Handbook » OMS Parent Student Handbook - Introduction

OMS Parent Student Handbook - Introduction

Overlook Middle School

Parent-Student Handbook

2023-2024

Introduction
Letter from Administration
 
Welcome Overlook Middle School Families:
 
We are so thrilled to start a new school year with all of you at Overlook!
 
Overlook Middle School has a compassionate staff who devote so much of their time to create the best educational experience for all our students.   At OMS, we offer a supportive team approach while focusing on rigorous academic programs designed to improve growth and promote independence. 

Overlook has various and diverse opportunities for our students to develop lifelong skills and we hope that your student participates in all that Overlook Middle School has to offer.  Please be on the lookout for communications about various activities and clubs throughout the school year. We encourage every student to join something outside of school!
 
The OMS Handbook provides a great deal of important information regarding our programs and services, as well as our policies and procedures. Please take time to read the handbook thoroughly and discuss this information with your student(s). This relationship between home and school helps to promote the well-being of our children and their learning process.
 
We strive to keep the lines of communication open between home and school. To do this, we will utilize our school website, Google Classroom, email and PlusPortals and to send information out to our families in a timely manner.
 
Please feel free to contact any member of our school staff if you have any questions or concerns. We encourage a close proactive relationship with our parents and look forward to working with you. Overlook is an amazing environment for developing young minds and we hope to create lasting memories for the students. Please remember that our door is always open for questions, comments or concerns.  We ask that parents and students seek us out directly with any questions rather than posting a question online in a forum in which we do not monitor or which has the potential to give misinformation.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to an exciting and successful school year!
 
Sincerely,
 
Kristina Bogosh, Principal
Kathryn Miville, Assistant Principal

Middle School Philosophy

The middle school staff of the Overlook Middle School recognizes that the middle school years are unique and challenging ones for the adolescent passing through them.  Adolescence is a wonderful time, a time of profound change for youngsters as they make the adjustment from childhood to adulthood.  It is a time when most students experience significant physical growth and become increasingly concerned about their appearance and social connections.
Our philosophy recognizes that the middle school must be a place where the gradual transition from elementary school to high school is accomplished.  We believe that the middle school must be a place where students are encouraged and assisted in developing all areas of individual personality – physical, intellectual, social, and emotional.  We accept the responsibility of responding to the individual needs, abilities, and interests.A wide variety of teaching styles will meet the diverse learning styles of students.  Staff and students will strive to create a learning environment that is intellectually stimulating, and aesthetically pleasing.  The ultimate goal of the middle school is to develop students who are equipped with the skills to be successful and who have gained a life-long appreciation for learning.

Mission Statement 
 
Recognizing the unique needs of our early adolescent students, the staff of Overlook Middle School is dedicated to ensuring a successful transition from middle school to high school by:
  • Providing a caring, welcoming, supportive environment for all;
  • Teaching a standards-based curriculum, fostering intellectual, emotional, physical and social development;
  • Cultivating individual strengths and talents within a heterogeneous environment;
  • Collaborating and communicating with parents and the extended community;
  • Developing learners, who value, respect and accept the diversity of others.
 
Guiding Principles ~ Our School Believes In
  • Working collaboratively with dedication and knowledge to create exciting possibilities for all students.
  • Building a strong sense of community that actively cultivates respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents to help all students reach their potential.
  • Creating an integrative, challenging, and exploratory curriculum that is student-centered and taught in a nurturing, caring, and structured setting.
  • Providing guidance programs that support the social, emotional, and academic needs of middle level students.
  • Providing a wide range of opportunities which emphasize maximum involvement, group unity, good sportsmanship, and the well-being of students.
 
Parent Note
 
We encourage parents/guardians to take an active role in the education of their children.  We welcome your involvement.  Parents can help in many ways, including the following:
  • Providing an atmosphere at home that encourages students to study and complete their schoolwork,
  • Knowing and supporting school policies, especially in the area of teacher expectations and disciplinary procedures,
  • Calling the school and/or arranging for conferences with the teachers when you have questions,
  • Sharing your ideas or constructive criticism directly with the staff members involved,
  • Cooperating in discipline problems,
  • Keeping informed of your children’s school progress,
  • Attending Parent Information Nights, monthly PTO meetings, School Council and other school programs and activities, 
  • Calling with any questions. Our telephone number is 978-827-1425,
  • Accessing OMS web page for information regarding academic requirements and current school events. 
  • Volunteer for fundraisers and other school activities that benefit your school. Your caring presence speaks volumes to your child about how highly you value his/her education.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of  race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, homelessness, age, disability, military/veteran status, and any other class or characteristic protected by law.