Back to School Information
Hello Oak-Land Middle School Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! While there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy, I want to make sure that you have all the necessary information regarding back-to-school activities as you begin planning for the fall. Our team has been working hard to ensure that our school is ready for students to return, and we are excited for our hallways to once again be filled with energy, laughter, and smiles.
Although dates and other important details will be summarized in this letter, please use our website as a resource. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you can contact our school office at 651-351-8502.
Supply Lists and Schedule Pick Up
We have created school supply lists specifically for each grade level. Students are encouraged to bring their supplies and drop them off in their locker during schedule pick-up. Schedule pick-up dates are listed below. These are open-house style events, so please feel free to arrive anytime within the allotted window of time.
OMS Schedule Pick Up Dates:
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Grade 6: Wednesday, August 16 from 6-8 p.m.
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Grade 7: Thursday, August 17 from 6-7 p.m.
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Grade 8: Thursday, August 17 from 7-8 p.m.
During schedule pick-up students can get their yearbook picture taken, walk their schedule, practice opening their locker, and sign-up for fall athletics. New this year, student schedules will also be accessible by logging into PowerSchool after 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August, 16. This eliminates the need to wait in line for a paper schedule. If you are unable to attend at any of these times or access your schedule online, please call us and we will make sure you get what you need. Lastly, please know that there will be two other opportunities early in the school year for students to get their pictures taken during the day.
Family Open House Nights
Oak-Land will also be having Family Open House Nights for each grade. This gives students, parents, and guardians the chance to meet staff, see classrooms, and walk their child’s schedule. Again, these are open-house style events, so please feel free to arrive anytime within the allotted window of time. Below is the schedule for each grade:
OMS Family Open House Dates
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Grade 6: Wednesday, August 23 from 5-7 p.m.
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Grade 7: Wednesday, August 30 from 6-7 p.m.
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Grade 8: Wednesday, August 30 from 7-8 p.m.
First Day of School
The first day of school for 6th graders is Monday, August 28. As part of our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) orientation program, eighth grade WEB leaders and our entire staff work with our 6th graders to make sure they feel comfortable with all parts of the middle school experience. The day is filled with games and activities that allow students to meet new friends, explore our building, and connect with our team of educators. We will welcome 7th and 8th graders back to Oak-Land on Tuesday, August 29.
Health and Immunization Requirements
Please remember that all 7th graders should have an up-to-date immunization record on file with our health office. To assist families in this process, our school district has partnered with Washington County Public Health and Homeland Health Specialists to make vaccines available at back to school events across the district this fall. Vaccines will be available at OMS 7th Grade Schedule Pick Up on Wednesday, August 17, from 6-7 p.m. Appointments and additional dates can be found here. This is a state requirement and you can find more details online. Additionally, any 6th grade student participating in school sports will also need to have a physical on file with our health office.
Cell Phones
One of the most asked questions from students is about cell phone use at school. Our staff has observed many instances of cell phone misuse that negatively impacts learning. As a result, students will be expected to leave their cell phones in their lockers during the academic day from 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Students who need to be in contact with their family can ask permission from a teacher to use one of our school phones. Families are welcome to contact our main office if there is an important message that needs to be relayed. We want students to feel safe at school and focused on learning and we ask for your support to ensure your child follows these guidelines.
Welcome to Middle School!
Middle school done well provides a balanced approach to student growth and development. Our staff is excited to work with your family as your child navigates these awkward, yet pivotal years. We are committed to their academic needs, social/emotional development, and overall well-being. In doing so we look forward to tapping into each student’s passions and interests, providing time for them to explore new topics, meet new friends, create relevant learning experiences, give back to our community, collaborate with others to solve problems and have fun.
As a school community, we are committed to providing a safe, challenging, and dynamic environment for learning so that ALL students can achieve their greatest potential.
We do this by:
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promoting a culture of belonging in which all are seen, valued, and celebrated.
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having fun and building positive relationships to support authentic learning experiences.
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holding ourselves and each other to the highest of expectations.
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seeing mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
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partnering with families to support the growth of the whole child.
I hope you are having a fantastic summer and are taking full advantage of the remaining weeks before school begins. I look forward to seeing you and your child soon.
Sincerely,
Kyle Kane, Principal
Oak-Land Middle School
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In Other News
Members of the 8th Grade Choirs, Orchestra and Band traveled to Duluth April 21-22 as a part of their musical journey at OMS.
Congratulations to Isabel Pariseau for placing 3rd in the Minnesota Middle School Art competition.
Please check out our new registration guide!
Get all your necessary back-to-school information here!
Check out what's needed for the coming year!