Innovative. Persistent. Self-Determined.
This week, OMSA teachers, faculty, and administrators participated in professional development
sessions to plan this year’s academic strategy and student expectations. While we are proud that
OMSA continues to perform well academically, we also know that growth requires continuous
effort. A plan for sustainability and increased rigor will be implemented this year.
Please take a moment to review our key takeaways. This intentional strengthening directly
impacts you, your child, and your family on a weekly basis during the school year.
A School of Choice
Old Main STREAM Academy (OMSA) is a school of choice. Families enroll at OMSA because
of our commitment to:
● Rigorous academics
● Cultural grounding
● A safe and supportive learning environment
With this choice comes a shared responsibility between the school, the student, and the family.
Academic disengagement and disruptive behavior are deterrents to learning and to the mission of
OMSA.
Student Development and Behavior
Ages 5–10 (Early Elementary)
Children in early grades are still learning rules, routines, and how their actions affect others. At
this age:
● They may need frequent reminders and clear structure.
● They are learning self-control, patience, and cooperation.
● Mistakes often come from curiosity, strong emotions, or difficulty managing impulses.
OMSA’s role: Model positive behavior, redirect gently but firmly, and teach children how to
make better choices. Teachers will communicate daily through the homework folder.
Parents’ role: Reinforce routines at home, work with teachers when challenges arise, and check
the homework folder daily.
Adolescents (Middle Grades and Beyond)
Adolescents are developing independence and identity. At this stage:
● They may test boundaries and question authority.
● Peer influence becomes strong and can affect decision-making.
● Emotional ups and downs are normal, but accountability is essential.
OMSA’s role: Guide, mentor, and set clear expectations for responsibility and respect. Teachers
will challenge students to apply conceptual learning through rigorous academics.
Parents’ role: Encourage open conversations, monitor peer influences, and reinforce
accountability at home. Even when schoolwork is challenging, parents should help students
problem-solve and persist without giving up.
Shared Expectations
We understand that children and adolescents are still learning how to make good decisions. They
will test limits, make mistakes, and sometimes struggle with peer pressure or emotional
challenges. OMSA is here to guide them through these important years. However, we also
expect students to take responsibility for their behavior and to respect the learning environment.
Exclusion Policy
Serious or repeated disruptive behavior may lead to exclusion from school, including suspension.
Families can be assured that:
● Students have rights. Parents and students are told what happened, why exclusion is
being considered, and are given a chance to respond.
● State law guides us. OMSA follows North Carolina charter school law and its Charter
Agreement to ensure fairness.
● Exclusion is a last resort. Our first goal is always to support students, help them grow,
and restore positive behavior.
Supporting Teachers in a Rigorous Curriculum
The OMSA Board of Directors has given a direct mandate: every child will be taught through a
rigorous, college- and career-ready curriculum. This means teachers will challenge students to
think deeply, solve problems, and meet high standards.
Parents play a vital role in making this successful:
● Support your child by checking their homework folder daily, talking with them about
what they are learning, and encouraging persistence.
● Support teachers by respecting classroom decisions, communicating openly, and
partnering on solutions.
● Support OMSA’s mission by understanding that rigor can be challenging, but it prepares
students for long-term success.
At OMSA, rigor plus support equals growth. When students, families, and teachers work
together, Firebirds are equipped to soar higher.
Innovative. Persistent. Self-Determined.