WHITE OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL

Can you believe we are 11 days from the start of school.  Or, to be more specific:  10 days, 16 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds…but who is counting.  

I know, that was not necessary.

We hope you have had a great summer and are ready for the start of an exciting school year.  We have several new staff members:  Mrs. Sherron Van Camp is our new counselor, Mrs. Michelle Cooper, our new Librarian/Media Specialist, and Mr. Joey Bohn is our new 6th grade Science teacher and Girls’ Athletics Coach.  We are extremely bless they have chosen to be a part of WOMS.

I will try to keep this up to date with relevant news and information about our middle school. I have included information which was printed on the back of your child’s schedule. Also, the last several bullets IS new information:

• As part of White Oak ISD’s commitment to our district-wide initiative, “The Transformation of Classroom Instruction to a This Century Learner Experience,” the White Oak ISD Board of Trustees has approved a one to one program for the students of White Oak Middle School. What this means for your student in grades six through eight is that he or she will be assigned a new Chromebook for school use and at home throughout the year to help with the learning process. We have a collaborative district and campus team who has worked diligently on creating a successful plan. The fee associated with the Chromebook is $27, which is for insurance associated with the use of your child’s Chromebook. If there is no claim against your child’s Chromebook, it carries over from year to year. If there is damage to the unit, the device is sent in for repair and a new insurance payment will be required.
• In emergency situations when a student must ride a different bus or be let off at another stop, parents/guardians must call the Transportation Department, (903-291-2149) as early in the day as possible. When calling, please inform the Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Stagner, of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only), phone number, reason for change in ridership for that day, and drop off location. All changes must originate from the child’s parent or legal guardian and include the above information. A callback may be initiated. To ensure the safety of our students, notes will not be accepted for this special arrangement.
• Please take time to revisit the middle school dress code. (Student Handbook). One area that has been a constant issue was excessively tight clothing for our young ladies. (i.e., spandex tights, yoga pants, shorts or other types of pants and excessively tight dresses, pants, and skirts) We attempted to monitor and adjust the policy for wearing the pants that were in considered “in style” however, we confirmed that this type of apparel/clothing is not appropriate for school. Beginning this fall, this type of clothing will not be allowed and will be strictly enforce.
• Anytime you need to pick up your child early from school, please call or send a note with them. They are to bring the note to the office as soon as they get to school. We will then issue an “Early Dismissal Notice” so they can be in the office at the designated time. For safety reasons, only individuals on your sign out list can pick up your child and you must come in and sign your child out.
• The safety of our students and staff at White Oak Middle School is our top priority. White Oak Middle School encourages our students and their families to be involved in the lives of their child, even at lunch. If you wish to eat lunch with your child, please come by the office and sign in. White Oak Middle School uses a computerized check in & check out procedure (Drivers License is required) for volunteers, visitors, students, faculty, staff and substitutes. The system is identical to the system currently used on other campuses. You will be issued a visitor’s pass and directed to the cafeteria. Parents eating lunch with their students will be required to sit in a designated area of the cafeteria. Only the parent/guardian and their child are allowed to eat in the designated area. Other students will not be allowed to sit in this designated area. After lunch, please come by, sign out and turn in your pass. If you are bringing your child lunch and plan on not staying, please follow the same procedures. For additional information concerning visits to our campus, please refer to the student handbook.
• The drive directly in front of the middle school is designated for bus drop off/pick up only. Our busiest time is in the afternoon when secondary campuses are dismissed. Also, the drive directly behind the middle school is not an authorize area to pick up your student. When cars are in this area, there are potential safety issues. Students may be picked up in front of or behind the Old Middle School Gym, in front of the auditorium, or across the street from the auditorium. (A crossing guard is present) Please help us with this safety concern.
• Please monitor your child’s progress through Family Access by Skyward, Inc. Family Access is a secure Internet based website that will allow you to easily keep track of nearly everything your student(s) does while at school. Among other things, this service allows you to view your student’s attendance, grades, schedule, progress, assignments, and emergency information. Family Access is a free service and is available to all parents/guardians with children enrolled in the district. Please be aware that the posting of your child(s) grades will vary according to the subject area ranging from three (3) days to two (2) weeks determined by the complexity of the assignments. Minor assignments: 1-3 days; Major assignments: 3-5 days; Major writing assignments, major projects: 10 days. Please check your child’s teacher website for additional information. For additional information related to Skyward or if you are having difficulties signing in to Skyward, please call Ms. Cowart at 903-291-2085.
• White Oak Middle School encourages our students and their families to be involved in extracurricular activities and support the various teams and programs. However, many times students are dropped off for several hours without parent/guardian supervision. It is during these times that problems may arise. Once students enter the gym, stadium, auditorium they must stay inside. Their student ID card (if applicable) allows admittance once per event. The ID card does not allow for in/out privileges. Once they leave, they will not be allowed to re-enter. Proper behavior is expected at all events. Please review our handbook and visit with your child about proper conduct at these events.
• White Oak Middle School Open House is scheduled for Friday, August 21 from 5:30-6:30 pm. Parent meeting for our incoming 6^th graders will be from 5:30-6:00 pm.
• Please take time to subscribe to your child’s teacher’ blogs as well as to other staff members on our campus.
• Make sure your child is in compliance with the school dress code. (clothing, hair, etc.: Student Handbook)
• The numbered parking spaces in front of the school are for staff only. Spaces 1 and 2 are designated for visitors. Also, please be mindful of the Fire Lane directly in front of the building. “No Parking”
• We would like to restart our parent/guardian luncheons this school year. The purpose of the luncheon is to provide you the opportunity to visit the school and learn of the events and activities taking place. We will provide lunch, all we ask is for you to call our office and let us know you are coming so we can plan for the lunches. Even if you choose not to eat with us, you are still welcome to attend. More information will follow.