Dear Parents, Guardians, Families,
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I am happy to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year. It’s with great enthusiasm and joy that I introduce myself as the principal of Otto Shortell Middle School (OSMS). While I am not new to OSMS, previously serving in the capacity of the assistant principal, I have recently been appointed in my new role as principal replacing Mr. Widrick as he starts his retirement.
We are living in challenging times! My goal along with the faculty and staff at OSMS is to ensure continuity of learning while working to support our students academically, and emotionally as we all transition into this new wave of teaching and learning. Although uncertainty exists during these times we are committed to ensuring that all students can receive the best education possible!
We will be starting the school year using a Hybrid School model. What does this mean? Simply put this involves students completing coursework both in person, and remotely. The school has adopted the plan to have students with their last name beginning with the alphabet A-K to attend school on Monday and Tuesday in person. Students with their last name beginning with the alphabet L-Z will work at home remote on Monday and Tuesday. Students who are at home will log onto their computers and complete work assigned by their teachers to receive credit for the day and to have their attendance count. On Wednesday students will all work from home using their school issued Chromebooks. Teachers may connect in Google Meets with students or parents to provide additional support and information. On Thursday and Friday students with their last name beginning with the alphabet L-Z will attend school in person, and students with their last name beginning with the alphabet A-K will work at home remotely logging into their Chromebooks to complete assignments.
We are looking for a productive partnership with you to ensure that our students can achieve their highest potential. Here are a few ways you can be partners and share responsibility for the success of your child.
Your child should:
Attend school daily either in person or through online learning
Complete assignments given by teachers
Share school experiences
We ask that you:
Contact the school if additional support is needed
Be open to communication with school personnel who are reaching out on behalf of your child
Be open to suggestions and feedback so we can maximize your child’s success
In addition to this letter, please see the attached document which provides some updates and information that will be useful for you for this upcoming school year.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you would like to schedule a meeting you can contact me at 315-363-1050, email [email protected]
Once again, welcome to Otto Shortell Middle School. Let’s work together to make this a wonderful year.
Sincerely,
Mandi Larson
Principal