April 16, 2014

• 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.   

• Remainder of the STAAR Test calendar: April 22: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics, 8^th Social Studies; April 23: 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 5-9. Test security measures will be in place on test days to limit guests on campus and student access to cell phones during testing. Guest will not be allowed on campus on either test days, including the lunch time. In regards to cell phones, 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.

• 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.

• Thank you for your assistance with not entering the drive in front of the middle school during the posted times. It is designated for “Buses Only”. Also, the drive directly behind the middle school is not an authorize area to pick up your student. When cars are in these areas, there are potential safety issues.

• 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 can be maintained by making grades of 70 or above in all academic classes. Beginning at the end of the first six weeks, if a student’s average in one or more academic classes is below 70 for a six weeks period, that student will be ineligible to participate in or attend any extracurricular activities (games, contests, dances, trips, etc) for the next three-week period. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse. After the three-week period, eligibility will be determined.

• 6^th grade band contest/ trip to Canton will be Thursday, May 1. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

• 7^th grade band competition at Canton will be Friday, May 2. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Athletic physicals for 6^th and 8^th graders interested in participating in athletics next year is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Contact Coach Iske, WOISD Athletic Director at 903-291-2212 or [email protected] for more information.

• Algebra End of Course (EOC) Assessment is scheduled for Thursday, May 8.

• Student Council Spring Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 6. Contact Mrs. Coones at 903-291-2089 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Spring Choir Concert will be Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Ms. Hughes at 903-291-2051 or [email protected] for additional information.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected] for additional information.

February 20, 2014

• STAAR Test calendar: April 1: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, 8^th grade Mathematics; April 2: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 22: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics, 8^th Social Studies; April 23: 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 5-9. 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.

• 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.   

• The teachers are having an extremely difficult time with students not turning in homework assignments. WOMS has implemented a “Lunch Crunch” for students who fail to turn in their homework. When a student fails to turn in an assignment, a letter will be sent home with the student. Our program requires that the paper, with a parent’s signature, and the indicated assignment be completed and returned before 8:00 the next school day. If the assignment and the parent letter is turned in by 8:00, the student will not be assigned a Lunch Crunch. If not, the student will get their lunch and report to a classroom in order to work on the missing assignment and eat lunch. Points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late, for maximum of 3 days late .(70,60,50,0) On the 3^rd day, the assignment must be turned in by 3:30 pm. Also, Texas Education Agency states in order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the state assessments. Our goal is for your child to be successful. Each of our staff works to bring this goal to fruition.

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. Our last staff development day is next Wednesday, February 26. Middle school students will be dismissed at 12:00 pm. Bus transportation will be provided.

• Spring Break is the week of March 10-14

• Spring pictures are scheduled for April 17.

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 17-28. 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].

• Our Middle School Band will participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest on Wednesday, April 16 at Gladewater ISD Auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley (903-291-2060) for additional information.

• Cheerleader tryouts are scheduled for Friday, March 21. For candidates who returned their packet, there will be an informational meeting for candidates and parents on Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m in the High School Gym. Parent/guardian attendance is mandatory at this meeting.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

• Spring Choir Concert will be Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

There will be a send off of the Football team at 2:30 pm on Friday. Students, Faculty and Community members are encouraged to line up along White Oak Road from the High School to Hwy 80 and show support for our team!

There will be a sign up sheet in the High School Office. The first 100 to sign up will have first chance to board.

The White Oak Roughnecks will play the Cameron Yeoman in the Semi-final Round of the 2A Division 1 State Football play-offs next Friday, December 13th  at 7:30 PM at Eagle Stadium in Allen. The Roughnecks will be the visitors. Pre-sale ticket prices are $5.00 for students, $7.00 for adults. All tickets sold at the game will be $8.00. District 9 AA and 13 AA (Football) District Passes and Senior Citizen Passes will be honored at the gate as well as Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Girls Coaches Association Membership cards. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Stanford at 903-291-2212 or [email protected]. Thank you to our our school district and the community for making this a special memory for our team.

Anyone interested in sharing their opinion is welcome and encouraged to arrive before 6 pm. There will be a place to sign up and be recognized to speak. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

November 14, 2013

• Parents/Guardians: If you have or know of a child at WOMS who is in NEED of clothes, shoes, coats, heaters, food, etc., please contact Kelley Hamm, WOMS Counselor, at 903-291-2032, or[email protected] .

• 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 25, November 13, January 29, February 26)

• 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 teachers are having an extremely difficult time with students not turning in homework assignments. WOMS has implemented a “Lunch Crunch” for students who fail to turn in their homework. When a student fails to turn in an assignment, a letter will be sent home with the student. Our program requires that the paper, with a parent’s signature, and the indicated assignment be completed and returned before 8:00 the next school day. If the assignment and the parent letter is turned in by 8:00, the student will not be assigned a Lunch Crunch. If not, the student will get their lunch and report to a classroom in order to work on the missing assignment and eat lunch. Points will be deducted for each day the assignment is late, for maximum of 3 days late .(70,60,50,0) On the 3^rd day, the assignment must be turned in by 3:30 pm. Also, Texas Education Agency states in order to be promoted to grade 9, students enrolled in grade 8 must perform satisfactorily on the mathematics and reading sections of the state assessments. Our goal is for your child to be successful. Each of our staff works to bring this goal to fruition.

• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on December 17 and 18 at Union Grove. 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 All-Region Band Tryouts is scheduled for Friday, December 6 after school at Union Grove High School. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

• White Oak Middle School Choir Concert is scheduled for Monday, December 9. Contact Ms. Hughes for additional information. (903-291-2051)

• White Oak Middle School Band Concert is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

• Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 27-29. We will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26.

• Semester exams are scheduled for December 19 and 20. As in the past, high school and middle school will dismiss early each day.

• Christmas break will be December 23 through January 3. Spring semester begins January 6.

• School picture retakes is scheduled for Thursday, November 21.

• 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.

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

• 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 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.

6th Grade:  All students will need the following basic supplies:

notebook with dividers- (optional) to help with organization

wide-ruled notebook paper

pencils and pens

handheld pencil sharpener

2 boxes of Kleenex

combination locks for hall locker and P.E. Locker

plain grey shorts and shirt for P.E.  

Course specific supplies: (Additional supplies may be requested by individual teachers)

(ELA)

3 highlighters; 2 red pens; (1” 3-ring binder may be needed)

(Math)

1 Composition notebooks ; 1 pkg glue sticks; 2 large pink erasers; Boys: markers; Girls:  scissors.  Markers and scissors will be left in classroom.;  (1” 3-ring binder may be needed)

(Science)

2 Mead black and white composition notebooks; 1 inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers; Girls: map pencils; Boys: 2 small glue sticks (Map pencils and glue will be left in classroom.); $3 lab fee to be paid at registration

(Social Studies)

1 two-pocket folder with brads; 1 package of construction paper; Boys: markers; Girls: 2 highlighters

*Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate)  Backpacks and purses are not allowed in the classroom

*Some supplies may need to be replenished through the year*

7th Grade:   All students will need the following basic supplies:

folder with brads and pockets – purple for homework

wide-ruled notebook paper

24 pencils

handheld pencil sharpener

red grading pens

blue or black pens

2 boxes Kleenex

zipper pouch (pencil bag)

combination/key locks for hall locker (strongly encouraged) and combination lock for athletics (mandatory)

binder with zipper (optional)

small drawstring bag  (optional)

(If applicable) PE – gray shorts and t-shirt

Course specific supplies:(Additional supplies may be requested by individual teachers)

(ELA)

folders with pockets and brads: green,yellow; 2 composition notebooks; Boys: 2 glue sticks ; Girls: 4 thin highlighters (different colors); 2 block erasers

(Math)

folder with pockets and brads – blue; 1 composition notebook; 4 small glue sticks; 2 block erasers (**Optional for pre-algebra : TI-30XIIS calculator for home)

(Science)

1 composition notebook; 1 roll paper towels; 4 small glue sticks; boys: wide-tipped markers ; girls: fine-tipped markers; 1 pkg. index cards; $3 lab fee to be paid at registration.

Texas History

folder with pockets and brads – red; 1 box map pencils

Calculator for 7th Pre-Algebra, 8th Math, and 8th Algebra: 8th Math:Suggested TI-30XIIS (Students will have use of a classroom calculator but will need one at home.)   Algebra:Suggested TI-84+Silver Edition (Usually on sale at the end of July or August.   If taken care of, students will be able to use graphing calculators throughout high school and college. *Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate)    Backpacks and purses are not allowed in the classroom

*Some supplies may need to be replenished through the year*

8^th Grade: All students will need the following basic supplies:

*Notebook with zipper (optional)

1 package of standard ruled notebook paper

Pencils and pens

Handheld pencil sharpener

Combination or key lock for locker (Strongly recommended)

Package of highlighters

2 pocket folders (one red; one blue)

Folder with brads and pockets

Course specific supplies: (Additional supplies may be requested by individual teachers)

(ELA)

2 red pens

(Math)

Clear Protractor (no arms); Compass; 1 Composition notebook ; Markers; 2 white/pink erasers; Boys – scissors and map pencils; Girls- 2 Sharpies and 2 glue sticks

 Calculator for 7th Pre-Algebra, 8th Math, and 8th Algebra: 8th Math:Suggested TI-30XIIS (Students will have use of a classroom calculator but will need one at home.)   Algebra:Suggested TI-84+Silver Edition (Usually on sale at the end of July or August.   If taken care of, students will be able to use graphing calculators throughout high school and college.

(Science)

2 Mead black and white composition notebooks; 1 inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers; Girls: 2 rolls of paper towels; Boys: 2 glue sticks ; $3 lab fee to be paid at registration

(Social Studies)

1 two-pocket folder with brads; 1 package of construction paper

 *Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate)  

Some supplies may need to be replenished through the year*