STREAM TALK – December Edition
As we enter this short school month, every instructional minute becomes even more valuable. There are only 15 instructional days in the month of December! At Old Main STREAM Academy, we are heightening our focus on protecting the school day and student accountability. We need your partnership more than ever.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR – SETTING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Old Main STREAM Academy is a charter school and a public school established according to G. S. G.S. 115C-218.45(c) and operated by a non-profit board of directors. Why is this important? OMSA believes it is critical that students are aware of accountability and that OMSA reinforces an ongoing partnership between Old Main STREAM Academy, each student and their family. This collaboration is essential.
It is worth sharing this discipline information again:
At Old Main STREAM Academy (OMSA), we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. As part of OMSA’s amendment to the charter application and Code of Conduct, OMSA may utilize exclusion from enrollment as a disciplinary consequence in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 115C‑218.60. All procedures related to student exclusion, discipline, and due process are outlined in our Discipline Policy and Enrollment & Lottery Policy.
PROTECTING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME
December is a wonderful season of learning, but it also brings many distractions, events, and schedule changes. To help our Firebirds finish the semester strong, we are asking our school community—and especially our parents and caretakers—to support us by:
1. Using absences only for genuine illness.
Every missed day impacts student growth and momentum, especially in core STREAM areas.
2. Eliminating tardies.
Arriving on time sets the tone for the day, reduces stress for students, and ensures they do not miss critical morning instruction.
3. Encouraging full classroom engagement.
Please remind your child to participate, ask questions, stay attentive, and follow through with classwork from start to finish. In addition, help your child understand that the classroom is where they need to be throughout the lesson—students should not request to leave the classroom for short periods of time unless there is a valid and necessary reason.
Your support at home shapes your child’s habits at school. Parental engagement is the first step in building a strong academic identity.
HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS?
Here are simple but powerful ways families can help during this condensed month:
● Establish consistent morning and evening routines.
● Review your child’s planner, assignments, and classwork each day.
● Reinforce the importance of effort, focus, and participation.
Together, we strengthen the partnership that keeps our Firebirds soaring.
DOES YOUR VOICE NEED TO BE HEARD?
Board Meetings are open meetings. They usually occur on the second Thursday of every month, unless a notice is posted otherwise. You may attend any meeting. The Board of Directors meeting take place online at 6:00 pm. A link for the online meetings can be found on the OMSA website.
EXCITING NEWS FOR OMSA!
1. Land Clearing Has Been Approved!
We are thrilled to announce that OMSA has received our Notice to Proceed for land clearing!
This is a major milestone for our school’s growth. The work ahead will mark the first visible steps toward our campus expansion and future development.
2. High School News To Be Released January 2026
Stay alert for big announcements in January 2026 regarding our high school launch!
The OMSA Board of Directors is finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with UNC Pembroke, which will shape our rigorous college track for OMSA 9th graders. Details concerning the application process will be shared in January.
This partnership will provide our students with early exposure to rigorous coursework, mentorship opportunities, and pathways that prepare them for long-term academic success.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
As we prepare for OMSA’s high school experience, it becomes even more critical that students:
● Develop strong academic identities
● Become comfortable with rigor
● Demonstrate accountability for their learning
● Receive consistent parental support and engagement
The habits students build today directly shape the opportunities they will have tomorrow.
SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER
We are looking forward to celebrating the season with our families, elders, and community members. This year, we have scheduled two performances to ensure accessibility and safety:
● December 9 at 10:30 AM – designed especially with our elders in mind to avoid nighttime travel
● December 9 at 6:00 PM – ideal for parents, family, and friends–please remember it is the parent’s responsibility to get their child to GPAC on time and to take the child home.
Our students have practiced diligently, and we hope to fill GPAC for both performances with Firebird pride!
Please refer to the event flyer for suggested donations to help offset facility costs.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS IDEAS
Christmas gift items for purchase are now available, including OMSA shirts, sweatshirts, Firebird earrings, and men’s lapel pins.
Sincerely,
OMSA Board of Directors