December Wrap Up!

December is a special month; time to "wrap up" all we've done in 2011. It is a good time to take inventory on what we've learned. This is a time to celebrate successes and recognize areas that need to be addressed. The end of the year is a time to set priorities, and new goals for the New Year.

Things to remember include:

Keep your eyes and ears open. We often hear news items that make a difference in today's world. Not only are news items and world happenings good to know, but they give you a good source for your writing. New ideas spur great writings.

Keep organized. Scattered thoughts are difficult to learn from. Create files, organize your notebook and locker so that you can find things. If you know where you can find your notes; you have all the answers.

Remember those connections. Make connections with what you need to do, to what you've done in the past. Bring the good "stuff" with you and use it to build from. Connections to our work, to resources, and even people and experiences, make the difference to what we do in our future.

Enjoy your holiday celebrations with family and friends.

Snow In October?

Here it is October 28th. We're just getting ready to celebrate Halloween and we have snow in the forecast!!! Just think of the lesson to be learned in that prediction! Be prepared for the unexpected. What a great study tip!
If we---
come with thoughts on learning
rather than our social life,
come prepared
with all our books and supplies needed in class,
come to class
with homework complete,
come to class
with their minds open and receptive to learning,

then---
we can not only be better prepared for the expected;
but can adjust and successfully navigate the unexpected.

REMEMBER being a good student is a process; not a destination!

7th Grade Happenings: There will be a 7th/8th grade parents' meeting on November first to discuss the upcoming year-end field trips and related fundraisers. Please plan on attending.

Yearbook NEWS!!! You can now order your 2012 yearbook online at www.jostens.com
Yearbooks purchased online have many personalized features not available if they are purchased in school. The base price for online books is $20.00 Books purchased in school will cost $22.00. Any questions? See Mrs. Carr or Mrs. Drechsel.

October is a great month!

What an exciting month October is. The changes we face with the new school year are matched with the briskness and changes in the weather.

Study tips for the month include:
**Come to class prepared! Missing books, notebooks, and homework leads to valuable
class time being lost. Remember to be come to class with everything you need.

***Come to class on time! Walking in late disrupts both your learning and the
learning of your classmates.

****Bring your agenda to class. As middle schoolers you are very busy coordinating
school, home, and your club/sports activities. You must write down assignments
and important dates to remember. With such busy lives, it is easy to forget
assignments and due dates unless they are written down.

*****Pay attention to class activities during class time. Teachers give many
opportunities for classwork and even sometimes to get a start on homework; if
you use your time wisely.

September Happenings!

It sure didn't take us long to get back into our school routine! We're all working very hard to make it a successful school year. Clubs and activities have begun energized with high hopes and expectations. It's important to remember the balance between academics and activities.

As we continue through our fall season, will continue stress the importance of our CORRECT character traits. Research has proven that students with strong character values, excel in academics, and in life.

C Courage
O Optimism
R Respect
R Responsibility
E Empathy
C Citizenship
T Trustworthiness

We're Back!!

Welcome back to what promises to be a great year here at OCS.

It's so good to see everyone's smiling and eager faces. I'm looking forward to working with all of you this year!

We need to remember that a successful year begins from remembering how to be CORRECT!

That is to say...
Have COURAGE in all the new things you will do and learn.
Be OPTIMISTIC in all that you do. Believe in yourself.
Have RESPECT for your school, your teachers, and your classmates.
Be RESPONSIBLE in following directions and completing assignments.
Show EMPATHY and remember the feelings of others.
Be a good CITIZEN and support your school.
Be TRUSTWORTHY and honest.

We are going to have a wonderful year!!!

Hands-on Learning!

There is no better way for students to learn than hands-on lessons. That is exactly how we are wrapping up the remainder of the year.

On Tuesday, the sixth graders are holding the "Greek Olympics". Bringing together all they have learned about ancient Greece,our toga-clad students participate and direct events that parallel the activities of the past. We will have chariot races, the javelin throw, the discus, relay races, an obstacle course and more. Lessons learned are sure to last a lifetime.

Wednesday- Lights, camera, action!! The sixth and seventh graders will be performing plays from events that they have studied throughout the year. They are busy practicing lines, painting scenery, and collecting props. Audiences will delight with our student actors' enthusiasm and acting talents. The seventh graders will be performing "The Sons of Liberty". The sixth graders will be taking a voyage from Sparta to Troy with a detour to Egypt in "Helen of Egypt".

Thursday- The long awaited field day is right around the corner. This year's athletic contests will be held here at OCS. A fun day is sure to be had by all.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2011. Best wishes in high school

Have a safe summer!

June News!

The sun is shining and the temperature climbing! Our school year is rapidly coming to a close.
June is certainly a month that is jumping with end of the year activities.
We are all looking forward to the school luau on the 8th and Ocean Night on the 9th. 8th graders are excited about their "Masquerade Ball", and all the graduation activites. Field Day is always lots of fun for all.

Rain or shine, we can be assured that June will be a month full of smiles and wonderful memories as well.

May is a MARvElous Month!

What a busy month May is! The students and staff of OCS find themselves always on the go- from the NJ ASK testing, to MARE, book projects, concerts, field trips, and more.
This week found our first graders creating MARE stories with the fourth graders. Exciting stories about creatures from the tide pools were created. Following the MARE theme, the fifth grade is reading Gordon Korman's book "Dive", an exciting adventure mystery set in the islands. Seventh graders are also busy working on MARE. They are preparing sets, props, costumes as well as memorizing lines for their play about the coral seas.
Although the end of the year is rapidly approaching, it is important for students to remember to remain focused and try their very best. There are certainly exciting things to do and learn during the month of May at OCS!

Exciting Spring Events

The end of April and month of May bring exciting events to OCS. Students are looking forward fun and educational happenings!

This week- the Duck Race, a fun activity for all. Watch your favorite duck swim down the stream in front of the school.

MARE brings marine adventures to all of our students here at Oxford Central. Each grade learns about a different aspect of marine life creating a wealth of knowledge by the time 8th grade arrives. Don't forget our MARE kick-off event on May 6th.

The month of May also brings with it the NJ ASK. 6th/7th/8th graders begin our testing schedule on May 3-6th. Remember to get a good night's sleep each night before testing. A good breakfast also helps concentration and alertness as well.
Be confident. This is the time to show all the good things you have learned throughout the year.

Thank you!

A big thank-you goes out to all the students, staff, parents, and local sponsors of our annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser. It was a wonderful sight to see everyone working so diligently together.

I have received many compliments and comments from community members and persons that attended the dinner commenting on what a terrific job our students did serving and taking care of their customers.

Great job 7th and 8th grade!

Please support the 7th and 8th grade "PASTA DINNER"

The 7th and 8th grade students of Oxford Central School want to invite the entire community to their annual PASTA DINNER fundraiser. Final preparations are being made.

Students and staff alike look forward to this annual event. The Pasta Dinner is an OCS long-standing tradition that combines fundraising for our 7th and 8th grade year-end trips with community service.

Come to the dinner and be served by our student waiters and waitresses. Enjoy a delicious meal complete with penne pasta, salad, bread and desert. The date- Tuesday, March 29th. Dinner will be served from 5-7:00 pm. Come have a delicious dinner and support our students at the same time.

We hope to see you at this special event!!

It's Pasta Dinner Time! You're all invited!

We are getting ready for our annual Pasta Dinner community outreach fundraiser.

This year's dinner will be held on March 29, 2011 (with a snowdate of March 30th). Ticket prices remain the same as in the past at $8.00. Please see any 7th or 8th grader to purchase yours!!

Our menu promises to be absolutely scrumptious! Penne pasta with either marinara, meat or alfredo sauce, Italian bread, salad, and delicious homemade desserts. You may either eat here in our cafeteria (which will be transformed into an Italian Bistro complete with checkered tablecloths and dinner music)or take your dinner home from our efficient take-out station.

The 7th and 8th grade classes will be your hosts assisting in preparation and service of your dinner.

We are continuing to collect supplies and donations to support this effort. Please contact me with any questions.