Fall Career, College, Life Readiness Day: Tuesday, October 14 (Adjusted Schedule and Activities)

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Hi everyone!

We will host our annual Fall Career, College, and Life Readiness Day on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. On our Career, College, and Life Readiness days, we pause our normal class schedule and operations to provide grade-level specific opportunities for students as they build their Academic and Career Plans. An overview of each of these days and their purpose is outlined on our website, available by clicking here.

Below are details about each opportunity available to our students, broken down by grade level. Buses will run on their normal schedule, and information about lunch is included in the grade-level-specific letters. Please check out the information specific to you and let me know if you have any questions!

Go Raccoons!

Jason

 

Freshmen: Launching Your Academic and Career Plan
Freshmen will take time to pause, reflect, and consider their career interests as they begin their high school journey and prepare for course selection this upcoming winter. 

On Tuesday, October 14, all freshmen will report to OHS as normal at 7:20am and should pay attention to announcements and postings about where to report that morning after arriving at OHS. The day will be broken up into several parts:

• A meeting with counselors to review the Academic and Career Planning process.
• An opportunity to reflect on our core values and our first few weeks of high school.
• Engaging in interest meetings with local professionals to explore career ideas and opportunities.
• Participation in a service project associated with a career cluster interest of choice. Selection is currently occurring during Pride period (Click here to check out the options!).

CLICK HERE to check out the letter from our coordinators outlining more details about the day.

 

Sophomores: Industry/Career Visits and College Visits
Sophomores will report to OHS as normal and will be assigned a meeting location before heading out on their day-long field trip. Recently, all Sophomores had the opportunity to meet with their counselors in mid-September to review over 20 different field-trip options for them to explore (check them out here). Each trip is designed around a career cluster of interest and will bring students to local industry partners to explore first-hand job opportunities and career expectations in the workplace. In addition, on most routes students will get the opportunity to tour at least one 2 or 4-year school or trades union as they begin to explore post-secondary learning options and opportunities. Finally, sophomores should plan to dress in business casual attire for their visits. 

CLICK HERE to review additional details from our School to Career Coordinator, Kyla Stefan. 

Following this opportunity, counselors will reach out and offer each Sophomore family a one-on-one 30-minute meeting to reflect on their student's experience, make you aware of programs at OHS to help you continue to explore your career interests, and to map out potential course sequencing for the second half of your high school journey. Watch your email for more details in mid-October!

Juniors and Seniors: ACT Testing
Many of our upperclassmen have signed up to take the optional ACT test at OHS on Tuesday, October 14. Please plan to arrive by 7:20am. We anticipate the test will end at about 12:30pm. At that point, you are welcome to leave for the day. A light lunch will be provided in the Fieldhouse Lobby following the ACT exam.

CLICK HERE to view the letter from Mrs. Anders about the testing day and requirements. Continue to watch RCC and your email for specific room assignments and where to report when you arrive at 7:20am on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Juniors and seniors who have decided not to take the ACT are not required to be on campus. Rather, it is our hope that you take the day to visit colleges or participate in a self-planned job shadow.

 

Seniors: College Admissions Day
On Tuesday, October 14, we have over 25 colleges and universities from across the country scheduled to meet with seniors for one-on-one college admission interviews. Students will be required to apply to the school ahead of time, then on October 14, they will have a one-on-one interview with an admissions counselor. At this meeting, students have the chance to bring their transcripts and applications to life, tell their unique story, and highlight their qualifications. At the conclusion of the interview, the admissions counselor will give you an update on your application status and perhaps, even admit you to their university. We have even had students earn scholarships based on academic performance.

In addition, students who have already been admitted to participating schools through the Direct Admit process can sign up to visit with the specific Universities of Wisconsin admissions counselor to ask any questions about financial aid, housing, and scholarship opportunities. Families are welcome to join these meetings as well to learn more about the next steps or discuss anything related to college admissions at one of the schools in attendance. 

This is an unreal opportunity for our students and families. Students who have signed up for College Admissions Day will get additional information and the exact schedule of their interviews by October 10. If you are interested in still signing up for this incredible opportunity, you can sign up by Friday, October 3 by clicking here. If you have additional questions, please contact Mrs. Jaime Regan at ReganJ@oasd.org.

Seniors not participating in on-site admissions or the ACT test are released from classes for the day so that they can work individually on their post-high school transition plans, including applying to schools, reviewing scholarship applications, visiting 2 or 4 year schools, arranging for a job shadow, or whatever else might help them prepare for life after graduation.

Family Teacher Conferences at OHS

 Monday, September 15, 2025

Hi Raccoons and Families!

Twice a year, we offer families, students, and teachers the opportunity to meet during our Family-Teacher Conferences. Outlined below are the structures for our Family-Teacher Conferences at OHS. This will be particularly helpful for freshmen and new to OHS families to review.

 

Monitoring Student Academic Progress
Conversations between families, students, and teachers can occur at any time during the semester. Reaching out about questions, concerns, or to share a positive note only strengthens the partnership! In addition, families can receive updates from teachers by following their Raccoon’s academic progress on Canvas to review all coursework, assignments, and grades. Skyward remains our primary communication tool for official grade documentation, transcripts, health concerns, attendance, and discipline records.

Click here to view how to follow your child’s Canvas account. 

 

Grade Reporting
Our staff will sync grades to Skyward from Canvas at least weekly. You can log in and check your student's current grade at any time. Every three weeks, families will receive an email with the current grade status for each class their child is enrolled in for that specific term. This provides a consistent update on a student’s grade status for each of their courses.

 

Family-Teacher Conferences: Purpose and Dates
Because our teachers are communicating academic progress throughout the term, conferences are designated for more in-depth conversations around the following topics:

• Career and College Advancement and Planning Opportunities: It might be helpful to meet with a current teacher in an academic area that a student has a particular passion and interest in. The teacher can discuss strengths and areas for growth. In addition, they will be able to share information about future coursework, classes, and opportunities to help develop this interest.
• Academic Support and Brainstorm: This would be a more focused conversation on a student’s individual academic progress in the class and how everyone can work together to increase accountability and support a student to meet their goals for the course. 

Family-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for 

• Semester 1: Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 3:15-7:15pm
• Semester 2: Thursday, February 19, 2025 from 3:15-7:15pm

All conferences are scheduled for 10 minutes and are held face-to-face in the teacher’s designated classroom or office area. You will be given the exact location when you sign up for each of your conference time slots.

Given the structure and time allotment, I would recommend prioritizing the teachers and courses you want to meet with in order to engage in a more in-depth conversation. 

 

Conference Sign Up Process for October Conferences
Families can sign up for a conference with a teacher through Skyward Family Access beginning on Monday, September 22, at approximately 12:00pm through Monday, September 29. Each teacher has 14 conference slots available, so if you are seeking a quick check-in, feel free to email them at any time. In addition, if a teacher’s appointments are filled, email them to find an alternative time to meet.

Our Student Services Assistant, Rhonda Fink, coordinates our conference scheduling. Feel free to reach out to her at FinkR@oasd.org. 

 

Counselor Appointments (CLICK HERE for counselor assignments)
Family-Teacher Conferences are meant for discussions with teachers. Therefore, our counselors are not available on these evenings. However, your assigned school counselor is available to meet with you throughout the year. This includes having some evening appointment opportunities as well. 

Click here to access the You Can Book Me app to schedule a meeting with your assigned counselor.

Thank you for your support!
Jason

Homecoming 2025: Happy Birthday Ocon, 150 Years Young!

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hi Raccoon Community!

Next week kicks off our annual Homecoming Celebrations! There is nothing like Homecoming Week in Oconomowoc, and I am excited for our students, community, and alumni to be part of our traditions that have spanned generations! While OHS has been around for 143 years, the City of Oconomowoc is celebrating its 150th Birthday this year, and OHS is continuing the party and celebration by making this year’s theme: Happy Birthday Ocon, 150 Years Young! 

With any party, it’s important that we are proactive in our planning and preparation. So, I want to give a huge shout-out and thank you to our Student Council, Athletic Office, and Student Council Advisors who have been planning this year’s festivities since last January! Outlined below are all the details and information you need to help us have fun and celebrate! Check them out below and let me know if you have any questions.

 
Go Raccoons!
Jason

 

Homecoming Overview
The week is filled with spirit days and events to celebrate our Raccoon community and Oconomowoc’s Birthday. 

 Click here to view all the events and details for the week.

 

Parade Float Registration
The parade is on Friday, September 19 at 5:15pm. 

Click here to register your organization and float if you plan to participate in this year’s parade. Registration closes this Friday! 

 

Ticketed Events
Some events for Homecoming require the purchase of tickets to attend. Links or details on how to purchase tickets to the following events are below:

• Home Sporting Events - Including Friday’s Football Game (Free for OHS Students): Click here
• Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast on Saturday, September 20: Contact the Athletic Office
• OHS Homecoming Dance for current students on Saturday, September 20: Tickets are on sale through the Webstore.
• Remember to check your email for details on inviting a guest from a different school.

Our Powderpuff and Soccer Games on Thursday, September 18, are free of charge! 

 

Pep Rally (Friday, September 19 at 8:45am)
Guests are invited to attend the annual Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, September 19 at 8:45am. The doors to the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse open at 8:30am.

Following the pep rally, our band, student leaders, and representatives from various organizations will make their way around town to spread the Homecoming fun to everyone, including our annual Homecoming Pep Rally at Shorehaven. Watch social media for details about our stops and to share in the fun!

 

Tours of Campus on Saturday, September 20 at 12:30pm (Gale Douglas Fieldhouse)
We will offer tours to community members and alumni groups on Saturday, September 20 at 12:30pm. We meet outside the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse. This event is always a fun way to meet other alumni, hear about stories from the past, and see our facilities! Encourage a neighbor, friend, or a possible future Raccoon family to come join us!

At this event, we will honor our Alumni of the Year, Ms. Heather Garcia from the Class of 1985. Heather has dedicated over 20 years to social work, driven by her passion for service. In her role, Heather has helped more than 400 families transition from homelessness to stable housing. Her compassion, resilience, and deep commitment make her a powerful advocate. Beyond her professional work, Heather supports local youth by donating formalwear to OHS students from Prom and Homecoming.

Grand Marshals
This year, with Mayor Bob Magnus, we will honor the former Mayors of Oconomowoc as our parade Grand Marshals. Joining Mayor Magnus are our Former Mayors: Floss Whalen, Jim Daley, and David Nold, who will lead our parade as we celebrate the rich tradition and the incredible progress our community has made over the years. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our theme and to thank our former leaders for their support of Oconomowoc High School over the years! 

 

Accountable to Ourselves and Each Other
We will continue to follow all community commitments and behavioral expectations throughout the week in our classes, throughout the school day, and at all after-school events and activities. Every year, the unofficial traditions of Homecoming, such as TP Wars, result in unnecessary drama and distractions from the school and community-sponsored events. 

I ask everyone’s support in helping us maintain a fun and safe week for our students and community. We cannot tolerate destructive behavior, vandalism, and other inappropriate actions. We encourage families and students who are victims of these foolish and selfish acts to call their local Police Departments to report any inappropriate or destructive behavior and hold those individuals accountable.

Surviving and Thriving through the First Days - Reminders and Notes about OHS Operations and Norms

 Thursday, September 4, 2025

The Raccoons are back! As we close out our first few days for the new school year, I want to take a minute to make sure that we are all on the same page as we head into the new year. Below are a few important reminders and operational notes that can only strengthen the partnership between our staff, students, and families. If you have any questions, please let me know!

There is a lot of information here. Remember, our Blog posts are comprehensive messages that are designed for you to reference or read when you have a longer period of time. I will send email messages for quick updates and time-sensitive communications.

As always, reach out to myself, your Associate Principal, or counselor if you have any questions!

Jason

 

Community Commitments- Click Here
Our classes review our common set of commitments that promote a productive school environment. Click on the link above to review our cell phone, hallways, and behavioral commitments at East and Main Campus.

This includes our commitments around cell phones. Families are asked to text/call students during their lunch break from 11:00-11:40am. If there is a family emergency, please call the office, and we will get in touch with your student ASAP. 

 

Raccoon Community Connection (RCC)- Click Here
Our school news and broadcasting channel is linked above. Each school day, the news comes on live at 8:55am. You can use the link above to watch live or to check the replay.

In addition, the RCC link above also records our Community Meetings. Families can receive the same information delivered to students. For example, this month, you can watch the recording or live broadcast (at 8:55am) of:

• Thursday, September 4: Safety Routines and Expectations with Mr. Curtis and Officer Hass
• Friday, September 5: Academic and Career Planning Lessons on being Committed to our Goals
• Monday, September 8: Pride Period Overview and Signing Up on OconPride.org
• Monday, September 15: Homecoming Court Celebrations
• Friday, September 19: Homecoming Pep Rally (Families can attend live in the Fieldhouse).

Monitoring Course Work- Click Here
You can follow your student’s account on Canvas. This gives you an inside look into what is being taught in class, upcoming assignments, grades, and any due dates. The link above shows how you can monitor Canvas accounts and set restrictions on your student’s devices.

 

Attendance Expectations
We need to continue to prioritize attending school and class. Students who miss more than 5 minutes of class without a parent's excuse or teacher's permission will be considered absent. Beyond that, we have established several essential attendance structures to help build habits that support consistent attendance in our classes and hold students accountable when attending school is not being prioritized. 

I know it’s not always easy, but when possible, please schedule appointments, etc. during lunch or study hall to minimize the amount of class time missed.

 The best way to commit to career, college, and life readiness goals is to be in class! 

Mr. Nelson, Mrs. De Young, and Mrs. Anders reviewed attendance expectations today during a Community Meeting. Click here to view the message on the RCC from Wednesday, September 3. 

Grading and Progress Reports
Families will receive their student’s grades via email approximately every 3 weeks. While you can check Canvas and Family Access daily, these progress reports allow you to quickly monitor your student’s progress as life gets busy throughout the year.

In addition, common grading norms and expectations listed in each syllabus include:

• We do not give extra credit, bonus points, or round grades up.
• Work is accepted late, but the student loses 10% for each school day the assignment is late.
• Summative assessments can be reassessed for up to a 75% provided all formative assessments have been turned in for that unit. 
• When assigning a summative assessment, the teacher can state that the summative may not be reassessed.
• Students cannot reassess the final term exam.

In addition, Family Teacher Conferences will occur on Thursday, October 2, and Thursday, February 19. Watch your emails for more details in the next couple of weeks about conference structures and sign-ups.