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.

April 10, 2015

• Remainder of the STAAR Test calendar:   8^th grade Mathematics; April 20: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics, 8^th Social Studies; April 21: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading, 8^th grade Science; April 22. TEA has scheduled the Algebra EOC (End of Course) test for the week of May 4-8. Test security measures will be in place on test days. Guest will not be allowed on campus on the above test days. Also, to limit student access to cell phones during testing, it is suggested that students leave cell phones at home on the days of testing. If you choose to allow your child to bring a phone, students must submit their cell phones that are turned off to their test administrators on the day of testing. Cell phones will be placed in an individual zip lock bag and returned to each student as soon as all testing has been completed for the day. You may also go online at www.tea.state.tx.us Student Assessment Division for additional information.

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) is more rigorous than previous state tests. It contains more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of the STAAR assessments will test material students studied this year. Also, as it was last year, tests will have a time limit. Unless a student is eligible for an accommodation, each student will have four hours to complete each assessment. We have repeatedly spoken with our students about the changes in the state testing and how the test is more rigorous than the previous TAKS test.   Coupled with this test and the increased passing standards, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   8^th grade students who are not successful on the tests will have one additional opportunity before the end of the spring semester (in May) and one last opportunity at the end of June to retest and pass STAAR. 8^th grade students who do not pass STAAR on the second administration, will be required to enroll in summer school to prepare for the 3^rd and final administration of STAAR. If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete this requirement, then they will be retained.  If you would like additional information concerning the STAAR test, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us and click on Testing and Accountability on the left hand side.  Also, you may contact your child’s teacher for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support.

• 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.

• WOMS Majorette and Flag try-outs are scheduled for today, Friday, April 10 after school. Contact Mr. Whatley at [email protected] for 903-291-2060 for more information.

• Our Middle School Band will participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest April 14 and 15 at Gladewater ISD Auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley (903-291-2060) for additional information.

• Spring Choir Concert will be Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Ms. Hughes at 903-291-2051 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Spring Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, May 18 (6^th grade) and Tuesday, May 19 (7^th and 8th grade) at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

January 8, 2015

• 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. While there are many details still to be worked out before the devices can be distributed to students, we wanted to make parents aware of this exciting change in learning environment. We have a collaborative district and campus team working diligently on creating a successful implementation plan.  Our first parent meeting was Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 P.M. in our middle school library. We had approximately 20 parents in attendance. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 at 12:00 pm. If you are able to attend, let us know by Monday, January 12 and we will provide lunch. (Contact our secretary, Melissa Norris at 903-291-2055 or email her at [email protected] so we can have a number count for the lunches. If you choose not to have lunch on us, we still encourage you to attend.) Our goal for this short, informative event  is to provide you with an overview of this initiative and answer pressing questions you might have.   If you cannot attend this meeting, we are scheduling another parent meeting on January 20 at 6:00pm. It is extremely important for you to attend one of these meetings as the target date for handing out the Chromebooks are planned for the end of January. We want you to be informed of this exciting change at White Oak Middle School. After this introductory meeting, White Oak Middle School will then plan follow-up parent trainings where you will  bring your student’s device and learn a little about using it and what the management capabilities are.   We want everyone to fully understand what the devices are capable of in the learning process.  We want to thank the school board for their support in this measure and thank you for allowing us to serve your children in White Oak ISD.

• 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.

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. On the following days, middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 17, October 29, January 28, February 25) Also, January 19, February 16, April 3, and May 25 are school holidays. Spring Break is the week of March 9-13.

• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on January 23 at Waskom. We will leave WOMS at 7:30am and return to the school around 6:00pm. (Times are tentative) If your child has been selected to participate, he/she will bring home additional information.

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 16-27. At that time, forms will be available from Mrs. Hamm, Middle School Counselor. Testing will be completed before the end of the spring semester. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her at 903-291-2032 or [email protected].

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) is more rigorous than previous state tests. It contains more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of the STAAR assessments will test material students studied this year. Also, as it was last year, tests will have a time limit. Unless a student is eligible for an accommodation, each student will have four hours to complete each assessment. We have repeatedly spoken with our students about the changes in the state testing and how the test is more rigorous than the previous TAKS test.   Coupled with this test and the increased passing standards, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   8^th grade students who are not successful on the tests will have one additional opportunity before the end of the spring semester (in May) and one last opportunity at the end of June to retest and pass STAAR. 8^th grade students who do not pass STAAR on the second administration, will be required to enroll in summer school to prepare for the 3^rd and final administration of STAAR. If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete this requirement, then they will be retained.  If you would like additional information concerning the STAAR test, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us and click on Testing and Accountability on the left hand side.  Also, you may contact your child’s teacher for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support.

• STAAR Test calendar: March 30: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, March 31: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 20: 8^th grade Mathematics; April 21: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics, 8^th Social Studies; April 22: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading, 8^th grade Science. TEA has scheduled the Algebra EOC (End of Course) test for the week of May 4-8. Test security measures will be in place on test days to limit student access to cell phones during testing. It is suggested that students leave cell phones at home on the days of testing. If you choose to allow your child to bring a phone, students must submit their cell phones that are turned off to their test administrators on the day of testing. Cell phones will be placed in an individual zip lock bag and returned to each student as soon as all testing has been completed for the day. You may also go online at www.tea.state.tx.us Student Assessment Division for additional information.

This was sent out yesterday by SchoolMessenger:

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. While there are many details still to be worked out before the devices can be distributed to students, we wanted to make parents aware of this exciting change in learning environment. We have a collaborative district and campus team working diligently on creating a successful implementation plan.  Our first parent meeting is scheduled for this Thursday evening, December 18, at 6:00 P.M. in our middle school library.  Our goal for this short, informative event  is to provide you with an overview of this initiative and answer pressing questions you might have.   If you cannot attend this meeting, we are scheduling other parent meetings in January, both during the day and after school.   After this introductory meeting, White Oak Middle School will then plan follow-up parent trainings where you will  bring your student’s device and learn a little about using it and what the management capabilities are.   We want everyone to fully understand what the devices are capable of in the learning process.  We want to thank the school board for their support in this measure and thank you for allowing us to serve your children in White Oak ISD.

Also, semester exams are scheduled for this Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19. As in the past, White Oak Middle School will dismiss at 11:30 on both days.

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 recently approved a one to one (1:1) program for the students of White Oak Middle School. What this means for your student(s) 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. While there are many details still to be worked out before the devices can be distributed to students, we wanted to make parents aware of this exciting change in learning environment. We have a collaborative district and campus team working diligently on creating a successful implementation plan.

There will be parent meetings over the next few months that will include information, orientation, and also training. We want everyone to fully understand what the devices are capable of in the learning process.

We want to thank the school board for their support in this measure and thank you for allowing us to serve your children in White Oak ISD.

• Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 26-28. Secondary campuses will dismiss at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 25. Buses will run at this time.

• White Oak Middle School Choir Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at 6:30pm. Contact Ms. Hughes for additional information. (903-291-2051)

• White Oak Middle School Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, December 15 for the 6th grade band and Tuesday, December 16 for the 7th and 8th grade bands. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

• White Oak Middle School All-Region Band Tryouts is scheduled for Friday, December 5 after school at Union Grove High School. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

• Semester exams are scheduled for December 18-19. As in the past, high school and middle school will dismiss early each day. More information will follow.

• Christmas break is scheduled for December 22 through January 5. Spring semester begins January 5.

• 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.

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. On the following days, middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 17, October 29, January 28, February 25)

• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on January 23 at Jefferson. Our students have received information as to the various contests offered and those interested are encouraged to sign up for this competition. If your child is selected to participate, he/she will bring home additional information.

• 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.

• Please continue to 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.

• As per our student handbook, excessively tight clothing is unacceptable (i.e., spandex tights, yoga pants, shorts or other types of pants and excessively tight dresses, pants, and skirts.) The administration has made numerous announcement and have addressed this with our students.  

Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 26-28.  There has been a change in dismissal time.  Secondary campuses will dismiss at 11:30 instead of 12:00 on Tuesday, November 25.   Buses will run at this time.  This change will allow our Food Service Department time to prepare for the WOISD Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon.

November 10, 2014

Picture retakes are scheduled for this Wednesday, November 12.

Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 26-28. We will dismiss at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 25.

White Oak Middle School Choir Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 beginning at 6:30 pm. Contact Ms. Hughes for additional information. (903-291-2051)

White Oak Middle School Band Concert is scheduled for Monday, December 15 for the 6^th grade band and Tuesday, December 16 for the 7^th and 8^th grade bands. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

Semester exams are scheduled for December 18-19. As in the past, high school and middle school will dismiss early each day. More information will follow.

Christmas break is scheduled for December 22 through January 5. Spring semester begins January 5.

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. We have just completed our football and volleyball seasons and we are beginning our basketball season.  Please be reminded once students enter the gym 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.

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.

October 23, 2014

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. On the following days, middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided:  September 17, October 29, (next Wednesday) January 28, February 25.

• All White Oak Middle School students (whether in extracurricular activities or not) will be held accountable for their grades and will follow the same eligibility requirements as participants. Eligibility requirements are in compliance with the University Interscholastic League (UIL). According to the UIL, “ an individual may participate in League competition or contests as a representative of the participant school he/she attends if that student has been in attendance and has passed the number of courses required by state law and by rules of the State Board of Education, and is passing the number of courses required by state law and by rules of the State Board of Education. “ Eligibility can be maintained by making grades of 70 or above in all academic classes. Since we have ended our 9 week grading period, students NOT PASSING are ineligible to participate in or attend any middle school extracurricular activities (games, contests, etc) for the next three-week grading period. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse. After the three-week period, eligibility will be determined.

• 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 continue to 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.

• We are collecting Box Tops for Education. Please clip your Box Tops and send them with your child.

• E-mail is a great communication tool for both parents/guardians and teachers. If you are interested in receiving e-mail from your child’s teacher, please take time to visit our website. (www.woisd.net) Under Campuses, click Middle and it will take you to our home page. You may click Campus Directory, which will take you to contact information of our staff, teacher blogs, lesson plans and assignments.

• 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.

• Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 26-28. We will dismiss early on Tuesday, November 25. More information to follow.

• White Oak Middle School and High School choirs invite you to the Coffee House Show on November 8 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Admission is $4.00. Contact Ms. Hughes for additional information.(903-291-2051).

• Picture retakes are scheduled for November 12.

• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on January 23 at Jefferson. Our students have received information as to the various contests offered and those interested are encouraged to sign up for this competition. If your child is selected to participate, he/she will bring home additional information.

• 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

September 12, 2014

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. On the following days, middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 17, October 29, January 28, February 25)

• Please continue to 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.

• As a partner in education, the White Oak Independent School District School Nutrition program contributes to a successful academic experience and encourages a lifetime of healthy eating by providing each student with the opportunity to consume meals that are nutritious, appealing, and served by caring professionals in a pleasant environment. You may choose to send money with your child or you may make a deposit to your child’s lunch account online. Please check your child’s account on a regular basis to ensure they have enough money in their account. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lori Ferguson, Director of WOISD Food Services.

• 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.

• E-mail is a great communication tool for both parents/guardians and teachers. If you are interested in receiving e-mail from your child’s teacher, please take time to visit our website. (www.woisd.net) Under Campuses, click Middle and it will take you to our home page. You may click Campus Directory, which will take you to contact information of our staff, teacher blogs, lesson plans and assignments.

• 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 has installed 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. 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.