Weekly Updates
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!!!!
Weekly Update: May 31, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for May 31, 2026
We have just officially wrapped up our 4th quarter. Report cards will be mailed home June 18th. This coming week includes Field Day and Portfolio Conferences as we ease our way into summer vacation. 8th grade graduation is Friday June 5th at 5:30pm, and all sorts of summer programming facilitated by and through OSS is on the horizon.
The week of June 8th our staff begins a thorough reflection process as we carefully consider the school year completed and, if you can believe it, begin planning for next year! Everyone needs to reflect, rest and prepare!
This past Friday our Festival of Arts and Student Achievement provided a powerful reminder of the breadth and depth of our teaching and learning. We were so honored to have New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Andrew O’Leary in attendance, and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell speak at our opening. Her personal story is awe inspiring, as is her message encouraging resilience - a quality our students pursue and demonstrate daily.
Below you can enjoy a collage of photos from our event. Family moments captured, student learning on display, and exploration in the science and math classrooms - using microscopes to look at nature, families joining in math games, the creation of cold packs and solving a home-made Pangaea puzzle - to illustrate a few moments of goodness:
Aracelly graciously shares 5th grade explorations of National Parks.
Savannah hosting family members for games in her math classroom.
Katie Soares, Martha Sullivan, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, Lisa Alvord, Margaret McSweeny
7th grade businesses - The Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace - created immense buzz. There was so much purchasing of lovingly produced product going on that students needed to recruit help from friends and family to help manage the demand!
8th graders, graduates, and our archive. A celebratory collection that reminds us of time passing - recognized.
Calendar Highlights
TODAY ~ Family Service Credits due for grades 5-7
June 3 ~ Last day of School, Field Day, ½ Day
**The bus will run Wed June 3rd. It will depart OSS at 12:10.**
June 4 & 5 Portfolio Presentations
June 5 ~ 8th graduation 5:30-6:30
June 9 ~ OSS Admissions Presentations, 4:30pm
June 20 ~ OSS Admissions Presentations, 10am
Teacher Appreciation Month
We felt VERY appreciated during our month of May Teacher Appreciation festivities. Countless snacks, meals, flowers and thoughtful touches. Thank you to the Family Engagement Committee parent leaders, to Ms. Hachem for facilitating the treats, and to our caring parents for their generous support. We feel the love - and we really, really appreciate it!
Summer SPARK:
Reminder that if your student has signed up to serve as a mentor for our summer SPARK program, a contract was sent home in Friday folders. Please ensure that this form is returned by Monday, June 1st.
Any mentor who is interested in helping Ms. Eugenio and Ms. Pires plan for SPARK over the break is more than welcome to join us! We would love ideas, creativity, and support as we prepare for an exciting summer program! Please email Ms.Pires with your interest: tpires@oursistersschool.org
Dartmouth High School’s Robotics team, led by OSS alumni Kassidy ‘26, hosted a robotics showcase for our 5th grade. Students engaged with lego robotics, robotic cars, competition level robots, and engineering challenges.
May 2026 Calendar Raffle
This Week’s Winners
Winners and prizes this week:
5/23 Grace Rego - $50 Servedwell
5/24 Michael Lefebvre - $50 Servedwell
5/25 Fernanda Silveira - $50 Domino’s
5/26 Ashlie Monteiro - $25 Amazon Gift Card
5/27 Angela Fisher - $50 Servedwell
5/28 Paula Monteiro - $20 Ming Sushi
5/29 Maria Leite - $50 Domino’s
5/30 Roxane Lopez - $30 Panera Gift Card
5/31 Romayne Grace - $50 Servedwell
Thanks for participating. We raised over $1,500!
Community Choice Awards
Reminder: Voting is now open for the South Coast Today Community Choice Awards. We’re thrilled to have been nominated as one of the best schools in the region. Consider voting for OSS, so we can finish in the top three spots!
See you tomorrow for our last week of school!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: May 23, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for May 22, 2026
In Science, 5th graders presented their nurse log models to each other. A nurse log is a fallen tree that supports other things to live and grow. Then, we made a consensus model that we all agree on. Come see our final model at the FAA next Friday!
Visibility is important and we are excited to share: OSS has been nominated as South Coast Community Choice Award Best Private School. Now we need to vote and earn the title. Please help our effort. Thank you! 
The OSS Board is in the early stages of a long-term planning process with five working groups dividing the labor. The Strengthening and Preserving OSS’s Culture working group wants your feedback on OSS’s culture via a very short survey. Responses are confidential. Thank you for your time and feedback! Here is a link to the survey.
Our spring Performing Arts Showcase is a wonderful precursor to the Festival of Arts and Student Achievement. As the photos illustrate, our Showcase is a culmination of collaborative and high spirited musicality, physicality and fun. Each Friday morning throughout the school year all students participates in programming including African drumming, guitar, uke, wind instruments, violin, dance, digital music production, voice and 5th grade music fundamentals.
We are so grateful to our amazing Performing Arts team of teachers and proud of our brave and resilient students.
Calendar Highlights
May ~ TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH
May 25 ~ Memorial Day; No School
May 29 ~ End of Q4; make sure to submit all work!
May 29 ~ Festival of Arts and Student Achievement 3:30-6pm
May 31 ~ Family Service Credits due for grades 5-7
June 3 ~ Last day of School, Field Day, ½ Day
June 4 & 5 Portfolio Presentations
June 5 ~ 8th graduation 5:30-6:30
Community Service Credits
If you refer a family to OSS and they attend an admissions event and complete an application, you can earn a service credit. The more families you refer, the more credits you can earn! Click here to learn more.
Upcoming Events
May 2026 Calendar Raffle
This Week’s Winners
Winners and prizes this week:
5/16 Helen Ackah - $50 Domino’s
5/17 Patrick Pankowski - $50 Domino’s
5/18 Danielle LaTulippe - $50 Vault Performance & Pub
5/19 Stephanie Semedo - $50 Servedwell
5/20 Kerri Gomes - $20 Dairy Maid
5/21 Danielle LaTulippe - $50 Domino’s
5/22 Paula Monteiro - $25 Apothe Corner
It isn’t too late! Use the QR code above and join in!
Community Choice Awards
Reminder: Voting is now open for the South Coast Today Community Choice Awards. We’re thrilled to have been nominated as one of the best schools in the region. Consider voting for OSS, so we can finish in the top three spots!
See you Tuesday for another exciting week. The FAA is on Friday!
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: May 17, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for May 15, 2026
6th grade sailed on Tabor Boy, a 115 ft. schooner built in 1914. Winds were high, skies were bright and we had a blast. After having recently studied the history of New Bedford with particular focus on whaling and our maritime roots, this was an exceptional opportunity. Thank you Tabor Academy for generously hosting us, and thank you to Captain Sara and crew for ensuring our safe learning experience.
Our 5th graders saw their creativity take center stage this week at the Buttonwood Park Zoo. After their soft pastel portraits were opened to the public, the class visited the gallery to admire their work in a professional setting. Each student had the opportunity to speak about their growth, fostering a deep sense of pride and community through their art.
Visibility is important and we are excited to share: OSS has been nominated as South Coast Community Choice Award Best Private School. Now we need to vote and earn the title. Please help the effort. Thanks! Calendar Highlights
May ~ TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH
May 20 ~ Spirit Day “Be You”
May 21 ~ May, June, July, & August Birthday Celebration - party treat contributions appreciated!
May 22 ~ Spring Performing Arts Showcase 8:30-9:45am
May 25 ~ Memorial Day; No School
May 29 ~ End of Q4
May 29 ~ FAA 3:30-6pm
May 31 ~ Family Service Credits due for grades 5-7
June 3 ~ Last day of School, Field Day, ½ Day
June 4 & 5 Portfolio Presentations
June 5 ~ 8th graduation 5:30-6:30
Community Service Credits
Click here to participate!
If you refer a family to OSS and they attend an admissions event and complete an application, you can earn a service credit. The more families you refer, the more credits you can earn! Click here to learn more.
Please support our efforts to enroll a strong incoming 5th grade class. We also have a few spots open for 6th. Help us get the word out. Thank you!
May 2026 Calendar Raffle
This Week’s Winners
Winners and prizes this week:
Ashlie Monteiro - $50 Domino's gift card
Stela Delgado - $250 value 10 pack to Sault Fitness
Marla Ganzales - $20 Brick Pizzaria NB gift card
Bessie Cabanas - $50 Domino’s gift card
Pam Winterhalter - $20 D-Soups gift card
Maria Mendes - $50 Servedwell gift card
Romayne Grace - $25 Inner Bay gift card
It isn’t too late! Use the QR code above and join in!
Reminder: Voting is now open for the South Coast Today Community Choice Awards. We’re thrilled to have been nominated as one of the best schools in the region. Consider voting for OSS, so we can finish in the top three spots!
See you tomorrow,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: May 10, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for May 9, 2026
SCHOOL HAPPENINGS:
Last week we recognized our amazing squad of OSS volunteers with a tribute to their efforts. This week we celebrated our most active Community Partners, as well as the multicultural richness present at our small - but very diverse school! Thursday we hosted our 9th annual Sensata Day of Service, and once again, they knocked it out of the park. Thank you Sensata!
Sensata impact-highlights include new benches, garden beds, replaced whiteboards, an overhauled staff-lounge kitchen, and even an installed weather station. You can explore data from OSS’s weather station using this link. You’ll be excited to hear that 5th graders are currently learning about ecosystems and weather, and we’ll be analyzing the weather station data starting next week.
Calendar Highlights
May ~ TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH
May 12~ Spring Carnival w/ Nativity 2:30-4pm
May 13 ~ Tabor Boy for 6th grade + available staff, family members + volunteers
May 14 ~ AHA Night
May 16 ~ Family Service Saturday
May 20 ~ Spirit Day “Be You”
May 21 ~ May, June, July, & August Birthday Celebration
May 22 ~ Spring Performing Arts Showcase 8:30-9:45am
May 25 ~ Memorial Day; No School
May 29 ~ End of Q4
May 29 ~ FAA 3:30-6pm
May 31 ~ Family Service Credits due for grades 5-7
June 3 ~ Last day of School, Field Day, ½ Day
June 4 & 5 Portfolio Presentations
June 5 ~ 8th graduation 5:30-6:30
Also: There are still a few spots left in some of our OSS Summer programs, which we offer to OSS families at no cost. If you missed our April 10 deadline but are still interested in adding fun activities to your summer plans, please register your student using our late registration form.
Community Service Credits
Click here to participate!
If you refer a family to OSS and they attend an admissions event and complete an application, you can earn a service credit. The more families you refer, the more credits you can earn! Click here to learn more.
Please support our efforts to enroll a strong incoming 5th grade class. We also have a few spots open for 6th. Help us get the word out. Thanks!
May 2026 Calendar Raffle
This Week’s Winners
We pulled the first round of prizes and the winners are:
Hollie Rodrigues - $50 Domino's gift card
Amanda Perreira - $30 Panera gift card
Joceline Andrade - $50 Domino's gift card
Julia Pires - $50 Servedwell gift card
Angela Shea - $25 BesTeas gift card
Sue Nowicki - $50 Domino's gift card
James Bumpus - $25 Bocca gift card
Joy Macomber - CAT Studio Youth aerial class for 2
It isn’t too late! Use the QR code above and join in!
Upcoming events
Community Events
Check out this HipHop arts series hosted at the Z, celebrating local artists including our very own Mr. Diaz and Sy’ah’s dad, Siahlaw. This event includes a series of highly recommended workshops for all ages, and covers topics ranging from graphic design and making beats to spoken word and more. Do check it out.
And, if you like to swim… see above flier - a collaboration between New Bedford Public Schools and New Bedford Parks and Rec. Also, Pastor Whitley is hosting a listening session at the NB Boys & Girls club. Youth and adults are welcome to join and explore thoughts about beliefs, relationships and life. All welcome - Monday May 11, 5-7pm.
Finally, do you know a rising 3rd or 4th grade girl looking for a FREE 1-week summer program? Encourage them to sign up for SPARK at OSS. Students will participate in various STEAM and Art activities such as engineering with water, robotics and coding, harvesting plants from our outdoor garden, tye-dye t-shirt and more!
See you Monday,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team
Weekly Update: May 1, 2026
Here’s a weekly update for May 1, 2026
Calendar Highlights:
May 1 ~ TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH
May 6 ~ MultiCultural Luncheon 11:30-1:15pm
May 13 ~ Tabor Boy for 6th grade ~ 5pm pick up at Tabor
May 16 ~ Optional Family Service Day
May 22 ~ Spring Performing Arts Showcase 8:30-9:45am
May 29 ~ Festival of Arts and Student Achievement 3:30-6pm
June 4 & 5 Portfolio Presentations
Also: There are still a few spots left in some of our OSS Summer programs, which we offer to OSS families at no cost. If you missed our April 10 deadline but are still interested in adding fun activities to your summer plans, please register your student using our late registration form.
Think about how hard OSS works for your student and family, and consider joining the fun of helping to celebrating the team. Thank you to those who have already contributed.
It is not too late to join. Buy a few calendars - and let’s PLAY!
We pull the first round of prizes on Friday, May 8th.
The OSS Board is in early stages of a long-term planning process with five working groups dividing the labor. The Strengthening and Preserving OSS’s Culture working group wants your feedback on OSS’s culture via a very short survey. Responses are confidential. Thank you for your time and feedback! Here is a link to the family survey.
Please plan to join us ~ and bring your friends!
As you can see in the little photo gallery above, our now-annual UpCycle day was a blast. We practiced earth-friendly habits while refreshing our wardrobes!
The great news is that the fun and learning never stop. In fact, our 2026 Multicultural Celebration is coming up on May 6th from 11:30am to 1:15pm and we are looking for your help making the event a successful one.
Our intention at this lunch is to promote a greater awareness and appreciation among our students for the different cultures represented in our community.
If you have not already signed up and want to bring food to share, or run an activity table, please fill out the form here.
We look forward to inspired and fun cultural exploration!
Do you know a rising 3rd or 4th grade girl looking for a FREE 1-week summer program? Encourage them to sign up for SPARK at OSS. Students will participate in various STEAM and Art activities such as engineering with water, robotics and coding, harvesting plants from our outdoor garden, tye-dye t-shirt and more!
Click here to participate!
Family service credits were due for Grade 8 on March 31st!
5th, 6th, and 7th grade families have until May 31st.
If you refer a family to OSS and they attend an admissions event and complete an application, you can earn a service credit. The more families you refer, the more credits you can earn! Click here to learn more.
See you Monday,
Ms. Herman and the OSS Team