and send in a picture. Participate in any discussion, let the teacher know you are awake and listening. Don’t lay in bed or on the couch when you are in a class, you will fall asleep. I would! Leave you phone across the room or at least on silent. Your friends do not have anything to tell you that cannot wait till the class is over. If all else fails, come back to campus.


Students! We want to hear from YOU!

The OMS Village News is YOUR newspaper - a place where your voices can be heard. You do NOT need to be in a Journalism class to submit articles, editorials, cartoons, etc. If you have something to say, send it to the Editor in Chief at thomas.zack@palmbeachschools.org.