Weekly Updates
Weekly Update: September 25, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for September 25, 2026
It is impossible to keep up with all that happens in a week at Our Sisters’ School, and this update highlights only a collection of meaningful moments, events and learnings. Thank you for taking the time to feast your eyes on our stories each week.
We received very positive feedback about our Back to School Night efforts, and we always welcome more! If you missed it, here is another shot at the feedback form, and the photos below illustrate the energy, joy and productive involvement that took place throughout the evening.
We are digging into our service learning!
We launched this year's Community Partnership Program last Friday with the 7th and 8th grade volunteering at YMCA Share the Harvest. This field learning experience is a hands-on way to support local hunger relief while enjoying a rewarding community experience and reminding us all of the value of service. Students picked tomatoes, washed bok choy, sorted and weighed butternut squash, and helped dig a new garden bed. Playing in the dirt is always a fun time!
We are delighted to have over 21 community partners this year with 100% of our 7th and 8th graders out every Friday afternoon helping New Bedford organizations. Learn more about our partnership program: https://www.oursistersschool.org/community-partnerships
Sister Sailors Out to Sea…
This past week our 6th graders embarked on an unforgettable three-day open-sea expedition aboard the Denis Sullivan, a three-masted schooner. Students became part of the crew, learning firsthand what it takes to sail a schooner. They hoisted sails, coiled ropes, scrubbed decks, worked as a team, and experienced life at sea. With all of this first hand experience, students built an enormous amount of context to support their upcoming study of whaling in New Bedford. Thank you World Ocean School for this amazing opportunity for our 6th graders.
Adventure, teamwork, and learning beyond the classroom. That’s OSS!
Guitar, Uke, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, African Drum, STEP, HipHop, Voice, Keyboard….
The options abound, and on Friday mornings our school pulses with rhythm and tune.
It is a glorious time of the week, and we are excited to make joyful noise and learn together!
Important Information:
Know a curious and creative non-OSS student who might be interested? Share this program with a family or friend and help us share the OSS magic.
SECONDARY SCHOOL FAIR
Calling all 7th and 8th-grade Families and Students!
Please join us for our Secondary School Fair on Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30-7:30pm here at OSS. You and your student will be able to meet representatives from high schools and learn more about school options!
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLANNING
8th-grade families whose students are planning to apply to an independent school (day or boarding) – please plan to attend a required family meeting to talk about steps in the application process (both admissions and financial aid). Choose to attend either Monday, Oct. 5 from 4:15-5:00 pm OR 5:15-6:00 pm. If neither works, please arrange a time to meet with Ms. Sanders individually. asanders@oursistersschool.org or 774-328-6694.
We are looking for family volunteers to help with student transportation on several Fridays in October.
We need a volunteer driver to transport three OSS students one way from Our Sisters’ School to Round the Bend Farm on the following dates: Oct: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
If you are interested in helping with transportation on any of these dates, please reply to this email. Driving time will count toward your family service credits. Email Ms. Cinnamond to follow up: gcinnamond@oursistersschool.org
Sleep away camp highlight
Believe it or not, NOW is the time to submit applications for summer ‘27 to Chimney Corners and other sleepaway camps. If you’d like information about sleepaway camps and didn’t already fill out a form at Back-to-School night, please let us know about your interests here.
If your student misplaces an item, please ask Ms. Cinnamond in the office for help with our Lost & Found. Some sleeping bags came back from Brantwood that weren’t a part of our lending library. If you’re missing one, please be in touch with the office.
Community Resources:
Softball, Chorus, Farm Days, Culture, Diversity, Super Art, Teen Ambassadors… all sorts of goodness! And remember ~ full scholarships are available for programs we highlight. Just ask us.
Stay dry this weekend. See you Monday!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: September 20, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for September 18, 2026
Join us for Back to School Night this Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:30pm. Technically this is our second Required Family Meeting of the year, and we’ll make sure your time is well invested. Please notice that for students who take the 4:15pm bus from school, it may be difficult to get home and back to school in time for our 5:30pm start. Therefore, please email Ms. Cinnamond (gcinnamond@oursistersschool.org) if you prefer that your student remain at school on this occasion and join Evening Study. This way students could get homework done and families can be on time for the event.
Also, join our Family Service Day on October 3rd, 10am-12pm! We’ll be tackling projects throughout the building and in our outdoor classroom. This is a great opportunity to work together, support our school community, and earn family service credits. Bring a buddy and earn additional service hours! Please sign up HERE!
To kick off our efforts, seven amazing United Way volunteers worked hard to pull weeds in our garden last week. The energy and care they put into our Outdoor Classroom is inspiring and our Family Service efforts will eagerly follow on their work.
Stepping Stones of Adventure
Below you can see our 5th and 6th graders at CBC last week. The learning that happens there is an important piece of the puzzle that helps our students be prepared for so much adventure. For example, at this very moment, our 6th graders at on a 3 day, 2 night open sea expedition on a 3-mast schooner called the Denis Sullivan. They are most certainly making memories!
Pipettes and graduated cylinders
Last week 5th grade learned how to use pipettes and graduated cylinders to make accurate measurements of liquids. Using our Community Core tools Strive for Accuracy and Support Others, students worked together to make sure everyone in their group had the correct measurement.
Dissecting chicken wings
Our 7th graders explored the structure of a chicken wing. They observed how a wing functions for the chicken to be able to move, and compared this knowledge to how the human arm is structured and functions. Students will use this new understanding of the skin, muscle and bone as a foundation to further our study of how the human body works and heals.
Important Information
After School Clubs
Our free after-school clubs give students a chance to explore their interests, try something new, and connect with friends. Club choices and sign-up forms are sent home in Friday Folders, so please keep an eye out for new clubs throughout the year. Most clubs meet from 4:15–5:15 p.m., with some clubs offering extended hours until 6:00 p.m. Students may grab a snack from the Community Room or bring one from home. Please check the calendar for each club’s schedule and pickup time.
Student Council Leadership Retreat Reminder
We’re excited to kick off the year with our Student Council Leadership Retreat on Friday, September 25! This will be a fun evening for students to connect with one another, build teamwork, and get ready for a great year of Student Council leadership at OSS. The retreat will be held at Our Sisters’ School from 3:00–9:00 PM, and dinner will be provided. Families, please plan to pick up your student at OSS at 9:00 PM.
GOOD STUFF…check it all out. Scroll through the collection of fliers below:
OSS SPARK, Pumpkin Carving at RJD, NB Youth Rowing, Grandparents Group, Dream Out Loud, SuperART, Teen Ambassadors
Finally, we are so proud to share our latest publication “Making Meaning.” Please do take a look here.
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: September 11, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for September 11, 2026
On the heels of Brantwood, our 1st week in the building was as full as ever!
This afternoon we wrapped up the week with a Dendrites Conference - a two hour all-school experience focused on becoming metacognatively aware. We learned that becoming “metacognatively aware” means that we are actually THINKING about how we are thinking! What better way to start a school year than to increase our awareness about our brain function?! For new OSS students this was likely all new; for returning students, this was a refresher. All year we’ll continue to pay attention to how we learn, and how we can be intentional about things like study strategies and work habits. We hope you will ask your student about our Dendrites Conference, and what they learned or remembered.
This week we also kicked off our traditional partnership with the Community Boating Center. All students enjoyed a beautiful day on the water - and for our new students, sailing during the school day was a welcome delight!
Our first week included Community Meetings, a peer-led exploration of our Outdoor Classroom, settling into our classrooms and digging into academic content! Check out the joy…
Important Info Below:
TRANSPORTATION :
*For any bus related questions or concerns please contact Ms. Herman directly (sherman@oursistersschool.org).
*Dismissal for Evening Study and Clubs will work the same way as regular dismissal: students will come outside and be dismissed directly to their vehicles.
*Morning and Evening Study is only offered Monday through Thursday.
*The afternoon bus only runs Monday through Thursday.
Do you want tools to help limit screen time? This NYT article has ideas for all of us.
Community Resources:
In the gallery below you can see events taking place in our community that we have noticed and think are high interest! For example, we want to be sure you are well informed about the STEM for Girls event taking place at UMD on Sat. Oct. 17th. Also September 19th and October 17th are Open Farm Day at Round the Bend Farm. Maybe drop your OSS student off at UMD and take your family to RTB for an nature and culture-filled day!
It was exhilarating to be back at school. It was also exhausting to return to a full school day, so this weekend we hope everyone will find time to rest because on Monday morning we’ll wind it all back up again!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: September 7, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for September 4, 2026
Our first week of school was both short - and long! It was only 3 days, but a day at camp is so full that it feels like a week!
We slept in cabins and listened to the rain fall gently, we walked through the wet morning grass to the dining hall for French toast with syrup and sat with our bunks, chatting about the campfire, warm s’mores, singing with Fitzy and drumming and dancing with Sidy. Over lunch-time grilled cheese sandwiches we reflected on days full of games and gatherings. We hiked, found our balance on wet rocks, logs and ropes – enjoyed the high ropes course and mountain views. We avidly discussed the differences between salamanders and newts. Do you know the difference?
Most of all we connected and re-connected. We kicked off the school year with togetherness. We launched our study of OSS Community Core Values and Tools. We prepared ourselves to arrive at school on Tuesday September 8th ready for a first day on the OSS campus.
As you can clearly see, our Brantwood experience allowed for memorable outside time focused on community building, collaboration, communication and nature exploration. A few photos are below, and next week we’ll post a big Brantwood collection, so keep your eyes open for that. This week our big collection is from summer ‘26 on-campus programming. Can you find yourself in there?
Bus updates are always interesting!
Thank you for completing the form letting us know about your student's to and from school plans. Note that slight changes will inevitably occur as we settle into the school year. The bus will arrive at the first stop at 7:30am - all other times are approximate. The bus will leave OSS at 4:15pm - similarly, all other times are approximate. Please check your email for most updated bus routes, and if you need to make any changes email Maia Shwartz at mshwartz@oursistersschool.org.
Speaking of updates…. here are some key reminders for tomorrow:
Our first day in the building means we begin with fresh OSS uniforms. We bring in our summer homework, and both Morning and Evening study programs begin this week for those who are signed up. Programming at the Community Boating Center also kicks off this week, and students are reminded to bring a positive attitude and Crocs to wear there - but not at OSS, of course!
Exciting update: This fall our 6th graders will join World Ocean School on a 3 day, 2 night schooner expedition. We are excited for their amazing adventure and proud that they are prepared to embrace this learning experience!
Community Opportunities:
Project Adventure is opening its 3-acre ropes course in Beverly, MA to the public for the first time! Join to climb, play, and explore - climbing wall, zip line, ground games, and more!
The first ever Community Day will be held at Project Adventure in Beverly, MA on Saturday, September 19th, from 9am to 2pm. Families and adventurers of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the Project Adventure ropes course, including ground-level games, low and high climbing elements, community, food trucks, raffles, prizes & fun!
REGISTER NOW TO SAVE YOUR SPOT: $20 for adults, $10 for kids (under 5 is free).
Lastly, a special nod to Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem, two women who chased their dreams and lived long, full, and deeply impactful lives; two women who, in very different ways, were powerful advocates for women's rights.
With great enthusiasm for the school year,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
P.S. If you would like a free OSS t-shirt, please fill out this survey so that we are prepared for distribution.
Weekly Update: August 30, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for August 30, 2026
Summer 2026 included essential time for reflection, preparation and beautiful programming.
All Things Art, Cape Verdean Culture Club, Cartoon Lab, Crafty Corner, Garden Care, Spanish Language Club, Safe Sitter Training and SPARK are examples of on-campus programming. Students also attended off-campus day and sleep away camps ranging from New Bedford’s very own Sea Lab, to residential sleep away camps in New Hampshire and Maine!
Enjoy photos below from our SPARK program, where OSS mentors help “littles” experience a taste of what we are all about.
Our 2026-2027 school year begins on Tuesday September 1st.
Remember your bag lunch and sleeping bag - we are going camping!
We will gather in the OSS Outdoor Classroom at 8am, and loaded busses depart promptly at 8:30am.
We will travel 2 hours north to the base of Mt. Monadnock and stay at Brantwood camp for 3 days of community building. We’ll enjoy nature, meals, games, activities, bunk life, camp fires and togetherness to set the stage for our school year. Wet weather is in the forecast so do plan for rain. You can see our packing list below. In addition to remembering a lunch for Tuesday and a sleeping bag, you should pack light (we only have so much space on the bus!) and bring stuff that can get dirty. Wear your old summer sneakers and leave the new ones for next week. Remember your pillow, hat, flashlight and warm layer.
Remember your lunch for Tuesday. Pack light - but dress for weather.
Pack old sneakers that can get dirty. A hat, rain coat and a warm layer will all be handy.
Perhaps while your child is at Brantwood you’ll have a rare moment to read this NYT Step by Step Tech Guide for Parents who Live in the Real World on the topics of managing social media and use of electronic devices with kids. Essentially, how to nurture a tech-wise teen. You can explore topics including: How to manage screen time. Assessing your child’s readiness for a smartphone. Helping your child develop healthy social media habits. We hope you’ll explore these ideas proactively.
It is not too late to receive a fresh backpack stuffed with school supplies! Just fill out this survey and volunteers from Grace Church will have one ready for your family!
This book collection box lives on our farmstand and we welcome everyone to help us fill it! If you have books to donate, just drop them into this box and your contributions will help keep our Little Free Library in Riverside Park stocked with pages to share!
Use your voice and follow the QR code above to share opinions about what type of programming the New Bedford Cultural Council should invest in.
Our staff did summer learning plans too! We read books, wrote summaries, attended workshops, practiced new skills, organized our school supplies and prepared lessons. As you can see below, we are wildly excited to get back into the rhythm of the school year and to spent our days with all of you!
With great enthusiasm for the school year ahead,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
We are super excited to start the new school year with YOU!
Weekly Update: June 6, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for June 6, 2026
Yesterday our school community gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026! Surrounded by family, friends, staff, volunteers, and board members, our graduates reflected on their OSS journey and shared a collective "Swan Song" as they looked ahead to the exciting opportunities awaiting them in high school. We are incredibly proud of these young women.
The ceremony itself was simply beautiful, and we want to shout out Ms. Sangiolo and Ms. Eugenio for the initiative, planning and focus that began in earnest last summer at Brantwood, in conversations with our 8th graders about leadership and goals for their school year. This level of attention to detail and intention is an example of what we believe makes the OSS experience so meaningful. We also want to acknowledge the number of graduates who were present for the ceremony. It was truly heartwarming to feel the strength of their continued connection to our school. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
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On Wednesday our Field Day sizzled with camaraderie. Students were divided into eight vibrant color teams to tackle a series of action-packed, 30-minute station rotations. Strong spirit and collaboration was front and center as students navigated brain challenges, sped through hilarious cotton ball and Tic-Tac-Toe races , mastered a tactical Spider Web team challenge, and dodged flying water balloons during epic “battleship” matches on the basketball court.
Portfolio Presentations
Our Student-Led Portfolios continue to be an important time for students to reflect, engage, and take ownership of their learning. Each student created and presented a slideshow highlighting their growth across their core classes, sharing glows, grows, meaningful artifacts, and a Community Core Tool that exemplified their work and contributions. Students also thoughtfully documented their thinking around their Habits of Learning - identifying strengths, areas for continued growth, and setting goals and action steps for the future.
Measurement Extravaganza
Our fifth and sixth grade students experienced a “Measurement Extravaganza” on Tuesday. Dr. Roberts and Ms. McGonagle noticed that students might benefit from extra practice with skills related to measurement - like choosing a useful tool and an appropriate unit of measurement for a unique situation.
With eight stations set up in the Community Room, there was ample opportunity for students to get their hands on various challenges. Mixed groups of fifth and sixth graders traveled from station to station working on tasks involving area, volume, mass, speed and temperature change.
When the timer started for each station, students dove right into the challenge before them, and the room exploded with activity. Students shared expertise with each other and rotated active group roles, taking turns with jobs like organizing the group, collecting data and recording results.
The stations spanned quite a range. There was a short race track to measure the speed of a toy car. Nearby, a large container of water and ice was steadily warming up to room temperature. Students used a thermometer to measure the warming temperature over incremental periods of time. Across the room, other stations had water-filled graduated cylinders to find the volume of irregular shaped objects through displacement. You might ask your student why you need two measurements to find the volume of an object this way.
After visiting every station, students shared appreciations recognizing each other’s contribution. They noted how much they appreciated the chance to work with students from a different grade. They also celebrated how much they learned from each other as different students had strengths and expertise as they moved from task to task.
Over the summer, you can keep the learning going. Look for natural moments to recognize measurement in the world around us. For example when dealing with food, like at the grocery store or while preparing a snack, note the various units used to measure foods made of solids and the foods made of liquids. If you use measurement in your daily life, share those stories. In a time dominated by digital tools and experiences, it is still valuable for students to know how to manipulate rulers, scales, timers, thermometers, measuring cups and many other tools found in daily life and in the work of design and data.
OSS students were recently featured in a First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union commercial that will air soon. Watch the commercial here.
Summer Programming
We are excited for summer fun to begin! We will send reminders for upcoming programs to families registered for our summer programs. Please communicate with Ms. Sanders (asanders@oursistersschool.org or call/text 774-328-6694) 24 hours in advance if a student is not able to attend a session. Thank you.
Breakfast and Lunches provided
Over the summer, in the Outdoor Classroom, breakfast and lunch will be provided by New Bedford Public Schools Summer EATS Program. Breakfast 8-9:30 am and Lunch 11-12:30 Mon- Fri. July 1 - August 21.
Community Events
World Ocean Day at BWP zoo - June 6th 10am
AHA! - June 11th & July 9th
CBC Festa by the Sea (rain date)- June 13th 10am
Free day at the Buttownwood Park Zoo - June 14th 9am
Cape Verdean Recognition Parade
OSS is excited to participate in this year’s Cape Verdean Independence Recognition Parade. All OSS students and their families are welcomed and encouraged to join us in honoring Cape Verdean culture and heritage: Sunday, July 5th with check-in at 10am.
If you are interested in participating in the parade or helping with the float, please contact Ms. Pires at tpires@oursistersschool.org.
Don’t want to walk but still want to be involved? We would love your help designing and building our float. Put your creativity and design skills to work while supporting your community!
If you want to give back to OSS, one of the best things you can do is help us spread the word. And good news, we’ve got 2 more Admissions Presentations to advertise!
Summer Learning Plans: Dig in!
OSS Festival of Arts and Student Achievement
Enjoy this photo gallery. We are piloting this approach to sharing pictures - and hope you like it. See button below.
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL on the completion of a remarkable school year. This is the final weekly update for a while - but you know we’ll always be in touch!
With enthusiasm for summer break,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
See you next year!!!!