Mission School
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Friends of Old Mission School,
Old Mission School opened its doors for the 149th year! The Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary firmly believed in the value of Catholic education when they opened the doors to our school in 1876. They provided excellent education for their scholars, and we continue that tradition today. This year’s theme, “Love Truly,” is supported by the charisms of our founders - Love, Creative Hope, and Fidelity - and by our Mission. “Love Truly” calls us to reflect on Christ’s love in our decisions and be kind and respectful in all we do and with everyone we interact with. We will continue to educate each child as a whole child - body, mind, and spirit - helping our scholars “Love Truly” and know our God truly loves them. My heart overflows with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our OMS community and continue the rich tradition established so long ago.
Within The Joyful Word, you will find some of our current scholars’ achievements and updates on alums. We hope these put a smile on your face. Please know that your continued support — time, treasure, and prayers — is valued and appreciated!
A Catholic education is an advantage for life!
Blessings, Tess Barket
Mission Statement
The Old Mission Catholic School community is dedicated to the development of socially responsible citizens who are spiritually empowered, academically enriched, and morally accountable for their actions.
I give you a new commandment:* love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.
John 13: 34
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 29
Catholic Schools Week Day of Giving
Mar. 4
2025-2026
Open Enrollment Begins
Mar. 12
Old Mission School
Open House
Mar. 22
Blue & Gold Dinner and Auction
Alumni Spotlight
Celebrating Our Legacy: Alumni Staff Members Shaping Future Generations
Old Mission School is truly blessed to have three staff members who attended Old Mission School as students. Having alums as staff members brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the school environment. These individuals have firsthand experience of Old Mission School’s culture and values and they carry a deep-rooted sense of pride and commitment to its success. Moreover, our alum staff serves as inspiring role model, demonstrating the lifelong impact of Old Mission School’s education and encouraging students to become socially responsible citizens who are spiritually enriched, academically empowered, and morally accountable for their actions.
Tess Barket, Principal
What was your favorite memory from your time as a student at OMS? I have so many fond memories. The deep connections I made with teachers and classmates are probably my favorite memories. I’m still very close with some of the girls I met in first grade. I remember learning to read in first grade and mini-courses (now known as Discovery Days). Miss Tannehill taught flag twirling, Mrs. Knapp taught cake decorating, and Mrs. Lefebre taught crafting. We always looked forward to these!
What has your OMS education meant to you? My OMS education provided a strong foundation for my life journey as an educator and leader at a Catholic School. A love for learning and a solid Catholic faith were gifts from my parents and from my dedicated OMS teachers. When Dr. Gentilucci asked me to come home to teach, I felt called to help provide the same foundations for the scholars I am blessed to work with.
What do you love most about working at OMS? I love my interactions with our scholars, the positive energy among our faculty and staff, and the partnership with our parents!
Margaret Gressens, Instructional Aide
What was your favorite memory from your time as a student at OMS? I was taught by the IHM sisters at Mission School. Their convent was located where the parish office currently resides. I loved Sr. Ellen, Sr. Anne, Sr. Francis, Sr. Felice, Sr. Rita and Sr. Mary. The Junior High was located where present-day MCP sits. I remember wonderful Mary’s Day Crownings and celebrations. I had amazing English and Math teachers. I can still diagram a sentence proficiently and had Algebra 1A in 7th grade and Algebra 1B in 8th grade. The Mission High School was closed when it came time for ninth grade so we all had to go to San Luis High School for four years in 1976. We were a couple years ahead of the other students so the high school didn’t know where to place us for our classes.
What has your OMS education meant to you? My OMS education has meant the world to me. I am still in contact with my class of 1976 and we meet regularly for lunch and reunions.
What do you love most about working at OMS? I love the traditions and rituals that are still in play to this day like the May Crowning. I love seeing the third generation of families coming through as well. Frank Villa was in my grade and seeing his family come through warms my heart. Some students I taught in middle school in the early 2000’s have children attending OMS as the second and third generations of their family.
Becky Stevens, TK-8th Grade Spanish Teacher
What was your favorite memory from your time as a student at OMS? There are a lot. A couple that stand out are the overnight field trips we did. In fifth grade, we went to Rancho el Chorro where we slept in cabins and went on nature hikes. In seventh grade, we went to Catalina Island. We went kayaking and on a night snorkel. I also remember playing basketball for the school starting in fourth grade through eighth grade. Looking back, it was such a wonderful and unique experience to get to play with the same group of girls from fourth-grade through senior year.
What has your OMS education meant to you? It was a wonderful experience. I felt loved and cared for as a person. I was instilled with a strong work ethic and a concern for others.
What do you love most about working at OMS? I love being apart of such a caring community. I love that we work really hard to excel academically, but we also practice our faith and serve others.
Calling all OMS Alumni!
We would love to connect with our past students. Please complete the online form to connect with us.
Giving Tree: TK and Kindergarten December Service Project
A trip to The Giving Tree in downtown San Luis Obispo is a TK and Kindergarten service project tradition. Students visited the tree in December with their class and brought hats, socks, gloves and scarves to hang on the tree for those in need. The Giving Tree is located on Chorro St. across from the Mission Church. Anyone is invited to donate to the tree, and all who are in need are welcome to take what they need from the tree.
Campus Life
Organelle Cove Cell Houses
Sixth-grade students took on the challenge of becoming architects for an engineering project called Cell Architect, Inc. Working in small groups, students designed and built a model home to demonstrate their understanding of the functions of a cell. They connected the functions of cell organelles to the functions of different parts of their home.
Science Discovery: Bringing Environmental Education to the Classroom
This fall, Science Discovery, a local organization that brings environmental education programs to the classroom, has allowed first-grade students the opportunity to experience hands-on and interactive environmental presentations. Recently, they learned about vermicomposting and how worms can turn food waste into plant food. Each student had the opportunity to closely examine the compost and the worms. The learning and discovery continue while the students enjoy their new class pets as they take turns feeding the worms in their classroom vermicompost bin.
Exploring the Wonders of Earth’s Structure
The second and third-grade students held an Earth Science Exhibit for their parents. The event allowed scholars to showcase their 3D and 2D models of Earth’s layers. Utilizing their knowledge of Earth’s layers and attributes, including results of pressure build-up, tectonic plate movement, and landforms, students worked in groups to create a 3D or 2D model of Earth. Students utilized their technology skills by creating Google Slides to accompany their presentations.
OMS Robotics Team Students Gain Valuable Skills
OMS students in grades four through eight have the opportunity to participate in a year-round Robotics Team. Students meet weekly after school with Middle School Math Teacher, Amy Fraiser. Students on the robotics team have been growing in the areas of problem-solving, mechanical design, coding, engineering principles, communication, teamwork, creativity, and innovation. They have been hard at work building robots with drivetrain, intake, and launching capabilities to complete specific tasks.
The robots they built were used to compete in a local VEX IQ tournament in Santa Maria. The fourth-grade team received the Innovation Award for their robot’s construction and programming. Students will focus on making modifications to their robots and code before competing in another tournament in the spring. Donations to Old Mission School help provide students with enrichment opportunities like this.
Presenting Future Earth News
In eighth-grade science, students completed a group research project and presentation titled, Future Earth News. Each group of students chose an environmental issue and researched current data. They used that research to predict how this issue will continue to affect Earth’s ecosystems and organisms 30 years from now. They became broadcasters from the year 2055 and presented a news report on their issue. News reports included interviewers, experts, eye-wittnesses, and even a walrus whose family is being affected by melting ice caps. Students even built their own sets for their presentations!
Save the Date: OMS Musical Arts program to present Disney’s Moana Jr.
Exciting new opportunities are underway for Old Mission School students! The 2024-2025 school year marked the beginning of an after-school Musical Arts Program directed by Vocal Music Teacher, Ms. Kristine. The program brings together kindergarten through eighth-grade students for a multi-generational experience. Students have been hard at work rehearsing and look forward to taking the stage at MCP’s PAC in the spring when they present Disney’s Moana Jr.. The OMS Musical Arts Program strives to build a school community that supports students’ understanding and passion for musical arts while bringing together a community of families working together to develop skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Disney’s Moana Jr. tickets will go on sale in March.
Financials
2023-2024 Revenue
Tuition, Fees and Dues
Donations (Boosters, P. Club, Bea Jeong, Blue and Gold)
Fundraising (Walk-a-Thon, Amazon Smile, Boxtops)
Sales (OMS Gear, Thrift Store)
Endowment
Other (Yearbook, Tithing, Parish subsidy, EANS, PPP, etc.)
Your Catholic Schools Week Day of Giving gift to Old Mission School makes educational opportunities & resources not covered by tuition possible.
• Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers
• Providing extra support services like learning specialists and counseling
• Supporting instructional and enrichment opportunities like STEM
• Providing for ongoing updates to technology
• Expanding instructional tools and resources
• Helping bridge the gap between tuition and the cost to educate each student
2023-2024 Expenses Annual Cost of Tuition $11,118 2024 Cost of Tuition $7,742
Personnel Costs (Salaries, Wages, Benefits, Taxes)
Operating Expenses & Other Fees Occupancy
Fundraising and Development Expenses
Scan the QR Code to make a Catholic Schools Week Day of Giving donation to Old Mission School. We are grateful for any contribution you can make.
Donations can also be made online. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Old Mission School Est. 1876