Setting Up For the Zoom-a-thon

Pledge Collections

Have you started collecting your pledges? Start collecting those pledges and turning the money in tomorrow. Remember: everyone who turns in 100% of their pledges money will have their name entered into a drawing to win one of five prizes valued at $100 courtesy of Rogers Trading Company.

The Crash Site

This was all that was left of Z's space craft after he crash landed at OMIS last week. We're so happy he didn't burn up in re-entry.

Whew!

Whew! Another Zoom-a-thon Run or three are in the history books. Thanks to all our wacky volunteers, PTO people, and school faculty who made it such a success. You rock!

It's Zoom-a-thon Time!

Captain Rachel here. I was just about to beam down to OMIS when I saw this on the TV in the break room. Looks like everyone's happy Z is back home again. Keep your eyes peeled for Z's crashed ship this morning. It has to be around here somewhere.

Just Missed Z on Titan!

Crewman Ali just pulled up this satellite image of Titan. Looks like we just missed Z there. Thanks to your help, we're closing in on the moon. Hope to be there in the next couple of hours. Time to bring Z home.

Welcome Home, Z!

Thanks to your communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, Z has been safely (more or less) returned to OMIS. Even the astronauts are happy to know that Z is back where he belongs.

"Episode Five: That's No Moon!"

In our final Zoom-a-thon episode, the crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon close in on Z near Earth's moon. After a comical footchase on the moon, they lose Z, but learn something important from a mysterious gift left on board. Z heads for OMIS in his space craft with the crew hot on his heels. Can the crew get Z back in time for the Zoom-a-thon? Will Z's space craft ever fly again? What exactly happened to all the crew's peanut butter?

Where Do We Go Next?

Help us figure out the robots' clue. We need to look for Z near a famous space explorer's footprints. Where should we go next? Hurry! Zoom-a-thon is Friday. We're running out of time!

"Episode Four: Titan Down the Hatches!"

In this overly dramatic, penultimate episode, our crew arrives at Titan, largest moon of Saturn, a planet with rings in our own home galaxy. They have a run in with a ship of angry robots, plead for their lives, find their sonic screwdriver, learn collaboration, and repair the robots' ship. Can they figure out where to find a famous space explorer's footprints, find Z, and save the Zoom-a-thon before they run out of peanut butter? Tune on Thursday to find out!

The Search for Z Continues

Captain Rachel here. Be sure to let us know the answer to Master Jolly's clue. What's the name of the largest moon of Saturn? Z's so close we can almost taste him. Well, not really because...eww!

Angry Robots?

What in the world has the crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon gotten themselves into? Does it have something to do with angry robots? Tune in to their transmission on Tuesday to find out.

Fundraising Update

A big shout out to our current top fundraising class champs. For the 4th grade: Mrs. Easterling's class. For the 5th grade: Mrs. Harrison's class. Way to go, kids! Good job! Hold those spirit sticks high on Monday.

Creativity Practice

Q: What is Superchicken's real identity?

A: Cluck Kent

The Search Continues

Help us bring Z home. The Zoom-a-thon Master said to look for Z on the largest moon of a planet with rings. Crewman Jon thinks she may be talking about the largest moon of Saturn, but we don't know what that is. Do some critical thinking, use your technology, and communicate that answer to us as soon as possible. We're counting on you!

"Episode Three: Why Did the Chicken Cross the Nebula?"

Thanks to some critical thinking on the part of Starbase OMIS students, the crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon are closing in on the Running Chicken Nebula where they begin their search for the Zoom-a-thon Master. Will Master Jolly be able to help the crew understand the meaning of the strange alien glyph and give them the information they need to finally locate Z? Just where should they go next based on the cryptic clue: largest moon of a planet with rings? A planet with rings. Could she mean the largest moon of Saturn?

Running Chicken Nebula

So it seems you all think our next destination is...Am I reading this correctly?...the Running Chicken Nebula. Okay then. Crewman Colton is programming the ship's computer now. We're going to try to pull a Crazy Ivan and get there by morning.

Crewman Chelsey found this picture of the Running Chicken Nebula. What do you know! It kinda DOES look like a chicken! I sure hope we can get some good information from the Zoom-a-thon Master once we arrive.

What is a Zoom-a-thon?

Captain Rachel here. I thought you might find it useful if I made a short video explaining the Zoom-a-thon in a lot of detail, so during a break in our mission, I recorded this for you.

Episode Two - Outtakes

We didn't always get all our lines right. Take a look at this outtake from Episode Two: Are You Sirius?

Keep Calm and Zoom On

Keep on getting those pledges, and don't forget to help us out by finding the true name of the IC 2944 Nebula. We need to find the Zoom-a-thon Master. Maybe she can help us find Z and save the Zoom-a-thon.

Have You Seen Z?

We're doing our best to get the word out about Z's disappearance. If you have any information, please communicate it to Starbase OMIS. Thanks.

Display Case Pics

Thanks to our tireless PTO volunteers, the display cases have been updated with a few goodies. Our prizes are now on display, and the crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon left us an autographed photo.

"Episode Two: Are You Sirius?"

In Episode Two, our fearless U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon Crew make their way to Sirius to the Dog Star Hotel and Hot Dog Stand. After getting absolutely nowhere with the hotel manager, the crew uncover a mysterious holographic message from Starbase. Now, if only they can have help discovering the true name of the IC2944 nebula, they can find the Zoom-a-thon Master and learn what they need to know to find Z and save the Zoom-a-thon.

Help the Crew Find Z

Captain Rachel here. Z's still missing, but we have a new set of clues to follow to find him. We know that when he left Betelgeuse, he was heading to the Dog Star Hotel and Hot Dog Stand.

Our clues are: Dog Star, scorching, and Canis Major. Starbase, see what you can come up with. Get your guesses in to the box in the library by tomorrow at 2pm. The first correct answer drawn from the box wins a prize.

Thanks for all your help.

Way to Go, OMIS!

Way to go OMIS! Your first weekend collecting pledges was out of sight! Our top classes are: 4th (Wilkinson) and 5th (Carr)! Keep up the good work!

Closing in on Betelgeuse

Good news, everyone! Thanks to your good researching skills, we were able to program the ship's computers to take us to the constellation Orion. We're closing in on our first destination, Betelgeuse, now. Listen out for a transmission from the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon later this morning. A recording of the transmission will be posted here and on Facebook later today.

Epic Bridge Battle!

Captain Rachel here: It's gets a bit boring on the ship when we're in between planets. The crew had a little disagreement this morning over who was going to raise the most pledge money - the 4th Graders or the 5th Graders. The argument got so heated that we decided to settle the matter with an epic battle. There were no clear winners but many losers!

"Episode One: Beetle Juice Really Hits the Spot!"

In Episode One we find our U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon crew as they arrive at the Beetle Juice Beverage Company on Betelgeuse 7. They make contact with a strange janitor as they try to discover the whereabouts of their missing crew member, Z, so they can return him to OMIS in time for the Zoom-a-thon. The Crew is hoping that Starbase OMIS can help them understand the clues: Dog Star, scorching, and Canis Major, so they can continue to track Z.

Help Bring Z Home.

Have you seen Z? Z is an essential part of the Zoom-a-thon and we need to find him. If you have any information that could lead his discovery, please communicate that information to Starbase OMIS.

Good Morning!

Captain Rachel here. We woke up this morning to this gorgeous view out the ship's view screen. We're en route to Betelgeuse and making great time. Hope your morning looks as gorgeous as ours does!

Zoom-a-thon Rock Music Video

The crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon had a very special surprise for us this afternoon at the pep rally. They showed us the world premiere of their new music video "Zoom-a-thon Rock" from their upcoming new album "Descent into Madness." In addition, they performed this song live for the OMIS students. Wow. Just wow!

Zoom-a-thon Pep Rally Video

The crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon unexpectedly joined us for our pep rally this afternoon. We sure are glad they were able to beam down to join in the fun.

The Crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon

Zoom-a-thon Pep Rally is TOMORROW!!

OMIS, are you ready to rock the Zoom-a-thon Pep Rally tomorrow afternoon? It's going to be OUT OF THIS WORLD! It's going to be so awesome that we cannot promise it won't melt your face clean off with its awesomeness!

Z is Missing!

Z is missing. His last known whereabouts put him somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse. The crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon are standing by for constellation coordinates.

If you have any information that could lead to the successful return of Z in time for the Zoom-a-thon, please communicate that information to Starbase OMIS. Remember: your school needs your help!

Help the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon Find Z

Kids, the crew needs your help to find Z and save the Zoom-a-thon! Since their star carts are wipes, they need you to find out what constellation Betelgeuse is in. Write your answer on a piece of paper along with your name and teacher's name and turn it in to the box in the library by tomorrow morning.

Remember: they're counting on you!

U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon Kids' Transmission

ATTENTION: Today we received the following satellite transmission from the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon. 

Parts of the transmission are less than clear due to increased solar flare activity.

Travel Photos

Being on the crew of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon has its perks, like visiting strange, new worlds and posing for silly vacation photos.

Pump It Up Glow-in-the-Dark Party

It's not just individuals who earn prizes through the Zoom-a-thon; whole classes can earn rewards. This year the 4th class and 5th grade class who raise the most money will be treated to a Glow-in-the-Dark party at Pump It Up! Super spacey fun with black lights and lasers!

It's Coming!

Something out of this world is coming to OMIS - 9/12/12. Are you ready?

Zoom-a-thon Display Cases

Have you checked out the Zoom-a-thon display cases at OMIS? Looks like someone let Z drive the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon!

Meet the Squad - Griffin Gemini, Squad Leader

Z Force Alpha would be nothing without the superlative leadership and blind-folded barrel rolling skills of Squad Leader Griffin Gemini. There's nothing Griffin hates worse than a day job in an office, so it's a good thing he has a day job at a school.

Meet the Mascot - Dr. Zenon "Z" Zeki

Dr. Zenon "Z" Zeki is missing. He is an integral part of the Zoom-a-thon crew and must be found at all costs. If located, please contact Starbase OMIS to provide your coordinates and communication device information. Thank you.

Meet the Cast - Nervous 4th Grader Katie

Katie may look like a sweet, nervous 4th grader, but really she's an alien from the Vogon Constructor Fleet. Trust me. Do NOT ask her to read you her Vogon poetry. I heard public recitation of her famous poem "Ode to Piece of Blue Belly Button Lint I Found in My Ear One Crisp Autumn Morning" causes spontaneous blindness in children under 5 and permanent hearing loss in everyone else. If she asks to read her poetry, trust me. Just back away slowly. And then turn and run.

Meet the Cast - Nervous 4th Grader Josh

Josh. He's not really a nervous 4th grader, but he does play one on TV. Josh will be signing autographs behind the school on Zoom-a-thon Race Day, but please...no flash photography.

Meet the Squad - Jacob Epsilon

Jacob is the master-at-arms for Z Force Alpha Squad. He's double qualified; not only does he, himself HAVE two arms, but he also is highly trained in the use of specialized weaponry. He can do tae kwon do with a lightsaber, tango with a Wookie bowcaster, and hit a Vogon in the eye at twenty paces with a carbine-action, Nerf sniper rifle. If an alien needs to be hit in the head with a foam dart, Jacob is your man.

Meet the Squad - Hannah Hydrus

Hannah specializes in alien species, which makes her a valuable part of Z Force Alpha Squad. Whether they're trying to subdue the Bugblatter Beast of Traal, or just trying to talk to a couple of nervous human 4th graders, Hannah always knows what to say and how to say it.

Meet the Squad - Gideon Galileo

Meet the assistant squad leader to the prestigious Z Force Alpha Squad. Gideon is frequently the victim of an ionizing blast, but he's just fine. Although on the surface he seems to have it all together, his Squad Leader might want to watch him...just in case.

Meet the Crew - The Captain

Meet Rachel Rigel 7. She's the Captain. She thinks she knows everything, but she couldn't do anything without her trusty crew. Ali Aldebaran is gunning for her position, so the Captain better watch her back. Ali might just shove the Captain out an airlock one of these days.

Meet the Crew - Jon Kitalpha

Jon is the helmsman for the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon.  He's our resident Red Shirt. He's always there to experiment on...er, I mean...to taste the Captain's cooking! Every crew has to have one guy who's willing to take one for the team!

Meet the Crew - Colton Chiron

Meet Colton. He's the navigation officer. He helps plot out where the ship is supposed to go. At least he does that when he's not being stuffed into a closet.

Zoom-a-thon 2012 Prize List

Official Beverage of Zoom-a-thon OMIS 2012

Zoom-a-thon OMIS is proud to announce a partnership with the intergalactically popular Beetle Juice Beverage Company of Betelgeuse 7. We look forward to working with the BJBC to promote the Zoom-a-thon and raise awareness of their new Beetle Juice flavor - Supernova Blast!

Says Beetle Juice Beverage Company CEO and founder, Hig Hurtenflurst, "I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer."

Remember to support the Zoom-a-thon and to drink Beetle Juice. Beetle Juice - Taste the Blue!

Meet the Crew - Chelsey Celaris

Chelsey Celaris is the communications officer. Usually this is a position requiring a level head, but we make an exception for Chelsey. Really? What's life without a little freaking out now and again?!

Meet the Crew - Ali Aldebaran

Ali Aldebaran is the second in command of the U.S.S. Zoom-a-thon. She seems to have it in for the Captain, taking every opportunity to make her look foolish. She can easily be bought off, though, with a box of Space-Its.

"Like" Us and "Subscribe" on Facebook

Have you stopped by our Facebook page? For the most up-to-date photos, videos, and other Zoom-a-thon details and information, be sure to check out our Facebook page at Zoomathon OMIS. You can visit this page whether you are a member of Facebook or not. 

If you ARE a Facebook member, please give us a "like" and be sure to hit that "subscribe" button to ensure that you receive ALL our updates. Thanks.

Zoom-a-thon Videos

Thanks to all the parents who were able to attend this year's Parents' Night on August 30th. Those lucky parents were the first to get a taste of what this year's Zoom-a-thon is all about. We hope you enjoyed it and were a bit enlightened about what the Zoom-a-thon is all about. It really is a terrific fundraiser that allows students to learn, have fun, and help raise money for the school in a way that gets them up and moving.

The students will get their first taste of the Zoom-a-thon videos with a remixed Kids Variation of the Parents' Night video on Wednesday, September 12th. The PTO President's part will be removed from the original video and replaced with a special segment that includes two of our OMIS 4th graders and 4 of our OMIS 5th graders, as well as different video ending. Our 5th graders are pulled into our Zoom-a-thon plot line this year, acting as our Z Force Alpha Squad.

This first students' video will help get them psyched for the Zoom-a-thon Kick-off Pep Rally the afternoon of Friday, September 14th. At the Pep Rally, students will get a better idea of the concept of Zoom-a-thon, the potential prizes that can be earned, as well as just generally having a great time.

Additional videos will be aired for the students at the Pep Rally and on 9/17, 9/19, 9/21, 9/25, and the final episode on 9/27, the day before the Zoom-a-thon Run itself. All episodes will help to bolster and support OMIS's overall academic goals for the year in a way that is fun and entertaining for the students.

The Zoom-a-thon is OMIS's biggest and main fundraiser of the year. When we do a great job supporting this fundraiser, we don't have to worry about other major fundraisers like selling wrapping paper or cookie dough, etc. This fundraising helps fill in the gaps to provide needed people and things to keep OMIS functioning as it should. Assistants in the science lab, books for the library, equipment for the gym, and even such mundane, but totally needed, items as wax for the floors and toilet paper and paper towels for the bathrooms.

Can we count on your support for the Zoom-a-thon?

Front and Back T-shirt Design

Zoom-a-thon 2012 Teaser Trailer