Family Update: September 28, 2025
This past Saturday, more than half of our OSS students spent their Saturday showing what happens when young women step up, step in, and support one another. From 9AM–2PM, 35 OSS students participated in the STEM4Girls Conference, with 22 of our 7th and 8th graders presenting on stage! They educated local girls about the blue economy, sharing powerful facts about the ocean and its future. Even our very own robot, Sparks, made a special appearance.
But our students didn’t stop there—they also led a hands-on workshop where they helped participants design public service announcements about the blue economy. Together, they modeled collaboration, leadership, and the confidence that comes from “taking space and making waves.”
We are so proud of our students for shining as leaders and for lifting up other young women in our community!
Community Partnerships began last week and 7th and 8th grade students were enthusiastic to get into the community and lend a helping hand. All 7th and 8th graders are signed up for a partnership for Cycle 1, which is really exciting! We hope you asked your student how their 1st day went.
Regarding Back to School Night, we had 56 families in attendance, and heard from 20 with really useful feedback. In addition to hearing that it was time really well spent, we also learned that we might have kept the students on campus rather than having them go back and forth after dismissal. We agree, and will try to make that change for next year. Your insight really helps us a lot, so thank you for taking the time to join us, and to offer your thoughts.
And below you can enjoy photos of a 5th grade task party …
Follow our regularly updated CALENDAR to see all events.
Calendar Highlights:
Our first Family Service Day is on October 4th from 10am to 12pm. Sign up here if you want to get some service credits completed. Tasks will include garden work, cleaning the building, moving furniture, prepping materials for staff, and more!
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Secondary School Fair: Sep. 30th, 5:30-7:30 pm
*OSS is co-hosting the Secondary School Fair this fall in partnership with Alma del Mar and Nativity Prep. This year’s fair will take place at Alma del Mar’s Frederick Douglass Campus. All 7th and 8th-grade students and their families are encouraged to attend. You will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from both public and independent schools.
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Did you say summer?!!! Oh YES WE DID!
Of all the summer programs we partner with, Chimney Corners has the earliest timing for scholarship applications and sign ups. Crazy but true, now is when camps begin enrollment for summer ‘26, and now is when you can most reliably score full scholarships so, now is the right time to get planning. This is why on Monday November 3rd, 5:15-6:15pm we are offering a Summer Program ‘26 Event. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details.
THERE ARE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES described below. We hope you will consider them heartily, and sign up! We are calling special attention to the 2nd Annual SouthCoast Youth Climate Summit, hosted on Saturday, November 15 from 10am-4pm at Buttonwood Park Zoo.
Youth ages 13-18 from across the SouthCoast are invited to join and engage in climate change workshops, hear from guest speakers, and gain advocacy skills. Register here: Youth Climate Summit Registration
See you bright and early in the morning,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team