Weekly Update: May 18, 2025
Dear Families,
Our annual car wash fundrasier was wet and wonderful. Special thanks to the crew - students and parents alike- who stepped in to make it all happen, and stayed with it all day! This Thursday is our next chance to step in; at lunch time we’ll celebrate birthdays for May, June, July and August - so if you can send in treats to share, it’ll be even more exciting! Speaking of exciting, it is hard to keep up around here! Below are some of the events we’ve held and participated in these past few weeks. Next week we’ll feature photos from the spring carnival. Stay tuned.
Community BLOOMS: CVPA UMASS Dartmouth + Our Sisters’ School
The Blooming Stories video highlights our recent partnership with UMass Dartmouth …
It has been a privilege to work with OSS, your teachers, and your students. Although I have very little experience with American middle school system, my students - junior and senior Art Ed. Majors — have remarked many times how they appreciate your programs much more than other school programs they have experiences with. I have worked with children from both privileged and underprivileged backgrounds. I've found your students competent, healthy, vibrant, collaborative, and emotionally mature. They are remarkably well-rounded young individuals.
OSS May Calendar Raffle
May 10 - Mariann Monteiro
May 11 - Kathy Bowers
May 12 - Bertha Cabral
May 13 - Desmond Doyle
May 14 - Krystal Fisher
May 15 - Lynn Wilson
May 16 - Lucia DeMelo
Our next drawing is Friday May 23, and we will pull for the dates May 19-23.
United Way - day of caring
7th and 8th graders participated in the United Way Youth Day of Caring ! They started at the New Bedford Public Library for the kick-off event and then headed to Buttonwood Zoo for service. Students cleaned benches and tables, raked leaves, and prepared a new pollinator garden.
Multicultural Luncheon:
First of all, thank you to all those who contributed (food & posters, etc.) and to those who helped and to those who attended with joy and exuberance.
What a perfect weather day for it and the participation was amazing!
A student said in the survey, “I liked trying out all of the new foods that I don't regularly get to eat, and I loved sharing my culture with people by dancing. It was nice to see so many cultures united.”
“Seeing the students let go of the familiar by trying foods outside of their norm was beautiful! They were all so respectful of each culture and seemed very appreciative for the whole experience.”
Sensata - day of service
We are thrilled to share that OSS was once again chosen as a partner for Sensata’s 2025 annual Day of Service! Volunteers from Sensata generously donated their time, energy, and expertise to improve our campus and show our students that they are valued. From repairs and upgrades to fresh paint and outdoor enhancements, their efforts make a real difference in the daily lives of our girls and staff. Sensata’s commitment to giving back through “Sensata Serves” reflects the very spirit of community we cherish. We are so grateful for their continued partnership and the impact they’ve made at OSS!
Adventure Park
Our Student Council students recently spent a powerful morning at The Adventure Park on Cape Cod, where they pushed themselves to new heights—literally and figuratively! As they navigated rope courses and ziplines, they demonstrated courage, critical thinking, teamwork, and strength.
Highlights included moments of cheering each other on, Letting Go of the Familiar, and realizing that just when it feels impossible, you can dig deeper and succeed. The experience offered powerful life lessons about facing challenges together and finding confidence in the climb. We’re so proud of their leadership and the way they supported one another through every step of the adventure
Portfolio Conferences
We are using SignUp to schedule our upcoming Portfolio Conferences on June 5-6, 2025.
If you haven’t already, please follow these three steps:
Select the appropriate of the link options provided, depending on your students’ grade.
Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like, notice these are 25 minutes in duration. Once you have scheduled a time slot, please add your student's name to the comment box.
You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you have any questions or prefer not to use your email address, please contact me through my email listed below, and I can sign you up manually.
DATMA Banners
Our OSS community recently took part in an incredible art-making event as part of Being Seen: Celebrating South Coast Pride! Students, families, and staff came together on our outdoor campus to create panels using upcycled textiles for a large-scale public art installation led by LGBTQ+ artist and activist Liz Collins.
The energy was joyful and creative as participants expressed their pride, celebrated identity, and contributed to a project that will be displayed across the SouthCoast through 2026. We’re so proud to be part of this regional celebration of visibility, activism, and community. Thank you to all who joined us in making art and making history!
Calendar
This link to the calendar on our OSS website is a valuable reference tool. Below are some key dates:
May 23 - All School b-day party at lunch
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 had a fun weekend,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team