OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK
2025-2026
“Respect is Our Cornerstone”
SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
To become a world class middle school where all students are prepared academically, socially, emotionally, and physically for success in high school and beyond.
Respect is our cornerstone, on which we build a school community where:
- We demonstrate honesty, integrity, courtesy, and kindness
- We act on the belief that effective effort is the key to success
- We engage in active learning that promotes understanding of our ever-changing world
- We accept each individual unconditionally, honor our diversity, and help one another and the community
- We share the responsibility for continuous improvement and collaborate in order to maximize learning for all
- We celebrate effort, creativity, courage, and excellence
You are expected to follow all rules and policies set forth in this handbook and communicated to you by your administrators and teachers. You will be graded on the following areas on progress reports and report cards so that you and your parents know how well you are doing in meeting your responsibilities. You are expected to:
- Act with respect towards everyone
- Participate actively in class discussions and activities
- Be on time, prepared and organized for each class and activity
- Complete your homework according to expectations and submit it on time
If you give your best effort in each of these categories, you will be successful.
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Introduction
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Artificial Intelligence and Synthetic Media
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Oak Middle School Code of Conduct
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Shrewsbury Public Schools Bus Policy
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Miscellaneous
- Dress Code
- Aerosol Sprays
- Skateboards/Rollerblades/Bicycles
- Personal Electronic Devices
- Drinks, Food, Gum, Candy
- Student Conduct Outside of School
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Summary
The plan states that SPS is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning and working atmosphere free from bullying, cyberbullying, and all forms of harassment. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.
The plan states that SPS will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities.
The plan states that SPS administrators will promptly investigate all reports and complaints of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety.
The plan states that all SPS staff will annually receive a copy of the plan and training on implementing the plan.
The plan requires the district to provide access to resources and services, such as those found in the links elsewhere on this web page.
The plan identifies approaches used by schools to educate about and prevent bullying behavior.
The plan outlines the procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to allegations of suspected bullying.
The plan promotes collaboration with families regarding education about bullying and annually notifying them of the plan.
The plan specifies that parents/guardians who are dissatisfied with a school’s response to an allegation of bullying may file a claim/concern or seek assistance outside of the district with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Program Resolution System (PRS). That information can be found at: https://www.doe.mass.edu/prs/, emails can be sent to compliance@doe.mass.edu or individuals can call 781-338-3700. Hard copies of this information are also available at the Superintendent’s office.
The plan provides legal definitions of bullying and cyberbullying per Massachusetts law and references other related laws
To Report Suspected Bullying
Anyone who has concerns is urged to report allegations of suspected bullying by speaking to a school staff member in person or by phone, or by using the electronic bullying report form linked below (preferred) or by downloading, printing, and completing the hard copy form also linked below. Instructions are included on the forms. The online form may be translated using Google Translate.
SPS Suspected Bullying Incident Reporting Form (Online Form) (Preferred)
SPS Suspected Bullying Incident Reporting Form (PDF to Print Hard Copy)
If you wish to speak with a school staff member or if you need assistance with either of these forms or would like to receive a hard copy, contact your school’s office or the School Department Central Office at (508) 841-8400.
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What to do if your child is ABSENT or TARDY
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Absence Policy/Tardy Policy
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Additional Information
- Parent responsibilities when a child is absent
- Teacher responsibilities when a child is absent
- Out of school appointments during the school day
The Shrewsbury Public Schools curriculum is linked to MA State Frameworks. The specifics of your child’s curriculum will be covered at our annual curriculum night. If you have any additional questions, please contact your school’s curriculum coordinator.
Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks
Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, 603 CMR 26.05(1), the Shrewsbury Public Schools, through its curricula and materials, encourages respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. In accordance with district guidelines, families may request information from the building principal on available accommodations related to curriculum content.
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SPS Local Wellness Policy
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School Snack Guidelines/ Food Allergy Information
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Screenings
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Stock Supply of Emergency Medication in Health Offices
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School Nurse
- General Information
- Physical Exams
- Destruction of Health Records
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SchoolPulse
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Every adult at OMS will do all that we can to help make this school year a great one for you. If there is anything that isn’t going well for you, talk with your parents, a teacher, counselor, administrator or other adult you trust. We can solve problems best by working together. Have a great year!
The current vocational technical high school program designated as the school of preference for Shrewsbury resident students is Leicester High School. For more information, contact the Career Technical Education Coordinator, Karen Ares, at kares@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or by calling (508) 841-1291.
Detailed information on the option of attending a vocational technical high school will be provided to all 8th graders and their families in advance of application deadlines.
- Welcome to Oak Middle School
- About Us
- Forms & Information
- Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- Athletics/Sports
- Activities & Clubs
- Calendars
- Communications
- Oak Middle School Student Handbook 2025-2026
- Resources
- Media Center
- Nursing/Health Office (opens in new window)
- Faculty & Staff
- Team/Classes 2025-26
- Lunch Menu (opens in new window)
- Parent Connections
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Policies & Procedures
- iPad License Rules
- SPS Concussion Policy (opens in new window)
- Prevention Education Regarding the Use of Alcohol, Tobacco/Nicotine, and Drugs by Students (opens in new window)
- Prohibition of the Use of Alcohol, Tobacco/Nicotine, and Drugs by Students (opens in new window)
- Report Card Habits of Work and Learning (HOWLS) Rubics
- Accessing Trimester Grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal
- Supply Lists
- Oak Site Map
- Work Permits
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.