The latest announcements from the Principal and the PTO...

OHMS Community ‘Safe Schools’ Activities This Week

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Eva Thompson in From the Principal

Dear Oak Hill Families,

One of Oak Hill’s goals is to “Create an environment where everyone feels safe, known, valued and part of the school community.”  While we do many things throughout the year to foster such an atmosphere, including our weekly small-group ‘Community’ experience, I’d like to tell you about two special days this week:

  • On Wednesday, January 25, students will be encouraged to wear black in observance of Massachusetts “No Name Calling Day” to show their commitment to “Black Out Bullying,” which is a major theme of our community building.
  • Thursday, January 26, will be an Early Release day (for secondary schools only).  Oak Hill students will be dismissed at 11:30.  Lunch will be provided in school.   There will be no late buses.  Students will spend Thursday morning in their Community groups and will engage in grade-specific activities that are being used at all four Newton middle schools to learn about hurtful and harmful language.

For all of us, engaging students in taking a stand against bullying and name-calling is a long-term commitment that will endure beyond this week’s activities.  Please read below to learn about the common messages that will be shared across all three grades for these special events this week: Continue reading →

NPS to Host a City-wide Community Meeting, Jan. 24 at NNHS

Posted on January 20, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

Community meeting: Working with children and families following an unforeseen and upsetting event.
January 24, 7PM, in the Newton North High School auditorium.

From the Superintendent:
The events this week have probably been among the most upsetting and trying that the system has experienced in quite a while. Many of us have had trouble processing the allegations, because they are so far beyond our comprehension. We also need to recognize that this event has had an impact throughout the City.

Next Tuesday night, January 24th, we will hold a community meeting at Newton North for members of the broader Newton community. The meeting will provide an opportunity to ask questions and hear from both law enforcement authorities and mental health experts. Representatives from each of our school buildings will be present at the meeting.

We will continue to provide information to you as we work together for our children and for each other during this very difficult time.

Update on AM Bus CC’ departure time

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Eva Thompson in From the Principal

Dear Oak Hill Families,

For those students who take Bus CC in the morning, there have been reports that the bus has been departing early. To have clarity, the transportation department asked that we share the following guidelines:

  • The bus will depart the Carver & Endicott stop promptly at 7:20AM (the origin of complaints).
  • Students should arrive at this stop 5 minutes early at 7:15 to be sure to board the bus on time. 50% of riders have been coming past 7:22 and then expect the driver to wait if they are in sight of the bus. The bus will no longer wait for these late arrivals.
  • The bus will not be waiting for students who are approaching the bus past the 7:20 time.
  • All buses are equipped with GPS devices so transportation can confirm the pullout time on any given day to be sure the driver is not departing early from the stop.
  • Additional reminder: there is no eating or drinking allowed on the bus for safety reasons.
  • Ms. Geer spoke with the whole bus yesterday to remind students of these guidelines.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the transportation department at 617-559-9051.

Thank you!
Eva M. Thompson

Message from the Superintendent

Posted on January 18, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

Dear Newton families:

As you are undoubtedly aware, yesterday was a very upsetting and trying day for the Newton Public Schools, especially the Underwood community. Our attention over the last 24 hours has been on providing support to Underwood students, staff and parents.

The news of a Newton teacher’s arrest and arraignment on such serious charges has a real impact on the entire Newton community. Due to the media attention focused on the matter, we know that students are talking about information that may make them feel shocked, anxious and angered. While I expect that many of you have already spoken with your children about the sensitive nature of the allegations, they may need additional support. If this is the case, the staff in our buildings is well prepared to address their concerns. Also, teachers know their students well by this time of year and will be on heightened alert for anyone who appears to be affected by the news.

As we work with the Underwood community in processing this troubling event, please understand that the daily work of our schools continues. We will pay special attention to the social and emotional needs of all of our students and encourage you to share any concerns you may have with our faculty, staff and administrators.

Thank you very much for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

From the Nurse: About Head Lice

Posted on January 18, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

In the last week, two different case of head lice, in two different grades, have been discovered at Oak Hill. Since the problem can be spread can be spread from one child to another, please examine your child’s head daily for the next few weeks for any signs of lice. Please read on about how one gets lice, what to look for, treatment, notification, and when to return to school. Continue reading →

NPS is Seeking Newton School Volunteers

Posted on January 15, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

“I think I’m getting smart!” Become a Newton School Volunteer and hear these words from a student. Tutor a 2nd – 5th grade child in basic mathematics concepts once a week for 30-45 minutes. Select your preferred school, grade, day, and time. Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain confidence and competence. Training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support are provided. No teaching experience is needed. For more information, please contact Ellen Bender at 617.559.6131 or at ellen_bender@newton.k12.ma.us.

Meeting with SPED Administrators, Jan. 26

Posted on January 15, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

Join NewtonPAC board members for an open meeting of the NewtonPAC Board with Judy Levin-Charns, NPS Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and other administrators. The meeting will be at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 304 from 8:45 am to 9:45 am. Questions, suggestions, concerns: email Jo-Louise and Sandy at info@newtonpac.org. Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education in Newton.

SPED Review and Trend Report: Follow-up and Next Steps, January 19

Posted on January 15, 2012 by oakhillpto in From Newton Public Schools

Superintendent David Fleishman and Judy Levin-Charns, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services are hosting an evening meeting for discussion of special education in Newton with Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education (NewtonPAC). Also attending will be Dorsey Yearley, the consultant helping to implement the changes at Newton South HS and who will be working with staff to make changes to middle school SPED programing. The evening will provide an opportunity to share and discuss special education planning by NPS in light of the release of new information available in the SPED review, the trends report, and the ongoing work at South and the middle schools by Dorsey Yearley and NPS staff. Education Center, Room 210, 100 Walnut Street, Newtonville. Networking and light refreshments beginning at 7:15 pm. Questions, contact Sandy and Jo-Louise at info@newtonpac.org or visit www.newtonpac.org.

Bus #52 Update: Use It or Lose It

Posted on January 12, 2012 by oakhillpto in PTO Announcements

Sonja Loar, Oak Hill PTO’s liaison to the Safe Schools to Schools task force, has been doing an amazing job gathering and distributing information about the MBTA’s proposed elimination of  Bus Route #52.  Volunteers from Oak Hill and other communities along Bus Route #52 are helping to gather ridership data and to inform people and organizations along the route of the MBTA’s public hearing January 17, 5:30-7:30PM in the War Memorial Hall of City Hall.  If you’d like to help, contact Sonja at saferoutes@oakhillpto.org. Continue reading →

Oak Hill’s Annual Geography Bee

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Eva Thompson in From the Principal

Dear Oak Hill Families,

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all!

The National Geographic Bee, an educational program of the National Geographic Society, is a nationwide geography competition for U.S. schools with any grades four through eight, designed to encourage the teaching and study of geography. Paul Lyons, an Oak Hill History & Social Sciences teacher, organizes the competition for our school. This year, in a flashy Pac Man themed powerpoint, he introduced our contenders to grade level audiences and set the tone for a lively event. Thank you also to our entertaining and supportive teacher emcees: Orit Ditman & Evan Janow (6), Eric Arnold (7), and Jamin Bercaw (8).

The Geography Bee process:  Before vacation,  in preparation for the competition, a preliminary geography bee took place in each classroom to identify finalists and alternates. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, finalists or their alternate met by grade levels for the semi-final rounds of the Geography Bee. Getting up on stage in front of one’s peers can be a daunting prospect; a few students opted to have their alternate participate in the semi-final round. Teams waved signs of support rooting and cheering for their team’s representatives. In the 8th grade bee, the teachers and I went on stage to entertain students with our own geography bee; we had lots of fun and were challenged by many of the questions!

Our competition came to an exciting conclusion on Friday with 6th grader Ben Kurland winning this annual event. Representing their grades, Crane Friedman (8th) and Ethan Weinstein (7th) were our finalists along with Ben.

Possible Next steps:  In March we will learn if our finalist is one of  the top 100 students (selected based on qualifying test scores) qualifying to represent their schools to compete at the state level. State qualifiers compete in an oral competition at the state level, which is usually held in late March or early April. State winners are invited to National Geographic headquarters in late May to compete in the national finals for scholarships in the amount of U.S. $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000.

We are proud of all our students who competed and to all our students who showed great enthusiasm for geography! Congratulations to finalist Ben Kurland and to runner-ups Ethan Weinstein and Crane Friedman!

Best wishes,

Eva M. Thompson