ORMS

ORMS Update 12/16

2011-12-16T14:16:00.001-05:00

ORMS Weekly Update

There is a 7^th and 8^th grade dance tonight from 6:30-8:30! This was organized at the last minute by a group of eighth grade students that wanted to raise funds for the holiday helping hands project. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Richard will both be present for the fun.

Bridge Club meets in the library today from 2:30-4:00.

ORMS has early dismissal on Friday 12/23 at 12:15.

Have an issue with Powerschool? Contact Laurie Gaylord in the front office to reset your password. lgaylord@orcsd.org

Chess Club Update:

Chess club will resume on January 30th.

Recently 5 club members attended a Scholastic Chess Tournament in Epping NH. For some it was their first tournament and we are very excited that they attended. Ethan MacGregor tied for 2nd place; receiving a 3rd place trophy, Connor McLaughlin took 1st place in Intermediate. Michael Pigott, Eric Shi and Sam Johnson won some of their 4 games. Go Oyster River Chess Society! At our last club meeting we celebrated the tournament with a Pizza Party.

Armida Geiger 868-7156

Check out the video of the 8^th grade odyssey team and their Sea Perch project. This was a collaborative effort with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, UNH and the odyssey team. The renaissance team will be doing the same project 2^nd quarter.

http://vimeo.com/33591745

Question or a concern?! Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

PTO Information:

You won't want to miss it!

The Pressured Child: How to Help your Child find Success in School and Life

Presented by:

Dr. Michael Thompson

Consultant, author and psychologist specializing in children and families. He is the co-author of t the New York Times bestseller Raising Cain. Dr. Thompson has visited over 500 schools both in the US and abroad.

Where: ORHS Auditorium

When: Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM

Hosted by: Mast Way PTO, Moharimet PTO, ORMS PTO, ORHS PTO, The Alliance for Better Childcare, Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers

All are welcome!

www.michaelthompson-phd.com

ORMS Book Fair Times

2011-11-28T20:43:00.000-05:00

ORMS Book Fair times (Located in the MPR room):

Wednesday, November 30^rd 8 am - 3 pm

Thursday, December 1^st 8 am - 8 pm

(Family Night from 4 - 8pm, featuring door prizes and a 10% discount on books)

Friday, December 2^nd 8 am- 12:30 pm

ORMS Holiday Bazaar and Book Fair Thursday 12/1

2011-11-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

ORMS Holiday Bazaar and Holiday Book Fair 2011 is this Thursday!

Shop for one-of-a-kind gift-giving, cool stocking stuffers, decorate your wreath and have a bowl of your favorite chili or soup!

Check us out on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ORMSHolidayBazaar

Volunteers are still needed to assist in serving chili and baked goods at the holiday bazaar.
If you are willing to volunteer an hour or two between 6 and 8pm, please contact Kim Mosher at kwmosher@comcast.net ASAP – thanks!

ORMS Weekly Update 11/21

2011-11-28T08:21:00.000-05:00

ORMS Weekly Update

ORMS students have early dismissal on Wednesday 11/23 at 12:15pm for the Thanksgiving Recess.

Student directories are on sale in the cafeteria for the last day tomorrow during lunch for $2.00 (Tuesday, November 22).

Upcoming meeting dates for Chess Club are: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 4/9.

Meet in the Art room after school and dismissed for the late bus at 3:55.

The Oyster River Middle School Boys Hockey Team has kicked off its inaugural season! Come cheer for the team as they take on Londonderry at their first home game this Sunday 11/27 @7:15pm at UNH’s Whittemore Center! The admission is free and the ice is cold…but the action is HOT!

NEW ORHS EQUESTRIAN TEAM SEEKS ORMS SPIRIT MEMBERS

New Hampshire High School Equestrian Teams (NHHSET) is dedicated to promoting and organizing equestrian competition in high school athletic or activity programs. NHHSET competition is a winter/spring school sport. The season begins in December and ends with the State Championship in May. Students compete at district meets in walk-trot, walk-trot-canter, team classes and in-hand classes. Classes are offered in English, western, dressage, jumping, driving, trail and timed-games on horseback.

"Spirit" membership is open to any 6th through 12th grader with an interest in horses to assist with grooming and show preparation. The ORHS Equestrian Team will be coached by the owners of Linden Woods Farm in Durham and Mockingbird Farm in Lee. The next team meeting will be held Nov. 21, 2011 at 7pm at ORHS. Registration for membership is open until Dec. 31, 2012. Please contact Theresa Walker, theresawalker@comcast.net 603-534-3913 for more information.

Want to learn how to play Bridge? Have you read Louis Sachar's book, The Cardturner and want to find out more about the game? The Bridge club is open to all students in all grades. It will meet in the school library on Fridays after school.

Bridge is not just a card game. It is a team sport that anyone can play and

enjoy, regardless of their experience or age. Bridge builds skills in

strategy, math, partnership cooperation and memory. You can win awards and even college scholarships, but most of all, it is FUN! Come on Friday December 9 and give it a try. The meeting will start at 2:45 and continue until 4:45, with a break in the middle for refreshments. Remember, there is no late bus on Friday.

If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet outside Mr. Montgomery's classroom. If you have questions, you can contact Lisa Allison lisamallison@myfairpoint.net or Mary Caulfield.

Question or a concern?! Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

PTO Information:

UPDATE: ORMS Holiday Bazaar 2011- Shop, snack and feel good about saving gas and supporting your local communities!

**We are adding a wreath decorating craft table** That’s right, once you buy your wreath from our very own Kids Who Care, you can head over to the wreath decorating table where you will find pine cones, rosehips, red berries, and a variety of other greens to embellish your wreath!

WHY is the Holiday Bazaar important to the Middle School?

Not only are these businesses donating their time to this event – they are supporting our PTO with their fee for table space! Our PTO made over $1200 last year to support our programs. On December 1, it is time for us to thank these vendors for their support by doing a little holiday shopping. Guaranteed, you will not find a shopping plaza anywhere like what you’ll find at the Middle School Bazaar – local hand-made gorgeous wool felted ornaments, local hand-made beaded jewelry; NH maple syrup and treats like maple cotton candy, all natural local home-made dog treats (our pups enjoy holiday gifts, too!), NH Coast rain barrels for your green gardeners (Spring will come), locally made organic skin care to get us through the dry winter season, hand-made local goat’s milk soaps, cheeses and fudge, hand-made wool mittens and slippers (from recycled wool sweaters!), quality yarn from local farms, hand-made birdhouses from gourds grown on the farm…AND many more great gift-giving and stocking stuffer ideas – all here on December 1!

Check out pictures on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ORMSHolidayBazaar

Thanks to all those who attended the MS PTO meeting on Tuesday night. We are looking for ideas for guest speakers, please contact Felicia Sperry with your suggestions, cfga-sperry@comcast.net. Attached you will find the PTO minutes from this past meeting.

Student directories are in! They will be on sale during lunch for $2.00 until Tuesday, November 22.

HOLIDAY BOOKFAIR

The ORMS bookfair will be held in the Multipurpose Room

Wednesday, November 30 - Friday, December 2.

There will be a wide selection of reasonably-priced Scholastic books available, as well as

a limited selection of used chapter books for middle school readers.

Students will have the opportunity to visit the fair with their class, but families are also encouraged to attend, particularly during after-school hours.

It's a great opportunity for holiday shopping!

Wednesday, November 30^rd 8 am - 3 pm

Thursday, December 1^st 8 am - 8 pm

(Family Night from 4 - 8pm, featuring door prizes and a 10% discount on books)

Thursday, December 2^nd 8 am- 12:30 pm

Volunteers are needed to assist in staffing the fair.

If you are willing to volunteer a couple of hours of your time, please contact Michelle Short at theshorts@comcast.net by Friday, November 18.

We are also seeking donations of gently used chapter books that are appropriate to a middle school audience - please, no textbooks, reference books, etc.

Time to clean off those shelves and share those books you enjoyed with others and make room for new exciting titles.

Donated books can be dropped off in the box in the front office between Wednesday, November 16th and Tuesday, November 22nd.

ORMS Weekly Update 11/4/11

2011-11-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

Youth Night Out Tonight 6:30-8:30

No School Friday 11/11/11 Veterans Day

DRAMA Club Update

Thank you to the nearly 90 students who auditioned for this year’s production of Unwrapped, you made choosing the 30 actors from this very talented pool extremely difficult! We have posted a cast list on the bulletin board outside of room 112 and will be adding it to our Moodle page as well. For rehearsal and production information, please visit our Moodle page.

For those students interested in working on “tech” (scenery, lighting, etc) please see Ms. Douglass or Ms. Widelski by the end of next week.

Lights, camera, action….

Ms. Douglass & Ms. Widelski

Empowerment 101” An 8^th Grade Girl’s Discussion Group will meet at lunch on the following three Mondays: Nov 7^th, Nov. 14^th, Nov. 21^st. This group will be led by a UNH Senior Nursing Student in conjunction with the counselor and school nurse.

Question or a concern? Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

PTO Information:

Are you wondering or concerned about Facebook, tweeting, texting, the internet and your child? Are you concerned about what can happen and what you can do to be sure your child is safe as the surf the web or talk to their friends on line? On Tuesday, November 8th at 6:30pm in the school library, the PTO is sponsoring a seminar on internet safety. Corey MacDonald will be the guest speaker. Corey is the Commander of the NH internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He is a lawyer, educated at Harvard and currently the chief of detectives for the city of Portsmouth. Corey will give a dynamic presentation filled with valuable information for parents of middle school students on how to monitor, protect and teach your child in regard to safety on the internet. You don't want to miss this presentation. All are welcome!

TONIGHT !!!Youth Night Out –November 4th from 6:30-8:30pm admission $3.00 Pizza for sale. All 5th-8th graders are welcome, games, music and time to hang out with your friends. Parent Volunteers can email Janet Perkins –jperkins@gwhc.com or Laura Rothstein-laura&Jamie@comcast.net.

ORMS Ski Club
Parents are encouraged to volunteer, plenty of opportunities on and off the slopes. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Anne Eiseman, Janet & Al Howland or Julie Reece atormsski@gmail.com. Lessons and rentals are available.

HOLIDAY BOOKFAIR

The ORMS bookfair will be held in the Multipurpose Room Wednesday, November 30^th - Friday, December 2^nd.

There will be a wide selection of reasonably-priced Scholastic books available, as well as a limited selection of used chapter books. Volunteers are needed to assist in staffing the fair.

If you are willing to volunteer a couple of hours of your time, please contact Michelle Short at theshorts@comcast.net by Friday, November 18^th. We are also seeking donations of gently used chapter books

that are appropriate to a middle school audience - please, no textbooks, reference books, etc. Time to clean off those shelves and share those books you enjoyed with others and make room for new exciting titles. Donated books can be dropped off in the box in the front office between Wednesday, November 16^th and Tuesday, November 22^nd.

Next PTO meeting: Tuesday, November 15th, 6:45pm in the library.

PTO Fundraising:

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Yes ORMS collects Box Tops! Please continue to clip your Box Tops and drop them off in the collection box located in the ORMS office. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents so the potential earnings for the school could be significant if all students participate.

TARGET’S TAKE CHARGE OF EDUCATION

Target will donate to ORMS up to 1% of your Target purchases when you use their REDcard. Visit www.target.com/tcoe to designate ORMS if you already have a card or to enroll for a new REDcard. Another added bonus - now the REDcard saves you 5% on EVERY Target shopping trip in stores and online.

HANNAFORD HELPS SCHOOLS

Purchase participating products. Earn money for ORMS. It's that simple!

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase 4 participating products at any Hannaford location now through December 3, 2011 to earn a $3 Certificate

2. Certificate will print out at the register after your receipt

3. Either deposit Certificate into the ORMS slot of the collection tower (located only at the Grapevine Drive store in Dover) or submit them to the ORMS Office by December 16, 2011

4. **Every store will grant an additional $1,000 to the school in their area that earns the most money**

Tips:

· Look for Hannaford Helps Schools shelf tags throughout the store to help find the participating products

· Or go to Hannaford.com/hhs for a list of the more than 700 participating products

· Grandparents, relatives or friends can help by shopping at their local Hannaford and sending their Certificates to you

· Do not deposit receipts

· See attached Hannaford flyer for more information

** OUR GOAL – TO WIN THE ADDITIONAL $1,000! - Last year, ORMS earned $183 while the Dover Middle School earned the most money of $620 and won the additional $1,000. Can ORMS win it this year? Yes we can - but we need your help. So get your carts rolling and start shopping!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL!!

As allows, any concerns, suggestions or questions about the PTO or any of our activities, please do not hesitate to contact Felicia Sperry at cfga-sperry@comcast.net

ORMS Weekly Update 10/7/11

2011-10-07T16:11:00.000-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

ORMS NECAP Dates:

October 10-12, 2011 (all grade levels)

October 13, 2011 (Grades 5& 8 only)

Club Information:

The next video club meeting will be Wednesday Oct. 26^th

General Information and Team News:

Grade 5

Homa taka wasi! The 5^th Grade had its annual Naming Ceremony on Friday. Students enjoyed a beautiful day at Wagon Hill Park, learned of the Native American tradition of the Totem (a spiritual guide), and discovered both their own totems as well as the totem of their 5^th grade team. The team of Ms. Malerba and Mr. Sadana are no longer Antelopes. They are now the Mountain Lions. Mr. Hall and Ms. Marshall’ s team is no longer Otters, but have grown into the Elephants. The team formally known as the Bears (Mr. Montgomery, Ms. Stacy and Ms. Pelletier) will now be guided by the Buffalo! As each team heard their new totem being called, they were welcomed with the traditional words of welcome - Homa taka wasi!

The entire fifth grade participated in an in-school field trip thanks to the help of the UNH Marine Docents. This group of volunteers came to the Middle School, with a plethora of resources and knowledge, to teach students about local marine ecosystems and human impact on the environment. Students engaged in various workshops that covered topics such as Rocky Shore Ecology, Marine Mammals, Salt Marsh, Watershed Ecology, and even the Japanese Art form of fish printing (Gyotaku). The workshop was called “A Day of the Coast”, and was paid for by the ORMS PTO (Much Thanks!). It is wonderful to have volunteers in the local community come educate our students about the local flora and fauna we surrounded with.

Denali

Over the past three years the Denali team has been working on developing a curriculum and practical experiences for students using GPS units that we earned through a grant process. Our goals involve real world problem solving, geo-spatial reasoning, cooperative learning, physical fitness, community awareness, and mathematical/logical reasoning. Our first Geocaching trip is on Friday October 6, 2011. We will be navigating the grounds around ORMS and using coordinates from GPS’s to find hidden Geocaches. It will be a rewarding day after a week of hard work on the NECAPS. Currently in Art we are focusing on creating landscape portraits and next week the team will be walking to UNH’s Art Museum to see the paintings by Dahlov Ipcar.

The Fusion team is organizing the ORMS annual Winter Coat Drive.

Please donated CLEAN winter coats and "snow pants/snowsuits to the large box in the ORMS lobby.

Odyssey

Eighth grade Odyssey students had a successful trip to the Remick Country Doctor Farm Museum in Tamworth, in preparation for Colonial Day in November. Students made biscuits from scratch (cooked in cast iron pans on hot embers), made apple cider, carded wool from sheep, and cut and drilled mortise and tenon joints for a post and beam animal structure. Despite a steady drizzle and occasional downpours, students said it was a great learning experience, reflecting on "the time and effort necessary to live day to day."

We look forward to Colonial Day in early November when many of the concepts touched on at the Remick will be extended.

Question or a concern? Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

PTO Information

Youth Night Out –November 4^th from 6:30-8:30 admission $3.00 Pizza for sale Parent Volunteers can email Janet Perkins –jperkins@gwhc.com or Laura Rothstein-laura&Jamie@comcast.net

LAST CHANCE to be in the student directory! Get your forms in by Monday or email them to Felicia Sperry at cfga-sperry@comcast.net . You can download the form from this message!

Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to help out on one of our many activities or committees. Volunteer lists are being distributed to the coordinators and you should be contacted soon! We can't be a success without you! If you are still interested in volunteering, following along with the updates for our upcoming activities or email Felicia.

SAVE THE DATES!!

Next PTO meeting is Tuesday October 18 at 6:45pm. We will have a business meeting from 6:45pm-7:15pm followed by a presentation by the middle school tech mentors. They will cover Powerschool, Moodle and other technologies used by our students. There will be an opportunity to get on-line and try things out. This program will run from 7:15-8:15pm All are welcome!

INTERNET SAFETY and Your Middle School Student. The PTO will host Corey MacDonald, a leading expert on internet safety from the Portsmouth Police Department on Tuesday, November 8th at 6:30pm in the school library. Corey will give a dynamic presentation filled with valuable information for parents of middle schoolers on how to monitor, protect and teach your child in regard to safety on the internet. You don't want to miss this presentation. All are welcome!

***FUNDRAISING NEWS***

ORMS Fall Fundraiser is underway – DEADLINE is Monday October 14^th!

Genevieve’s is our popular Fall fundraiser – look for 2011 brochures in your children’s backpacks and remember the convenience of ordering on-line (and saving paper): Go to www.genevieves.com and click on “Buy”, then type in our school code: 300 and start shopping...

Don’t forget the ORMS magazine fundraiser: QSP – this is available ALL year - go to www.qsp.com to order or renew magazine subscriptions at LOW prices – great for gifts: you’ll find everything from People, Time, Real Simple, Sports Illustrated to National Geographic for Kids, Family Fun, Parenting, Country Living and many more – to order, use our School Code: 1074273 and follow the instructions online.

Remember the funds we raise are used for after school activities, special events, support of classroom activities and much more. If our special fundraisers, like Genevieve’s, do not interest you, but you still want to support all the PTO does, you may consider giving a check to the PTO: $15, $25, $50 – whatever you are comfortable with - 100% of your donation will go into our general fund for these special activities and events – thank you!

BOXTOPS for Education

The PTO would like to thank all MS parents who collect BoxTops during the school year. We have made over $200 since last April!! Thank you for supporting the ORMS PTO. Just a reminder that we are not collecting Campbell's Labels for Education at this time. BoxTops only please.

ORMS NECAP Letter to Parents 9/26

2011-09-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jay Richard ♦ Principal

Dear Parents,

As the new school year begins, it’s time to remind you about the participation of students in the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System, specifically the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). The NECAP assessments of reading, mathematics and writing skills will be conducted during the first two weeks of October 2011 with students in grades 5 through 8.

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an overview of the October NECAP assessment program. We are hoping you will help us encourage your child to give these tests his or her very best effort.

The fall NECAP tests in reading, mathematics, and writing were designed to measure your child’s progress in meeting New Hampshire’s Grade Level Expectations, or GLE’s. The GLE’s define the knowledge and skills a student should have mastered by the end of each school year. The grade 5 test, for example, will measure what a student should know and be able to do after completing fourth grade. The reading test includes short and long reading passages with related multiple choice and constructed response questions. The mathematics test includes multiple choice, short answer, and constructed response questions. The writing test includes multiple choice and constructed response questions, and a single extended writing prompt. A constructed response question requires students to show their work and/or explain their reasoning. Test results in reading, mathematics, and writing for grades 3 through 8 and 11 will be available at the end of January 2011.

The New England Common Assessment Program is one of the important tools available to parents and educators to determine how well our schools are helping students meet standards and grade level expectations. In every assessment, scores are only as meaningful as the effort students put into the tests. Encourage your child to take the tests seriously and to give his or her best effort. You can best help your child prepare for the assessment by making sure that she or he is rested on the days the tests will be given. And, as with every day, it is critical that students have a good breakfast before heading off to school. Thank you for supporting your child and our school during the testing period.

Thank you. Please call me if have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jay Richard

ORMS WEEKLY UPDATE 9/26

2011-09-26T10:11:00.000-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

ORMS NECAP Dates (Please see attached NECAP letter to parents):

October 4-12, 2011 (all grade levels)

October 13, 2011 (Grades 5& 8 only)

Club Information:

ORMS Video Club What is going on at ORMS? Lots!! And let’s show it on TV…Learn how to be an effective videographer, conduct quality TV interviews and edit interesting video stories for and about ORMS. Produce “Teacher Features”, student profiles, funny over-heards, and “Did you know…” pieces about your favorite ORMS staff and friends. Be creative and have fun. Join the ORMS Video Club! The first meeting will be this Wednesday 9/28 in the ORMS Café. Contact Kathleen Young with any questions kyoung@orcsd.org

Chess Club

ORCS –Oyster River Chess Society; the Middle School Chess club will start up on October 3, Monday 2:35-3:50.This is for students that want to learn how to play and for players that know the game. ORCS is in need of 2 parent volunteers. You do not need to know how to play! Parent responsibilities are: take attendance, announce chess club etiquette (which an older student offers to announce) and give out the snack (which the club provides). Interested? Contact Armida Geiger 868-7156 armidageiger@comcast.net or Kate MacGregor 868-1122 kmacgregor712@yahoo.com

General Information:

The Fusion team is organizing the ORMS annual Winter Coat Drive.

Please donated CLEAN winter coats and "snow pants/snowsuits to the large box in the ORMS lobby.

Are you in 8^th grade and want to go to D.C.?

We are pleased to be offering an opportunity for ORMS 8^th grade students to participate in a voluntary class trip to Washington, D.C. over the April vacation. Ski 93 Trips Tour and Travel of Bedford, N.H. will coordinate the details of the trip. We have scheduled an information night for parents and students for Tuesday, October 4^th at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria at the middle school (see attached letter).

Question or a concern? Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

Language opportunities for students:

One World Language School: French, Spanish, German, and Chinese classes begin on 9/28. There is still room in some classes for children of ALL AGES. For information, contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or (603) 866-0364. You can also learn about our programs at www.oneworldlanguageschool.org

Latin Enrichment for 5^th – 8^th Graders

A Latin course will be offered after school on Thursday from 3:30 – 5:00. It will introduce students to the Latin language and its extended benefits, specifically building a stronger English vocabulary through knowledge of Latin roots, understanding the grammar and mechanics of language, and learning about Roman culture. The course will be limited to 8 and will have three 10 week sessions, beginning October 6^th. The text will be The Cambridge Latin Course. The cost will be $15.00 per session or $150. per 10 week session, which will cover program expenses. For more information, please contact Marilyn Yorke at 749-2022 or hmyorkenh@comcast.net.

PTO Information

SKI CLUB Info: Please see the attached letter from the ski club leaders.

***FUNDRAISING NEWS***

ORMS Fall Fundraiser is underway – DEADLINE is September 30!

don’t forget the ORMS magazine fundraiser: QSP – this is available ALL year - go to www.qsp.com to order or renew magazine subscriptions at LOW prices – great for gifts: you’ll find everything from People, Time, Real Simple, Sports Illustrated to National Geographic for Kids, Family Fun, Parenting, Country Living and many more – to order, use our School Code: 1074273 and follow the instructions online.

ORMS Weekly Update 9/17/11

2011-09-16T16:06:00.001-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

Club Information:

Any 5^th or 6^th graders interested in signing up for a Life Skills after school club. See Mrs. Campbell in room 106. The club will meet Tuesdays after school starting Sept. 27^th. The first project will be to make your own chef’s hat.

ORMS Video Club What is going on at ORMS? Lots!! And let’s show it on TV…Learn how to be an effective videographer, conduct quality TV interviews and edit interesting video stories for and about ORMS. Produce “Teacher Features”, student profiles, funny over-heards, and “Did you know…” pieces about your favorite ORMS staff and friends. Be creative and have fun. Join the ORMS Video Club! Meets Tuesdays after school at the high school until 4:00 (students will take the bus to ORHS). First meeting will be 9/27!

Chess Club

General Information:

Powerschool is ready!

The Powerschool student/parent portal is now available.

The student/parent portal provides access to current grades and attendance via the internet. As a parent/student, you will need to set up a Powerschool account. You will be receiving a letter explaining how to do this (mailed today). If you need assistance, a staff member will be available during Open House in the Writing Lab, room 205, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to assist families with creating a PowerSchool account. As with anything new, we expect a few glitches, and will work quickly to resolve any that arise.

Want to go to D.C.?

We are pleased to be offering an opportunity for ORMS 8^th grade students to participate in a voluntary class trip to Washington, D.C. over the April vacation. Ski 93 Trips Tour and Travel of Bedford, N.H. will coordinate the details of the trip. This trip will be a 3 night/ 4 day tour of our nation’s capital. We have scheduled an information night for parents and students for Tuesday, October 4^th at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria at the middle school.

Question or a concern? Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

ORMS late buses are available Monday-Thursday (depart at 4:10pm).

Reminder!

ORMS Open House Tuesday 9/20 6:30-8:00pm

Picture day for all ORMS students, Wednesday 9/21 (come with a smile). Order forms are available in the front office.

PTO Information

PTO invites you to attend our first PTO meeting on Tuesday, Sept 20th at 5:30pm, prior to open house. Come meet the officers and coordinators, see what’s new, and ask some questions. We’d love to see some new faces there! All meetings after this will be at 6:45pm.

Please don’t forget to fill out the PTO survey, at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HMBZ5VF. Your opinion counts and we want to make the PTO more parent friendly.

Be sure to check in your child’s backpack...PTO packets went home today with Genevieve fundraising information, PTO Handbook and our volunteer form. We are creating individual committees so that parents can participate in the planning of certain events or activities. The committees will meet separate from general PTO meetings so meeting times are flexible and held at the convenience of the members. Once we get all the volunteer forms back, you will be contacted by a coordinator. We have several officer and coordinator positions available. If you need more information or have questions, contact PTO co-chair, Felicia Sperry at cfga-sperry@comcast.net.

NECAP TESTING SCHEDULE 2011

2011-09-16T13:55:00.000-04:00

NECAP TESTING SCHEDULE 2011

October 4-12, 2011 (all grade levels)

October 13, 2011 (Grades 5& 8 only)

Tests are 8:15 to 9:45 daily

ORMS Electronic/Mobile Device Policy

2011-09-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices

Students are encouraged to bring in personal electronic devices for educational purposes (cell phones, I-Pods, I-Touch, labtops, tablets, etc.). Students are only allowed to text message during lunch period. Students need adult permission to make cell phone calls during school hours. Inappropriate use of personal electronic devices may result in confiscation by ORMS staff.

Note: Students bringing personal electronic devices to school are responsible for their storage and safety. ORMS is not responsible for lost items.

ORMS Weekly Update 9/9/11

2011-09-12T07:54:00.000-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

Club Information:

5^th & 6^th Grade Outing Club will be meeting on Tuesday, September 13^th. Students should be prepared to go outside, and can take the late bus home. Please go to room 230 AT THIRD WAVE!

ORMS Video Club

What is going on at ORMS? Lots!! And let’s show it on TV…Learn how to be an effective videographer, conduct quality TV interviews and edit interesting video stories for and about ORMS. Produce “Teacher Features”, student profiles, funny over-heards, and “Did you know…” pieces about your favorite ORMS staff and friends. Be creative and have fun. Join the ORMS Video Club! Meets Tuesdays after school at the high school until 4:00 (students will take the bus to ORHS). First meeting will be 9/27!

General Information:

Question or a concern? Never hesitate to contact Principal Jay Richard or Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan.

jrichard@orcsd.org

bsullivan@orcsd.org

ORMS late buses are available Monday-Thursday (depart at 4:10pm).

Reminder!

ORMS Open House Tuesday 9/20 6:30-8:00pm

Superintendent Levesque will be at ORMS on September 13^th for a stop on his listening tour (questions below). The meeting will be from 6:00-7:00pm in the ORMS library.

• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?

• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?

• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

PTO Information:

Dear Middle School parents

Welcome to the new school year! The PTO is busy making plans for the new school year and we need your help. Attendance at PTO meetings and volunteer numbers have not been what they once were and we would like to invite you to help us reorganize and create a focus that combines providing opportunities to enrich students’ middle school experience while also providing support to middle school parents. The PTO can provide guest speakers/experts on topics of interest to parents, offer a place for parents to talk about their concerns/ideas, provide an arena to share a special talent or skill with the students and continue to provide financial support to school wide activities and programs.

We are looking to make the PTO a more parent friendly organization and we need your input. Please take the time to complete following survey. We would really appreciate your feedback and we hope you will consider joining the PTO!

Please follow this link and complete the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HMBZ5VF

ORMS Weekly Update 9/2/11

2011-09-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

ORMS Weekly Update

We have had a great three days to start the school year; our students have filled the building with positive energy. As always, if you have a question or concern, never hesitate to contact us. Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend.

General Information:
ORMS office hours 7:15-3:15
If you ever have an emergency, or need to contact ORMS outside of normal office hours, contact Jay Richard or Bill Sullivan on their mobile devices. We always have an administrator in the building until at least 4:30.
jrichard@orcsd.org
bsullivan@orcsd.org

ORMS late buses are available Monday-Thursday (depart at 4:10pm).

ORMS students have the privilege and are encouraged to bring personal electronic devices to school for learning purposes! Cell phones are also allowed at ORMS, but students need to have permission prior to making a phone call. Texting is allowed during lunch time, but not during class.

Superintendent Levesque will be at ORMS on September 13th for a stop on his listening tour (questions below). The meeting will be from 6:00-7:00pm in the ORMS library.
• What do you value most and desire to preserve regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What would you like to improve, change, or receive more information on regarding public education in ORCSD?
• What suggestions do you have for the interim superintendent?

ORMS Open House Tuesday 9/20 6:30-8:00pm

New Director of Instruction/Special Education:
A warm welcome to Dr. Phyllis Schlichter to the position of Director of Instruction. She is responsible for the K-12 humanities and special education services. Phyllis received her Ph.D in Literacy and Schooling from UNH and holds certification as Curriculum Administrator, Special Education Administrator, Reading Specialist, Speech Pathologist, and Audiologist. Phyllis has extensive experience with professional development, assessment, and curriculum development. We are happy to have her as a member of our leadership team.

2011 ORMS Fall Sports Start Dates

Field Hockey (Girls, Grades 7 and 8) – 1st practice is Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 4-5:30
Equipment – mouthpiece, stick, shin pads, running shoes, and water
Meet on the field a little before 4:00
Coach: Berkley Cline

Girls Soccer (6th/7th grade and 8th grade teams) - 1st practice is Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 2:30 – 4:00
Equipment – mouthpiece, shin pads, cleats, soccer ball, water
Meet on the field after 2nd wave
Coach:
8th Grade Jan O’Brien
6th/7th Grade Lauren Bodwell

Volleyball (Grades 7 and 8, coed) – 1st practice is Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 2:30 – 4:00
Meet in the gym after 2nd wave
Coach: Emma Hewson

Cross Country (grades 5,6,7,8) – 1st meeting AND practice is Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 2:30 – 4:00
Equipment – running shoes/sneakers, workout clothes, and water
Meet in the Multi-purpose room after 2nd wave
Coach: Chris Hall, Kim Wesson, Stephanie Ward

Boys Soccer (7th grade and 8th grade teams) – 1st practice is Wednesday, Sept. 7th from 2:30 – 4:00
Equipment – mouthpiece, shin pads, cleats, soccer ball, water
Meet on the field after 2nd wave
Coaches:
Grade 8 Nate Grove
Grade 7 Jason Duff
*All athletes must fill out an Athletic Participation Form and give it to their coaches by Thursday, September 8th in order to continue practicing*
Athletic forms can be found on the Athletics Moodle page on the ORMS web site

Community Notes:
One World Language School: French, Spanish, German, and Chinese classes for children on Wednesday afternoons at Moharimet. Come to our Information and Registration Night at Moharimet on Wednesday , 9/14 from 5:00-6:30 pm. For information, contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or (603) 866-0364. You can also learn about our programs at www.oneworldlanguageschool.org .
Teaching and Learning in Modern Times: The Reform Movement in Education and What It Means for Our Children
Presentation by Tom Newkirk followed by community discussion
Date: Thursday – Sept. 8, 2011 at 7:30pm
Location: Oyster River High School
This talk is free and open to the public.
Professor Tom Newkirk will speak about “Teaching and Learning in Modern Times; The Reform Movement in Education and What It Means for Our Children”. This talk focuses on systems being put in place that mainly rely on standardized test results and serve to undermine the creativity and morale of educators. The result of this process undercuts the goal of trying to improve education. There will be a formal talk followed by discussion.
Thomas Newkirk is a professor of English at the University of New Hampshire and the director and founder of the New Hampshire Literacy Institutes. He has studied literacy learning at a variety of educational levels—from preschool to college. Professor Newkirk received a national award for his book The Performance of Self in Student Writing, The David Russell Award, given by the National Council of Teachers of English, honors excellence in composition research. He co-edited Taking Stock: The Writing Process Movement in the 90s (Boynton/Cook, 1994), and edited Nuts & Bolts: A Practical Guide to Teaching College Composition (Boynton/Cook, 1993).

Fifth Grade Picnic Cancelled 8/24!

2011-08-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Fifth Grade Picnic Cancelled

TODAY'S 5TH GRADE FAMILY PICNIC HAS BEEN CANCELLED due to the current forecast and the potential for severe weather. In place of the picnic the fifth grade teams will be holding open classrooms on Monday, August 29, from 3-4 pm. Please feel free to stop by to see your homebase group, talk with your teachers, and visit your new school. We are thrilled that you are joining our school community!

ORMS Staff and Teams 2011-2012

2011-08-11T12:20:00.000-04:00

TEAMS 2011 – 2012

5^th Grade

Antelope

Colette Malerba – 5^th grade Language Arts & Social Studies

Sunny Sadana – 5^th grade Science & Math

Otters

Chris Hall – 5^th grade

Kim Marshall – 5^th grade

Nellie Edes Sped Teacher

Bears

David Montgomery –5^th grade, all subjects

Diana Pelletier – 5^th grade, all subjects

Beth Stacy – 5^th grade, all subjects

Kim Wesson Sped Teacher

Kaiya Daniels Child Specific

Joan Lofgren Child Specific

Robin Maisia Child Specific

Gayle Chiodo Program Aide

Jean Wons – 5^th grade Guidance

6^th Grade

Navigators

Lynn Ellsworth – 6^th grade Math

Shelby Cormier – 6^th grade Social Studies

Sue Bissell – 6^th grade Science

John Silverio – 6^th grade Language Arts

Donna DiPerri -Sped Teacher

Endeavor

Jen Snow– 6^th grade Language Arts

Jason Demers – 6^th grade Science

Deb Lachance – 6^th grade Math

Susan Mathison – 6^th grade Social Studies

Alex Grout-Sped Teacher

Jake Straw Child Specific

Krissie Silverio Child Specific

Tracey Cunningham Program Aide

JoAn Saxe – 6^th grade Guidance

7^th Grade

Fusion

Barbara Dee – 7^th grade Language Arts

Michele McInnes – 7^th grade Math

Diane Tregea – 7^th grade Social Studies

Stephanie Ward – 7^th grade Science

Keith Savage Sped Teacher

Denali

John MacArthur – 7^th grade Math

Janet Martel – 7^th grade Science

Amanda Zeller– 7^th grade Language Arts

Valerie Wolfson – 7^th grade Social Studies

Sherry Strickland Sped Teacher

Cathy Gleason Child Specific

Ryan Keefe Child Specific

Christina Hackett Child Specific

Laura Eaton Child Specific

Nicole Lachance Child Specific

Robin Cross Program Aide

Kip Deese-Laurent – 7^th grade Guidance Counselor

8^th Grade

Odyssey

Tom Bonaccorsi – 8^th grade Science

Nate Grove – 8^th grade Social Studies

Linda Rief – 8^th grade Language Arts

Julia Widelski – 8^th grade Math

Jason Duff Sped Teacher

Renaissance

Michelle Martin – 8^th grade Science

Lisa Miller – 8^th grade Math/Algebra

Mark Nichols – 8^th grade Social Studies

Susie Renner – 8^th grade Language Arts

Cathy Dawson Sped Teacher

Rick Rogers Child Specific

Gail Volk Child Specific

Laura Fant Program Aide

Paula Roy – 8^th grade Guidance Counselor

Special Ed

Dolly Buzinski Sped Direct Instruction

Muriel Pierce Sped Direct Instruction

Sue Williams Sped Direct Instruction

Sue Jackson Sped Teacher ERR

Raylene King Sped Teacher ERR

Carolyn Smith- Learning Center

World Language

Emma Bricker – World Language

Sarah Keane – World Language

Michelle Pennelli –World Language

Wellness/ Exploratory

Emma Hewson – PE

Alida Carter – PE

Tom Schulte – PE

Holly Pirtle – 7^th & 8^thgrade Health teacher

Todd Cain – 5^th & 6^th grade Health teacher

Sue Campbell – 5^th & 6^th grade Life Skills

Kathy Bonaccorsi – 7^th & 8^th grad Life Skills

Alan Stuart – 5^th & 6^th grade Tech. Ed.

Al Lofgren – 7^th & 8^th grade Tech. Ed.

Beth Struthers – Chorus/5^th grade Band

Alan Nasberg – 5^th & 6^th grade Music Teacher/6^th grade Band

David Ervin – 7^th & 8^th grade Music Teacher/7 & 8^th grade Band/Jazz Band

Joe Boucher – 5^th & 6^th grade Art Teacher

Beth Healey – 7^th & 8^th grade Art Teacher

Literacy

Cindy Douglass – Literacy teacher (4)

Vacant – Reading tutor

Ruth Gehling – Math tutor

Ellen Tirone – Librarian

Vacant- Library aide

Nurse

Eileen Moran

Aide: Betsy Manchester

Speech/Language

Jan O’Brien

Juliann Woodbury

Aide: Lauren Tebbetts

ESL

Strafford Learning Center

Psychologist

Joseph Saxe (.5)

Admin.

Jay Richard-Principal

Bill Sullivan-Assistant Principal

Ray Celentano- Special Education Coordinator

Front Office Secretaries

Laurie Gaylord

Sandy Wallace

Head Custodian

Garth Mitchell

Cafeteria Manager

Lori Buckley

(109 total)

ORMS Staff Update

2011-06-30T13:20:00.000-04:00

ORMS Staff Update

A warm welcome to the following new ORMS staff:

Joe Boucher- Art

Emma Bricker- World Language

Current staff with new responsibilities:

Bill Sullivan- Assistant Principal

Sunpreet Sadana- Grade 5 (replacing Mr. Sullivan)

Student lunch policy update

2011-04-01T16:32:00.000-04:00

As previously announced, the ORCSD School Board voted to change/eliminate the old policy for charging meals. On February 1, 2011 students were no longer allowed to charge meals (or food items) if they do not have the funds available in their accounts. As always, students and parents can place funds in their account in person (with cash or a check) or through MealTime OnLine. Further, students can continue to pay for meals and meal items daily with cash. Students are also allowed to ask cafeteria staff what their current balance is for their accounts, which they were not able to do in the past. Even if you do not use MealTime OnLine to deposit money (they charge a fee), it can still be used to check your child’s balance. Please know that our intention is not for students to miss lunch or to go hungry. We know as adults, there is no such thing as a “free lunch.” I assure you, our past charge policy was very complicated. The following safety nets will be in place as we transition to the new policy: • Students can see me, Mr. Allen, Mr. Celentano, the school nurse or the front office for a lunch pass if they do not have funds to pay for lunch. We will then pay for the lunch and call a parent to inform them. Cafeteria workers will also give notice to students when there is a low balance (one meal or less left). • My office area and the nurse will always have snacks on hand for students if they are hungry. • Many parents have asked for a cafeteria menu list and the price of items. You can find that information at ORMS: Cafeteria prices for food items I recognize that this policy is not perfect. The key is that we work together. My priorities are for students to not feel embarrassed, and to have access to a healthy lunch. If there ever is a unique circumstance that needs my attention, please do not hesitate to contact me. jrichard@orcsd.org

Oyster River Middle School Student Placement Input Form

2011-03-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

3/25/2011
Oyster River Middle School Student Placement Input Form

This form is intended to be filled out by parents with input from the individual student. Teachers and other professionals will also provide written input to the placement process.

Student Name:

Current Grade Level:

Current Team or Teacher:

Which elementary school did the student attend (Grade 4 students)?

What should be the top priority in placing this student?

Please list 3 students that you would like to travel with to the next grade. (Be sure to only list students who will help you have a positive school experience.)

1.

2.

3.

Are there any specific requests that you would like to have considered in placing this student? (Specific team, teacher or learning situation)Use the back if needed.

Form filled out by: ___________________________/___________________________
Print Parent or Guardian Name Signature

Please be aware that there are many factors that go into determining an individual child’s placement. It is our goal to place every child in a learning situation that will be successful for them. It is not possible, however, to grant all requests. The input given on this sheet will be given serious consideration when the decision to place a student is made.

DEADLINE FOR INPUT IS Friday May 13, 2011
Please turn this form in to Laurie Gaylord in the ORMS front office.

Parent/Student letter for Grade 8 math placement

2011-03-24T09:41:00.000-04:00

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jay Richard ♦ Principal

March 25, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians,

All 7th grade students will be taking the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test in the next several days. In the next few weeks, these students will also be taking the math portion of the Stanford Achievement Test. The scores from these two standardized tests, the student's 7th grade math average, and a student aptitude checklist, will be used to determine eighth grade math placement.
Typically, between twenty and twenty-five percent of ORMS eighth graders qualify to take Algebra I in grade eight. Students who qualify for Algebra I, will use an updated version of the textbook used in Algebra I classes at ORHS. They will also take the Algebra I mid-term and final exams used at ORHS.
Between 75-80% of our students are placed in Essentials of Pre-Algebra. This course will include concepts in algebra, geometry, logic and statistics. Students placed in Essentials of Pre-Algebra for Grade 8, will access an appropriately challenging curriculum established by the district, using Glencoe Mathematics' Pre-Algebra with excellent online resources. Furthermore, 8th grade Algebra students will earn high school credit if they maintain an 85 or better average on quarterly grades and the midterm and final. Highly successful students will be able to enroll in advanced geometry as freshmen. Algebra I and Essentials in Pre-Algebra will be offered on both eighth grade teams in 2011-2012.

If you have any questions about this or any portion of our placement process, feel free to contact us. We look forward to a successful academic year in 2011-2012.

Jay Richard
ORMS

The future of snow days ....

2011-02-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

We would love to hear what parents and students think about these articles. Feel free to leave a comment for or against.

http://shrewsbury.net/?p=9627

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-02-08-1Asnowdays08_ST_N.htm

Update from the ORMS Ski Club

2011-01-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

ORMS/PTO Ski & Snowboard Club

Location: Pat’s Peak www.patspeak.com/winter_fun.php

Dates:
February 4 Friday 2:45-9:30 PM
9 Wednesday 12:45-7 PM
March 4 Friday 2:45-9:30 PM
9 Wednesday 12:45-7 PM

If you are a family member of a ski club participant, you can sign for and pick up your tickets at Pat’s Peak at 4 pm from the ORMS table in the Main Lodge. Checks made out to Pat’s Peak, no cash.

Information for chaperones:

1) Core chaperones arrive ½ hour prior to school dismissal; Friday trips-2:00, Wednesday trips-11:45.
a. Bus leader and multi-grade bus chaperones need to receive 2 duplicate attendance sheets each. 1 attendance is keep for your return check in, once attendance is taken the other needs to go to the front office or Jay if he is at the buses.
b. Tickets; bus leader and multi-grade bus chaperones need to divide their tickets and wickets between buses, noting differences in tickets, comp chaperone, rental/lift and lift/lesson combo and regular lift tickets. These different tickets recognize that the skier has previously paid for their lift, rental equipment and/or lesson.
c. Load from pod; this takes time, all equipment is color tagged by grade to be loaded on each bus. Buses should be labeled with a grade sign, 5th grade equipment goes on multi-grade bus.
d. Chaperone seating; chaperones need to spread out their seating on the bus; Two in back, and one in the middle and front seats both going and returning. Chaperones should claim their seat before student's get on the bus. Those chaperones traveling on the multi-grade bus need to supervise their grade, 8th grade chaperone sits with 8th grade students in the back, 7th in the middle and 6th in the front.
e. Crowd control; students need to wait until all the leaders are organized before getting on their bus.
f. Attendance; as students load the bus please take attendance.
g. 5th and 6th Graders who are getting pizza in the Bear Den Lodge hand in their $5.

2) Ticket Distribution:
a. Lift tickets need to be fastened to skier’s jackets while on the bus. Tickets may be easy to distribute even before leaving the ORMS parking lot. If student's jacket is below the bus student needs to wait until getting to the mountain to get their ticket.
b. Tickets are not to be given out at ORMS to students riding in separate cars with adults. These students can receive tickets at Pat’s Peak from Teresa Walker in Main Lodge at ORMS table.
3) Equipment Unload at Pat's Peak: Buses must be all the way up to the deck before unloading!
a. All equipment is unloaded off the bus by 2 of the 3 bus chaperones while students remain on the bus; please have 1 chaperone remain on the bus while this is being done.
b. Rental and Lesson skiers get off the bus first to be connected with additional ORMS Rental and Lesson chaperones at Pat’s Peak.
c. Please help all students locate their ski equipment and assist them in getting to the lodge once they are let off the bus.
d. 5th and 5th Graders go to the Bear Den Lodge located just up the hill from the Main Lodges, next to the Magic Carpet area. 7th and 8th graders use the Main Lodge where an ORMS table will be identified.

Getting Ready for the Return ride Home:
1) Half-hour before departure from Pat’s Peak: Friday-7:45, Wednesday-5:15 the 4 core chaperones need to reconvene inside and outside lodge area to assist students.
2) Crowd control: it is dark at this point and buses are moving please keep student’s safely away from bus lanes.
3) Assist skiers in loading their ski equipment on appropriate buses.
4) Take careful attendance on bus; locate any missing students.
5) Students need to be checked out if they are not riding bus home. The master list will be at the ORMS table in the Main Lodge.

Arriving back at ORMS:
1) Bus clean up, have students row by row take care of their trash. If students are late getting to the bus when leaving Pat’s Peak they are assigned to do a complete bus cleanup.
2) Lost and Found items need to be brought to a box located in the POD.
3) Please be sure that all kids have been connected with their ride home before leaving yourself.

Thank you!

Coordinators
Jacqui Van Ham Spinney
Scott Jones

8th Grade Co-leaders: Dave Cedarholm and Brian Goetz
7th Grade Co-leaders: Julie Reece and Mary Caulfield
6th Grade Co-leaders: Kim Clark and Kristan Bishop
5th Grade: Jacqui Van Ham Spinney

Note to parents about "no charge" cafeteria policy

2011-01-27T14:37:00.000-05:00

As previously announced, the ORCSD School Board voted to change/eliminate our current policy for charging meals. On February 1, 2011 students were no longer allowed to charge meals (or food items) if they do not have the funds available in their accounts. As always, students and parents can place funds in their account in person (with cash or a check) or through MealTime OnLine. Further, students can continue to pay for meals and meal items daily with cash. Students are also allowed to ask cafeteria staff what their current balance is for their accounts, which they were not able to do in the past. Even if you do not use MealTime OnLine to deposit money (they charge a fee), it can still be used to check your child’s balance. Please know that our intention is not for students to miss lunch or to go hungry. We know as adults, there is no such thing as a “free lunch.” I assure you, our past charge policy was very complicated. The following safety nets will be in place as we transition to the new policy: • Students can see me, Mr. Allen, Mr. Celentano, the school nurse or the front office for a lunch pass if they do not have funds to pay for lunch. We will then pay for the lunch and call a parent to inform them. Cafeteria workers will also give notice to students when there is a low balance (one meal or less left). • My office area and the nurse will always have snacks on hand for students if they are hungry. • Many parents have asked for a cafeteria menu list and the price of items. You can find that information at ORMS: Cafeteria prices for food items I recognize that this policy is not perfect. The key is that we work together. My priorities are for students to not feel embarrassed, and to have access to a healthy lunch. If there ever is a unique circumstance that needs my attention, please do not hesitate to contact me. jrichard@orcsd.org

Cafeteria prices for food items

2011-01-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

With the change to a no charge policy in the cafeteria, parents have asked for a list of items offered and the cost. Here it is:

DAILY LUNCH- PIZZA- BAGEL MEAL- SUNBUTTER AND JELLY BURGER MEAL $2.35

DELI LUNCH SALAD LUNCH $2.50 SOUP

SNACKS 1.00- .50- .75- CUP .75

PAZZO BREAD $1.50 BOWL $1.25

DRINKS $1.50

4OZ WATER $.50

EXTRA SLICE $2.00

SLUSHIE $1.50

MILK .45

YOGURT $1.00

YOGURT PARFAIT $1.50

FRUIT .50

DEMI SALAD $1.00

EXTRA SALAD DRESSING $.50

JUICE .35
4 OZ MUFFIN 1.00
2 OZ MUFFIN .50
EGG MCMUFFIN $1.50
ELEPHANT EAR $1.50
BREAKFAST $1.25
CREAM CHEESE .30
BAGEL .85
HOT CHOC 1.00
NACHOS 1.00

ORMS Cafeteria No Charge Policy (New)

2011-01-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

ORMS and ORHS Cafeteria No Charge Policy
The ORCSD School Board has voted to change/eliminate our current policy for charging meals. As of February 1st , students will no longer be able to charge meals (or food items) if they do not have the funds available in their accounts. As always, students and parents can place funds in their account in person or through MealTime OnLine. Further, students can continue to pay for meals and meal items daily with cash. If there is ever a need for meal assistance or a unique circumstance that needs attention. Please do not hesitate to contact Jay Richard. jrichard@orcsd.org

ORMS Teams and Staff 2010/2011

2010-11-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

ORMS

TEAMS 2010 – 2011

5th Grade

Antelope
Colette Malerba – 5th grade Language Arts & Social Studies (2)
Bill Sullivan – 5th grade Science & Math

Otters
Chris Hall – 5th grade
Kim Marshall – 5th grade
Donna DiPerri – 5th grade SPED
Aides: Tracey Cunningham – Program
Alexis Thorner – Child spec

Bears
Sunny Sadana – 5th grade, all subjects
David Montgomery – 5th grade, all subjects
Beth Stacy – 5th grade, all subjects
Sue Williams – 5th grade SPED
Aides: Christina Hackett- Program
Lauren Hecht- Child/spec
JoAn Saxe – 5th grade Guidance

6th Grade

Navigators
Lynn Ellsworth – 6th grade Math
Shelby Cormier – 6th grade Social Studies
Sue Bissell – 6th grade Science
John Silverio – 6th grade Language Arts
Dolly Buzinski– 6th grade SPED
Aides: Robin Cross- Program
Patricia McCarthy- Child/spec.
Nellie Dinger- Child/spec.
Alex Grout - Child/spec.
Gayle Chiodo -Child/spec.

Endeavor
Jen Snow– 6th grade Language Arts
Jason Demers – 6th grade Science
Deb Lachance – 6th grade Math
Susan Mathison – 6th grade Social Studies
Muriel Pierce – 6th grade SPED
Aides: Sara Powers – Child spec.
Kristin Gamache – Child spec.
Lynn Wallace – Child spec.

Kip Deese-Laurent – 6th grade Guidance

7th Grade

Fusion
Barbara Dee – 7th grade Language Arts
Michele McInnes – 7th grade Math
Diane Tregea – 7th grade Social Studies
Stephanie Ward – 7th grade Science
Jason Duff – 7th grade SPED
Aides: Gail Volk – Child spec.
Krissie Silverio – Child spec.
Sue Jackson – 7th grade SPED
Teri Poor – Child spec.
Sara Hart – Child spec.

Denali
John MacArthur – 7th grade Math (6)
Janet Martel – 7th grade Science (2)
Amanda Zeller– 7th grade Language Arts
Valerie Wolfson – 7th grade Social Studies
Cathy Dawson – 7th grade SPED Aides: Jean Henry - Program
Nicole Lachance – Child spec.

Paula Roy – 7th grade Guidance Counselor

8th Grade

Odyssey
Tom Bonaccorsi – 8th grade Science (6)
Nate Grove – 8th grade Social Studies (3)
Linda Rief – 8th grade Language Arts
Julia Widelski – 8th grade Math
Carolyn Smith – 8th grade SPED Aides: Laura Fant- Program
Ben Zink – Child spec.
Kim Wesson – 8th grade SPED Joanna House – Child spec.

Renaissance
Michelle Martin – 8th grade Science
Lisa Miller – 8th grade Math/Algebra
Mark Nichols – 8th grade Social Studies
Susie Renner – 8th grade Language Arts
Sherry Strickland – 8th grade SPED
Aides: Trish Snow - Program
Rick Rogers – Child spec.
Lisa Fieseher – Child spec.
Linda Grieve – Child spec.
Jean Wons – 8th grade Guidance Counselor

World Language
Randy LoPatin –World Language
Michelle Pennelli –World Language
Sarah Keane –World Language

Extended Resource Room
Raylene King – SPED teacher
Aides: Kaiya Daniels- Child spec.
Kate Potvin- Child spec.
Cathy Gleason- Child spec.
Andy Allen- Child spec.

Wellness
Emma Hewson – PE
Alida Carter – PE
Tom Schulte – PE
Holly Pirtle – 7th and 8th grade Health teacher
Todd Cain – 5th and 6th grade Health teacher
Sue Campbell – 5th and 6th grade Life Skills
Kathy Bonaccorsi – 7th and 8th grade Life Skills

Exploratory
Alan Stuart – 5th & 6th grade Tech. Ed.
Al Lofgren – 7th & 8th grade Tech. Ed.
Beth Struthers – Chorus/5th grade Band
Alan Nasberg – 5th & 6th grade Music Teacher/6th grade Band
David Ervin – 7th & 8th grade Music Teacher/7 & 8th grade Band/Jazz Band
Joy Hagstrom – 5th & 6th grade Art Teacher
Beth Healey – 7th & 8th grade Art Teacher

Literacy
Cindy Douglass – Literacy teacher
Judy Drake – Reading Tutor
Ruth Gehling – Math tutor
Cathy Burns – Librarian
Ellen Tirone – Librarian

Nurse
Eileen Moran
Aide: Betsy Manchester

Speech/Language
Jan O’Brien
Juliann Woodbury
Aide: Lauren Tebbetts

ESL
Tami Belanger – Tutor

Psychologist
.5 FTE Joseph Saxe

Administration Clerical Custodians Cafeteria
Jay Richard Laurie Gaylord Steven Bush Lori Buckley
Todd Allen Sandra Wallace Maurice Garneau Tracey Fisk
Ray Celentano (SPED) Kevin Massee Donna James
Garth Mitchell Joan Landry
Sub Coordinator Ed Pelletier Deborah Rines Tom Drungill Joan Workman

New Student Drop Zone!

2010-09-24T15:33:00.001-04:00

New Drop Zone:

For the safety of our students, modifications were made over the summer to the pick-up and drop-off zone at the front of ORMS. We appreciate your support in advance in following the new layout. As always, if you have a question or concern, please contact us.

New path for ORMS students!

2010-09-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the PTO, John Parry and Mark Buckovitch our students have a new path at the front of ORMS!

Girls soccer tryouts/practice

2010-09-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

Girls soccer tryouts/practice

Friday 9/3 2:30-4:00
Tues 9/7 2:30-4:00
Weds 9/8 2;30-4:00
Friday 9/10 2:30-4:00
Coach O'Brien

ORMS Sports Try-outs and starting times!

2010-09-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Thursday 9/1:
Field Hockey 2:30-4
Volleyball 2:30-4
Boys Soccer Try-outs for both the boys 7th grade soccer team and the boys 8th grade soccer team will begin tomorrow (9/2). The times are:

Thursday - 4-5:30

Friday - 2:30-4

Meet on the field ready to play. Bring plenty of water.

Cross Country will start next week. Dates and times to follow…

ORMS Band starts Friday 9/3

2010-09-01T08:17:00.000-04:00

All ORMS bands will start this Friday, Sept. 3.

Fifth Grade Band meets in the Multi-Purpose Room, Sixth Grade Band meets in Mr. Nasberg’s Room, and the 7th/8th Grade Band meets in Mr. Ervin’s Room. Please bring your instrument and go to band at 7:30am.

Fifth Graders are reminded to bring your red band lesson book.

What’s up with Star Island and ORMS?

2010-08-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

A Star Island overnight trip has been planned by parents of fifth grade students over the summer. This is not a school sponsored trip, nor was it created by ORMS staff. Although the administration of the school and district is aware of the activity and will not interfere with or prevent the success of the Star Island experience, it is important that parents understand that the school has no legal liability or responsibility for this trip. Please keep in mind, kids come first at ORMS. If you decide to send your child on the trip, we respect your decision and wish for nothing but a positive experience for your child.

Who is in charge of the trip?
Parents are organizing this activity. The school has no legal liability or responsibility for this trip. Feel free to contact the trip organizers: Leslie Gould 397-5162, Tim Spinney 758-9237, Jackie VH Spinney 868-7854. The organizers of the trip did meet with Superintendent Colter and Principal Jay Richard in July to share their plans for the trip, both were respectful of their plans to do this trip separate from school.
Will my child be marked absent if they attend?
Yes, we need to take attendance at school every day. Students that are not present at ORMS will need to be marked absent. Please keep in mind ORMS is about students. We will be responsible for students that decide not to attend this parent organized trip. Parents take students out of school at times for a variety of reasons for travel, activities and appointments. As a school we view this no different than if you decided to have your child miss school to go with you to the Museum of Fine Arts or Museum of Science in Boston for the day. If you decide to have your child attend the Star Island trip, we will respect your decision as a parent.
What will my child do if they decide not to attend the Star Island trip?
Your child will have a valuable and meaningful learning experience, the same thing we expect for 180 school days a year. Our fifth grade teachers are confident and proud of our expanding field experiences that will be provided this year, and they are committed to outdoor learning. We have a lot of great resources in “our own backyard”, and the teachers will be planning more outdoor learning experiences, particularly with the recently completed outdoor classroom.

As always, if you have any further questions, feel free to contact Jay Richard at ORMS.
jrichard@orcsd.org

Outdoor classroom is completed thanks to the generosity of the ORMS PTO and Landcare!

2010-08-03T08:50:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the generosity of the ORMS PTO and Landcare: Outdoor classroom construction has started this week.

2010-07-22T13:29:00.000-04:00

What is Step-Up Day?

2010-06-18T12:50:00.000-04:00

What is step-up day? A chance for ORMS students (including incoming fourth grade students) to meet their 2010/2011 team of teachers, hear about next year’s learning activities, and learn who their fellow teammates will be for the upcoming year.When is step-up day? Monday June 21st from 8:00-9:15am.How will the fourth grade students get to ORMS? Buses will pick up students at Mast Way and Moharimet on 6/21 and depart for ORMS at 7:45. This is a great opportunity to get up earlier than usual, the school day starts at 7:40am at ORMS.

Class of 2014 announcements!

2010-06-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

Some 8th Grade announcements/ Class of 2014
Student senate forms are due Monday June 14th
Mr. Richard or Mr. Allen have the forms, a sample is available to view in the ORMS Café. The following positions need to be filled for the class of 2014.

President
Vice president
Secretary
Treasurer
(5) Senate seats

Celebration Tickets are on sale in the cafeteria starting June 10th, cost is $5. We expect all 162 eighth grade students to attend. Any questions about the celebration or elections, feel free to see Mr. Richard.

"Spies Among Us" at ORHS on 6/15

2010-06-09T07:55:00.000-04:00

The Eagle team (Mr. Hall and Mrs. Marshall’s 5th grade classes, along with Mr. Ervin) will be performing an original musical, “Spies Among Us,” on Tuesday, June 15 at 7 pm at Oyster River High School. The musical revolves around a group of colonial school kids and apprentices who become spies during the American Revolution. We hope to see you on Tuesday night for the show!

Every Day is Hat Day at ORMS!

2010-05-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

Students are allowed to wear hats at ORMS for the remainder of the year starting on Friday 5/28 (a scheduled hat day). This will be in recognition for their efforts in the classroom and on the NECAPS. As with electronic devices, this is a privilege.

Oyster River School District Community Survey:

2010-05-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

The Strategic Planning Oversight Committee is conducting a community survey to gather input from community members regarding our school district. Please click on the following link to participate in this survey: http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/orcsd510.html
This survey will end on June 8, 2010. Your input is greatly appreciated, and all responses will be confidential. The results of the survey will be made public upon completion of the report. The Strategic Planning Oversight Committee thanks you in advance for your time.

What is Step-Up Day?

2010-05-21T11:02:00.000-04:00

What is step-up day? A chance for ORMS students (including incoming fourth grade students) to meet their 2010/2011 team of teachers, hear about next year’s learning activities, and learn who their fellow teammates will be for the upcoming year.

When is step-up day? Monday June 21st from 8:00-9:15am.

How will the fourth grade students get to ORMS? Buses will pick up students at Mast Way and Moharimet on 6/21 and depart for ORMS at 7:45. This is a great opportunity to get up earlier than usual, the school day starts at 7:40am at ORMS.

Still have questions about ORMS? Come visit with Mr. Richard and Mr. Allen Wednesday May 26th at 6:30 in the ORMS cafe.

2010-05-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

Mr. Richard and Mr. Allen will be available to answer any questions you have about the ORMS experience. A great opportunity for parents that were unable to attend one of the elementary PTO transition nights.
When:
Wednesday May 26th
6:30
ORMS Cafe

Oyster River School District Community Survey

2010-05-21T09:33:00.000-04:00

The Strategic Planning Oversight Committee is conducting a community survey to gather input from community members regarding our school district. Please click on the following link to participate in this survey: http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/orcsd510.html
This survey will end on June 1, 2010. Your input is greatly appreciated, and all responses will be confidential. The results of the survey will be made public upon completion of the report. The Strategic Planning Oversight Committee thanks you in advance for your time.

We need your input! ORCSD Music Survey

2010-05-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

The ORCSD music programs need your input! Please help us out by participating in a brief survey regarding the music offerings in our school district. The survey will remain open through June 17. Thank you for your assistance!http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ORCSDmusicsurveyforparents

Confused about the 8th grade Celebration? Here are some brief answers.

2010-05-14T08:20:00.000-04:00

For Students & Their Parents:
Everything you always wanted to know about the 8th Grade Celebration but were afraid to ask…

When is it?
Thursday 6/17/10 from 6:30 – 9:00

Where is it?
ORMS Gym/Multi Purpose Room & vicinity

What is it?
It’s a gift to you- in the form of a party to mark the important milestone of completing your years at ORMS.

Who will be there?
ORMS 8th graders, with a sprinkling of adults from school who have enjoyed their company for the past 4 years.

Do you need a ticket?
Students may purchase a ticket for $5 during lunch. If that’s a problem, talk to Mr. Richard

Do you need a date?
NO!!! It’s a time to celebrate your time at ORMS with your classmates. You don’t need a date to have fun.

Do you need a Tux or fancy dress?
NO!!! If that’s a way for you to have fun celebrating- great! We love to see you all dressed up. If not, no worries!! Wear something on the nice end from your usual wardrobe and just come to the party. Remember- being there is way more important than what you wear!!!

Is it a Dance?
Yes- BUT so much more! There’ll be good food, dancing, fun, games, and surprises!
DANCING NOT REQUIRED!

Where do I get picked up at the end of the evening?
You need to be picked up at the rear entrance. If your parents don’t want to sit in the long line of cars, they may park in front and pick you up on foot. Students are not allowed to wander out to find their ride… We know you’re practically adults, but you need to humor us one more time. After all, we just gave you a great party!!!!

A SAFE PROM AND GRADUATION SEASON

2010-05-14T07:45:00.000-04:00

Each weekend during prom/graduation season, nearly 50 teens are killed in car crashes (U.S. Dept. of Transportation). Many teens consider alcohol/drug use as normal adolescent rites of passage. Now is the time to encourage our teens to celebrate safely without alcohol or drugs.

Facilitating a Drug or Underage Alcohol Party (RSA 644:18)
· Defined as 5+ persons under the age of 21, not related to the host
· Must only prove that one person possessed or consumed alcohol or a controlled drug
· All guests are taken into protective custody and parents are called
Host penalties…
· 17+ age – tried as an adult
· Class A or B misdemeanor depending on circumstances -- penalty of up to one year in jail
· Up to a $2000 fine

Notes of warning…
· If an underage drinker leaves a party and gets into an accident, the host of the party is liable both criminally and civilly. They can be charged with both Prohibited Sales and Facilitating an Underage Party (combined fines of up to $4000 and up to 2 years in jail).
· If a hotel room is rented by or for students for the purpose of an underage drinking party, the person whose name is registered on the room is responsible & can be held criminally liable.
· “Purchasing alcohol for minors is a crime, no matter what the circumstances. There are significant consequences that face adults who give alcohol to underage drinkers.” –Eddie Edwards, Chief of
Enforcement for the NH Liquor Commission

Suggestions:
· Let’s help our kids make the right decisions to avoid putting themselves at risk. Keep prom/graduation activities safe by asking questions about our teens’ plans and having conversations with them about how to say “no” to alcohol/drugs, while still having fun.
· Tell your teen, or any young person you care about, that you do not want him getting into a car with someone who has had even one drink or who has been using illegal drugs.
· Remind your teen to wear a seatbelt, even if it will wrinkle a lovely evening gown.
· Tell your teen that you want her to call you if she can’t get a safe ride home. Emphasize that you want her to call even if she herself has been drinking or using drugs (reassure her that, while you do not support this behavior, her safety is your first concern).
· If you host parties for teens, do not allow them to drink alcohol or use drugs. Check on them regularly to be sure that no one is sneaking alcohol or other illegal substances into your home. The consequences of allowing underage drinking and the use of drugs in your home is severe, especially if a guest is injured or killed during the party or after leaving your home.
· Be a good role model. If you have been drinking, don’t drive. We all know that young people learn by example – don’t send mixed messages.
· Be creative & take advantage of the way that teens prefer to communicate. Remind teens not to drink by sending text messages as simple as “Have fun 2night. B safe. Don’t drink. We care.” Text
messaging allows us to reinforce with our kids how serious this issue is & how much we care. A survey commissioned by the Century Council showed that 65% of teens cite parents as their leading i influence for them not to drink.

Keeping our kids healthy is one of our primary jobs as a parent. Most of us willingly support our teens in a positive activity (e.g., cheering at her soccer game, clapping at his concert performance, or applauding at the play). However, we sometimes forget about our powerful positive impact when we are limiting our children’s activities by drawing boundaries. Successful parenting combines both the w warmth of boosting & saying “Yes!” with the firmness of limiting and saying “No!”

“ We love our kids, but we aren’t their friends, we are their parents.”
- Durham Deputy Chief Renee Kelly

“Conversation starters for parents” http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/conversations-for-parents.asp
“Hazards and risks of teen alcohol use” http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drug_info_alcohol.asp

E-waste recycling event at ORHS May 15 10:00-2:00

2010-05-13T08:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Members of Strafford County,
My name is Griffin Sinclair-Wingate. I am trying to stop e-waste. E-waste is electronic waste that is shipped from America to places in Asia like China and Japan. The electronic waste consists of anything from computers to cell-phones to keyboards. E-Waste is typically bought by businessmen in Asia from the US companies. The e-waste is transported to Asia in crates that Asian products were brought to America in. These crates are supposed to go back to Asia empty, this makes it easier to smuggle e-waste back to Asia. Once the e-waste is in Asia the people that bought this waste employ low income workers to extract trace amounts of gold from the electronics. The workers have to put the electronics through a burning process that produces lead fumes which poison the workers.
To help stop this I am holding an e-waste recycling event where members of the community can come and give their electronic waste to me and know that it will be recycled properly. The e-waste that is collected will be given to a company called CRT Recycling. They take the e-waste that we gather and sell it to people who need parts for their old computers, while the rest of it is recycled responsibly. It would be the same cost as having other services dispose of your e-waste, but by recycling them with me you can be assured that they are disposed of properly. Recycling plastic TVs will cost $10 and wooden panel or console TVs will cost $14 but everything else is free. This event will be on May 15th at Oyster River High School from 10:00-2:00. If you have any electronic waste, or know others that do, please come and give it to us to ensure it is recycled properly.
Sincerely yours,
Griffin Sinclair-Wingate

8th Grade Celebration Letter to Parents (Volunteers needed)

2010-05-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

The plans for the Eighth Grade Celebration Night are just getting started and we need your help. The event will be held on Thursday, June 17th, 7-9:30pm in the gym area. It is a wonderful way for the 8th graders to celebrate the end of their time at Oyster River Middle School and share the excitement of a new beginning as they journey to high school. Because it is a parent/PTO sponsored event, we need parent’s assistance in a variety of capacities.

First, we are asking for a donation of $5.00 from each family (or whatever you can) to help defray the costs. Tickets will be available at school during lunchtime or you can send money into the office (checks made out to ORMS PTO) and we will get tickets to your child.

To make this a memorable event there are many ways you can help. Below are the areas we need assistance:

-set up crew
-clean up crew
-games area
-food
-raffle donations
- decorations

Currently we have coordinators for all areas except for games and raffle. If this is something you are willing to coordinate, please let Hana Bartos know as soon as possible. Also, Hana is taking names and emails of parents who want to share their talents prior to and the day of the event. Please let Hana know which area above you would like to help in. Her email information is: hbartos63@gmail.com.

It is important that you stress to your child that this is a celebration, not just a dance. Some students feel that they cannot go without a date, or they may not want to go if they don’t like to dance, etc. This is an event for ALL 8th graders; a time for a wonderful group of young adults to share a fun night together. Thank you for your help in relaying this message to your child. Perhaps we can encourage them to not refer to it as a semi!

Thank you in advance for your help. Please let Hana know as soon as possible where you would like to help. She will forward your name to the coordinators of that area. More information will follow in the Weekly Updates as well. The next planning meeting is May 25th at 6:30 in the ORMS library for anyone who may want to attend.

8th Grade Celebration Committee

ORMS Cyber Safety Workshop article in Fosters 4/30

2010-04-30T11:41:00.000-04:00

An article in Fosters about the cyber safety and social networking workshop on 4/28.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100430/GJNEWS_01/704309939/-1/FOSNews0102

16th Annual Bagel Challenge

2010-04-28T14:23:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and so are the training days for the 16th Annual Bagel Challenge. The student's will be run/walking quickly the high school loop during their Physical Education classes starting this Monday the 3rd of May. It is very important that all the students have a good attitude and proper footwear as we start this journey. We go on course once a week usually the first class of the week and continue for six weeks with the Bagel Challenge run culminating the activity which is scheduled for June 15th (16th rain date). This time span and effort is sufficient for us to have improvements in cardio respiratory fitness levels especially when combined with working out at home. We realize that not everyone is going to run this course in record time, but the theory is that everyone needs to obtain and maintain fitness throughout their lives and walking with a combination of running or running alone is a very efficient way to stay fit. The goal is for the student to create a personal best time and then work on improving or maintaining their best effort. By having it be their best it allows us to have motivated participants, self-motivation and self-discipline towards exercise is crucial in order for it to become a part of a healthy lifestyle. If there is a need for a student to miss a training day please send a note and encourage everyone to do their best. If inhalers are needed please make them available for use during this time. We will be looking for volunteers again this year so please contact Tom Schulte at tschulte@orcsd.org to get signed up to be a part of our exciting event. It takes a large number of volunteers to pull this off and thanks to all who have helped in the past and of course the Bagelry for their support.
See you on the course:)

PE Department
Oyster River Middle School
Physical Education

Cyber Safety discussion 4/28 at 6:00pm in the ORMS library

2010-04-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

Oyster River Middle School is hosting Kids and Cyber Safety.
Please attend this informative presentation given by Captain Corey MacDonald from Portsmouth Police Department. Corey MacDonald, Esq. is a Detective Captain and senior Prosecuting Attorney for the Portsmouth, NH, Police Department. He is a member of the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bar. He is recognized as a Drug Recognition expert witness, and is acknowledged as one of the most knowledgeable law enforcement people in the country regarding on-line social networking. He has lectured before school and law enforcement groups, parents, and civic organizations throughout the United States on drug issues and effective supervision of technology for children and teenagers.
Sgt. MacDonald completed a year on MySpace.com while being a high school resource officer in the past. He has taken his recent experience and expertise and developed a series of guidelines that every parent should know when talking to their kids about social networking sites.

DATE: April 28th at 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: Oyster Rivcr Middle School Library

ORMS Chess Club (brings home trophy in first year)

2010-04-13T20:42:00.000-04:00

They prefer to be called the O.R.C.S. (Oyster River Chess Society) when they compete, but in year one our chess club is already bringing home trophies. They came in third place recently in a tournament in Amherst, NH. Special thanks to Armida Geiger for transporting the team. From L to R (Eric Shi, Ethan MacGregor, Mrs. Geiger, Sam Geiger, Arthur Tang). Great job team!

ORMS Spirit Week

2010-04-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

ORMS Spirit Week 4/13-4/16
Tuesday: Twin Day
Wednesday: Jersey Day (Support your favorite sports team)
Thursday: Crazy Sock Day
Friday: Class Color Day (5th: Blue, 6th: White, 7th: Green, 8th: Black)

ORMS Service Day article in Fosters 4/12

2010-04-12T21:05:00.000-04:00

The article that was in Fosters today on the ORMS Service Day.

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010704129929

Invitation from the ORHS PTO

2010-04-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

Dear Parents and Guardians:
This is just a reminder about Monday night's PTO meeting at 7 pm in the high school library. The focus of the evening will be on underage substance use and what the adults in a community can do to discourage students from using drugs and alcohol. There are several speakers who will be focusing on the following topics:
The effects of underage use on brain development and decision making (Melissa Nicholson, UNH)
The legal implications and potential consequences of use (Deputy Chief Rene Kelley of the Durham PD)
Treatment and counseling methods (Michael Torch and Bob Lang of LTG and Associates)
"Red Flags" of teenage use and the pitfalls of "Free Passes" (Jeremiah Johnson, UNH)
This is a hugely important topic and we hope to see you there.

ORMS dates for softball and baseball try-outs

2010-04-07T18:21:00.000-04:00

Baseball
Monday 4/12 2:40
Wed. 4/14 TBA
Thurs. 4/15 4:00

Softball
Monday 4/12 4:00
Wed. 4/14 TBA
Thurs. 4/15 2:40

ORMS Dodgeball Tournament Starts 4/12

2010-04-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

Where: ORMS Gymnasium
When: April 12th (5th and 6th Grade)
April 13th (7th and 8th Grade)
April 15th (FINALS)
(Games start at 2:45 and go until the late bus.)
COST: $4.00 per person
Sign-Ups are in the Cafeteria. You must pay in order to play.

This is a fundraiser to raise money for North East Passage to return to our school and teach wheelchair basketball and rugby along with other adapted court sports in P.E. class.

Have an athlete in the family? Join us at ORHS at 6:00PM on April 8

2010-04-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, April 8 the Oyster River High School Athletic department and Rehab 3 will be hosting Dr. Fred Brennan of Seacoast Medicine and Orthopedics. Dr.Brennan will be discussing all aspects of injuries related to concussions. This forum will include what a concussion is, the impact on the brain, signs & symptoms, post injury management, returning to sports, as well as the dangers of returning to competition too soon.
Dr.Brennen is the medical director at the Seacoast Center for Athletes and is the team physician for the University of New Hampshire. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and he holds a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in sports medicine. Dr.Brennan has unique experience in osteopathic manipulative medicine, post-concussion management, and returning athletes to their sport after injury.
Mike Feld, the Certified Athletic Trainer at Oyster River High School and Rehab 3 will be providing information regarding the IMPACT concussion assessment program that is being implemented at ORHS this spring. Included will be information on the protocol for athletes and their parents to follow in managing concussion related injuries.
The forum will be held in the auditorium at Oyster River High School beginning at 6:00 pm. There is no charge to attend.

What students have been talking about in Mrs. Bonaccorsi's (Life Skills)

2010-04-05T21:07:00.000-04:00

Several students have approached me about this TV show that is on ABC. I promised to share this trailer with the school community.

http://www.jamieoliver.com/about/jamie-oliver-videos/jamies-food-revolution-trailer

QSP Magazine Fundraiser for Student Activities Starts Today

2010-04-01T08:34:00.000-04:00

To date how we have used the funds raised from last year:
Started with $5833.89 (Money raised in the Spring/09 QSP Fundraiser)
Chess Club - $262.10
Bobcat Times - $109.98
Destination Imagination- $205.00
Science Club - $205.65
Wii Club- $1597.00 (2 32” LCD and 4 wii consoles)
Colonial Day - $196.92
Author visit in SS- $50.00
Fisher Cats- $215.00
Kids Who Care Club- $150.00
Outing Club - $415.17

Current Balance:
3/19/10 $2,427.07

ORMS Placement form 2010/2011

2010-03-24T23:11:00.000-04:00

The ORMS placement form for students and parents:

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7QaQXthbizbYTU3NmI3MDEtMDRjZC00OTM2LWIyZDItNzNhYzU0ZDM1Mjg0&hl=en

ORMS

ORMS Update 12/16

Top 10 Educational Videos of 2011

ORMS Book Fair Times

ORMS Holiday Bazaar and Book Fair Thursday 12/1

ORMS Weekly Update 11/21

ORMS Weekly Update 11/4/11

ORMS Weekly Update 10/7/11

ORMS NECAP Letter to Parents 9/26

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

ORMS WEEKLY UPDATE 9/26

ORMS Weekly Update 9/17/11

NECAP TESTING SCHEDULE 2011

ORMS Electronic/Mobile Device Policy

ORMS Weekly Update 9/9/11

ORMS Weekly Update 9/2/11

Fifth Grade Picnic Cancelled 8/24!

ORMS Staff and Teams 2011-2012

ORMS Staff Update

Student lunch policy update

Oyster River Middle School Student Placement Input Form

Parent/Student letter for Grade 8 math placement

The future of snow days ....

Update from the ORMS Ski Club

Note to parents about "no charge" cafeteria policy

Cafeteria prices for food items

ORMS Cafeteria No Charge Policy (New)

ORMS Teams and Staff 2010/2011

New Student Drop Zone!

New path for ORMS students!

Girls soccer tryouts/practice

ORMS Sports Try-outs and starting times!

ORMS Band starts Friday 9/3

What’s up with Star Island and ORMS?

Outdoor classroom is completed thanks to the generosity of the ORMS PTO and Landcare!

Thanks to the generosity of the ORMS PTO and Landcare: Outdoor classroom construction has started this week.

What is Step-Up Day?

Class of 2014 announcements!

"Spies Among Us" at ORHS on 6/15

Every Day is Hat Day at ORMS!

Oyster River School District Community Survey:

What is Step-Up Day?

Still have questions about ORMS? Come visit with Mr. Richard and Mr. Allen Wednesday May 26th at 6:30 in the ORMS cafe.

Oyster River School District Community Survey

We need your input! ORCSD Music Survey

Confused about the 8th grade Celebration? Here are some brief answers.

A SAFE PROM AND GRADUATION SEASON

E-waste recycling event at ORHS May 15 10:00-2:00

8th Grade Celebration Letter to Parents (Volunteers needed)

ORMS Cyber Safety Workshop article in Fosters 4/30

16th Annual Bagel Challenge

Cyber Safety discussion 4/28 at 6:00pm in the ORMS library

ORMS Chess Club (brings home trophy in first year)

ORMS Spirit Week

ORMS Service Day article in Fosters 4/12

Invitation from the ORHS PTO

ORMS dates for softball and baseball try-outs

ORMS Dodgeball Tournament Starts 4/12

Have an athlete in the family? Join us at ORHS at 6:00PM on April 8

What students have been talking about in Mrs. Bonaccorsi's (Life Skills)

QSP Magazine Fundraiser for Student Activities Starts Today

ORMS Placement form 2010/2011