Family Updates
Family Update: November 16, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for November 14, 2025.
First quarter report cards are in Friday Folders. We are proud of all our students for their hard work, growth and progress, and we hope the feedback provided in the comments will inspire reflection and goal setting for the second quarter. You’ll also notice that we sent home drafts of the portfolio presentation slides students will present on Friday. These are drafts; continued editing is certainly encouraged.
We were thrilled by the strong turnout at our Required Family Meeting. We reviewed GradeLink, Google Classroom, and encouraged families to join us on Monday Nov. 17th at 5:15pm for a sleep-away program exploration event. We sure do hope to see you there!
The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received in the family survey is encouraging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Your energy and support mean so much, and remind us how important it is to continue improving the OSS experience for our students and families. If you didn’t attend and still want to weigh in, here is the link. We want to hear from everyone!
Our students always clean up beautifully for Picture Day, and this year was no exception. This long-standing tradition is wonderful for your family albums and for our OSS archives. Isn’t it wild to look back and see how students grow each year?! Speaking of growth - our graduates will be returning to the building next week to reconnect, network, and reminisce. We’re sure their class photos will bring back memories too—and further illustrate just how far they’ve come!
In the spirit of growth, we hosted teachers from the Epiphany School in Boston this past Monday. They joined us to observe our practices—just as we visited them last year. Exchanges like these help all of us get better at what we do.
Looking for inspiration and connection? Join this Leadership Conference. We do hope to see you there. Program and lunch are free for OSS students. Email Ms. McSweeny to register: mmcsweeny@oursistersschool.org
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
Calendar Highlights:
11/17 - Sleep-Away Summer Program follow up 5:15-6:15pm, OSS
11/20 - Showing up for our Community: Understanding the impact of federal immigration policy on NB, 5:30-7pm, OSS Community Room, with guest speaker from the Immigrant Assistance Center, Helena DaSilva-Huges
11/21- Portfolio Conferences, No School
11/22 - Young Women’s Leadership Conference, 9:30am-1:30pm, OSS
11/25 - Graduate Attitude of Gratitude Event from 6-8pm for OSS graduates.
11/26 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Break, No School
6th grade Humanities class presentations.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the morning!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Family Update: November 9, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for November 7, 2025.
At Community Meeting, our African Drum class bravely performed and inspired us all!
In 6th grade Humanities class students debated the challenging question of whether it is ever acceptable to steal. 5th graders began winter programming at the Buttonwood Zoo, and saw various animals during their feeding times. The highlight was witnessing Jacob, the red panda, create a painting during his enrichment activity.
Seventh-grade students engaged at New Bedford Research and Robotics. Their introduction to 3D printing involved building the tallest, most stable structure out of clay. This activity sets the stage for upcoming work with the robots they'll encounter during their time on site at NBRR.
There is so much need, and so many ways to contribute.…OSS students help out too!
Our students are practicing gratitude and collecting change to give back to school. Can you help? Could you bring change to the required family meeting on Wednesday? Do your colleagues at work have change to contribute to our efforts?
Looking for inspiration and connection? Join the Girl’s Leadership Conference, hosted at OSS by the YWCA on November 22, 9:30am - 1:30pm. Lunch will be served. Look for a flier in your Friday Folder.
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
After seven years as the Volunteer Coordinator at OSS, Ms. McSweeny is taking on more responsibility in the Advancement Office. Her new title is Associate Director of Advancement, and in this role she will focus fully on the fundraising and advancement work that is essential to the sustainability of our small but powerful school.
We are excited to share that Ms. Cinnamond is expanding the scope of her role, and adding Volunteer Coordinator to her title and responsibilities! She is hardworking, organized, collaborative, and ready to support you in your work. We are so excited about all of this personal and organizational progress!
Calendar Highlights:
11/11 - Veterans Day ~ No school
11/12 – Required family meeting 5:30-6:30pm ~ Collaborative Strategies for Student Success. Please do bring devices: phones, computer - whatever you use to access Gradelink or GoogleClassroom
11/12 - Picture day ~ collared uniform shirts, please
11/17 - Sleep-Away Summer Program follow up 5:15-6:15pm
11/20 - Showing up for our Community: Understanding the impact of federal immigration policy on NB, 5:30-7pm, OSS Community Room, with guest speaker from the Immigrant Assistance Center, Helena DaSilva-Huges
11/21- Portfolio Conferences, No School
11/25 - Graduate Attitude of Gratitude Event from 6-8pm for OSS graduates.
11/26 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Break, No School
We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Family Update: October 31, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for October 27, 2025.
Today we wrapped up our 1st quarter, and report cards will go home in Friday Folders on Nov. 14th.
It is amazing how time flies, and how much we have accomplished so quickly. We’ve already witnessed tremendous personal and academic growth this school year - and we believe families have too! When we gather for our upcoming Required Family Meeting on Nov. 12th, we’ll review Google Classroom, Gradelink and even Summer Programming Opportunities as ways families can further support their blossoming students.
An exciting classroom moment this week included a visit from City Council president Shane Burgo who joined our 7th graders and their study of Society: Rights and Power. His personal story and insight on systems of government were fascinating.
Shane shared about growing up in New Bedford and answered questions about local, state, and federal government. Our students were engaged and attentive, connecting our Community Core Tools to Shane’s story. One student remarked that Shane was able to Overcome Obstacles he experienced as a child, to Persevere, and get to where he is now because he “didn’t listen to the no’s.” Another said he practiced Saying and Doing the Unpopular when he chose to run for city council despite many telling him he would not win. They found his desire to “change the narrative” inspiring. Shane’s words and overall message about Active Civic Engagement were impactful and sincere. We thank him for this visit, and hope he comes to OSS again soon.
The fragility of SNAP benefits is a great concern. We are sharing links to recommended resources: Feeding America, Project Bread, Damien’s Food Pantry, United Way Food Pantry List.
Families can always contact us directly for additional support. Please email gcinnamond@oursistersschool.org for assistance.
Are you interested in building your math muscles? New Bedford Math All Stars is a free, weekly, after school club hosted at the Co-Creative Center, where students can dig into exciting math puzzles. Check it out, and boost your skills. Also, if you want to invest your time in the arts, consider joining the amazing Teen Ambassador program at the Zeiterion.
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
Calendar Highlights:
1st Quarter ends today, Oct 31 ~ Grades close today
Daylight Savings, Nov 2 ~ Clocks “fall back” one hour
Election Day, Nov 4 ~ We encourage voting!
Veterans Day, Nov 11 ~ No School
Picture Day, Nov 12 ~ Students should be in OSS uniform and for a tidy photo, choose a polo over a t-shirt, please.
Required Family Meeting, Nov 12 ~ 5:30–6:30 PM | OSS ~ Collaborative Strategies for Student Success
Please help our students collect for our annual Change Challenge. If you have change lingering, they want it!
We hope everyone eats just the right amount of sugar this weekend,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Family Update: October 26, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for October 24, 2025.
Last Monday the whole school visited Bridgewater State University, where each grade engaged in a different STEAM-focused lab experience. 5th graders learned about the power of wind and the importance of renewable energy, and were able to test the stability of their own LEGO structures in a wind tunnel. 6th graders continued learning about sustainability as they discovered how water runoff in a parking lot can carry harmful pollutants, and ways to design a more sustainable parking lot. 7th graders took on the role of medical lab scientists to solve the "Mystery of the Crooked Cell" by recording patient symptoms, studying their family history, and testing "blood" samples for genetic markers to lead to a diagnosis. Finally, 8th graders participated in a cybersecurity lab and learned about internet safety and ways to protect their online data from scams, viruses, and phishing. A helpful takeaway from this lab is the difference between a passcode (usually 4 or 6 digits) and a passphrase (like a password), where a well-constructed passphrase is much more secure to keep hackers out.
If you want more of this fantastic programming, consider joining Open Lab Night on Nov. 5th at BSU 5-8pm! It is a free community event open to all ages, featuring hands-on STEM activities led by BSU faculty, staff and students. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and advance registration is required. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Visit their website to learn more and to register, and see the flier below in this Family Update.
This week 6th graders visited Round the Bend - a working farm in action. They explored a Wampanoag wigwam, learned about the farm’s produce and animal husbandry practices, had a chance to do service by helping plant garlic, and in their study of sustainable practices they explored tiny homes and learned how compostable toilets work.
Grades 6–8 collaborated with the Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts to design the inaugural Economic Empowerment Award honoring Ami Kuan Danoff, a leader in philanthropy, finance, and advocacy for women and girls. Each student created an original design that represented empowerment, confidence, and leadership. The Women’s Foundation team reviewed all submissions and selected a collaboration between two students as the final design. Working closely with Ms. Pupillo, the students brought their vision to life through 3D printing, creating a modern, meaningful award. The project culminated at the Make Her Mark event—a celebration of education and the power of all-girls learning environments—where the students proudly presented the award to Ami in front of more than 400 guests.
Thank you to the 25+ parents, guardians, and staff who joined us for an evening of connection, collaboration, and learning at last Tuesday’s Family Workshop — Boosting Your Child’s Awesomeness! Together, we explored strategies to strengthen students’ executive functioning skills and support their growth both at school and at home. We’re excited to continue building our partnership through upcoming family learning opportunities:
Required Family Meeting: Collaborative Strategies for Student Success
Wednesday, November 12 | 5:30–6:30 PM | OSS
Helping Your Student Soar Academically
Tuesday, December 2 | 6:00–7:30 PM | OSS
Also, here is a link to a positive NYT article about Instagram planning to increase content restrictions to help keep teens safer in this digital age.
Calendar Highlights:
Spirit Day on Wednesday. Theme: 1 solid color
Friday Oct 31, End of 1st Quarter
Summer Program Planning Event Nov 3, 5:15-6:15pm
We hope your weekend was beautiful,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Family Update: October 19, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for October 18, 2025.
Our Fall Festival felt like a true Family Festival! It was a joyful celebration at the height of autumn’s color—filled with games, apple snacks, cotton candy, crafts, and time spent with friends, parents, grandparents, and younger siblings.
On Wednesday, OSS staff traveled to Gillette Stadium and joined 2,000 educators at MassCUE, the Massachusetts Computer-Using-Educators Conference. Our day was packed full of learning. We continued our exploration of instructional technology and further explored AI tools and considerations. It was valuable professional development and memorable staff bonding!
7th & 8th Graders in Community Partnerships
Our 7th and 8th graders have been hard at work in their community partnerships—providing valuable service, building workforce skills, and exploring a variety of career paths alongside their community mentors. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to the real world while making a positive impact in New Bedford. We’re proud of their dedication and growth.
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
Calendar Highlights:
Monday Oct 20: all day - all school field trip to Bridgewater State. Pizza lunch provided for all students, but everyone should bring a water bottle and a warm layer!
Tuesday Oct 21: Family Workshop: Boosting Your Child’s Awesomeness, 6-7:30pm. Explore simple, effective tips for helping your student grow in both academics and personal independence.
Wednesday Oct 22: 6th grade field trip to Round the Bend. Pack a lunch!
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Did you say summer?!!! Oh YES WE DID! Monday November 3rd, 5:15-6:15pm we are offering a Summer Program ‘26 Event. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details.
See you Monday morning,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Family Update: October 10, 2025
Here’s a weekly update for October 10, 2025.
We’re so grateful for our generous families! Thanks to you, we had enough cookies, donuts, brownies, and treats this week for not one but two lunchtime parties—it felt like Halloween came early! The fun continued as more than 50 students and family members gathered to carve pumpkins at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, and we’re looking forward to keeping the celebration going this Thursday during our Fall Festival in our Outdoor Classroom. And, as the temperatures drop, please be sure students come to school dressed for the season.
Our new Habits of a Learner Tool has launched, and families even did homework, reading and reviewing the new document with their OSS students! We truly appreciate the reflections, comments, and even creative questions—from parents, grandparents, and yes, even family pets! The main goal of this assignment was to share this important tool, and continue strengthening our home–school partnership.
This Habits of a Learner document will now be used consistently across all classes each quarter. It gives students regular opportunities to reflect on their learning, advocate for themselves, and hone their learning habits. As in past years, this work will contribute to their class Habits grade—but now, every teacher is using the same tool to increase clarity, consistency, and impact.
We’re so grateful for your support as we work together to help students “learn how to learn” and grow their independence and confidence. Questions? Please reach out to Mrs. Eugenio.
Above, you can see the invitation (which is also in your Friday Folder) - to join hands-on workshops to strengthen our partnership, gain practical tools to support your child’s learning and independence, and help every student thrive both academically and personally.
Boosting Your Child’s Awesomeness: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6-7:30PM
Explore simple, effective tips for helping your student grow in both academics and personal independence. This workshop will provide families with practical ways to encourage confidence, responsibility, and success. Families that attend earn 2 service credits.
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Collaborative Strategies for Student Success: Mandatory Family Meeting
Students thrive when families and schools work together, and this workshop will include introductions to platform basics (Gradelink and Google Classroom), and include practical strategies and hands-on ways we can partner to support every student’s growth. Families who attend earn 1 service credit.
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Helping Your Student Soar Academically: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6-7:30PM
Gain tools and strategies to support your child’s learning journey. This workshop will give families helpful tips to boost academic success and help students thrive in school. Families that attend earn 2 service credits.
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
Every day at OSS we get to enjoy a good book! Reading daily helps us strive for excellence. When we read, we practice stamina and persevere through challenging text. We can also experience how an author communicates clearly. We can have empathy for characters in our stories, learn to value our own identities or even all ideas. As we know, reading allows us to explore so many different worlds, and as we do, we can exercise so many of our Community Core Tools.
Calendar Highlights:
No school Monday in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day
No school Wednesday ~ Staff Professional Development Day
Fall Festival is Thursday October 16th, 4:15-5:30pm and we look forward to fun with everyone. We’ve already received more than 100 RSVPs!
Admissions Presentation Saturday October 18th at 10am
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Did you say summer?!!! Oh YES WE DID! Monday November 3rd, 5:15-6:15pm we are offering a Summer Program ‘26 Event. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details.
We hope you will consider the OSS Core Values and Community Core Tools illustrated above. We work hard to embrace them while at school, and know that when they are also reinforced at home, it helps us all grow more powerfully together.
Have a peaceful three day weekend. See you Tuesday.
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team