Weekly Update: May 23, 2025
Dear Families,
It is Memorial Day weekend and we have no school Monday, so please take extra time today to look at the collection of amazing opportunities highlighted in our community events section below.
Our Festival of Arts and Student Achievement is next Friday, May 30th. The end of the school year is quickly approaching and we always have tons going on! Students will present Portfolio Presentations, we’ll celebrate Field Day and 8th grade Graduation. Fourth quarter will end, grades will close and report cards will be distributed. This is a friendly reminder to students that this long weekend is a smart time to get caught up on assignments so that the last few weeks of the school year feel like smooth sailing.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Field Trip
On May 19, 6th and 7th graders visited the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance (CCCFA) in Chatham, MA, alongside scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Students explored the impact of overfishing through a hands-on M&M activity and learned about ocean water layering using a tank of dyed freshwater and saltwater. By simulating storms with straws, they saw how mixing occurs in nature.
WHOI scientists explained how they monitor ocean temperatures using CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) instruments, which are deployed with help from local fishermen. The data helps track warming waters, Cape Cod has warmed 4–5°F above the global ocean average, and informs fishing practices as fish migrate or decline.
At a nearby pier, students took turns operating CTD instruments, analyzed real-time data on iPads, and spoke with a local fisherman working with WHOI. They asked thoughtful questions and gained insight into the challenges and importance of sustainable fishing on Cape Cod.
Max Courage Essay Contest Award
Congratulations to our 5th grade Max Courage Essay contest recipient! Earlier this year her writing was published in the 2025 Max Courage book, and this week she and Ms. Kozak attended a formal celebration in Boston. We are so proud of you, J!
Car Wash Results
Between our car wash, lemonade stand and a donation from our vendor fair friends, we raised just over $1,000 last Sunday. Wow. Thank you to everyone who helped, and do keep us on your calendar for next year!
Calendar Raffle
And… the calendar winners for the first days of May include:
May 17 - Megahn Frias
May 18 - Leon Gomes
May 19 - Leon Gomes
May 20 - Ben Moniz
May 21 - Debbie Gautreau
May 22 -Debbie Arabian
May 23 -Michael Lefebvre
…
Our final drawing is May 29. We will pull the winners for the 23-30.
Community Events
See attached fliers for a free girls soccer clinic with NB Parks and Rec., Radiation Rush summer robotics program and a very popular digital art opportunity with Sketchy Go ichie.
Calendar
This link to the calendar on our OSS website is a valuable reference tool. Below are some key dates:
May 26 - Memorial Day; No School
May 30 - Festival of Arts and Student Achievement 3:30-7pm
June 4 - Field Day 12:45-4pm
June 5 & 6 - Portfolio Conferences by appointment; No School
June 6 - 8th grade Graduation, 5:30-6:30pm
We hope you have a meaningful weekend,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team