September 15, 2023
Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),
It’s been a great first couple of weeks of school. This week we enjoyed Back to School Night. I want to thank our amazing teachers for a great evening and our custodial staff for preparing the building and grounds. They look better than ever. I also want to thank our 8th grade student volunteers who not only guided parents to classes that evening but also provided tips and advice for middle school parents.
Middle school is a challenging time in our children’s lives. They change more than any other time in their lives minus years 0-3. It’s helpful to listen to the perspectives of our kids. I also referenced the book at Back to School Night, The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure which speaks to some of the points our kids were making Wednesday evening. In this book, the authors talk to some important tips that can help all of us navigate middle school and beyond.
“When we overprotect children, we harm them. Children are naturally anti fragile, so overprotection makes them weaker and less resilient later on."
“Compared with previous generations, younger Millennials and especially members of iGen (born in and after 1995) have been deprived of unsupervised time for play and exploration. They have missed out on many of the challenges, negative experiences, and minor risks that help children develop into strong, competent, and independent adults."
Please remember that while change is hard and our kids will experience challenges and negative experiences during this age, it’s important to remember that this is natural and helps them grow into the adults we want them to be: strong, competent, and independent.
We have a caring community of teachers and staff here at OTS that are committed to helping our students grow into the people we want them to become academically, socially, and emotionally.
With that being said, let’s have a great year! See my reminders below and have a nice weekend.
Dr. Mitchell
September 18 - Peer Leadership Applications Due (8th grade only)
September 19 - Hunterdon County Vocational School District presentation at OTS for 7th and 8th graders during the day
September 25 - School Closed for Yom Kippur
August 23, 2023
Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),
I would like to officially welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year! We have made some nice improvements to our school particularly, our new courtyard, as well as new signage out front. Please see here:We look forward to the new year and can't wait to meet and see your children August 30!
Below is information to help you and your child get ready for school such as drop off and pick up procedures, bus transportation, lunches, teacher assignments, etc..
On the first day of school, assigned teachers will meet students arriving by bus and car and guide them into the building and to their Homeroom/Advisory. Please do not accompany your child into school on the first day of school.
Your children receive the best education when you and our dedicated teachers work as a team. The staff and I are looking forward to forming a strong educational partnership with you and your family during the 2023-2024 school year. We value your enthusiasm, support, and involvement. Thank you in advance for helping us make this a great year and we look forward to seeing your children on August 30. Thank you.
Dr. Mitchell