May Firebirds Newsletter Update – Finish Strong, Firebirds!
EOG Testing: May 11–15
“Our mission is to engage students in STREAM disciplines through rigorous and innovative learning experiences that prepare future leaders who are innovative, persistent, and self-determined.”
EOG Testing is almost complete at Old Main STREAM Academy (OMSA), and we hope all of our Firebirds did well! We are proud of the hard work, focus, and perseverance shown by our students, teachers, and families throughout the testing season.
As OMSA continues to prioritize academic rigor and student success, it is important for families to understand that research consistently highlights the importance of the testing environment and regular attendance during EOG testing.
Key Findings Regarding Testing Environments
• Peer Presence & Familiarity Matter:
Students generally perform better when testing alongside classmates in a familiar, structured classroom environment. Familiar settings can reduce anxiety and help students feel more comfortable and confident.
• Positive Peer Effects:
Research suggests that classroom seating and peer environments can positively influence student performance, particularly in reading and language-based subjects.
• Make-Up Testing Sessions Can Be More Difficult Emotionally:
Although make-up tests are designed to be comparable in difficulty to the original testing session, students often experience increased anxiety during make-up testing due to smaller groups, altered routines, and the absence of their normal classroom environment and peers.
Thank you to our OMSA families for supporting strong attendance, punctuality, rest, preparation, and encouragement throughout the testing season. OMSA remains committed to creating learning environments that support the holistic success and well-being of every Firebird.
LOTTERY Outcomes
Impact on Enrollment and Lottery Preferences
OMSA offers weighted lottery preferences for siblings of currently enrolled students. However, it is important for families to understand the following guidelines:
● If a currently enrolled student has a documented history of serious attendance concerns, behavior issues, or lack of parental support—as defined in the Family Handbook and school records—sibling preference in the lottery may not be granted.
● If a student is withdrawn from OMSA due to behavior-related concerns and later re-applies through the lottery process, that student will not receive priority weighting in the lottery.
These policies are in place to ensure that all OMSA students and families are aligned with the school’s mission and expectations, and that the learning environment remains focused, safe, and supportive for everyone.
Furthermore, throughout the school year, OMSA has consistently communicated the importance of regular attendance, punctuality, positive behavior, and family engagement. Multiple reminders and policy updates have been shared through school communications, and related expectations are outlined within the OMSA Family Handbook and Board-approved policies.
This school year, OMSA implemented an exclusion policy aligned with North Carolina General Statute § 115C-218.60 and the OMSA Code of Conduct. It is important that parents, guardians, and stakeholders remain informed regarding these expectations and procedures. OMSA will continue to strengthen and prioritize policies that support the holistic well-being, safety, and academic success of all OMSA Firebirds.
Exclusion Policy
At Old Main STREAM Academy (OMSA), we are committed to maintaining a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students. As part of OMSA’s charter amendment 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, appeals, and due process are outlined in the OMSA Discipline
Lottery Next Steps
Once OMSA has completed the verification process for selected applicants, parents/guardians will receive notification and will be required to confirm enrollment within five (5) business days. Failure to respond or complete required enrollment paperwork by the established deadline may result in the applicant being moved to the bottom of the current waitlist.
If seats become available prior to the first day of school, the parent/guardian of the student at the top of the waiting list will be contacted using all phone numbers provided on the application. If there is no answer, a message may be left by voicemail or other available communication methods. The parent/guardian must confirm acceptance of the seat within twenty-four (24) hours of notification.
As OMSA continues the verification process for selected and waitlisted students prior to final enrollment, families should understand that these policies and procedures continue to impact enrollment decisions for incoming students.
Additionally, OMSA policy states that if a student accepts enrollment but does not report to school within the first two (2) days of school, the school will make reasonable attempts to contact the parent/guardian. If there is no response by the third (3rd) day of school, OMSA reserves the right to remove the student from the enrollment roster and offer the seat to the next eligible student on the waiting list.
OMSA Giving Week Success!
Our grade levels raised an impressive $82,241.00! The top-raising grade level Firebirds will celebrate accordingly. Thank you for supporting our vision as we continue building our new OMSA school!
Important Family Reminder: Student Device Use
One of our biggest challenges this year has been off-campus device use impacting the school day. Late-night texting, group chats, and social media activity can significantly affect student sleep, behavior, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Do not mistakenly assume this is only a concern for older students—this impacts children at all grade levels. Active monitoring and guidance are essential for students of all ages.
We strongly encourage families to take an active role in monitoring and guiding device use:
● Monitor student device usage consistently
● WhatsApp is not appropriate for youth (allows private/unsupervised messaging)
● Do not allow students to create TikTok content
● Be mindful of peer interactions—ensure communication is appropriate and supervised
● Establish clear boundaries, including nighttime “no phone” routines
● Regularly review group chats and messaging apps
● Set parental controls and privacy settings
● Limit or restrict access to non-age-appropriate social media platforms
● Keep devices in common areas, especially in the evenings
● Have ongoing conversations about digital responsibility and safety
● Encourage students to report concerning messages immediately
● Block and report unknown or inappropriate contacts
In today’s digital age, parent awareness is essential. If a student receives inappropriate content, they should never share or forward it—instead, they should report it immediately to a parent or school official.
As we look ahead to summer, many of our Firebirds will enjoy OMSA camps, family vacations, enrichment opportunities, and well-deserved rest.
We are wishing the very best for all of our Firebirds—and we are excited to welcome our newest upcoming Firebirds into the family!
Let’s finish strong!