South Park Middle School
April 2023 Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
- South Park Mission Statement
- Yearbook Link
- 6th Grade Refugee Simulator
- Forward Testing
- Enrollment Information
- 7th Grade UWO Field Trip
- SP Communications Folder
- Sora
- Go Guardian
- Canvas Observer
- Weekly Bulletins
- Student Handbook
- Infinite Campus Messenger
- Progress Reports
- Handy Links
- Food Service Positions
- In Need of Assistance?
- Essential OASD information
- School Safety/ Where to Drop Off and Pick Up
- Whom Do I Contact?
- Specialist Updates & News, Sports, and PTN Information
CONTACT
Oshkosh Area School District 215 S Eagle Street Oshkosh, WI 54902 920.424.0395
info@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
South Park Middle School 1551 Delaware St. Oshkosh, WI 54902
Office Phone 920.424.0431 Attendance Phone 920.424.0431 ext. 2702
Fax 920.424.7513
South Park Mission Statement
At South Park Middle School, education is a continuous transitional experience, which promotes positive intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. Students are encouraged to maximize individual potential to function in a diverse society.
Please remember that you are always welcome at South Park. We want you to take an active role in your child's education. Your involvement in your child’s academics as well as extra-curricular activities will result in their success. If you ever have any questions regarding your child, please call 920-424-0431 to be directed to the appropriate staff member. We are here to help you and your child.
~ Please Slow Down in our School Zones ~
The streets of Delaware and South Park can be especially dangerous for our students before and after school.
Please slow down and watch for pedestrians.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFE!
If you would like a yearbook, click on the following link
Congratulations to Morgan Blindauer whose design was chosen for the cover of our yearbook this year!
Tahlia Schwartz, Jeremy Splittgerber, Lia Lipinski, Anna Thiemke, Rylee Coppernoll, Bria Blabaum, Bella Messenger, Miyah Becker designed covers that will be featured on the yearbook’s back cover.
The 6th grade students have been learning about human rights and more specifically refugees.
(A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence.)
To better understand the refugee crisis, the Winnebago Area Literacy Council- who serve our local families with refugee backgrounds, came to South Park to give the students a thought provoking experience earlier this month. Students were given the opportunity to understand what life might be like for a refugee. They “traveled” in a variety of family groups being forced to leave their home countries for many different reasons. As part of the simulation, families had to quickly decide what 5 items they would carry with them on their journey, as so often refugees must flee and leave so many possessions behind. On their journey they encountered bandits who stole some of their belongings, family members became ill, while others became injured or disabled. Along the way some students found rides, while the others had to keep walking. All students crammed together in a “boat” and had to sit in silence for 3 minutes. During that time they were reminded of the threats they could face if heard or found. Once the refugees got to their new country they had to fill out forms and speak to someone, however this person did not speak their language. The students soon realized how confusing and frustrating this situation can be and how difficult it can be to receive help.
All in all, the students took away a lot of lessons and had many thoughts as we discussed the events after the simulation.
We want to thank Winnebago Area Literacy Council for providing us with this simulation.
For more facts and statistics about refugees please visit https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/
To learn more about the Winnebago Area Literacy Council
Forward Testing
The forward Exam for 8th grade is scheduled for March 27-April 21.
The Forward Exam for Grades 6/7 will take place April 3-21.
If possible, please make sure your child is in attendance at school during this time. Make-up testing is available at a later date if they are not in attendance.
A good night's sleep and a good breakfast will be helpful for them to do their best on the tests.
Out of Attendance
Out of Attendance Parents requesting a K-12 out-of-attendance area school for their child must submit an application by February 24, 2023. The district will notify parents via e-mail by the end of April as to whether their request is approved or denied. Any requests received after the deadline may be held for review until after district-wide registration is completed in August 2023.
Attention
All Parents & Guardians
School Safety Drop off-Pick up
There is an updated procedure when dropping something off for your student(s) in the South Park Office. For additional security, when buzzed in at the front door (#1), please drop any and all items off on the table outside of the office door and put a post it note on it with your child's name and grade level. We will make sure your student(s) get the item(s) as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Open Enrollment
The open enrollment application period for the 2023-24 school year is from February 6-April 28, 2023.
Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.
We strive to have a direct line of communication with our school families.
Please check out our Google Drive Folder
South Park Communications
This houses important information about upcoming events, parent forms & information- including our weekly bulletin.
For any additional questions please contact our office at 920.424.0431
MEDIA NEWS
As we dive into our winter months and students often find themselves bored and cooped up inside, we urge them to read and/or listen to books online. Students can easily access our online library at home by going to Classlink and then SORA. The SORA App can also be downloaded to devices to be able to read without Wifi. This is a great feature for holiday car trips, or even to listen to while walking. It is also an easy way to avoid winter boredom and get in some great reading! Students can check out up to five books or audiobooks on Sora. If you have questions about SORA, see Mrs. Kese or Mrs. Meshinesh in the media center.
CHROMEBOOK ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE
OASD Insurance coverage is for accidental damage.
First Claim: Covered by OASD Insurance - if student CHOOSES
Second Claim: Repair cost up to $60 Student Fee (If student paid for first claim, second repair is covered by OASD Insurance)
Third Claim: Full Cost of repair/replacement and/or Disciplinary Action (unless student paid for first claim and second claim, then OASD Insurance covers damage.)
The district reserves the right to charge for the entire replacement cost if negligence is determined. Examples of negligence include but are not limited to losing or destroying your Chromebook.
Manufacturer defects covered under warranty will not be subject to the above criteria.
GoGuardian Parent is a phone app that allows parents and guardians to limit Chromebook access outside of school. It also shows the top five websites and if teachers had to manage students on their Chromebook. To set this up, download the app and create an account with your email address that you used when you signed up for Infinite Campus. Here is a link with directions to install or learn more. Questions should be addressed to GoGuardianParent@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
Canvas Observer
To check your child’s grades, see assignments, and other information, set up a Canvas account. This is different from Infinite Campus (IC) and will provide more detailed information of what students are learning. First, you will need your child to generate a pairing code. Each code is good for 7 days or one use. Follow instructions here. Reach out to the technology coach, Kathleen Stephany with any questions.
Infinite Campus Messenger
One of the benefits of our student information system, Infinite Campus, is the messenger program. Through the Parent Portal Inbox, via Email, Voice, and/or Text. in order to save paper, we will be emailing the link to the South Park Newsletter with a target date of the first of every month. Please check to see that your current email is listed in your contact information on the Portal. There may be times when we send out a message via phone or text as well, so it is important that we have current contact information in our system.
Are You Looking For a
Part Time Position?
Food Service may be for you!
Please take a look at THIS for more information.
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be posted at weeks 7 and 15 of the semester. An email will be sent to tell you the grades have been posted since the district has gone paperless. Just as grades are dependent on the requirements in the classroom, progress report marks are too. If you have any questions about the progress of your child, please contact your child's teacher.
Are You or Someone You Know in Need of Assistance?
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in one of the areas below, please contact Jodi Gunckel or Heather Wolters for specific organizations and phone numbers in the areas you need assistance.
- Child Care/Day Care, Clothing Assistance, Employment Resources/Job Search, Energy Assistance, Financial Assistance, Food Assistance, Health Care/Mental Health, Home Repair, Housing Options & Respite, Information & Referral, Labor Related Resources, Legal Services- Mediation, Personal and Family Concerns, Refugee and Immigrant Services, Transportation, Veteran Services, Work-Related Services for the Disabled.
Having Difficulty Finding the Resources You Need?
To connect to community service, help is just 3 digits away. United Way 211 provides easy access to health and human services.
Dial 2-1-1 OR 1-800-924-5514 for help with information about food resources, counseling, employment, health care, child care, support groups, housing, clothing, after school programs, or legal aid.
It's FREE, confidential, and available 24/7.
Whom Should I Contact?
We hope these listings will assist you in getting your issues dealt with directly and efficiently.
Go to the following link: Whom Should I Contact?
Questions, Suggestions, Concerns
At South Park Middle School we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our students. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy about, please give your child's teacher a call first. If you are unable to resolve the issue call me at 424-1228 ext. 2703 so that we can work together to address your need. If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with me, you may call Dr. Andrew Jones, Director of Administration, at 424-0100. He will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.
Notice of Surveillance
South Park Middle School is using video surveillance/electronic monitoring to observe, monitor, and/or record the behavior and activity of all personal on school property or grounds, or participating in school functions
American Disabilities Accommodations
Upon request, reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided to individuals with disabilities. If assistance is required, please provide advance notice by calling the school office at 920.424.0431.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Oshkosh Area School District, including all school buildings/sites/programs, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Therefore, no student shall be excluded from participation in any curricular, extracurricular, student services, recreational or other program or activity. When separation by sex in education activities is appropriate for health and/or safety reasons, equal educational opportunities shall be provided for both sexes.
Specialist Updates and News
- 2022 Go Transit City Bus Routes
- After School Program
- Art News
- Before School Program
- Canvas Observer
- e-Academy
- OASD No School Friday Dates
- Guidance Office
- Holiday Breaks
- Food Service & Menus
- Media News
- Panther Press
- PTN
- Sports News Updates
