Overlook Middle School

School Programs

Donna Philbin Library/Media Center

Students have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of print and technology based resources.  At the library students may search the library’s computer catalog, borrow books and materials, use reference sources, search computer databases, and work on projects requiring the use of the library.  Students may access the Internet at the library.

Student Responsibilities:

• The LMC is a place of study and work.  Students should be respectful of others by behaving in a responsible manner and to handle all materials, computer equipment and furniture with care.
• No food or drink is permitted in the library, unless approved and supervised by an adult.
• Borrowing is a privilege and students are expected to return books on time.
• Students are held accountable for lost or damaged materials, which may result in a bill to replace the item.
• Students with unreturned library books may become ineligible for the end of the year SOAR Day assembly.

Enrichment Courses

In addition to Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, students at Overlook also take Enrichment courses. These courses will meet in 15 day cycles.  Students will be graded in these courses, as in other core academic subjects, and homework may be required.  Enrichment and PALS classes are an important part of Overlook’s goal to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.              

PALS

Preparing All Learners for Success!  This class is designed to personalize and maximize learning for every student.  Students will be identified utilizing various sources of data to ensure timely identification of struggling students, define their skill gaps & implement effective support plans.  During this period of time, students will have the opportunity to participate in service learning activities, check in with teachers, receive interventions, and implement enrichment opportunities. 

Teaming

The students at Overlook Middle School are divided into interdisciplinary teaching teams. These teams have approximately 100 students who share the same math, science, social studies, and English teachers. These teachers organize the teams’ activities, share information about students and generally assist the team in running smoothly. The teams of students do not remain the same from year to year.    

Band

The Overlook Middle School Band is open to any student in grades 6, 7 and 8 who plays an instrument. Students who elect to play an instrument will take the band as an Enrichment in their schedule. The band plays a variety of music from the classics to contemporary music. The band performs several concerts each year and also participates in a competitive band festival each spring.

Jazz Band

Jazz band typically begins in January and continues to the end of the school year.  The emphasis is on improvisation and creativity.  Jazz band performs at school concerts, jazz band festivals, and occasionally in-school events.

Chorus

The Overlook Middle School Chorus is open to any student in grades 6, 7, and 8 who wants to sing.  Students who elect to be part of the chorus will take chorus as an Enrichment in their schedule. The chorus sings a variety of music from the classics to contemporary music.  Several concerts are given each year.  The chorus also participates in a competitive chorus festival each spring.

Drama

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will expand their dramatic knowledge through improvisation games and performance experience.  All students may audition to be part of school-wide productions which rehearse after school.  Past productions include Alice in Wonderland and Legally Blonde.

SOAR

SOAR Mission Statement

The Overlook Middle School SOAR program celebrates students who achieve excellence in our school community. Overlook Middle School, the towns of Ashburnham and Westminster, and the local business community join together to acknowledge and reward student achievement. The SOAR program recognizes academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, personal responsibility, and involvement in the school community.

SOAR Goals

• Improve the academic and homework performance of students at Overlook Middle School.
• Improve the attendance and tardiness of students at Overlook Middle School.
• Improve the behavior of students at Overlook Middle School.
• Create a positive environment for students at Overlook Middle School.
• Create an awareness of and participation in extra-curricular and community service projects. 
• Create a partnership between Overlook and area businesses to promote excellence in our school community. 

Scholarships, prizes and awards sponsored or administered by the district are free of restrictions based upon race, color, national background, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, economic status, political party, age, handicap, sexual orientation, homelessness and other human differences.

Highest Soaring Eagles Ceremony

The SOAR Committee honors grade eight students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement during their three years at Overlook Middle School.  Students and parents are invited to a ceremony that is held in the spring.  To receive this recognition, they must have maintained Highest Honors (All As) for at least nine terms and at least Honors (As & Bs) for the remaining terms to receive this recognition when they are grade 8 students in the 2024-2025 school year.  Eligibility will be determined at the end of the third quarter of grade eight.  Students who transfer to OMS must meet the academic criteria listed above.