Volume 19, Issue 8

May/June 2017

Erin Brilhart, Principal Oklahoma Road Middle School 410-751-3600 Sharon Lilly, Assistant Principal 6300 Oklahoma Road 410-751-3604 (Fax) Sykesville, MD 21784 www.carrollk12.org/oms

School Hours

Students Arrive: 7:55 - 8:20

Homeroom: 8:20 - 8:25

Classes: 8:25 - 3:00

Dismissal: 3:00 - 3:20

ORMS Mission

Oklahoma Road Middle School provides an

environment of respect and collaboration where students

develop skills and knowledge to become

responsible citizens and persevere through

challenging learning opportunities.

What’s in this Newsletter! Principal’s Message Teacher Appreciation School Nurse Day PARCC Testing Dates Spring Concerts 20th Anniversary Play Day Dates Dismissal on Last Day Congratulations Memorial Day Nurse Notes SGA Information G/T Showcase Dates to Remember 8th Graders Good-bye Counselors Corner Anxiety and Stress Camp Attaway CC Camp C.O.P.S. LHS Volleyball Camp Sarcoma 5K Fun Run CHS Basketball Camp Mark Your Calendar Healthy Carroll May Menu

Dear Parents, 

As the end of the year quickly approaches, I want to take this opportunity to communicate with you 

about the importance of the end of the year.  First and foremost, our students need to see the light 

at the end of the tunnel, but stay on course to finish strong.  Anything worth doing, is worth doing 

well, and that is the mentality I want our students to have.  Second, the end of the year is about 

celebrating the year, which we will do through a series of grade‐level play day/picnics with the 

support of our PTA.  The 8th Grade will also have a dance to bring closure to the middle school 

experience.  Third, the end of the year marks an appropriate time for change.  

Changes in a school come in many forms, last year our major change was the structure of academic 

classes and the introduction of STEM and Humanities.  For next year, our numbers will, which are 

going down, will cause changes in 6th Grade, and changes in staff may cause changes in 7th and 8th 

Grade.  Once I know what the landscape will look like, I will let you know.  As you read the 

remainder of this letter, please keep an open mind and consider the bigger picture.  

The approved use of personal devices under the BYOD Policy will be reduced significantly for next 

year.  Currently our students are able to use personal devices across the entire building, basically at 

any time.  Unfortunately, students are not following the policy in a number of areas and the use of 

the devices has caused sustained “commotion”.  Furthermore, I am observing disintegrating social 

skills.  In order to provide our students with the highest quality education, teaching appropriate 

interpersonal communication skills as part, change is necessary.  For next year, personal devices will 

be restricted to classrooms for instructional purposes only, and the use is determined by the 

individual teacher.  Students will not be able to have devices (or anything associated with devices) 

out in hallways, the cafeteria, etc.    

While we try to acknowledge our student’s achievements without interrupting instructional time, 

the truth is, we have a large number of students performing at a high level – which is fantastic!  

However, we have missed one very important piece of the puzzle; the recognition of attendance.  

As adults we understand the importance of showing up for work, and we need to recognize our 

students for doing the same.  For next year, we will be using our report card distributions, in lieu of 

assemblies each marking period, to provide certificates recognizing various accomplishments, 

including Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and any other relevant awards.  At the end of the year, 

we will recognize Straight A’s and Perfect Attendance with a reception.  

In addition to those changes, an item that needs to be addressed are the “fidgets” that students are 

bringing to school, and yes, we have provided some as well.  While the fidgets, also known as stress 

balls, spinners or click‐cubes, are designed to help a student focus, we are finding them to be more 

like toys than educational tools.  I do believe some of our students need this type of item to help 

maintain focus, so they will not be banned, but the use of a fidget will have to be approved by an 

administrator.  The student’s individual needs will be considered when the use of a fidget is 

requested.  

Please don’t read this letter and assume I am upset with students.  Part of my job is to monitor the 

status quo of the school and implement changes that are in the best interest of our students for the 

present as well as the future.  For all of what has been referenced in this letter and throughout the 

year, we will work with our students to make ORMS the best it can be.  

With Regards,  

Mr. Brilhart, Principal           

          

Please join us to celebrate 20 years of excellence at Oklahoma Road Middle School!

Community Open House Celebration

May 17th from 5:30 - 7:00pm

ORMS SPRING CONCERTS

Concerts will be held at ORMS in the gymnasium. Performers should report to ORMS at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Performers should not bring electronic devices to the concert. Friday, May 12 = Seventh Grade Chorus & Seventh Grade Band Monday, May 15 = All Orchestra & Show Choir Monday, May 22 = Sixth Grade Chorus & Sixth Grade Band Tuesday, May 23 = Eighth Grade Chorus & Eighth Grade Band

PARCC Testing Dates: Team 3: April 24, 25, 26

Team 4: April 28, May 1, 2

Team 5: May 3, 4, 5

Team 6: May 8, 9, 10

Team 1: May 11, 12, 15

Team 2: May 16, 17, 18

6th Grade Play Day – May 30 (9:00am – 2:55pm) 7th Grade Play Day – May 31 (9:00am – 2:55pm) 8th Grade Play Day/Picnic/LHS Coaches Meeting

June 1st (9:00am – 2:55pm) Raindates – June 5th or 6th

End of Year Medication Pick Up! Parents must pick up medications from the health room by 3:00pm on June 13th. Unclaimed medications will be discarded. Medications cannot be left over the summer for parent pick up. Only the nurse may return medications to parents, not the office staff. Medications not picked up by June 13th will be discarded.

Thank you for your help with this.

Sixth Grade Immunizations 

Thank you to all the parents who have provided updated immunization records for their students! It helps so much to get these prior to the first day of seventh grade.

If your child has already received their Tdap and MCV4 (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis/meningitis) immunizations, please provide the updated immunization record.

If your child has not received these, please be aware that they are required to enter 7th grade. The nurse must receive the updated immunization record on or before the first day of 7th grade.

Dismissal Procedures on the Last Day of School

It is very important for the school to know how our students are traveling home. This provides the administration time to review and approve.

Please understand that we cannot allow students to ride a bus different from their

regular bus. We appreciate your understanding and

compliance as we continually work to keep our students safe!

Several of our Special Education Resource Team members were nominated by a parent to receive an Employee Recognition Award

for going above and beyond in their work with Special Ed students. They were honored at a ceremony on Wednesday,

April 26 at the Career and Tech Center.

Kellye Anderson Kevin Donahue

Chelsea Ernstman Cookie Knapstein

Kim Pfleegor Trish Runkles Greg Valentine

Erin Vogan

Congratulations to Grace Johnson for winning the CCSGA position of Secretary and Jaimie Han for winning the position of CCSGA Second Vice-President.

ORMS SGA Officer Elections will be held May 24th.

May 1: PARCC Testing for Team 4 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 2: PARCC Testing for Team 4 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 3: PARCC Testing for Team 5 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

PTA Meeting (7:00pm) Media Center May 4: PARCC Testing for Team 5 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 5: PARCC Testing for Team 5 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

6th Grade Rec Night (3:00 – 5:00pm) May 8: PARCC Testing for Team 6 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 9: PARCC Testing for Team 6 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 10: PARCC Testing for Team 6 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

5th Grade Parent Night @ ORMS (6:00 – 7:00pm) May 11: PARCC Testing for Team 1 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 12: PARCC Testing for Team 1 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

Spring Concert – 7th Grade Band & Chorus (7:00pm) May 15: PARCC Testing for Team 1 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

8th Grade Track & Field @ Winters Mill High School (8:30am – 2:30pm) LFI Trip to Martins & Chili’s (9:00am – 1:30pm)

Spring Concert – All Orchestra & Show Choir (7:00pm) May 16: 7th Grade Track & Field @ Winters Mill High School (8:30am – 2:30pm) PARCC Testing for Team 2 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 17: PARCC Testing for Team 2 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm)

ORMS 20th Anniversary Community Open House (5:30 – 7:00pm) May 18: PARCC Testing for Team 2 (8:30 – 10:40am/12:45 – 2:30pm) May 22: Spring Concert – 6th Grade Band & Chorus (7:00pm) May 23: Spring Concert – 8th Grade Band & Chorus (7:00pm) May 25: CCPS Southern Region G/T Showcase @ Sykesville Middle School (6:30 – 8:30pm) May 29: Memorial Day – Schools/Offices Closed May 30: 6th Grade Play Day 9:00am – 2:55pm May 31: 7th Grade Play Day 9:00am – 2:55pm June 1: 8th Grade Play Day/Picnic/LHS Coaches Meeting June 2: 8th Grade Dance 7:00 – 9:00pm June 7: PTA Meeting 7:00pm

Aaron Scriba

Abigail Henderson

Abigail Jones

Abigail Lewin

Abigail Neitch

Adam Palencar

Adam Wolfe

Aidan Beck

Alessia Pedulla

Alexander Hamill

Alexander Hostetter

Alexandra Bull

Alison Schwartz

Allison Sopp

Alyssa Farrell

Alyssa Saum

Alyssa Vandenberge

Amanda Cyran

Andres Britos Dellepere

Andrew Howard

Andrew Rigby

Angelique Monolakis

Anna Nelson

Annika Rodoff

Anthony Marsico

Anthony Ognev

Antonio Foxwell

Ashley Marino

Austin Ford

Avery Grempler

Ayla Bailey

Benjamin Hiebler

Benjamin Long

Benjamin Thresher

Benjamin Treat

Benjamin Waldron

Bethany Wilkinson

Blake Pecoraro

Brad Covey

Brady Egleston

Brandon Wilson

Brandon Yatsko

Brendan Hillis

Brendan Roney

Brett Hollenberger

Brett Keeley

Brett Nastos

Brianna Sheridan

Bryan See

Caitlin O'Dea

Calista Brown

Cameron Grier

Caroline King

Carson Becker

Carson Dunker

Cassidy McCain

Cassidy Stoner

Ceanna Cooney

Cecilia Dolan

Charlotte Elburn

Chelsea Decker

Chimwemwe Chinkuyu

Cole Hudson

Croix Javier

Daniel Kraft

David Domingues

David Miller

Desarae Hackley

Dillon Fuller

Dimitrios Burleson

Donte Matthews

Drew McLaughlin

Dylan Cooksey

Dylan McLaughlin

Eli Budde

Eliezar Jimenez

Emiley Kim

Emily Stillings

Emily Van Reenan

Emma Bauer

Emma Clarke

Emma Spaulding

Emmerson Jordan

Eric Struble

Erica Egleston

Erin Mulholland

Ethan Plummer

Ethan Richardson

Gabriel Rohrer

Garrett Baker

Garrett Beebe

Garrett Buck

Garrett Cassell

Garrett Gmeiner

Garrett Sauers

Grace Fabian

Grace Johnson

Grace Washinger

Graham Metzbower

Grant Procopio

Griffin Stevenson

Gwyneth Walker

Haley Benson

Hassan Raza

Hayden Woodard

Ian Hingley

Isabella Jaramillo

Isabella Khoury

Jackson Reich

Jacob Hamel

Jacob Lucas

Jacob Shatto

Jake Leupen

Jake Munson

Jake Terry

Jakob Liska

James Clopein

James Sleptzoff

Jared Deegan

Jarrod McConnell

Jay Buckwalter

Jayden Adams

Jeffrey Taylor

Jessica Widlake

Jonathan Murray

Jordan Kirk

Jordyne Cappelletti

Joseph Blasko

Joseph Gittere

Joseph Marsicano

Joseph Schuman

Joseph Spitzer

Joshua Bellows

Joshua Wyatt

Justin Hyde

Justin Long

Justin Richardson

Justin Sheetz

Kaiyah McClain

Kara Gossard

Katelyn Reed

Katelynn Sambuco

Kathryn Whitehead

Katlyn Bisegger

Katrina Levandowski

Kayla Allen

Kaylee Ruch

Kaylee Sacabon

Kayleigh Ward

Keegan Seay

Kendall Hendrix

Kevin Houck

Kieran McMahon

Kiersten Riebau

Kyle Allen

Kylie Putt

LaMonte Williams

Lance White

Lara Eade

Lauren Benz

Leah Edmondson

Liana Marciante

Liliana Palmer

Lillian Hagen

Lindsay Gaiser

Lindsay Moravec

Lindsey Updike

Logan Barsoum

Logan Sickler

Luis Lopez

Mackenzee Kane

Mackenzie Button

Madeline Henn

Madison McDaniels

Madison Plitt

Madison Stein

Maggie Heffler

Maia Burger

Makayah Thurston

Makayla Crosby

Mannee Morton

Maria Bald

Mariana LaSalle

Mario Cantu

Matthew Aggarwal

Matthew Caplan

Matthew Friend

Maxwell Harvey

Meghan Conaway

Mia Casey

Mia Mesceda

Michael Pellicciotti

Michael Talbot

Miranda Benson

Nathan Murphy

Nathaniel Burch

Nevaeh Hickey

Nicholas Geppi

Nicholas Hodgkiss

Noah Forstner

Noah Frotton

Noah Phillips

Orsolya Mitchell

Owen Sevier

Patrick Holsonbake

Patrick Underwood

Rachel Dercola

Raymond Daugherty

Ridgley Baker

Ryan Addison

Ryan Alder

Ryan Thurmond

Salvatore Mowinckel

Samantha Weber

Samuel Dodd

Samuel Overton

Samuel Wassmann

Sara Bondroff

Sarah Haines

Saralynn Mitchell

Sean Bulleri

Sean O'Connell

Seth Sies

Shelby Walters

Sierra Baker

Sophia Dickerman

Sophia Prunty

Stephanie Ellis

Steven Talbot

Sungyeon Won

Sydni Coombs

Tara Kirk

Thomas Krieger

Trace Saum

Tyler Fisher

Tyler Halmo

Tyler Matthiesen

Tyler Stratemeyer

William Allen

William Byers

William Dunton

William Milewski

William Scott

William Summerell

Zachary Huggins

Zachary Watts

Zoe Rush

School Counseling Issue in Focus – Stress Management

Our first resource is an article from Psychology Today written by Erlanger A. Turner Ph.D.: “Teens and Stress: Practical Coping Skills.” Encourage your student to practice and develop positive coping skills through summer break to ensure that healthy habits are in place for the next school year.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201501/teens-and-stress-practical-coping-skills

Our second resource is an article written for adults. Parents and their own stress management strategies are a model for children to follow. Take time this summer to consider your own habits and mindset and how what you do and say impacts how your child manages his or her stress.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2012/07/30/summer-is-a-good-time-to-think-about-how-to-reduce-stress-at-work/#1d52dfa37cda

Private School If your student will be attending a private school next year instead of Liberty High or ORMS, please notify the counseling office at ORMS so we can prepare your student’s records.

Are you moving over the summer? If you know that you will be moving over the summer and not be returning to ORMS, please contact Mrs. Bankard at 410-751-3600 so she can prepare a transfer packet for you to take to your new school.

2017 - 2018 School Year

The out of district process has changed. Students who currently attend a school as an approved out of district student shall be automatically renewed through the completion of that school level. New applicants must meet the new requirements identified in the "Criteria for Out of District Placement 2017-2018".

Chart of Open and Closed Schools (2017-2018)

Criteria for Out of District Placement (2017-2018)

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in Maryland is May 1 -7, 2017! Did you know? • 1 in 5 children may experience a mental, emotional or behavioral health problem before the age of 18. These problems affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race or culture. • 70% of school-aged children with a diagnosable mental illness do not receive the services and supports they need. It’s often easy to know your child needs help dealing with a fever or a broken bone, but mental health problems can be harder to identify. The tricky part of parenting is knowing the kinds of behaviors and moods that are usual for the stage of development your child is in – and when your child has gone beyond the norm and needs help. Visit www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org to learn more about this statewide campaign view and download a Family Resource Kit. Free Community Resource: Talk about Children and Anxiety Everyone deals with anxiety and stress. As parents, it’s hard to understand when our child’s anxiety is normal and when it’s time to seek help. This talk will help parents better understand anxiety, identify its symptoms, and determine when it’s time to intervene. Please see the attached flyer on the next page for details and RSVP informational for the May 3rd event.

CAMPATTAWAY

A three-week summer day camp For boys & girls ages 7-13

with emotional and behavioral disorders our 22nd year !

Therapeutic recreation program includes sports, games, arts & crafts, swimming, rock-climbing, nature, dramatics and a parent

education & support group

Camp Dates: Friday, June 30 - Friday, July 21, 2017

Times: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Columbia, MD Staff: Camper ratio maintained at 1:2

Scholarships available For application & information call

410-730-2633 also see our website:

www.campattaway.org Office: 8640 Guilford Rd., Suite 220, Columbia, MD 21046

  

Carroll County Camp C.O.P.S.

 JULY 24‐28, 2017 Check out the link on ORMS website for more information & the application 

Carroll County law enforcement is proud to present Carroll County Camp C.O.P.S. The camp is designed to bring a better understanding of law enforcement to the youth of Carroll County, while working in the atmosphere of a police academy. Emphasis is place on self-discipline and teamwork by participation in fun, challenging activities. The camp will include physical and mental activities such as an obstacle course, close order drill, martial arts, first aid, gun safety, team building, crime scene investigation, karate and much more. Camp C.O.P.S. will be held at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster the week of July 24 - 28, 2017 from 8:00am – 4:00pm each day. The total cost of the camp is $15 per camper. A bagged lunch must be brought each day with the camper.

Campers must be in middle school (going into 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th Grade). A family picnic will be held on Friday, July 28th.

Parents interested in registering their child/children must complete the application. The link to the application is on ORMS website @ www.carrollk12.org/oms

The camp is limited to the first 100 qualified applications. We will contact you at a later date to confirm your registration.

If you have any question about the camp, please contact: Sgt. Rad Darby @ 410-857-9282 rdarby@westgov.com or Master Deputy Worthy Washington @ 443-375-6354.

(5th- 8th Grade/boys and girls)

WHEN? May 13th 9:00am-3:00pm

WHERE? Liberty High School’s main gym

COST $50 (includes lunch)

HOSTED BY…

Liberty’s Varsity Volleyball Team

PAYMENT Mail all checks to: LHS Athletic

Department, 5855 Bartholow Road, Eldersburg, MD 21784 Attn:

Volleyball Camp CONTACT & REGISTRATION

Mike Rainbow (marainb@carrollk12.org) Vicki

Williams (vlwilli@carrollk12.org)

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The CCPS provides nondiscriminatory access to school facilities in accordance with its policies and regulations regarding the community use of schools (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts). The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies.

Gregory J. Bricca Director of Research and Accountability

125 North Court Street Westminster, Maryland 21157

410 - 751 - 3068

FINISH SARCOMA 5K FUN RUN sponsored by CCSGA

When- Saturday, May 20th at 9 a.m. Where- Gateway School 45 Kate Wagner Rd. Westminster, MD 21157

ALL PROFITS GO TO FINISH SARCOMA!!

$25 online registration (T-shirt included)

$20 in-person registration starting at 8 a.m.

T-shirts may be purchased at the event for $10

DOGS WELCOME!!

Route options: 5K route or shorter dog walk/run route

*For more information, visit finishsarcoma.org

Registration Form on Next Page . . . . . . .

Activities, Clubs & Organizations

Chess Club: 3:05 - 4:25pm - Room 322 (Every Tuesday from 11/15/16 to 5/9/2017) ETM Club: 8:25 - 9:00am (Room 320 during FLEX) FCA Club Regular Meetings: 3:15 – 4:30pm in the Gym May 12 (cafeteria) May 26 Field Hockey Clinic: 3:00 – 5:00pm on the Top Field w/ Mr. Golden Handball – 7th Grade: 6:45 – 7:55am in the Gym

May 2, 4, 9

Handball – 8th Grade: 6:45 – 7:55am in the Gym May 1, 3, 8

S.H.O.U.T. Club: 8:25 - 9:00am in FLEX May 17 SGA Executive Board Meetings: 8:25 - 9:00am in FLEX May 9 SGA General Meetings: 3:15 - 4:00pm in Room 118 (Vocal Music) May 24 June 7 TLC Team 6: 3:20 - 4:00pm

May 11 & 25 (Rm. 151) Volleyball Club: 3:20 – 4:30pm

May 3, 18

Run4Change would like to thank all those who participated this year in either the fall and spring holistic running program or the winter fitness camps. We look forward to bringing both programs back in the 2017-2018 school year. Ms. Lamb and Ms. Pfleegor

ADA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Office of Community and Media Relations at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.

Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities or the Supervisor of Community and Media Relations.

Raymond Prokop Carey Gaddis Director of Facilities Supervisor of Community & Media Relations 125 North Court Street 125 North Court Street Westminster, Maryland 21157 Westminster, Maryland 21157 (410) 751-3177 (410) 751-3020