Registration Packets

Pre-Registration packets for returning students will be available beginning August 6. 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.

New students to the district (along with their parents/guardians) must contact our office beginning August 6 for additional information necessary for registration. Packets for new student to the district are available in the office. Schedules for new students will not be ready until the afternoon of Wednesday, August 22.

Registration

 8^th grade registration is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14 from 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-3:00.

7^th grade registration is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15 from 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-3:00.

6^th grade registration is scheduled for Thursday, August 16 from 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-3:00.

We will offer an evening registration on Thursday, August 16 from 5:00-7:00 pm for working parents/guardians not able to attend the above dates/times.  While the evening registration may be attractive, please note that you may experience long lines during this time.

Open Building 

We will open the middle school on Saturday, August 25 from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.  If you would like to place your supplies in your locker, find your classes, and/or just become more familiar with the campus, you are more than welcome to come by.   

Please visit our website at www.woisd.net for additional registration information. Under “Directories” click on Middle School.  

6TH GRADE: *Some supplies may need to be replenished throughout the year*

*Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate!) Backpacks are optional. Only used to transport belongings to and from school. During the day, it must remain in your locker. 

All students will need:

* Notebook with zipper (optional)

* Standard ruled notebook paper

* Pencils and pens

* Handheld pencil sharpener

* Box of Kleenex

* Small drawstring bag to carry to class (optional)

* 2 Combination locks or key locks:   1) hall locker  2) PE locker

* Plain grey shorts and grey shirt for PE  

Plus the following for individual classes

8TH GRADE:

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

*Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate!) Backpacks are optional. Only used to transport belongings to and from school. During the day, it must remain in your locker.                                                                                

All students will need:

* Notebook with zipper (optional)   

* Standard ruled notebook paper

* Pencils and pens

* Handheld pencil sharpener

* Small drawstring bag to carry to class (optional)

* Combination lock or key lock for locker

**Calculator for 8^th Math (Pre-Algebra) , and Algebra:

8th Math (Pre-Algebra): Suggested TI-30XIIS (Students wil 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.

7TH GRADE:   

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

*Note: Instead of zipper notebooks, students may carry small drawstring bags (no inappropriate graphics or writing~must be school appropriate!) Backpacks are optional. Only used to transport belongings to and from school. During the day, it must remain in your locker.

All students will need:

* 1 package wide-ruled notebook paper

* 1 Package of red grading pens

* 1 Package of blue/black pens

* Pencils (Ticonderoga sharpens best)

* 2 block erasers

* 2 spiral notebooks (70 pages each)

* Handheld pencil sharpener with shavings catcher

* 3 Folders with pockets and brads (must be blue, purple, and green)

* Box of Kleenex

* Combination lock or key lock  for hall locker

* 2 Mead Black and White Composition Books

* 2 Rolls of paper towels

* 2 small glue sticks

* $3 Science lab fee may be paid at registration

* Notebook with zipper (optional)

* Small drawstring bag to carry to class (optional)

Calculator for 7^th Pre-Algebra:    Pre-Algebra: Suggested TI-30XIIS (Students will have use of a classroom calculator but will need one at home.)

April 12, 2012
On April 17, there will be an assembly for middle school students (9:00 am) and high school students (10:15 am) in the auditorium.  Mark Seguin, Social Media 101 Trainer  (TBG Solutions) will speak on Cyber Bullying, Social Media, and Sexting to grades 6-12.  Parents are welcome to attend.

*   Texas Education Agency new state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS.   The STAAR will be more rigorous than previous state tests. It will contain more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of new STAAR assessments will test material students studied that year. In contrast, TAKS high-school level tests were required by law to test content studied over multiple years. Also, for the first time since the state began its standardized testing program, the 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 we will help with this transition.  Coupled with this new test, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   In the past our Grade Level Placement Committee has relied on the state assessment and end of year averages to determine promotion or retention.   Since the passing standards have yet to be set by the state and will not be set until later this summer, our committee will only be able to rely on end of year averages to determine placement for next year.   If your child does not pass the class, he/she may be required to enroll in summer school.  (A fee associated with our summer school has not been determined.)    If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete the requirements of summer school, 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.
*   Second set of testing dates are as follows:   STAAR Test calendar:  Reading;   April 24:  6th and 7th grade Mathematics; April 25: 6th and 7th grade Reading;:  April 26:   8th grade Science; April 27:   8th 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.     Also, guests are not allowed on campus on testing days.  You may also go online at www.tea.state.tx.us  Student Assessment Division for additional information.
*   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 lesson plans and assignments.
*   Thank you for your assistance in 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.
*   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.
*   April 18:  MS 8th Grade Band UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest at Gladewater High School.  For more information, contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected].
*   May 3:   6th Grade Band Competition in Canton.   For more information, contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected].
*   May 5:  MS Choir Spring Festival/Competition in Arlington.  For more information, contact Mrs.Vinson at 903-291-2051 or [email protected]
*   May 10:  MS/HS ChoirSpring Concert.   For more information, contact Mrs.Vinson at 903-291-2051 or [email protected]
*   May 17:   MS Band Spring Concert.   For more information, contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected].
*   May 18:   MS 7th/8th Grade Band trip to Dallas.    For more information, contact Mr. Whatley at 903-291-2060 or [email protected].
*   May 18:   GT Robotic Competition at LeTourneau.  Contact Mrs. Velde at 903-291-2082 or [email protected]
*   May 23-25:  Semester exams.  More information to follow.

WhiteOakMiddle School

February 23, 2012

• Texas Education Agency new state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS.   The STAAR will be more rigorous than previous state tests. It will contain more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of new STAAR assessments will test material students studied that year. In contrast, TAKS high-school level tests were required by law to test content studied over multiple years. Also, for the first time since the state began its standardized testing program, the 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 we will help with this transition.  Coupled with this new test, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   In the past our Grade Level Placement Committee has relied on the state assessment and end of year averages to determine promotion or retention.   Since the passing standards have yet to be set by the state and will not be set until later this summer, our committee will only be able to rely on end of year averages to determine placement for next year.   If your child does not pass the class, he/she may be required to enroll in summer school.  (A fee associated with our summer school has not been determined.)    If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete the requirements of summer school, 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 27:  7^th grade Writing Day 1,   8^th grade Mathematics; March 28:  7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading;   April 24:  6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; April 25: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading;:  April 26:   8^th grade Science; April 27:   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.
• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from February 27-March 9.   Forms are available from Mrs. Hamm, Middle School Counselor.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her at 903-291-2032 or [email protected].
• Spring pictures (pre-paid) will be taken next Wednesday, February 29.   Packets will be given to our students on Monday.   
• Spring Break is scheduled for the week of March 12-16.
• 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 lesson plans and assignments.
• Thank you for your assistance in 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.  
• 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.
• Our first middle school track meet of the year will be Thursday, March 1 at White Oak.

By  Richard Bromfield

Parents can aspire to raise children to be good citizens of strong character.  Raising children who are honest is the key to that goal.   Here are several tips for fostering honesty in children.
*   Create room for candor.   Welcome your child’s thoughts and feelings.  Make family and dinner time a chance for your child to grow his/her authentic voice.
*   Seek to understand.  When you catch your child in an untruth, strive to hear his/her story.   Try to grasp what fears led your child to believe that he/she could not tell the truth.
*   Hold your child responsible.   Firm, fair consequences and limits teach what scolding cannot.  Do not allow your child to use cute distortion of the truth to wiggle his/her way out of life.
*   Discuss honesty.   Talk about truth with your child.   Use words and concepts he/she can understand.  Invite him/her to think about what honesty means for trust and relationships.
*   Model honesty.   Children admire their parents and want to be like them.   Acknowledge your words and behaviors.   Let you child see you admit mistakes.
*   Beware of hypocrisy.  Children notice when parents preach one thing and live another.   Your well-meaning white lies can teach your child to spin the truth.  Strive to be honest, even if it means you’ll face difficult consequences.
*   Teach rather than rebuke.   Inspire and encourage your child to want to be honest.  Harsh punishment or calling him a liar may make you feel better for a moment but likely will not change your child’s behavior.
Being honest is a lifelong enterprise that begins early.  Use every opportunity to nurture and grow your child’s honesty.

Bromfield is a psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and author of “How to Unspoil Your Child Fast” .
The above article was printed in American Profile

November 10, 2011

*   White Oak Middle School will be participating in our District UIL Academic competition on December 6 and 7 at Harmony Junior High School.    Students participating will leave school around 11:30 on the day they compete.   If you need additional information, please contact our campus UIL Coordinator Mr. Scott.  [email protected] or 903-291-2073.
*    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.       Grades and consequences for not turning in assignments (including summer school or being retained in the current grade) 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 refer to our handbook for further information on grades, report cards, and participation in extracurricular activities.
*   Texas Education Agency new state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS.   The STAAR will be more rigorous than previous state tests. It will contain more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of new STAAR assessments will test material students studied that year. In contrast, TAKS high-school level tests were required by law to test content studied over multiple years. Also, for the first time since the state began its standardized testing program, the tests will have a time limit. Unless a student is eligible for an accommodation, each student will have four hours to complete each assessment.
*   Thank you for your assistance in 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.
*   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 lesson plans and assignments.
*   School picture re-takes will be next Tuesday, November 15.
*   It’s time again for our Fall Book Fair!  There are many new books and unique items at the fair this year.  Your child will come in during English class to shop.  Many items would make great Christmas stocking stuffers and exchange gifts for friends.  Items may be purchased with cash or checks.  Anyone student can come in to shop.  There are cookbooks, posters, crafts, pencils, pens, games, and much more.  All profits from the fair are used to purchase new reading material for our library.  The fair starts Monday, Nov. 14th and ends Friday, Nov. 18th.  Hours are 8 – 11 a.m. and 1 -3 p.m.
*   Thanksgiving holiday will be from November 23-25.   We will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22.   Christmas break will be December 19 through January 2.   Semester exams are scheduled for December 15 and 16.   As in the past, high school and middle school will dismiss early each day.
*   Friday, December 2:  All-Region Band Tryouts after school at Union Grove.  Contact Mr. Whatley for more information. (903-291-2060)
*   White Oak Middle School Choir Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 8. Contact Mrs. Vinson for more details. (903-291-2051)
*   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.
*   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.

The monster stared at me with its’ one eye, its’ face shone with a glow unlike anything I had ever seen.   Its’ teeth were white as snow and it barely made a sound as I sat in fear only a few inches away.  Its’ tail was long and thin, disappearing into the hole it must have slithered out of.    I dared not move…fear gripped me, my palms dripping with sweat and my mind racing like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby.  I sat fixated as in a trance, not able to move or even speak.     Time seemed to stand still as if the world stopped rotating.    Questions flashed across my mind.   How much more can I tolerate?   If I loose this battle, what then.   Will help arrive before I am consumed by this monster?   What if my friends come to my rescue and are not able to help me?     Will I forever be its prisoner, not able to see the light of day.   What if I muster up the courage to take on this monster, what then?   I decided to take my chances with this monster.  I will not go down without a fight.   If I lose the fight, I want my friends to recall  the valiant effort I gave to take on this beast.   I decided the best defense was to go on the offensive.  Attack first and catch the beast off guard may be my only chance for survival.   I had to move fast, trying not to draw attention to myself.   Now is the time to act..now is the time to put my plans into action…it is now or never!!

First, I opened my new blog, 8th Social Studies, and began to maneuver through the various tasks before me.  I wanted my class to be different, I wanted to challenge my students, realizing this new challenge would not only challenge them but me  as well.   After spending several hours with our Technology Specialist, Scott Floyd and Donna Bogue,  the Coordinator of the SUPERNet Consortium, I decided to go full throttle.  What they said made sense, however did I have enough sense to make sense of what they shared with me.    (boy, was that a confusing twist of words)   Scott helped me with my blog and Donna shared with me the workings of  Moodle.    I see both as being a valuable tool in my classroom.   I moved slow but deliberate making sure I covered my bases.  The more I worked with my blog the more comfortable I felt.  This “monster” was not as horrible as I thought.  The “beast” can be conquered.   I am taking the old saying to heart, “How do you eat an elephant?   One bite at a time.”  I have finished my first bite.   It was hard to swallow at first and the taste was bitter-sweet, however as in the old saying, I am determined to take one bite at a time.  George S. Patton once said, “Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”  I accept this challenge!

WOW, what a great week at White Oak Middle School.   Our numbers are up (360), students came to school Monday ready and prepared for the new year.  Our school theme this year is the Golden Rule. ” Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. ”   Mrs. Coones (6th/8th ELA) did some research on the Golden Rule and shared that most societies and religions of the world have a form of the Golden Rule.   The Chinese (“What you do not wish done to yourself, do not do unto others”), Persians (“Do as you would be done by”), Hindu (“The true role of life is to guard and do by the things of others, as they do by their own”) , Buddhist (“One should seek for others, the happiness one desires for one’s self”), Romans (The law imprinted on the hearts of all men, is to love the members of society as themselves”)  and other groups far to numerous to mention.  How can one argue with that!   During our class meetings, we spoke to our kids about us not necessarily having rules but expectations for them.  We have set the bar high this year and expect all students to accept the challenge before them.   We told them, that truly, the only rule will be to, “Do the right thing.”   (What a novel idea!)  We shared with them thoughts on reputation and character and gave them examples.

“Reputation is what you are supposed to be; Character is what you are.”

“Reputation is made in a moment; Character is built in a lifetime.”

“Reputation is what men see; Character is what God sees.”

That was on Monday.  Throughout the week, our young people did not surprise us.   Young men opening doors for young ladies, older students helping our younger students find their way to class;  others stopping and helping students who dropped their supplies in the hallway, and countless other acts of kindness.   Several lost phones were turned into the office and even a check for $100 was brought to the office by a young man who found it in the hallway.   Doing the right thing.

We want them to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  We challenged them to leave WOMS a better place than when they arrived.  If the first week is any indication of the year we will have, we had better hang on!   Everyday will be a GREAT DAY in the Valley of the Roughnecks!