OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Marcia Ross, Principal

The school year opened at Oyster River Middle School with a continued emphasis on creating and supporting an environment empowering all students to achieve to their highest potential. During the first school month all members of the school community were encouraged to sign the C.A.R.E. bulletin board in the main lobby. Communicating clearly, having a positive Attitude, showing Respect for self, others and the school environment, and making an Effort became important themes for the year.

Conflict resolution and anger management skills were actively taught during homebase time in grades 6, 7 and 8. Fifth grade students also participated in this instruction with their classroom teachers. An active group of parent educators assisted teachers and counselors in implementing this important initiative throughout the year. Students were also given the opportunity to apply to be trained as peer mediators. A representative group of 30 students in grades 5-8 was selected and participated in an intensive training experience. The goal of the peer mediation program continues to be to provide students with an appropriate and readily available vehicle for problem solving.

Teacher initiatives outside the classroom concentrated on K-12 curriculum implementation and development. Math and music educators continued to work with their relatively new K-12 curriculums. Science, social studies and language arts teachers reviewed their respective curricula and state and national standards in preparation for summer curriculum projects. These efforts have been critical to the success of the larger projects. Completion of this work will result in clearly articulated K-12 curriculums aligned to the N.H. Frameworks. Throughout the course of the year classroom teachers also participated in numerous professional development activities.

Students continued to exhibit an active interest in learning and also in providing service to their school and community. Groups participated in service projects involving local and regional organizations. Whether the goal was to raise money or to gather goods, students proved their generosity over and over again. This willingness to accept a challenge, often exceeding the goal, has also been exhibited in classrooms at all grade levels. Whether competing in the Mathalon or harnessing creativity for the 6th grade Invention Convention, students demonstrate interest in learning. The annual art show, band and chorus performances, and intramural and interscholastic athletics also provided an opportunity for students to enjoy each other's talent.

Finally, it is important to thank the countless volunteers who have unselfishly contributed to our successes. Whether assisting in the classroom, working on PTO projects or supervising dances, we couldn't do it without them.

Last update on 22-Feb-00 at 10:08 PM.

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This page is edited by David K. Taylor. Please send questions or comments to editor@orol.org.