Philipsburg Osceola Middle School News
- Aug 20, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
Bus Line Up
Dear Parents,
Please refer to this map of the bus line up for dismissal and the locations in the school where your child will report and wait to load their bus.
Parent Picks Ups leave before bus students. There will be staff to assist all of students!
Thank you,
Mr. Pelka
- Aug 20, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
POMS Evacuation and Reunification Site
The Gearhartsville Sports Club serves as the evacuation and reunification site for the PO Middle School
The address is 36 Blue Spruce Road Philipsburg, Pa 16866
- Aug 17, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
POMS Student Handbook 2025-26
- Aug 6, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
Back to School 2025-26!
- Aug 6, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
Back to School POMS 2025-26!
Back to School Letter
Jul 16, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle SchoolPOMS Grades 7 & 8 Course Requirements & Offerings
Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School Grade 8 CORE Courses
2025-2026
8TH GRADE MANDATORY COURSES
English Language Arts (1 credit)
Math 8 ( 1 credit)
or ..
- Fundamental Algebra 8 (Placement criteria must be met to take this class)
- Keystone Algebra 8 (Must have taken Fundamental Algebra in 7th grade)
Science 8 (1 credit)
U.S. History/Civics ( 1 credit)
Accelerated Reader 8 ( 1 credit)
Flex 8 - academic period (intervention, enrichment, study hall), social-emotional, other activities as needed
Music & Culture in the U.S.- 1 semester (.50 credit) Online Resource- 9 Weeks
Physical Education- 9 weeks (.25 credit)
Elective Offerings (.50 credit each)- Students get 1 full credit of an Elective
*Has a prerequisite in parentheses
Band
Clay 1
Choir
*Clay 2 (Clay 1)
Unified PE
*Baking Basics (Family Consumer Sci)
*Engineering (Wood Shop)
PO News & Media
*Spanish 1 (Intro to Spanish)
*Wood Shop (Physical Tech)
Weightlifting
STEAM *Sci, Tech, Eng, Art, Math
Stock Market & Current Events
Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School Grade 7 CORE Courses
2025-2026
7th Grade Mandatory Courses
English Language Arts 7- 1 credit
Math 7 ( 1 credit)
or ..
- Fundamental Algebra 7 (Placement criteria must be met to take this class)
Science 7- 1 credit
Social Studies 7 - 1 credit
FLEX 7 academic period (intervention, enrichment, study hall), social-emotional, and other activities as needed
Physical Education-9 weeks ( .25 credit)
Family and Consumer Science- (.50 credit)
Physical Technology- (.50 credit)
Art 7- (.50 credit)
Elective Offerings (.50 credit each)- Students get 1 full credit of an Elective
Band
Choir
STEAM-Science Tech Engineering Art Math
Intro to Spanish
Stock Market & Current Events
Weightlifting
PO News & Media
POMS Elective Catalog
2025-26
- Clay 1 (Ceramics)
7th & 8th Grade (Semester .5 Credit)
The focus is on the basic skills and techniques of hand-building as well as problem-solving strategies to create artworks with clay.
This course will introduce students to hand-building skills and techniques to create a variety of ceramic pieces. Techniques will include kneading, hand building, pinch, coil, slab, and various decorative processes. Students will learn the process of ceramic-making, from designing and building to firing and glazing. Functionality, vocabulary, and aesthetics will be primary themes throughout the course, in correlation with the Pennsylvania State standards for Arts and Humanities.
Clay 2 (Ceramics)
8th Grade (Semester .5 Credit)
This course focuses on building and expanding on the techniques learned in Clay 1, as well as learning new techniques to create more detailed and complex pieces.
This course will build on the instruction and lessons from Clay 1, hand building will be used to create a variety of ceramic pieces. Techniques will include kneading, hand building, pinch, coil, slab, Sgraffito, various decorative processes, as well as learning how to use the clay at different stages of hardness. Students will review the process of ceramics, from designing and building to firing and glazing. Functionality, vocabulary, and aesthetics will be primary themes throughout the course, in correlation with the Pennsylvania State standards for Arts and Humanities. \ English Language Arts Electives
Accelerated Reader-Relax and Read
8th grade (Semester)
Could you use more time for Accelerated Reader Reading? Do you find reading a way to "chill" for a little bit? R-n-R is for you! Whether you just want to "Read and Relax" or if you just need more time to read to meet your AR goal, R-n-R is designed to give you time to read selections of your choice. This class will require daily reading and quarterly projects based on your reading.
POMS News & Media
7th & 8th Grade (Semester)
Students in this course learn the basics of news literacy, publishing, and broadcasting. Websites, papers, and productions will be utilized to communicate middle school news. Students must be willing to be on camera.
Family and Consumer Science Electives
Baking Basics
8th Grade (Semester) (*Must have taken Family Consumer Science)
The students will develop a great deal of experience by choosing and preparing recipes as well as safety techniques and equipment in the kitchen. In this course, we will examine the role of specific ingredients in baking. Examine techniques in baking and identify how methods of incorporation affect the outcome of baked goods. This course is designed to increase baking and oven knowledge and skills. Students will explore jobs and career opportunities in the field of baking and pastry arts. Requirements include previously completing Family and Consumer Sciences with a passing grade.
World Language Electives
Spanish 1
Full Year Course (1 High School Credit)
(*Must have taken Intro to Spanish)
An examination of Hispanic history and culture is an integral part of the course. Language topics will be focused on beginning vocabulary themes and basic grammatical concepts (present tense verb conjugations, adjective agreement, and basic pronoun usage), foundational skills for success in Spanish 2. One credit high school humanities course earned with a passing grade. Full year 8th Grade (1 High School Credit if student passes.)
Intro to Spanish
7th Grade - (Semester)
This course introduces students to the Spanish language. It helps students develop proficiency on a basic level. This class will focus on understanding and learning to speak simple phrases, learning limited vocabulary and very basic grammatical structures. Students will practice listening and speaking as well as reading and writing. Students will also learn about Spanish culture and different Spanish speaking countries.
Music Electives
Choir
7th & 8th Grade ( One Semester-alternating days)
Join the POMS Choral Community! Learn to use your vocal talent throughout your whole life in choirs, modern bands, theatre, and beyond! We work together in a fun way to learn more about how to sing in harmony, perform confidently, and take care of our voices. We explore music of all genres, including a Modern Band, Recording Arts, and Songwriting Unit.
Concert Band
7th & 8th Grade (One Semester-alternating days)
Now is your time to shine! Concert Band meets every day and is a continuation of your elementary level instrumental study, or you can take the opportunity to learn an instrument for the first time. Develop your music skills and have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of music styles by being a part of the concert band*.
*You must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Band/Chorus if you would like to play your instrument in Marching Band
Band/Choir
7th & 8th Grade (Offered on alternating days for the entire school year)
Allows the student interested in both choir and band to attend each course on alternating days as coordinated by the instructor.
*You must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Band/Chorus if you would like to play your instrument in Marching Band
Music & Culture in the U.S.
This complete curriculum examines the popular music of each decade, how that music connected with the period, and how music is important in our lives. It is designed for two full semesters, or as a "choose your adventure" if you have a shorter duration with students. It also provides a fast-paced class period (daily listening, decades- projects) and allows for a great deal of choice and voice for the students for maximum engagement.
Physical Education & Health Electives
Unified PE
Semester Course (Semester .5 credit)
Unified PE is a unique opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to come together on equal terms through ongoing fitness, sports, leadership, and wellness activities. This course focuses on the physical, intellectual, and social growth of all participants. It is suited to the interests, capacities, and abilities of students who may not safely engage in unrestricted participation in vigorous physical activities of the standard physical education program. An excuse from a doctor or appropriate IEP accommodations must be documented for placement in Unified Physical Education OR an application from students interested in the course.
Weight Lifting
Semester Course ( .5 Credit)
The Weight Lifting course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of weightlifting principles and techniques to improve strength and overall fitness. Preference will be given to student-athletes.
Social Studies Electives
Current Events/Stock Market
7th and 8th Grade (Semester .5 credit)
The Stock Market Game teaches students about investing through the excitement of an online simulation. During the 10-week simulation, student teams invest $100,000 in a virtual portfolio and trade using real-time quotes. After the initial introduction to stocks/investing, the class time required to run the stock market simulation/competition is usually minimal. Therefore, this class will also focus on current events using online sources (such as virtual copies of the Centre Daily Times, teen news clips, and a weekly NewzBrain competition) to explore and reflect on the news that impacts our lives, our country, and world.
Technology Education Electives
Wood Shop
8th Grade (formerly Manufacturing Technology; Semester .5 credit) *Must have taken Physical Technology
This is an introductory course to manufacturing in the woodworking world. This course is a hands-on class that begins with learning the safety of tools and machines, followed by studying the 6 main areas of Manufacturing. For the first project, students will work on a design as a class to learn how the Manufacturing Process works and also to gain experience using the CAD program. Once the class develops the design, they manufacture the project together. In the second part of the semester, the students work in small engineering groups to finalize a design prototype of a candy machine. Once the class selects the winning prototype, the class will mass produce these so that each student has a finished product.
Engineering Technology
8th grade (Semester .5 credit)
Engineering Technology will introduce students to various areas of engineering, such as mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering. This course will incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to solve problems. This course will be divided between the computer lab and the Industrial Arts Shop. Students could explore different concepts through a hands-on project such as computer-aided drafting (CAD), wacky Rube Goldberg designs, solar cars, construction design, and robotics. Given the flexibility of this class, when available, we work with Penn State Faculty and Students on different projects.
POMS STEAM
7th & 8th Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math; Semester .5 credit)
Join us in learning how to plan, design, and construct an outdoor classroom that will be used to explore the fascinating life of plants and their effects on the ecosystem. This class will be about understanding different native pollinator plants, how they affect the environment, and how to care for them throughout the seasons. You will also be a part of maintaining our outdoor environmental space!
- Jul 15, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
Music Elective
Dear 8th grade parents,
We are introducing a new music elective all 8th grade students will be taking this year. ( exceptions if students are enrolled in Choir/Band)
Please preview the new Music Culture course! It is one semester.
- Jul 1, 2025 · Philipsburg Osceola Middle School
POMS 2025-26!
What to expect at POMS in 2025-26
Dress Code
Skin from the mid/upper thigh to the chest area should not be exposed. Crop tops and/or clothing promoting drugs, violence, or inappropriateness are prohibited. The dress code is enforced at POMS.
Water Bottles
Water bottles are permitted. Water is the only beverage to be consumed outside of the cafeteria. Flavored water, soda, tea, and energy drinks are not permitted in the hallways. Students are allowed to refill their water bottles in school. Water bottles must be spill-proof.
Back Packs
Backpacks must be clear or mesh. Gym clothes should be brought to school in a separate bag. Students are not permitted to carry their backpacks from class to class.
Arrival
· Parent Drop Off from 7:24 am to 7:39 am outside the cafeteria doors.
· Bus Drop Off 7:24-7:35 AM. Students enter through the cafeteria.
· Van Drop Off by the main office
Dismissal-estimated times
· Parent Pick Ups & Walkers: 2:15 PM
- Bussers: 2:16 PM
* Parent Pick Ups will dismiss the grounds first, with bussers following right after.
** Parent Pick Up Parents can begin their line up in the driveway loop in front of the school. This will help with cars backed up towards Rt. 53.
Breakfast
Students are allowed one free breakfast per day. Students have the choice of eating a grab-and-go breakfast upon arrival in the morning or taking advantage of our 2nd Chance Breakfast, a new option built into our 3rd-period class time. Students will order their 2nd Chance Breakfast ( if desired) during their 3rd-period class for the next school day. Breakfast will be delivered!
Homeroom
All students will start their day in their homeroom. Homeroom opens at 7:25 and dismisses at 7:47 AM
Lunch
All 6th-grade students eat A Lunch from 11:36- 12:06 PM
All 8th-grade students eat B Lunch from 12:19-12:49 PM
All 7th grade students are split between A Lunch and B Lunch.
Online Resource-Period 5
All 6th-grade students will have a period 5 “Online Resource” class on five of six cycle days. The resource class is predominantly for completing Get More Math and Accelerated Reader; however, there is flexibility depending on student needs.
All 6th-grade students will have a period 5 Physical Education class once every sixth cycle day. They are not required to change into gym clothes, but should make sure to wear sneakers on gym days.
FLEX- Period 10
All 6th-grade students will end their day with a FLEX (Flexible )period. This is an opportunity for your child to complete assignments, get extra help from a teacher, and visit a school counselor. Flex and Homeroom will have the same rosters.
Mini Courses- Period 7/8
All 6th-grade students have “mini” courses, Pd 7/8. These classes are a survey experience run on a six-day cycle.
All students will have the following ‘mini’ once per six-day cycle.
Health-Mr. Perry
Executive Functioning- HR Teacher
POMS 1st year seminar/Careers- Mrs. Guelich
Social Emotional Learning Miss Sanker
Optional Mini Classes
Band- Mrs. Woods
Choir- Mrs. Woods
Students who do not participate in Choir or Band will have
Spanish- Señora Pelka
Library- Mrs. Mann
Phys Ed 6th Grade
Students are not required to change, but they will be required to wear sneakers. Physical Education is once every six-day cycle.
Reading
All 6th-grade students have a Reading class with Mrs. Mann or Miss Sanker.
Transitioning
Students will be moving each period between classes, predominantly within the same hallway, with some exceptions like lunch, health and physical education.
Six-Day Cycle
We use a six-day cycle for the Mini Classes period 7/8 and period 5.
Security/Lockers/Phones
Students will go through metal detectors every morning and have their bags checked for safety (clear or mesh backpacks needed)
Locks will be issued for student lockers
Cell Phones/Smart Devices should be secured in lockers during the instructional day.
I hope this helps answer any questions you may have.
6th grade orientation is on Thursday, August 14, starting at 5 pm in the auditorium. Orientation will conclude at 7 PM.
Please contact the office with any questions. We look forward to seeing your child on August 21
Respectfully,
Brian J. Pelka, Principal P.O.M.S
bpelka@pomounties.org/814-342-4906 ext. 3019