At OHMS, we believe that a truly great school is built on a foundation of strong relationships. Serving as the only middle school in the Westhill Central School District, we are dedicated to guiding our 600 students in grades 5 through 8 through this exciting and often challenging transition. Our focus is on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where every student feels a sense of belonging.

Building Our Community

In fifth grade, students begin their middle school journey in self-contained classrooms. This intentional structure provides a stable and nurturing home base where they can form a close-knit community with their teacher and peers. It allows for a gradual and kind transition, building the confidence needed for future independence. This is also where students can join our instrumental music program, collaborating to create beautiful music as a team.

As students move into sixth grade, we expand their community by placing them in two-teacher teams. These partnerships allow teachers to work collaboratively and stay keenly aware of each student's progress, ensuring a seamless and supportive learning experience. Students move through the day as a group, strengthening their bonds and learning to rely on one another as they begin to experience a wider variety of staff and classes in preparation for seventh grade.

The transition to seventh and eighth grade opens the door to an even larger community. Students change classes and teachers each period, collaborating with more peers and adults throughout the day. This provides a chance to explore diverse subjects and activities while carrying the foundational sense of community built in their earlier years.

A Culture of Kindness

Beyond the classroom, we are committed to nurturing the social and emotional well-being of every student. Our counseling services, along with community-wide events like Healthy Choices Week and PS I Love You Day, are designed to encourage positive choices and a culture of kindness. We also believe that collaboration and teamwork extend to our many intramural and interscholastic sports, musical performance groups, and co-curricular activities, which all provide valuable opportunities to work together and celebrate shared passions.

Our partnership with families is a key part of this commitment. We actively seek parent input and encourage their participation in shaping the programs and policies that make our school a supportive place for students. It's through this collaboration that we can truly guide our students to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.