Last week, when one of NASH Journalism and TV Productions teacher Mr. Morris’s students mentioned that the two share a birthday, Morris was taken aback.
“At first, I had no idea how he knew the date of my birthday,” Morris said.
But a moment later, the mystery was revealed. Morris’s student had walked past Room 265 on his way to the TV Studio after descending from the third floor.
During these last few days at NASH, students have noticed a new addition to the second floor hallway, a large, dry-erase calendar outside of Room 265. On the calendar are the names of students and teachers in the building.
The owner of the calendar, NASH english teacher Mrs. Omasits, has filled the days of each month with NASH birthdays.
“I thought about putting the schedule for the week on the calendar,” Omasits said, “and the idea of putting people’s birthdays on the calendar came naturally.”
This board recently came into Omasits’ possessions after colleague Mrs. Oliver moved to a different office. Oliver used the calendar as a schedule for upcoming events, particularly for National Honor Society, which she co-sponsors.
But the calendar’s new purpose is more lighthearted.
“Ms. Peters’ birthday is this month, and I can overhear students asking her what she wants for her birthday, Omasits said. “I can also overhear kids talking about birthdays with each other. I’m not sure if I would say it’s school spirit exactly, but it definitely brings some camaraderie.”
The birthdays of Omasits’ students are important to her.
“Before school started, I wrote down in my planner when my student’s birthdays are,” she said. “I always try to remember all of my students’ birthdays and try to give them a card or announce it in class.”
Omasits strives to nurture a healthy and open environment for her students in whatever way that she can.
“She is a very kind and productive teacher,” Lorenzo Buono, a senior in one of Omasits English classes, said.
Bennett Solomond, another student of Omasits’, commented, “Mrs. O is able to connect with her students by making everyone feel welcome and involved. She’s always willing to help, and she’s always got your back.”
Even though they are small steps, the positive environment crafted by Omasits is making an impact on NASH.
In fact, I’m the student mentioned in the opening paragraph of this story. I’m not even one of Omasits’ students, but if you walk by her room, you’ll notice that it’s my birthday today. Thanks, Mrs. O!
