Introduction for ParentsOttoson Middle School |
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Introduction for ParentsOttoson Middle School |
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Things to KnowThis web page contains information that parents and guardians should be aware of. Please review the list of topics above and click on any item that may interest you. This page is intended primarily for parents and guardians of new students, but can be a useful reference for everyone. Teams/ClustersIf you are new to the school, you should know that each grade is divided into several clusters. Students within each cluster share the same teachers. They attend most of their classes within a few adjacent rooms. Each cluster is like a small school within a large school. Students are assigned to clusters during the summer. Letters are sent at the end of summer to let all students know their assignment before the start of school. A great deal of effort goes into deciding which students end up in which cluster. A number of factors are considered, including balance of abilities, peer relationships, special needs, and numbers of students. Please note that cluster assignments are not subject to change except when warranted by program changes or by extenuating circumstances approved by the principal. AM/PMThe AM/PM program runs social, sports & special interest clubs between the hours of 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Membership is quarterly, and there is a fee of $50 per quarter. Any student who is a member of the program is encouraged to participate in many of the offered activities. Some of these activities happen daily and can be attended on a drop-in bases. Other activities meet on a regular schedule. The actual list of activities varies depending upon student interest & staffing. Look for a listing at the start of each quarter. This program often needs parent volunteers. In some of the activities, as little as one hour per week is all that is required. Please contact the main office, if you are interested in volunteering. Absent or TardyIf your child is going to be absent or late, please call the
school at 781-316-3744 before 8:15 a.m., and please follow up with a
written note. A written note is always required.
For more information, please click on the more button. Sick or Must Leave EarlyIf your child seems ill and you are not sure whether he or she
should stay home, you may wish to consult district guidelines. If your child has a doctor's appointment or has to leave early
for some other reason, please write a note and bring it to the
office before the start of the school day, and please sign the slip
that your child brings home the next day. For more information, please click on the more button. Agenda BookAt the beginning of the school year, each student is given an Agenda Book. It is a specially designed notebook that serves the following important purposes.
Please familiarize yourself with your child's Agenda Book, and please review it regularly. Homework HotlineStudents are expected to keep track of their homework by writing the assignments in their Agenda Books. To help students who may occasionally forget to do that, or wish to verify what they have written, most teachers dictate the assignments into a voice-mail system known as Homework Hotline. To hear these voice messages, dial the main number for Ottoson (781-316-3745) and follow the instructions. Parents and guardians can also use the Homework Hotline to help their children in keeping up with the assignments. It is a valuable resource provided to you by Ottoson teachers. Contacting TeachersYou should never hesitate in contacting your child's teachers if
your have any concerns or questions. You should also take the
time to meet your child's teachers at the beginning of the school
year, taking advantage of the Fall
Open House and the Parent-Teacher
Conferences. For more information, please click on the more
button. Student HandbookPlease review the Student Handbook that is
attached to your child's Agenda Book. It contains very
important information regarding the basic school policies, academic
performance, and available programs and activities. To see the
handbook here, please click on the more button. Parent OrganizationsParents and guardians can contribute to their children's education in many
ways. One significant way is to become involved in school
community, and the best way to start is to join one of the OPAC
committees. You are also welcome to come to any of the OPAC
meetings. The meetings are open to all interested and are held
every second Tuesday of every month in the conference room next to
the main office. The hours alternate between 9:00 to 10:30
a.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (please consult Ottoson calendar
for the actual times). For more information about OPAC, please
click on the more button. Another way to become involved is to participate in the Ottoson
School Council. Member of the Council are elected by
parents/guardians,
but non-member contributors are welcome. For more information,
please click on the more button. Getting Notices Via E-MailIf you would like to receive school notices by
e-mail, please fill out the e-mail distribution sign up from. To access the form, please click on the more button.
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This page was last updated on Monday, February 14, 2011 |
