Osan MS History
Opened: 2008
Closed: 2017
Osan Middle School was located on Osan Air Base in the northern part of South Korea. In August 2009, the 7th and 8th graders from the high school, along with 6th graders from the elementary school, joined to start Osan Middle School.
The mascot for the middle school was the Thunderbird.
The school’s vision was “Providing a setting of high expectations that engages and motivates all students in a successful learning environment.”
With diverse student needs, teachers focused on curriculum standards and encouraged all students to explore and expand their understanding of key concepts by integrating technology and instructional strategies of essential questioning, graphic organizers, and summary writing. Other instructional methods used were word walls, displays, games, and study trips to provide students with experiential learning within and beyond the school setting. In addition, OMS united with two local host nation schools to promote an appreciation for and understanding of cultures by cultivating student and faculty exchanges and cross-cultural curricular activities.
Assessment data was communicated to students, parents, and community members, using various communication venues to include the weekly newsletter, website, and forums such as open house, parent-student orientations, student expectation meetings, and local military community meetings and events.
Most importantly, students demonstrated their school spirit with the motto “You Can’t Hide that Thunderbird Pride” which was echoed at various school activities, exhibiting their focus for a successful learning environment.
In 2015, Osan Middle School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. The principal at the time of the nomination was Dr. Legena Roberts-Kpinkpin.
In 2017, the middle school and high school at Osan merged to form Osan Middle/High School. The new school had about 320 students. When the schools merged, construction was still underway on new facilities. Eventually, it added science classrooms, a teen center, and a greenhouse. Students still attended classes in the old middle school building, which was equipped with its own cafeteria and gym.
A new rooftop weather station allowed Osan students to share data and track weather patterns across the Pacific. With the new weather station, the students at Osan were able to work with Guam and schools in Japan.
Based on information from internet sources