Welcome to Second Semester: Term 3 Information and Details

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 

Hey Raccoons!

Whoa! Just like that, we are halfway through the school year! This week marks the start of the second semester and a major transition point in our academic calendar.  Outlined below are several key reminders and important information to make sure we are all on the same page as we roll through the upcoming winter months and look towards the Spring. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Go Raccoons!
Jason

Term 2/Semester 1 Report Cards

• Report Cards will be published on Wednesday, January 28, 2026
• Class rank will be updated on the report card. This will serve as the final and official class rank for our senior class, the Class of 2026. However, please note that the ranking on your Semester 1 report card will not be officially certified until Tuesday, February 10. 

Academic and Career Planning Support Opportunities
During the second semester, we begin the process of planning for the 2026-2027 academic year. There are several events to support students and families in this planning process. Mark your calendar for the following:

 

Wednesday, January 28 (Scholarship and College Credit Transfer Information Night)
6:30pm in the Raccoon Exploration Center (REC) - REGISTER HERE

This night is designed to give students and families an opportunity to learn more about the scholarships and financial supports available to seniors who are preparing to transition to 2 and 4-year schools. During the course of the program, our team will showcase our Scholarship Hub and highlight how to transfer college credit earned at OHS to the college of your choice.

This is an incredibly popular and informative night, and it’s recommended that seniors and families attend. However, juniors are welcome to attend, as they may gain some insight into this process as well. 

 

Wednesday, March 11 (Direct Admit Overview)
6:30pm in the Raccoon Exploration Center (REC) - REGISTER HERE
The Direct Admissions process has changed the college application process in the State of Wisconsin. At the end of a student’s junior year, a student's transcript and course sequence will be shared with the Universities of Wisconsin System, in which participating Universities may grant admission to our students without the student having to formally apply.

If you are unfamiliar with the Direct Admit procedures and how our team supports students through this process, please consider attending this important informational session. This night would be especially helpful for students and families who are sophomores and juniors

Additional information on Direct Admit can be found here.

 

Important Calendar Dates during Term 3 (January 20-March 20)
Mark your calendars for these important dates impacting our normal operations during Term 3.  Watch your email for more information. 

Date	Time	Event
Friday, February 13 & Monday, February 16	All Day	No School - Professional Development Day
Thursday, February 19	3:15-7:15pm	Semester 2 Family Teacher Conferences Registration will occur in early February.
Tuesday, March 10	All Day	Career, College, and Life Readiness Day (Click here) Specific Details will be shared in mid-February.
Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20	All Day	Term 3 Exams (Schedule) Please note: Unlike in past years, Spring Break does not occur during our transition from Term 3 to Term 4. Students will begin Term 4 on Monday, March 23.

 

Resources to Support Students and Families

• Incoming Freshmen Class of 2030 Transition Website
• Senior Class of 2026 Graduation Information  
• Counselor Assignments and Contact Information
• Mental health resources and supports offered by OHS to students/families

 

Reminders - Important January Dates and Programs

Monday, January 5, 2026

Hi Raccoon Community!

As we start the new calendar year and swing back into the routine after the holiday season, I want to put some important dates and information back on your radar. January is an incredibly important month when it comes to your Academic and Career Planning development, so please take note of these important dates and events and reach out to your counselor or me if you have any questions!

Thanks!

Jason

 

Wednesday, January 7 - Program Information Night (Session 1 at 6:00pm and Session 2 at 7:00pm)
OHS Main Campus (Enter through the Fieldhouse Doors)
REGISTER HERE 

In preparation for the course selection process at the end of January, families and students are invited to learn more about the following programs supported by OHS:

• Dual Credit and Start College Now(Future Juniors and Seniors)
• The International Baccalaureate Experience (Future Juniors)
• Workforce/Apprenticeships/Workplace Learning Opportunities (All Students)
• Global Scholars and the Wisconsin Seal of Biliteracy (All Students)
• ACT Prep Opportunities (Future Juniors and Seniors)
• Military Pathway Supports (All Students)

 

Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16 - Term 2 Exams and Report Cards
The end of the semester is already next week! Please take note of the following scheduled adjustments and details:

• Term Exam Schedule 
• Report Cards will be published on Wednesday, January 28, 2026
• Class rank will be updated on the report card. This will serve as the final and official class rank for the senior class. However, please note that the ranking on your Semester 1 report card will not be officially certified until Tuesday, February 10. 

 

Monday, January 19 - No School

There is no school on Monday, January 19. 

 

Tuesday, January 20 - First Day of Semester 2 and Community Meeting during Pride at 8:55am

The first day of the new semester is on Tuesday, January 20. Remember to check your schedules for any updates, including new teachers, class switches, and/or changes to room assignments.

We will have a Community Meeting during Pride on this day.

 

Wednesday, January 21 - College Admissions Panel (6:30pm)
Oconomowoc Arts Center 
REGISTER HERE
Admission officers from local universities, including UW-Madison, MSOE, Carroll University, UW-La Crosse, UW-Whitewater, and Marquette University, will provide insight into the college application process and what they seek in applications. This information might help you determine what courses you plan to select and programs you want to enroll in. This night is very popular and insightful for our students and families. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

 

Monday, January 26 (Community Meeting during Pride at 8:55am)

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will begin to make their course selections for the 2026-2027 school year. All courses must be selected by Wednesday, February 4 at 3pm. As a reminder, here are some resources and quick links to help support you in this process:

 

Resources and Quick Links

• Academic and Career Planning Guide
• Course Requests Sheets for:

• Class of 2030 (Incoming Freshmen)
• Class of 2029 (Current Freshmen)
• Class of 2028 (Current Sophomores)
• Class of 2027 (Current Juniors)

• Incoming Freshmen Class of 2030 Transition Website
• Senior Class of 2026 Graduation Information  
• Counselor Assignments and Contact Information

Scheduling Details for 2026-2027 & Class of 2026 Initial Graduation Information

Fall 2025/Winter 2026

Hi Raccoons and Families,

Over the next two months, we will work to help students prepare for the transition to the 2026-2027 school year. Included below are grade-level-specific letters outlining the supports in place for this transition. This includes information regarding:

• Incoming Freshmen: Supports for helping our incoming freshmen (current 8th graders) learn more about the programs, classes, and community that they will be joining next year.
• Current Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The course selection process and informational opportunities about the various programs offered at OHS.
• Seniors: Initial information and details about ordering your cap and gown, senior celebrations, and the Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 13. 

Please identify the grade level-specific information for you and your family below, and feel free to reach out to me or your counselor with any questions!

Go Raccoons!
Jason

Current 8th Graders and Families (Incoming Freshmen)
The letters below outline the following important information and details about your transition to OHS. This includes:

• Opportunities to explore programming opportunities at OHS during our Future Raccoon Tech It Out and Family Check It Out Nights on Wednesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 17.
• A link to the Class of 2030 Virtual Pep Rally on Monday, January 12 at 7pm, which will outline important details about the course selection process.
• Registration for our Class of 2030 Open House and Course Exploration Night on Wednesday, January 14.
• Contact information for your assigned counselor and associate principal.

Letters are linked below and personalized to students and families based on their last names and assigned counselor.  

Student Last Names A-D Counselor: Alex Eidman Associate Principal: Melissa Anders	CLICK HERE to view your letter and information about your transition to OHS.
Student Last Names E, U-Z Counselor: Carrie Schultz Associate Principal: Derek Nelson	CLICK HERE to view your letter and information about your transition to OHS.
Student Last Names F-K Counselor: Brianne McGuire Associate Principal: Nancy DeYoung	CLICK HERE to view your letter and information about your transition to OHS.
Student Last Names L-P Counselor: Susan Verhagen Associate Principal: Derek Nelson	CLICK HERE to view your letter and information about your transition to OHS.
Student Last Names Q-T Counselor: Lauren Black Associate Principal: Nancy DeYoung	CLICK HERE to view your letter and information about your transition to OHS.

 

Current Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
CLICK HERE to view details about:

• The course request process for the next school year. Including dates for department-specific exploration opportunities during December.
• Registration for Program Information Night on Wednesday, June 7, 2026.

 

Current OHS Seniors: Class of 2026!
CLICK HERE to review details about:

• How to order your cap and gown.
• Preliminary information, dates, and times for Celebrate Your Future Week and the Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Resources and Quick Links

• Academic and Career Planning Guide
• Course Requests Sheets for:
• Class of 2030 (Incoming Freshmen)
• Class of 2029 (Current Freshmen)
• Class of 2028 (Current Sophomores)
• Class of 2027 (Current Juniors)
• Incoming Freshmen Class of 2030 Transition Website
• Senior Class of 2026 Graduation Information  
• Counselor Assignments and Contact Information

Term 2 Important Dates and Information

 Hi everyone!

The second term of the school year always flies by. With the upcoming holiday breaks, new routines with winter sports and activities starting, and with the concerts, musicals, and other events throughout the late fall and early winter months, it can be easy to lose track of time and miss important deadlines as we work towards finishing the first semester in mid-January. 

Outlined below are several important reminders to keep on our radar as we navigate the next few months. While it is an incredibly fun and exciting few months, don’t be afraid to reach out to me, your counselor (click here for contact information), or your Associate Principal if you have questions or need any help.

 

Go Raccoons!
Jason

 

Term 1 Report Cards
Report cards from the first term will be published on Wednesday, November 12.

Upcoming Holiday Breaks and Adjusted Schedules for Term 2

• Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
• Monday, December 22-Friday, January 2 - No School (Winter Break)
• Thursday, January 15-Friday, January 16 - Term 2/Semester 1 Exams (Schedule)
• Monday, January 19 - No School (Teaching Planning Day)

 

Scheduling for 2026-2027
Details regarding the scheduling process for next year will be sent home on Monday, December 1, 2025. In addition, seniors will receive initial information about the senior celebrations planned this spring and the Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 13. 

In addition, we will have several opportunities to support our incoming 8th-grade families and also families who are considering enrolling at OHS but do not attend Nature Hill or Silver Lake. Click here to check out our Class of 2030 information page, and feel free to pass on this information to any friends or family. 

 

Academic and Career Planning Supports
There are several supports in place to help with your Academic and Career Planning over the next few months. Watch your email for additional information as we get closer to each event.

• Wednesday, November 19 - Military Pathway Exploration Night at 6:30pm in the REC (Register Here)
• Wednesday, January 7 - Program Information Night at 6:30 at Main Campus (Register Here)
• Wednesday, January 21 - College Admissions Panel at 6:30pm in the REC (Register Here)
• Wednesday, January 28- Scholarship Exploration Night and College Credit Transfer Process at 6:30pm in the REC (Register Here)

Beyond that, every sophomore family is encouraged to sign up for their one-on-one Sophomore Family Meeting with their counselor. These meetings are vital to supporting each student's individual academic and career journey through high school. Click here to schedule your meeting. 

 

Follow and Like the OHS Podcast: Keeping Up with the Raccoons!
We are venturing into the podcast world and looking to share the stories, opportunities, and experiences that make OHS unique. Over the last few months, we have been able to showcase students and staff who are living our values of being grounded in our purpose and values, committed to our goals, and accountable to ourselves and each other as we work to accomplish our vision of helping each Raccoon become career, college, and life ready.

Check out the Podcast as Spotify, Apple, or by clicking here. Recent episodes include:

• Season 1 - Episode 1: Unstoppable: Five Seniors, Five Pathways
• Season 1 - Episode 2: Collecting That Diploma: Defining Moments of Your Journey
• Season 2 - Episode 1: Breaking the Myth: Homecoming Court as Leaders, Not a Popularity Contest
• Season 2 - Episode 2: Discovering & Inspiring “The Call” OHS Alumni who Teach our Raccoons Now…
• Season 2 - Episode 3: Finding Your Purpose