TV Turn-Off Challenge for ITBS Week (February 8-11)

Students are being encouraged to turn off the television three days prior to Iowa Tests of Basic Skills Week. In an attempt to teach the importance of moderation, students will be encouraged to not watch TV February 5th, 6th, and 7th(since the Super Bowl is the 7th, we are not counting watching the Super Bowl against students) and to limit their television watching to 30 minutes on the days of testing (February 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th). Brain research states that individuals have higher cognitive ability when they shut down television for just three days. This is our second annual TV Turn-Off event. Over 100 students successfully completed the challenge last year. All students who complete this year's challenge will also get to toss a snowball at Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Thompson as a reward for their efforts.

Good luck to all students as you prepare for ITBS and thanks to all parents who encourage their middle schooler to complete the challenge!!

Playing Volleyball to Earn $ for Upper Des Moines

The day before Winter Break, our 7th and 8th grade homeroom classes took an hour out of their day to have a little fun, play a bit of volleyball, and, most importantly, raise money for Upper Des Moines. Our teams were created by their homeroom groups and gender, and the kids played in a round-robin format to decide the male and female champions. The OMS staff then played the student winners to culminate the fun! Over$200 in cash and canned goods were delivered to Upper Des Moines as a result of students bringing in $1 or canned goods if the wanted to participate. Thanks to Mr. DeWild for organizing the event and to all of the 7th and 8th grade teachers for helping facilitate a great activity for the students!!

Making the Best of the Snow at Okoboji Middle School

In P.E. classes at OMS, the fifth and sixth graders went on a snowshoeing journey around the local area. The students are learning new recreational winter activities that they can enjoy outside of school time. Along with learning new recreational activities, the students are learning how they can improve their physical fitness in fun and exciting ways!

Using Technology to Collaborate, Create, and Learn: Mr. Bouse's Social Studies Class

Mr. Bouse's Social Studies classes are currently using various technologies, including online videos and Google Docs, to do a group investigative report on American History. The students are using websites and video (and their textbooks) to gather information which they will put into a final report using Google Docs, an online tool which students can use to create and edit the same document (in this case they will be making a slideshow) from anywhere they have online access. Great work class!!