HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

We wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!!!

Congratulations Daisies

The girls did a great job earning their RED Petal for being strong and courageous. The girls worked hard on fitness activities and discussed the importance of Veterans Day and how courageous our Veteran's are serving the United States of America. Because of all their hard work, the Daisies earned their first pedal. The girls also gave me some wonderful cookies and a beautiful card. Thanks so much to all the girls, I am very proud of you all.

Mr. C.

4th Grade Family Life

Our 4th grade students are participating in a Drug Free poster contest for the State of New Jersey. All 4th grade students were to complete a poster that was submitted to the state for a contest. The top 2 posters chosen by the state will be included on a folder next year and distributed throughout the state to students. The poster was designed to deliver a "Drug Free" message. Good luck to all of our entries.

Round #2

Students in grades 6-8 will be shooting another round of archery for scores during their physical education classes. This second set of scores will complete the scoring rubric used to determine the students ability, knowledge and attitude. The students whose rubric scores are in the top 40 will be asked to try out for the 2010-2011 Oxford Central Archery Team. The top 40 will shoot competitive scores with the top 24 scores making the team. This can be a stressful time, but we believe that healthy competition helps the students mature.
The open gym time in the morning will still be available to all students who are shooting archery in physical educaiton class. This open gym time will continue until the top 40 students are determined. After the top 40 are determined the time before and after school will be dedicated to the students who are trying out for the team. We are hoping that the team will be finalized immediately following our winter recess. This will enable us to have enough practice time as we compete for another state title. Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the archery team and the process that we use to determine the team.

MARE Video

We are very excited to have a story on Classroom Close-Up regarding our 7th grade class trip to LBI. This is a great way to highlight our MARE program and once again get some very positive press for our school and community. Please look at our previous post to view the video that was aired on NJN.

What is your Natural High?

Students in grades 4 - 6 will be watching and discussing the video series from Natural High. The Natural High Drug Abuse Videos are powerful films displaying how youth can live up to their highest potential, DRUG FREE, through the way of Natural Highs! They have an in-your-face approach to building resilience, as shown through the words, deeds, actions and right choices by stars of today's generation.

Archery Season is Quickly Approaching

Students in grades 6-8 will be assessed with following rubric during the archery unit. The scores from this rubric will be combined with arrow scores to determine the students who will have the opportunity to try out for the archery team. Please understand that the team is not picked solely on how well a student shoots a bow. Their understanding, knowledge of rules and ATTITUDE are just as important as arrow score.

Application of Strategy:
10 Adjust shots effectively based on previous results
8 Attempts to adjust shots based on previous results.
6 Demonstrates little evidence of making adjustments.
4 Makes inappropriate adjustments.
2 Does not demonstrate this concept at all

Application of Rules:
10 Demonstrates proper and appropriate etiquette, scores each end properly, and shows no errors in equipment care and retrieval of arrows.
8 Demonstrates minor errors in etiquette, rules, scoring, and equipment use.
6 Demonstrates a general understanding, but needs assistance in applying rules, etiquette, use of equipment and scoring.
4 Consistently demonstrates incorrect application of rules, and scoring.
2 Consistently demonstrates incorrect application of rules, and scoring, and demonstrates a total disregard for proper etiquette.

Personal and Social Responsibility:
10 Demonstrates proper and appropriate team work; fulfills duties; demonstrates respect and self control. Follows all safety rules.
8 Follows all safety rules and functions within the team with self-control and fair play.
6 Maintains self control; follows safety rules; but inconsistent with fair play.
4 Needs reminders and encouragement from others to participate in a safe manner.
2 Disregards the concepts of fair play, team work and safety.

All students will be assessed for the current school year. Prior archery experience is not a factor in determining the state tournament team. Even though a student made the team last year, they are not guaranteed a spot for the current year. The physical education staff feels that this is the fairest way to construct a team. As always any questions please contact us.

THANK YOU OXFORD PTA!!!

Our own Oxford Central School PTA has procured the funds for us to purchase a DDR (Dance, Dance, Revolution) for the students to use as part of our Physical Education classes. It is awesome to see the students and teachers so excited about coming into the gym and moving to the beat. We will be highlighting the DDR system at the PTA Vendor Night on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Parents will have the chance to come out and see the DDR system and how we are using it in P.E. classes as a station for our classes. Mrs. Hart and myself cannot express our THANKS enough to the PTA and their constant support of all the programs here at Oxford Central School.

Kindergarten Rules Again!!!

Congratulations to the Kindergarten Soccer players who played an awesome game and beat Mr. B. and Mr. C. 2-0. The game has become a tradition at OCS and every year seems to have the same outcome. We had a record 25 Kindergarten students participate in the after school program. Thank you to all the parents who supported the program and cheered the students on to victory.

GYMNASTIC TIME!!!

We are beginning gymnastics this week in our physical education classes. The gym is set up with all of our equipment and the students are participating in the "Animal Walks", which help us develop more advanced skills. The unit will run until the first week of November. Students in grades 5-8 will be producing contracts on the balance beam and the tumbling mats highlighting skills that they have mastered. Once gymnastics is over we will be completing our first round of our archery unit.

Mrs. Hart and myself would like to welcome Mr. Brad Bartow to Oxford Central School. Brad is a student at East Stroudsburg University and is completing his Professional Development School (PDS) during the second marking period. After our winter recess, Mr. Bartow will be student teaching here with us during his third quarter of college.

October is Cancer Awareness Month

October has been marked as Cancer Awareness Month throughout the United States. We typically associate October with Breast Cancer Awareness and the wearing of pink to show our support to those who have this deadly illness. October also presented us with Live Strong Day, learning more about testicular cancer from Lance Armstrong, a well know cancer survivor. Our 8th grade students participated in presentations from Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program Inc. (NORWESCAP). We are very fortunate to have representatives Jim and Sarah come to OCS and deliver such powerful information regarding cancer to our students. We learned about keeping ourselves safe from cancers, such as using the correct sunscreen and becoming familiar with changes in our physical appearance that could be warning signs of cancer and should be checked by a doctor. For more information regarding the warning signs of cancer please contact NORWESCAP .

Jewelry Sale to Benefit OCS Archery!

Independent Designs Representative

The Oxford Central School Archery Team has joined with Silpada Sterling Silver Jewelry for a fundraiser for the 2010-2011 year. Help them in their goals to reach the “DRIVE FOR FIVE” Quest for 5 Straight New Jersey State Championships!


The Archery Team is raising funds for equipment needed to practice and compete in the New Jersey State Championship in March with their sights set on the National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.
Proceeds from all orders placed between now and November 11, 2010 will go directly to the Archery Team. For Catalogs and order forms, please contact Maureen Kelly-908-347-8611.

WHAT A START!!!

Our Kindergarten students are off to a quick start with their after school soccer program. We have a great turnout this year with over 90% of our students participating in the intramural program. Please remember that the program is designed to have the students experience some team activities and to begin understanding teamwork. The games have been exciting with action constantly changing ends of the field. Thanks to all the parents who continue to support the programs here at Oxford Central School.

Kindergarten Soccer

All Kindergarten students are invited to join the Kindergarten Soccer program at Oxford Central School. The program is a NON-COMPETITIVE group where students learn the basics of soccer and play modified games. No special equipment is needed for the students to participate. The program is held Monday through Thursday from 3:05 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Students are dismissed from the upper field behind the school. Please consider this opportunity for your child to be active for 30 minutes after school. Any questions please email me at: rcauston@oxfordcentral.org.

Starting Off Strong

As we begin the new school year we will be concentrating on kicking skills (soccer) for our physical education classes. We will be trying to use the back field (weather and conditions permitting) for our physical education classes. Please remember that students who have physical education classes in the morning, may wish to have an old pair of sneakers to use on the field. The cool mornings produce a lot of dew on the field and we do not want to have anyone ruin their new school shoes. Also a clean, dry pair of socks is a good idea to have in the students back pack to use if necessary. We are really trying to get our students in grades 4-8 to bring in a change of shirt for physical education class. Personal hygiene is being stressed with all the classes and having a fresh shirt and stick deodorant to put on after class will help students stay clean and will also help their social interactions.
Family Life (health) classes will be focusing on the definition of health and wellness. We will concentrate on the different aspects of the health triangle:
Physical
Mental / Emotional
Social
All of these components are important and we will be investigating on effects of a positive attitude towards personal health.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding health or physical education classes.
Mrs. Hart: rhart@oxfordcentral.org
Mr. Causton (Mr. C.): rcauston@oxfordcentral.org

Welcome Back!!!

Hope everyone had a great summer. Just some helpful reminders about the Physical Education program. Everyone must wear sneakers for classes, preferably tied shoes. Students in the a.m. classes may want to bring in an older pair of sneakers with a change of socks. We suggest this due to the grass being wet in the morning. Also, older students (gr.4-8), we encourage them to bring a change of clothes and roll-on/stick deodorants. These are the age groups that students are beginning to go through changes and we are always reminding the students about hygiene. Remember to check your children's schedules for PE days; dress comfortably and ready for activity on these days. Health classes will begin the first full week of school. As always, feel free to contact us at anytime through email or by phone. Looking forward to a great year.

Almost Summer!

As the end of the school year approaches, a very special event takes place. FIELD DAY is scheduled for June 14th. The students of OCS participate in a variety of team events throughout the day at Oxford Furnace Lake. The day is a celebration of cooperation and teamwork, skills we work on during our Physical Education classes. The school will be divided into 2 teams, blue and gold. Activities take place on the beach and in the parking lot, with teams earning points for each event. At the end of the day a winning team is announced, in all reality everyone wins. Parents are welcome to attend and have fun with the students. Please remember that the students will walk to the lake after coming to school, but will be dismissed from the lake at 12:30 pm. Students riding buses home will board the buses at the lake. Hope to see you there!

Great Performance!

The archers did a great job at this years National Tournament. We believe the team finished 18th out of 106 middle schools. Kylie Hibbett finished 4th in the nation in the 6th grade girls division and Ryan Witner finished 15th in the nation in the middle school boys division. All of the archers should be proud of their performance and the way the team represented New Jersey. Official results are still pending, a problem with one of the scanners that read the scorecards was detected. In order to maintain the high level of honesty and integrity of the program, all scorecards are being scanned again and the results should be posted some time this weekend. As soon as I find out the final results I will post a summary on this blog.

Ready to Shoot!!!

We have arrived in Kentucky and the archers are ready to represent New Jersey at the National Tournament. We practiced last night and got acquainted with the arena. There will be 690 archers on the line at one time, THE LARGEST ARCHERY TOURNAMENT IN HISTORY! This is such a great experience for the archers and parents. Nothing compares to the look on everyone's face as the enter the arena and just gaze at the size of the facility.
The archers are confident and practiced well. I believe it reflects the hard work they have demonstrated all year. As soon as we know any results, I will be in touch. Thanks again to everyone for their continued support.

Archers to Scrimmage Harmony

Oxford and Harmony Archers Get Together to Shoot Out
DRUGS!

When: Thursday, April 29, 2010

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Where: Oxford Central School Gymnasium




Help us celebrate the accomplishments of the Oxford and Harmony archers. Success in archery comes from the ability to focus and block out distractions. Our archers exemplify this skill by deciding to stay drug free. Come join our celebration and cheer on both teams.

Gold Fund Raiser!!

Oxford Central School Archery Team Gold Exchange Fundraiser

April 18, 12 noon to 4 pm

Oxford Central School, Kent St., Oxford

The Old Time Watch and Clock Shop will be on hand to weigh and test any gold chains, necklaces, single earrings, rings etc., (broken gold jewelry will also be accepted) they will pay on the spot by check. The Archery Team will receive 10% of the total gold weight paid out.

In addition to the gold exchange there will be a bake sale and clothing drive. All proceeds to benefit the OCS Archery Team.

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again the archers from Oxford Central School have prevailed as the New Jersey National Archery in the Schools (NASP) Champions. In a program that is growing each year in New Jersey, the OCS archers prove to be the best team in the state. Through dedication and hard work, the archers participated in the state tournament by hosting a virtual shoot on March 18, 2010. The team shot a 3129, the highest total posted by a school in the history of the state tournament. Now the hard work begins as the team prepares to represent the state of New Jersey at the National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. The National Tournament will take place May 6th-8th with approximately 6,000 archers participating in the tournament.

Both the female and male state champions are members of the Oxford Central Archery Team. Kayla Gallo and Danny Farkas are the individual state champions and will each receive a new bow for competition from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Congratulations to all the team members, we look forward to representing the state at the national level and are confident we will REPRESENT!!!!!!!!

WELCOME MISS GINN (Miss G.)

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Miss Michelle Ginn who will be student teaching at Oxford Central School this spring. Miss G. is a senior at East Stroudsburg University. She just finished her soccer career at ESU where she played goalie for the Lady Warriors. Miss Ginn will be teaching classes in both Family Life and Physical Education. She just completed her first placement at Pocono Mountain East School District. She is looking forward to working with our primary and middle school students. Good Luck Miss. G!

New Jersey Archery State Tournament

MARCH 18th 3:00 pm in the Oxford Central School gymnasium.

Come out and cheer on our archery team as they compete for a 4th straight state title. The archers have been working extremely hard practicing before and after school in preparation of the state tournament. The tournament will take place immediately after school and finish approxiamtely at 4:30 pm. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) has been growing each year in the state of New Jersey. This year over 40 schools throughout the state participated in NASP, with new schools beginning the program each month. Please come out and support our archers, help cheer them on in representing the state of New Jersey.

Daisy Olympics at OCS

Congratulations to the Oxford Daisy troop for a successful participation in the Daisy Olympics held March 4, 2010 at Oxford Central School. The girls were working for their "strong" pedal. The afternoon combined a slalom obstacle course, a two person bobsled, and our own version of curling. The girls did an outstanding job and demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship cheering and encouraging each other during all events. Mrs. Hart and I could not be more proud of the effort demonstrated by the Daisies. We are hoping this is the beginning of new annual event for our school, I do not think we can wait 4 years like the other Olympics do. Thanks to all the troop leaders for their support!

Archery Team Set for 2010

Over 40 students participated in try-outs for this years archery team. The competition was very close and only a few points separated archers for the top 24 spots. As a result of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) regulations, a team may only consist of 24 archers. Our 2010 team is practicing both before and after school, trying to obtain an elusive 4th straight state title. Archery has grown exponentially throughout New Jersey and each year the competition gets tougher. This year's archery team is as strong as ever, and we anticipate a very successful state tournament. The team will shoot for a state title on March 18, 2010. The tournament will take place at Oxford Central School, beginning at 3:05 p.m. Please come out and support our archers as they strive to represent New Jersey at the national tournament in May.

APE Class participates in Special Olympics

Our Adapted Physical Education class is practicing skills for basketball as part of the Special Olympics program. This is new to Oxford Central School, so the students are spending time practicing a variety of skills that will enable them to become more efficient players. We will not be competing in Special Olympics this year, hopefully with in the next couple of years we will have the opportunity to show case our students in a competition.
Mr. Egan and Mr. Nuscis are now full time student teachers working with Mr. C. and Mrs. Hart respectively. They are both from East Stroudsburg University and plan on graduating in May of this year. They are both anxious to be here and Mrs. Hart and myself are happy to have them in our Oxford family.
No Name Calling Week is celebrated January 25th - 30th. Students made buttons with the slogan "No Sticks, No Stones, No Dissing to show their support and work to put an end to name calling here at OCS. On Thursday, students sat at new tables in lunch with other students whose buttons were the same color. This will hopefully begin some new friendships among out students.

Happy New Year!

As we begin 2010 we are quickly approaching the end of the 2nd marking period. Hard to imagine that this school year is almost 1/2 over. Students will be completing their second archery rubric in physical education classes over the next two weeks. After the rubrics have been scored, a letter will be sent home to all students in grades 6-8 who qualify to try out for the archery team. Please remember that arrow totals are not the only criteria for making the team. Attitude, behavior and ability to self-correct are also very important qualities on our team. Fitness will be a strong focus on all physical education classes. Please remember that it is recommended that school age children are active for a LEAST 60 minutes a day. This along with a balanced diet will help with all aspects of child's development.
Family Life classes are focusing on human body systems and how they interact. Students in the upper grades are pretending to be different organs and writing letters to their bodies to show their importance. No Name Calling week is quickly approaching and Family Life classes will be concentrating on No Name Calling week, January 25 - 29th.