Valley Middle School

Welcome to the Valley Middle School web site! 

VMS is a child-centered school that provides students with opportunities to get involved and feel a part of the school community.  The Oakland School District recognizes the unique needs of the middle school child as they search for their identity and place to fit in.

As a result, we have created an extensive club program that allows all of our students to explore their developing curiosities and interests.  This program is far more than a few extra-curricular activities; it is an extension of the middle school experience and an integral part of a middle school student’s development.

In addition to our clubs, Valley Middle School provides each grade with very unique thematic days.  The 6^th graders enjoy “Native American Day”.  This is the culminating activity to our studies on Native American culture and history.  During this engaging day students participate in a variety of fun and educational activities ranging from learning how to play lacrosse to viewing artifacts from the Newark Museum. 

In 7^th grade, students experience a “Day of Understanding”.  This day is centered on our unit of study on the Holocaust.   Students hear first-hand accounts from Holocaust survivors who come to VMS to share their incredible stories.  Students also rotate through several activities teaching them about the Holocaust, respecting others, and celebrating our differences. 

Our 8^th graders experience coming to America as immigrants on “Immigration Day”.  All 8^th graders arrive on Immigration Day with passports in hand and dressed in the traditional clothing of their ancestry.  Students rotate through registration, medical exams, currency exchange, and culminate the day by swearing in as US citizens.

All of these days provide our students with common experiences that help them bond as a class and become involved in the school community.

Please encourage your child to become involved with our clubs and take full advantage of our theme days.  The more involved your child is, the more likely he or she is to have a successful middle school experience.   By making good choices and getting involved, your children have the power to choose to make their middle school experience extraordinary.  Please encourage them to do so.

Sincerely,

Mr. Gregg Desiderio

Vice Principal

Valley Middle School