Overlook Middle School

Overlook Middle School Parent Student Handbook

Letter from Administration

August 2024
 
Dear Overlook Families,
 
We are excited to welcome you and your students to Overlook Middle School! Our dedicated staff is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience. At OMS, our mission is to foster a nurturing environment that promotes growth and independence through a collaborative team approach. Our passionate staff invests significant time and effort into creating a compassionate atmosphere that supports young minds. Through our academic programs, we empower students to excel academically while preparing them for lifelong success both socially and emotionally.

Overlook Middle School prides itself on offering diverse opportunities for students to develop lifelong skills. We encourage every student to explore these opportunities outside of regular school hours. Stay tuned for regular updates about various activities and clubs throughout the academic year

To ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of our programs, services, policies, and procedures, we urge you to review the OMS Handbook. Open discussions about this information with your student(s) will foster a strong home-school partnership, enhancing your child's well-being and learning journey.
Communication is key to a successful educational experience. To facilitate this, we use multiple platforms, including our school website, Google Classroom, email, and PlusPortals, to keep you informed about school happenings in a timely manner.

Should any questions or concerns arise, please don't hesitate to reach out to any member of our dedicated staff. We value a proactive relationship with parents, and your input is invaluable to us. Overlook Middle School is not only an environment for intellectual development but also for social and emotional growth. Our door is always open for your inquiries, comments, or concerns.
 
In this digital age, accurate information is crucial. To ensure you receive the most reliable response, we kindly request that you direct your questions to us directly. While online forums exist, we are committed to providing accurate information through official channels.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. With your support, we look forward to a school year filled with growth, discovery, and success. Together, we will create a vibrant and enriching experience for every student at Overlook Middle School.
 
Warm regards,
 
Sincerely,

Kristina Bogosh         Lori Shattuck    
Principal                    Assistant Principal

Middle School Philosophy

The middle school staff of the Overlook Middle School recognizes that the middle school years are unique and challenging ones for the adolescent passing through them.  Adolescence is a wonderful time, a time of profound change for youngsters as they make the adjustment from childhood to adulthood.  It is a time when most students experience significant physical growth and become increasingly concerned about their appearance and social connections.
Our philosophy recognizes that the middle school must be a place where the gradual transition from elementary school to high school is accomplished.  We believe that the middle school must be a place where students are encouraged and assisted in developing all areas of individual personality – physical, intellectual, social, and emotional.  We accept the responsibility of responding to the individual needs, abilities, and interests. A wide variety of teaching styles will meet the diverse learning styles of students.  Staff and students will strive to create a learning environment that is intellectually stimulating, and aesthetically pleasing.  The ultimate goal of the middle school is to develop students who are equipped with the skills to be successful and who have gained a life-long appreciation for learning.

Mission Statement 

 
Recognizing the unique needs of our early adolescent students, the staff of Overlook Middle School is dedicated to ensuring a successful transition from middle school to high school by:

• Providing a caring, welcoming, supportive environment for all;
• Teaching a standards-based curriculum, fostering intellectual, emotional, physical and social development;
• Cultivating individual strengths and talents within a heterogeneous environment;
• Collaborating and communicating with parents and the extended community;
• Developing learners, who value, respect and accept the diversity of others.

Guiding Principles ~ Our School Believes In

• Working collaboratively with dedication and knowledge to create exciting possibilities for all students.
• Building a strong sense of community that actively cultivates respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents to help all students reach their potential.
• Creating an integrative, challenging, and exploratory curriculum that is student-centered and taught in a nurturing, caring, and structured setting.
• Providing guidance programs that support the social, emotional, and academic needs of middle level students.
• Providing a wide range of opportunities which emphasize maximum involvement, group unity, good sportsmanship, and the well-being of students.

Parent Note

 
We encourage parents/guardians to take an active role in the education of their children.  We welcome your involvement.  Parents can help in many ways, including the following:

• Providing an atmosphere at home that encourages students to study and complete their schoolwork,
• Knowing and supporting school policies, especially in the area of teacher expectations and disciplinary procedures,
• Calling the school and/or arranging for conferences with the teachers when you have questions,
• Sharing your ideas or constructive criticism directly with the staff members involved,
• Cooperating in discipline problems,
• Keeping informed of your children’s school progress,
• Attending Parent Information Nights, monthly PTO meetings, School Council and other school programs and activities, 
• Calling with any questions. Our telephone number is 978-827-1425,
• Accessing OMS web page for information regarding academic requirements and current school events. 
• Volunteer for fundraisers and other school activities that benefit your school. Your caring presence speaks volumes to your child about how highly you value his/her education.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, homelessness, age, disability, military/veteran status, and any other class or characteristic protected by law.