Oneida City School District

The Oneida City School district will distribute Chromebooks by bus and will start at 12:30pm on Thursday, April 2nd for students in grades 7, 8 and 9. We have organized bus delivery of Chromebooks to all students in grades 7, 8 and 9. Click on the PDF links below to see when we will be in your area. In order to maintain social distancing, Chromebooks will be placed on the bus stairs and someone from the household must come to the bus to pick up the Chromebook and charger. The Chromebooks are assigned by student and are expected to come back to

On behalf of the Oneida City School District, we hope you and your families are remaining safe and doing your best to follow guidance regarding measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Events have continued to unfold, and we recognize that this raises questions about potential impacts on students, families and our full community. Where answers exist, we will work quickly to provide them. However, we anticipate that many other questions will require additional research and/or consultation with local, state or federal officials.

During this current health crisis, you may be considered an essential employee who is still required to work. Child care placement is available to personnel who provide essential services, supplies, or support during this time. If you believe that you may qualify, please call the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Child Care Resource Center

This month we would like to ask our community their thoughts about graduation. As a district, we continue to work on our graduation rate to ensure that all of our students reach their fullest potential.

Oneida City Schools has been part of a school exchange program with Shuri High School in Okinawa Japan since 1976. The exchange program has provided opportunities for all students involve to learn about new cultures value international collaborations, and broaden perspectives. We continue to value our partnership with Shuri High School. The district has decided the Japanese exchange program with Shuri High School in Okinawa, Japan will be put on hold this spring. Due to the uncertainty around the most recent CDC alert level 2 for the coronavirus in Japan (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-japan) , we have decided that we will work with our Japanese counterpart to reschedule their trip to Oneida High School to a different date. We look forward to a continued friendship and exchange with Shuri High School!

The Oneida City School District is accepting applications for the position of Executive Principal. This experienced school leader will work to engage students staff and community members in working to reach the goals of the district.

Are you looking for ways to engage with your children using positivity and humor, and also to set boundaries for your children to grow up to be independent, productive adults? Please join the Oneida City School District as we hear from social worker Charlie Appelstein, M.S.W. Charlie brings his message of hope and positivity to OCSD teachers and parents on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at the Oneida High School.

CANCELLED - Due to weather related delays at the airport, tonight’s event at Oneida High School with motivational speaker David Edward Garcia has been cancelled. Youth Motivational Speaker David Edward Garcia invites parents to an event where he will discuss many aspects of Middle and High School life. Garcia will help parents give their children the tools to persevere through challenges, create kindness, and how to help your student gain resilience and grit to power through situations.

6th graders Emily Bodnar and Irene Barris have advanced to the final 35 of the Post Standard |WCNY Spelling Bee. Bodnar and Barris scored in the top 35 out of 160 students in the written portion of the qualifying exam.

Thank you to everyone who shared thought with us about the future of the Oneida City School District. We have the results!

The Oneida City School District was identified by the New York State Education Department through ESSA accountability as a Targeted District.

The Oneida City School District announces dates for Kindergarten and Pre-K registration.

Oneida City School District has started using a new tool called Thoughtexchange to gather more information from our parents, students, staff and community members. We are excited to launch our first district wide exchange by asking everyone what their hopes are for the Oneida City School District in the next decade.

Join your friends and families in what we hope is an event that will become a holiday tradition: The 2019 Turkey Trot, Roll, and Stroll, sponsored by the Oneida CSD Foundation! All donated canned goods will be distributed to area food pantries. No need to run, as all participants are welcome! See poster for more information!

A good attendance record can mean much more than a certificate at the end of the school year assembly. Attendance can be a predictor of student success for grade level reading and a precursor for drop-out prevention.

Get your Oneida gear in time for the holidays! The online shop will be open until November 20th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oneida's Backpack Food Program! The backpack food program sends food home on weekends and holidays to families who need extra support. Happy Shopping!

To confirm that you are enrolled in our automated robo system, the Oneida City School district will be conducting a test by sending a text, call, and email to all current primary phone numbers and email addresses on Wednesday, November 6 at 5:00 PM.

David Dampf teaches Social Studies at Otto Shortell Middle School and David Ossont is a retired Science teacher from OSMS. Together, the pair penned a book of historical fiction.

New York State requires parents to fill out a Standing Order Form in order for school nurses to adminster over the counter medications to students. The form MUST be signed by both a parent/guardian and a doctor.

Oneida High School Presents: Clue On Stage! Show Dates: Wednesday, November 6 @ 7:00 pm Thursday, November 7 @ 7:00 pm Friday, November 8 @ 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Tickets: Adult - $10 Under 18 - $5 Purchase from any cast member or at the door!

Mrs. Christine Cronk, a Mathematics teacher at Oneida High School, has been named as a Master Teacher in New York State.

The Tiny House Project is complete and is up for auction! Find details here!

The first day of school is on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Oneida High School: Breakfast 7:30am / Class 7:40am Otto Shortell Middle School: Breakfast 7:30am / Class 7:52am Durhamville Elementary: Breakfast 8:30am / Class 9:00am North Broad Elementary: Breakfast 8:30am / Class 9:00am Seneca Street Elementary: Breakfast 8:30am / Class 9:00am Willard Prior Elementary: Breakfast 8:30am / Class 9:00am Attending school regularly is essential to students gaining the academic and social skills they need to succeed. When students miss school, they miss out! Together, let's make sure our students get to school on time and have a fulfilling breakfast to start the day! #misschoolmissout

The Oneida City School District has been using the SchoolMessenger ‘robo’ calling system to keep parents and staff members informed on a mass scale for any school emergencies, school-related cancellations, or non-emergency community engagement events. Starting August 1st, the Oneida City School district will still be utilizing the SchoolMessenger robo platform, but transitioning to a new and improved design structure called the SchoolMessenger ‘Guardian’ model.

Michael Sandore returns to Oneida High School as Interim Executive Principal.

As the school year comes to a close, we would like to honor our retirees. Thank you so much for your dedication to the district!

In case you missed it! Watch the 2019 Graduation Ceremony in its entirety. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

FREE SUMMER LUNCH! We are happy to announce the Free Summer Lunch Program is BACK!

The Oneida High School Honors Convocation Ceremony held June 3, 2019.

We are happy to be able to provide a link to watch Oneida High School Commencement LIVE from any device. Follow the link to start watching on June 29th at 10:00am.

Our Oneida Indian Varsity Softball team wears the crown as Section III CHAMPS! The team faced Adirondack on Monday 6/3 at Carrier Park.

Inside June's Newsletter you will find all of fun and exciting things happening in Oneida along with some important updates to School Messenger!

To better fulfill the needs of the district, we are asking parents to complete a survey. Find the link in this article!

Review dates for Math, Social Studies, and Science Regents.

Check out all of Oneida's news for May and information on the budget!

Comprised of students of all abilities, the Oneida Unified Basketball players prove to be a team that builds each other up, on the court and in the classroom.

An Oneida Junior will be heading to Syracuse University this summer to take part in a prestigious research internship at SU’s College of Engineering. Jamie Jones will focus on biomedical engineering during her time at SU.

Junior Alex Tooker had a very successful winter season on the slopes. In 2018-2019, Alex raced as a first year U19, U21 athlete competing in the Empire Cup Series. Alex (16 years old) is a member of the Labrador Mt. Ski Team.

Students speak out about why they love our Oneida teachers. Hear how much of an impact educators are making inside our schools.

The President of the Board of Education releases a statement about moving forward with the reorganization plan.

The Oneida City School District voted Thursday, April 4 on the Reorganization Plan proposed to the board in January.

Check out the exciting things that took place in Oneida in our April Newsletter!

The Board of Education has called a Special Meeting to vote on the reorganization proposal on Thursday, April 4 at 5:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Costello Transportation Center.

Hundreds of students and their families attended the Oneida City School District-wide Art Show on March 19. The hallways of Otto Shortell Middle School were lined with artwork from students K-12.

Oneida’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition for the 4th Consecutive Year. The Oneida City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

MAMMA MIA! Tickets for Friday and Saturday's (3/29&3/30) show are SOLD OUT!

The Oneida City School District Board of Education is extending the decision-making timeframe for the reorganizational proposal.

We are proud of all the great things happening at each of our schools. Check out the latest news in the March edition of our Oneida City School District newsletter.

The Oneida City School District was identified by the New York State Education Department through ESSA accountability as a Targeted District. North Broad Elementary School was identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement building (CSI). Additionally, Otto Shortell Middle School was identified in good standing with a potential of being a Targeted Support and Improvement building (TSI) next year. All other buildings in the Oneida City School District are listed as being in good standing.

At the Board of Education meeting, earlier this week, I proposed a change to the structure of the current administration of the Oneida City School District. As a school district, we have seen a decline in enrollment and a dramatic increase of students and families that need various support services including academic, social, emotional, health, and welfare needs. There is no single administrative staff member focusing on social emotional learning, career/college readiness, school climate/student engagement, and attendance programs throughout the district- K-12. With this proposed structure, the district would eliminate the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction position and replace it with the district wide position of Administrator for Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment.

The Oneida City School District will hold a Public Forum to discuss the results of a Facility Study.

Today we received sad news that an Oneida High School student passed away. While we continue to hold classes in an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy, we realize that this may be an extremely difficult time for our students. Our counseling staff is available throughout the day today and from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, December 15th) in the Oneida High School Library to help our students through this stressful time.

Please Click HERE for a complete letter from Mary-Margaret Zehr regarding an incident that happened at Willard Prior Elementary School on December 3, 2018.

OHS’ Drama Club is coming back with the Murder Mystery You Didn’t Say it Was Haunted by Michael Flynn. The cast has been working hard to top the 2016 Murder Mystery 13 Past Midnight.

The Inaugural Class of Inductees to the Oneida School District Athletic Hall of Fame were honored in events at Homecoming Weekend, September 21st and 22nd, 2018.

Our new "blue" track is open! Members of the public are invited to come and test it out.

A new year provides students with the opportunity to start fresh in Oneida. The first few days of school were eventful as students learned where their classes are and met their teachers.

The first day back for faculty members was filled with food and fun as they participated in a series of “Olympic Events” throughout the day.

When students miss school, they miss out. This year Oneida is focusing on improving attendance across the board, with a special focus on those students who are chronically absent.

The Building Project is nearing the final stages as major activity is happening over the summer.

The Oneida City School District finalized the sale of the former Oneida Castle Elementary School Building on June 15, 2018. MEID Construction purchased the property for $225,000. The Sherrill based company plans to use the property to house its offices and to build some senior housing.

The Oneida City School District will be offering school physicals the morning of Friday, August 3, 2018 starting at 8:30am at the Oneida High School Nurse’s Office. (They are done on a first come first serve basis) Physicals are offered to all 7th through 12th graders interested in playing a sport or any student 14 and older who need to get working papers. No student may participate in athletics or receive working papers without a current physical on file in the School Health Office. We also welcome any new student to our district that is in need of a school physical. The physical will be performed by Grace Digman, FNP from Bassett Healthcare. There is no charge to our families for this service.

OHS graduation was on Saturday, June, 23rd and we recorded it for you! Congratulations to all graduates!

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the June edition of our district newsletter.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the May edition of our district newsletter.

The district received a check for $700+ dollars for our food backpack program. The donor, who requested anonymity, donated this money to pay off delinquent food accounts in Oneida’s cafeteria. The funds can also be used to buy produce and dairy items for students in need for the upcoming April break. The anonymous donor admires teachers, schools, and the community and wants to help struggling families. And to that we say Thank You, Thank You, a million times Thank You. #OneidaStrong

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the April edition of our district newsletter.

The annual emergency go-home drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2018. Students will be dismissed 15 minutes early on April 19th.

Oneida High School Presents Footloose The Musical Friday, April 6 & Saturday, April 7, 2018 - 7:30 Curtain All Seats Reserved - $10.00 For Reservations Call 315-363-6901 x2232 or email rgleason@oneidacsd.org

I am writing to inform you that this morning, an Otto Shortell Middle School student reported that another student made a remark that could be construed as threatening toward the school. Administration and our School Resource Officer were immediately notified and they conducted an internal investigation/threat assessment and determined the threat to be not credible.

Please know that the students' safety, well-being and security are our number one priority at the Oneida City School District. Working together at school and at home, we can make a difference for our children and our school community.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the March edition of our district newsletter.

I am writing to inform you that at approximately 12:50 PM on February 28, 2018, Otto Shortell Middle School received information that a student made threatening remarks about the school. Students reported the incident to administration after overhearing a conversation among students. Administration was immediately notified, who in turn, conducted an internal investigation and contacted law enforcement.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the February edition of our district newsletter.

The Oneida City School District will be working with Alan Pole and Jessica Cohen from Castallo and Silky LLC – Education Consultants to study the facilities at Oneida. The study will determine if there is a better way to educationally and fiscally to reconfigure the grades and facilities to provide a sound instructional program now and in the future.

Please Click HERE for a complete letter from Mary-Margaret Zehr regarding an incident that happened at Otto Shortell Middle School on January 17, 2018.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the January edition of our district newsletter. Happy New Year!

Thank you to the Oneida City School District community for your overwhelming support of the sale of the Oneida Castle School building. Last night the proposition to sell the Oneida Castle School building passed with 206 votes in support of the sale and 24 opposed to the sale.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the December edition of our district newsletter. Happy Holidays!

Please consider donating your old smartphone to the Oneida City School District to support many technology initiatives. The Oneida City School District would like your used smartphones, wipe them clean with a factory reset, connect them to our wireless network and load educational apps for our students to use in the classroom. We are glad to accept donations of any iOS or Android smartphone that is no more than four years old. The wall charger used to charge the smartphone should be included along with the donated smartphone. No other accessories are required. Smartphones only, please!

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the November edition of our district newsletter.

The following is a joint press release from the Oneida City Police Department, the Oneida City School District, and the Office of Oneida City Mayor Leo Matzke:

With the safety of our students in mind, the Oneida City School District has re-evaluated several of our bus stops in the past few weeks.

Join Us on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. for a 5k Turkey Trot! Run the race before you stuff your face!!

Oneida High School will be hosting the Rachel's Challenge event on October 24th. This community event is open to all community members ages 12 and up, in the auditorium from 6-7pm, and we’d love for you to come!

As part of a required school health examination, your child is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to determine a student's body mass index or 'BMI'. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if a student's weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of a student's school health examination. Oneida City School District was selected to take part in the 2017-2018 survey by the New York State Department of Health.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the October edition of our district newsletter.

The Oneida City School District will be working with Alan Pole and Jessica Cohen from Castallo and Silky LLC – Education Consultants to study the facilities at Oneida. The study will determine if there is a better way to educationally and fiscally to reconfigure the grades and facilities to provide a sound instructional program now and in the future.

Thank you to Lowes of Oneida for the 3 large boxes of school supplies! Every bit helps and we are so grateful! The students are going to be so happy!

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the September edition of our district newsletter. Welcome back to school!

The Oneida City School District is excited to announce that we are now offering the convenience of online registration through FamilyID (www.familyid.com).

Thank you to NBT Bank for the school supplies and $75 donation for additional supplies! Every bit helps and we are so grateful!

OHS Graduation was on Saturday, June, 24th at 10am and we recorded it juts for you! Congratulations to all graduates!

Oneida City Schools will be offering a free summer feeding program this year. The meals are available free of charge to everyone under the age of 18.