Friday, Dec 19, 2025
B Day
Day 2
Message for our OMS families, As we head into the holiday break, we want to share a few reminders regarding student Chromebooks. Please ensure your child keeps their Chromebook in a safe location over break so it is not misplaced or damaged. Devices should be stored indoors and not exposed to extreme cold. Student computer usage is monitored during the school year through multiple systems to support safe and responsible use. While school staff will not be actively monitoring alerts during the holiday break as we spend time recharging with our families, we ask that you partner with us by supervising your child’s Chromebook use if you allow them access during this time. Finally, please have your child charge their Chromebook and have it ready to go when we return to school on January 5. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish your family a safe and restful holiday break. OMS Student Services and Student Success Team
NO Clubs this week and through the rest of December and January! Book Club will still meet on Friday with Mrs. Bock, in the media center
OMS Dress Up Days - Holiday Break Countdown! We have officially made it to the final stretch! There is just one week left until Winter Break. To celebrate finishing the semester, we are going to have a Countdown to Break with themed dress-up days all next week, December 15–19.
Get your outfits ready and let’s have some fun! Here is the schedule:
Today (Dec 19): Candy Cane Lane Let’s turn the hallways into a giant candy cane! We are doing this by grade level:
6th Grade: Wear White
7th Grade: Wear Red
8th Grade: Wear Green
Can’t wait to see everyone’s outfits. Let’s finish strong, OMS!
Students: The local Oskaloosa Optimist Club is having two different contests: an Essay Contest and an Oratorical Contest. Complete rules and more information can be found online in the virtual backpack on the school district’s website, or pick up a flyer that can be found on the office window ledge in the commons. There are 2 different forms - be sure to grab the right one - or both! Deadline for submission to our local Optimist Club (RD Keep) is January 31st. If you have questions about the forms - stop by the office and chat with D’Arcy.
Commons vending machines: new information that has been shared with us is that our vending machines have to be in the OFF position ½ hour before and ½ hour after school begins and ends. This means BOTH machines will NOT be working between 7:30 AM and 4pm daily. Plan accordingly with your morning and after school snacks!
Check out the district’s APP and website and look for the VIRTUAL BACKPACK! It’s filled with camp information for all ages, all year long and is a great resource for our district families 24/7.
Cell phone policy: Hey Oskaloosa Middle School students, This year, the Iowa Legislature passed a new law (HF 782) that changes how personal devices can be used during the school day at every school in the state of Iowa.Here’s the bottom line:
No personal devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) during class time, passing time, or lunch.
You CAN use your Chromebook for schoolwork.
If a device is seen or heard, it will be taken to the office.
Put devices away, turned off, in locker during the school day.
We want everyone to start strong, so check out the full policy and FAQ:
View the full policy & FAQ: https://bit.ly/IowaHF782
Be ready for the school year. Sincerely, Oskaloosa Leadership Team
Today’s lunch: orange chicken with fried brown rice and fortune cookie
Plus there’s always pizza, Grill items, taco Bar, and On The Go foods with fresh fruits, vegetables and milk each day!
This week’s activities:
WINTER BREAK Dec 22 - Jan 2
Mon Jan 5: District-wide classes resume (A Day/Day 3)
Remember OMS Students, our mission at Oskaloosa Schools is to engage all students to embrace the power of learning and our purpose is to love, empower, and inspire others. Please do your part in honoring our mission and purpose each day.
Be sure to check the school district’s ACTIVITIES and ATHLETICS page on the website (www.oskyschools.org) , for the most accurate information. The APP also has calendar information - check it out too!
Previous Daily Announcements Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Km0DUG-byR8wmC9OXwdvg
Make it a great day or not Oskaloosa Middle School; the “Choice” is truly yours!
At this time, I invite you to please join your teacher in reciting The Pledge of Allegiance.