Pre-Registration packets for returning students will be available August 1 and 2. They will be on a table as you come into the building according to grade level. All paperwork must be completed before coming to the school for registration.

Registration will begin Tuesday, August 6.

 8^th grade registration is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 from 8:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00.

7^th grade registration is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7 from 8:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00.

6^th grade registration is scheduled for Thursday, August 8 from 8:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00.

We will offer an evening registration on Thursday, August 8 from 5:00-7:00 pm for working parents/guardians not able to attend the above dates/times.  As in the past, please be mindful this evening registration tends to be well attended and the lines may be long. 

Several reasons why White Oak Middle School is so special!  Good Luck at Cheerleader Tryouts!

*   WOISD will not be in school this Friday, March 8, due to our high school boys’ basketball team participating in the State Basketball Tournament in Austin.  White Oak plays East Chambers at 8:30 am Friday morning at the University of Texas Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center.  More information is located on our District’s Homepage.

*   Reminder that Spring pictures will be taken tomorrow, March 6.  Packets were given to your child yesterday.   Spring pictures must be paid for in advance.  Please follow the directions on the packet.   If you have any  questions, please contact Mrs. Bardwell (High School Journalism) at 903-291-2029 or [email protected].

*   Our Middle School track meet, scheduled for this Thursday, has been cancelled.

February 28, 2013

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS. STAAR 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: April 2: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, 8^th grade Mathematics; April 3: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 23: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; April 24: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading: April 24: 8^th grade Science; April 25: 8^th grade Social Studies. 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.

• 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 12:30 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 19, October 17, February 27, April 10)

• Spring Break is scheduled for the week of March 11-15

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 18-29. 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].

• Spring pictures will be taken next Wednesday, March 6. Packets will be given to our students on Monday, March 4.

• WOMS Majorette and Flag try-outs are scheduled for Friday, April 5 after school. Contact Mr. Whatley at [email protected] for 903-291-2060 for more information.

• Cheerleader tryouts are scheduled for Friday, March 22. For candidates who returned their packet, there will be an informational meeting for candidates and parents on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m in the New Middle School Gym. Parent/guardian attendance is mandatory at this meeting.

• Our Middle School Band will participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest on Wednesday, April 17 at Gladewater ISD Auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley (903-291-2060) 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, inform the office of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only) and 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.

• 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.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

• 6^th and 8^th grade athletic physicals (for next year) have been scheduled for Saturday, May 4. Contact Coach Gerry Stanford (Athletic Director) for additional information. (903-291-2212)

• We are collecting Box Tops for Education. Please clip your Box Tops and send them with your child. The class with the most Box Tops will earn a reward. Students also have the possibility of winning a $10 gift card each week for bringing 25 Box Tops.

Spring Hill ISD Resource Officer, Roger Askew will be presenting a multimedia presentation on “How media affects our students” Monday night, February 25th. The event will take place at the Spring Hill ISD Auditorium beginning at 5:30 PM. It is sponsored by the Spring Hill PTA. Officer Askew will present information on music, television and video games that are popular with our students. . The invitation has been extended to our faculty and staff as well as White Oak ISD parents as well.    The sponsor has asked that the  invitation to this event be limited to  persons 18 years of age and older.

Monday, February 18 is a school holiday. (Presidents’ Day)

Wednesday, February 27 is our next early release for all campuses for District-wide staff development.    Middle school will be dismissed  at 12:30 pm.    Bus transportation will be provided.

The following information was printed on the back of your child’s report card, which will go out tomorrow.

January 10, 2013

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS. STAAR 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.   8th 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. If your child does not pass STAAR on the second administration, he/she 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: April 2: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, 8^th grade Mathematics; April 3: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 23: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; April 24: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading: April 24: 8^th grade Science; April 25: 8^th grade Social Studies. 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.

• White Oak Middle School has been selected to represent schools across the nation by participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). NAEP is the largest nationally representative assessment of students across the country, and it is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education. NAEP, which has been conducted since 1969, is different from other assessments because it provides a common measure of student achievement across the country.The results of NAEP are released as The Nation’s Report Card, which provides information about student achievement to educators, parents, policymakers, and the public. The NAEP assessment will be given on Jan. 29, 2013. NAEP has randomly selected a number of our 8^th grade students to take either a mathematics or reading assessment. In addition to answering questions in one of these subjects, students will be asked some questions about themselves and their educational experience. If your child has been selected, they will receive testing informaiton from Mrs. Hamm. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her 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 12:30 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 19, October 17, February 27, April 10) Also, January 21 and February 18 are school holidays.

• 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, etc) for the next three-week period. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse. After the three-week period, eligibility will be determined.

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 18-29. 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].

• 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, inform the office of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only) and 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.

• 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.

• GT Model United Nations competition is scheduled for January 31- February 1. Parents of our GT students may contact Mrs. Velde or Mrs. Floyd for additional information.

• Spring Break is scheduled for the week of March 11-15

The following information was printed on the back of your childs’ report card.

• E-mail is a great communication tool for both parents/guardians and teachers. If you are interested in receiving e-mail from our child’s teacher, please take time to visit our website. (www.woisd.net) Click on the middle school link and search the Middle School Main Menu for links for our campus, including teacher blogs, lesson plans and assignments.

• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on December 11 and 12 at Ore City Middle School. Your child has received information as to the various contests offered and those interested have been practicing for this competition. If your child is selected to participate, he/she will bring home additional information.

• The teachers are having an extremely difficult time with students not turning in homework assignments. If students do not have their assignment on the due date; those assignments will be accepted the next day for a maximum grade of a 70. After that day, a zero will be recorded in the gradebook and the work will not be accepted. Tutorials are scheduled each day. The intent is not to complete all homework assignments but to get assistance with specific questions. Please refer to our handbook for further information on grades, report cards, and participation in extracurricular activities. 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. Grades and consequences have been addressed with our students numerous times. Our goal is for your child to be successful. Each of our staff works to bring this goal to fruition.

• 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. For additional information related to Skyward, please call Ms. Cowart at 903-291-2085

• 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.

• 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 12:30 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 19, October 17, February 27, April 10)

• White Oak Middle School All-Region Band Tryouts is scheduled for Friday, November 30 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 Thursday, December 13. Contact Mrs. Vinson for additional information. (903-291-2051)

• White Oak Middle School Band Concert is scheduled for Friday, December 14. Contact Mr. Whatley for additional information.(903-291-2060)

• 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, etc) for the next three-week period. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse. After the three-week period, eligibility will be determined.

• 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. Proper behavior is expected at all events. Please review our handbook and visit with your child about proper conduct at these events.

• Christmas break will be December 24 through January 7. Semester exams are scheduled for December 20 and 21. As in the past, high school and middle school will dismiss early each day.

• 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, inform the office of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only) and 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.

• 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 there is enough money in their account. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lori Ferguson, Director of WOISD Food Services.

The following information has been printed on the back of your child’s report card.

• 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.
• 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 12:30 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 19, October 17, February 27, April 10)
• E-mail is a great communication tool for both parents/guardians and teachers. If you are interested in receiving e-mail from our child’s teacher, please take time to visit our website. (www.woisd.net) Click on the middle school link and search the Middle School Main Menu for links for our campus, including teacher blogs, lesson plans and assignments.
• White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on December 11 and 12 at Ore City Middle School. Your child has received information as to the various contests offered and are encouraged to sign up and participate.
• 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.
• 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. If  students do not have their assignment on the due date; those assignments will be accepted the next day for a maximum grade of a 70. After that day, a zero will be recorded in the gradebook and the work will not be accepted. Tutorials are scheduled each day from 7:40-8:00. The intent is not to complete all homework assignments but to get assistance with specific questions. Please refer to our handbook for further information on grades, report cards, and participation in extracurricular activities. 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. Grades and consequences have been addressed with our students numerous times. Our goal is for your child to be successful. Each of our staff works to bring this goal to fruition.

  *   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, etc) for the next three-week 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, inform the office of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only) and 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 Middle School needs your BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION. We are having a Box Tops Drive. The TOP 2 classes will earn a pizza party and the TOP class from each grade level will be rewarded with ice cream. Please support WOMS by cutting out your BOX TOPS and sending to school with your child. It is an easy way to help support WOMS monetarily without spending extra money.
• Our middle school choirs will participate in the following auditions. Mixed Choir Regional auditions will be this Saturday, October 6 at Pine Tree. On October 13, our Cambiata Choir will audition at Mt. Pleasant High School. Contact Mrs. Vinson for more information. (903-291-2051)

Have you been watching the Olympics? What a great performance by the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, winning their first Olympic title since 1996 and how about 17 year old high school senior-to-be Missy Franklin winning the 100 meter backstroke. I have been caught up in the excitement of the Olympics this year, especially when you think of it, athletes from 204 countries can come together and compete without the need of a translator.   This is how disagreements between countries need to be settled….put them in a pool, on a track, a court, a field (or sand), or a balance beam and let them battle it out.  (Just a thought)