Oldfield Middle School

August 2025

Dear Oldfield Middle School Families,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer. As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to extend a warm greeting to both our returning families and those joining us for the first time, especially our new sixth graders who are beginning their journey at Oldfield Middle School.

Middle school is a dynamic and transformative time in a young person's life. It bridges childhood and adolescence, offering students opportunities for academic, emotional, and social growth. At OMS, we are committed to nurturing both the minds and hearts of our learners by fostering curiosity, responsibility, resilience, and a strong sense of community. This year, as always, we will continue to promote character, achievement, and inclusion through a shared culture of respect, effort, and support.

Each new school year brings fresh opportunities, and at Oldfield Middle School, we are ready to begin this next chapter with enthusiasm, purpose, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

This year’s theme is one we are especially excited to share with you:

“Write Your Story: Welcome to Your Next Chapter!”

Be the author. Be the inspiration. Be part of something unforgettable.

This theme reflects the incredible potential within each of our students to shape their own educational journey. Whether your child is entering 6th grade and stepping into middle school for the first time, building confidence in 7th grade, or preparing for the next big leap as an 8th grader, this year is a new chapter, filled with growth, exploration, and possibility.

We believe that every student has a voice, a vision, and a valuable role in our school community. At OMS, we aim to create an environment where students are not just learning facts, they are learning how to reflect, set goals, overcome challenges, and become the authors of their own success stories.

You can expect a strong academic foundation this year, built on rigorous, engaging, and student-centered instruction. At the heart of our school is a supportive culture where kindness, respect, and inclusion guide everything we do. We are also proud to offer a wide range of opportunities, from clubs and athletics to leadership experiences, designed to help every student find their place and pursue their passions.

We also recognize the invaluable role our families play in this journey. A strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success, and we genuinely value your collaboration and support.

To ensure families stay informed:

• Daily morning announcements will continue to be posted on our OMS website at Harborfields Central School District Home.
• ParentSquare is our primary communication platform for school and district news. You’ll receive messages via email and text, and we encourage you to download the free ParentSquare app for easy access.  
• As partners in your child’s education, we encourage all parents to stay connected and informed throughout the school year. One great way to do this is by accessing your child’s Google Classroom, where teachers regularly post assignments, class notes, homework, upcoming assessments, and important course updates. In addition, families have access to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, which provides real-time information about grades, attendance, and academic progress. Staying engaged through these platforms helps ensure strong communication between home and school, and supports your child’s success every step of the way.

Key Dates and School Information:

• Student schedules will be available through the Parent Portal beginning Monday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.. There you will also find your child’s locker information and bus route.

• At Oldfield Middle School, we take great care in thoughtfully placing students in learning environments where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. While we understand the desire to request specific teachers, friends, or lunch groupings, we cannot honor individual placement requests. We aim to support each student’s growth by encouraging adaptability, resilience, and a positive mindset. As educators and parents, we are responsible for helping our children embrace new opportunities, build confidence in unfamiliar situations, and discover the valuable lessons each new school year brings.

• Summer Visitation Days: Thursday, August 21st and Tuesday, August 26th from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Students and parents may walk schedules and set up lockers. Incoming 6th graders may also pick up Chromebooks on these days.
• Classroom Supply Lists: Available on the OMS homepage.
• School Hours: 8:10 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
• Before-school programs (music, intramurals, extra help, breakfast) begin at 7:30 a.m.
• Students must have a pass for entry before 8:03 a.m.
• Arrival begins at 8:03 a.m.; students should not be dropped off earlier unless participating in a supervised program.

Transportation and Dismissal:

• Bus Assignments: Students must ride their assigned buses—no exceptions.
• Late buses begin on Tuesday, September 2nd, with runs at 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
• Only students in school-sponsored clubs or sports may remain after school.
• Please contact Michelle Bitton, Transportation Coordinator, at (631) 754-5300  Extension: 6330, if you have questions about transportation or need assistance. 
• Please do not drop students off in the north lot—this poses a safety risk. A traffic pattern map is enclosed for your reference.

Important Reminders:

• Health Office: Students who feel ill must report to the nurse, Ms. DePaolis. If your child contacts you during the day, please direct them to the nurse first.
• Attendance & Participation: Per district policy, students arriving after 11:00 a.m. may not participate in after-school events that day. All students are expected to be on time for homeroom. Homeroom begins at 8:10 A.M.

• Forgotten Items: Please leave any forgotten items at the main entrance. To minimize classroom disruptions, students are responsible for retrieving them during lunch/recess.
• Backpacks: Must be stored in lockers during the day. No wheeled backpacks are permitted.
• The Governor and the New York State Legislature approved legislation effectively prohibiting the use of smartphones and internet-enabled devices in all schools across New York State that will take effect this September. In accordance with the law, the Harborfields Board of Education adopted a new Students and Internet-Enabled Devices Policy. Students at OMS must keep any internet-enabled devices powered off and in their lockers throughout the school day. This includes all cell phones and smartwatches.
•  Please do not text your child during the school day; call the main office in case of emergencies.
• Water Only: Students may bring water bottles to school—no other beverages are permitted.
• Safety Policy: Items considered weapons are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disciplinary action.
• When scheduling vacations, please check school closing dates on the school calendar to ensure your student is not missing valuable instruction time, state testing, or final exams.
• Consistent attendance is essential for student success. When students are present and engaged each day, they build strong academic habits, stay connected to their peers, and make steady progress in their learning. Every day counts, and showing up is the first step toward reaching one's full potential.
• Respect & Conduct: Harassment or verbal threats will not be tolerated. All students are expected to treat others with kindness and integrity.

Please review OMS policies online with your child before school begins. Staying informed helps ensure a smooth and successful school year.

This year promises to be filled with meaningful moments, academic growth, and community spirit. We are thrilled to welcome our students back on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and look forward to an inspiring and productive school year ahead.

We are excited, we are ready, and we are so proud to welcome you to your next chapter at Oldfield Middle School.

Warm regards,

Maribeth Corr
Principal
Oldfield Middle School