Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Class of 2026: Next is Now! Graduation and Senior Celebration Information

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Hi Raccoons!

Let’s start the celebrations for the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2026!

With the blink of an eye, your 704 days at OHS are rapidly coming to an end. In just two months, you will officially graduate from OHS and become a Raccoon Alumni, joining generations of other Graduates who are making a positive difference in this world locally and globally! 

Our theme for the Class of 2026 celebration is: Next is Now! Recognizing that while this transition point in your lives can be overwhelming, you have been preparing for this NEXT phase of your life, and NOW is your time to make the world a better place! Beyond that, the Class of 2026 is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and foster progress. The opportunities you have experienced at OHS have given you the skills and knowledge to tackle complex issues in an ever-changing world. Next is Now is a call to action, and should remind each of you that your actions today hold the potential to redefine tomorrow. So, let’s send the Class of 2026 out in style! 

I am excited to lead us through the various events and ceremonies honoring the individual and collective achievements of the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2026. Outlined in this communication are initial details about:

  • Senior Recognition Events Kicking Off in May
  • Cap and Gown Pick Up
  • Celebrate Your Future Week (Tuesday, June 2-Thursday, June 4)
  • Class of 2026 Senior Send Off Ceremony & Community Parades (Friday, June 5)
  • The Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. in Rux Stadium

More detailed communication will be sent prior to each event. In the meantime, reach out to me at CurtisJ@oasd.org if you have any questions!


Go Raccoons!
Jason

 

Cap and Gown Pick Up 
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1:55 p.m. (Adjusted Schedule)
Pride will move to the end of the day so that seniors in Dual Enrollment can participate in our Graduation Preparation Meetings and Cap and Gown Distribution. Seniors should report to their assigned location based on their counselor assignment:
  • Mr. Eidman: Cafeteria 150
  • Mrs. Schultz: Fieldhouse
  • Ms. McGuire: Little Theater
  • Mrs. Verhagen: REC
  • Mrs. Black: OAC

If you haven’t ordered your Cap and Gown, email me, and we will help expedite the ordering process.

 

Decorating Caps
Graduates have the opportunity to decorate their caps to celebrate their chosen post-high school pathway or to honor a family member, friend, or someone who has been influential in their education journey.

Proposed designs must be submitted to me by email at CurtisJ@oasd.org prior to Wednesday, June 10. 

 

Celebrate Your Future Week!
Tuesday, June 2, Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4 
We will honor the chosen pathway of each graduating senior during three separate ceremonies during Celebrate Your Future Week. Family and friends are invited to join our school community and seniors at the event they will be participating in. 
  • Military Commitment Ceremony: Tuesday, June 2, at 8:55 a.m. in the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse
    • Each member of the Class of 2026 committing to military service will be honored by our school in a special ceremony in our Fieldhouse. Families participating in the ceremony are asked to arrive by 8:30 a.m. and report to the Fieldhouse Lobby.
    • Seniors committing to military service should contact Lauren Black (BlackL@oasd.org) to confirm their participation in the event or if they have any questions. She will also follow up with reminders and details as we get closer to the event.
  • Career Ready Recognition Event: Wednesday, June 3, at 8:55 a.m. in the OAC
    • Graduates entering the workforce, students who have been committed to our Youth Apprenticeship program, and our students in a work-based learning program will be honored in a celebration on campus. Families are invited, and those participating are asked to arrive at the OAC at 8:30 a.m.  
    • If you want to make sure your graduate entering the workforce or beginning an adult apprenticeship is recognized, please email Mrs. DeYoung at DeYoungN@oasd.org to verify we have the correct information
  • 2-4 Year College Parade: Thursday, June 4, at 9:15 a.m. in the Fieldhouse Lobby
    • Graduates attending a 2 or 4-year school will meet other Raccoons heading to the same school and participate in a parade down Raccoon Runway as they showcase their future school. Families are welcome to greet them in the Fieldhouse lobby. Families, please arrive by 9:00 a.m. through the Fieldhouse lobby doors.
Additional Class of 2026 Recognition Events: Throughout May and June
Other schoolwide recognition events are planned throughout May and June. Watch details from your advisors, counselors, and coaches regarding additional details and invites for:
  • National Honor Society Induction on Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the OAC
  • Class of 2026 Senior Capstone Showcase (26 Stories) on Monday, May 18, at 6 p.m. in the OAC
  • Scholar Athlete Ceremony on Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fieldhouse
  • Class of 2026 Community Honors Night on Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the OAC
  • Youth Apprenticeship Banquet and Recognition Event on Thursday, June 4, at the Golden Mast Inn

 

Class of 2026 Senior Send-Off Day
Friday, June 5, 2026 - All Day!
Families are invited to participate in our Senior Send-Off Day scheduled for Friday, June 5. Details are below:
  • Senior Sunrise Breakfast (Rux Stadium) at 4:30 - 7:45 a.m. (Must arrive no later than 7:20 a.m.): Seniors are invited to kick the day off with a sunrise breakfast starting at 4:30 a.m. Families willing to donate food items should drop them off in the Main Office by the afternoon of Thursday, June 4. Students can arrive anytime after 4:30 a.m. but must be present at Rux Stadium by 7:20 a.m.
  • Senior Class Photo (Rux Stadium) at 8:00 a.m.: Seniors will put on their Caps and Gowns for their official Class of 2026 photo.
  • Senior Send-Off Ceremony at 8:45 a.m.: Our Graduates and Families will gather in the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse at 8:45 a.m. to reflect on the legacy and memories that define the Class of 2026. Families are HIGHLY encouraged to attend this special event. Please arrive at the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse by 8:30 a.m. at the latest. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. If you are unable to attend, you may tune in to view our livestream (View Here). 
  • Senior Grad Walks and Parades at 9:45 a.m.: After the send-off ceremony, seniors will represent OHS and visit our community schools to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire the next generation of Raccoons. Graduates, if you didn’t attend one of our district elementary or intermediate schools, please come be part of this special day. Lunch will be provided. Families are welcome to wave and greet us along the parade route or outside each school. We will share the official parade schedule in late May.

 

Graduation Rehearsal
Friday, June 12 (Times Below)
Seniors must report at their assigned time to participate in graduation rehearsal. At the rehearsal, we will ensure that all fees have been paid and that school materials and Chromebooks (with chargers) have been turned in. Please report to the OHS cafeteria at Main Campus based on your assigned counselor:
  • Mr. Eidman (8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.)
  • Mrs. Schultz (8:45 a.m.-10:15 a.m.)
  • Mrs. McGuire (9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
  • Mrs. Verhagen (10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.)
  • Mrs. Black (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

 

Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.- Rux Stadium
We will gather one last time to celebrate at the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony. There are so many details and logistics that help make this event special. I will share specific details again in mid-May and again in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. However, please take note of the following important initial details:
  • Seating: Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. However, seating is unlimited, and Graduates can bring as many family members as they want. 
    • NEW: This year, we will open Rux Stadium from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, to allow families to “save seats”. We ask that you do not use tape, but rather, use bungee cords, magnets, or large clips to designate your area. If you use blankets, keep in mind they will be wet on Saturday morning from the dew.
    • On Saturday, the gates to Rux Stadium will open around 5:00 a.m. so we can begin to set up. We suggest being in your seats by 9:30 a.m., as the procession of Graduates to the field will begin at 9:45 a.m. Concessions will be available for purchase! 
    • We will livestream the ceremony in the air-conditioned Oconomowoc Arts Center, which will open at 8:00 a.m.
  • Accessible Seating: We have seating available for those who cannot climb the bleachers. Families are asked to make a reservation for accessible seating by emailing Christine McCartney at McCartnC@oasd.org. In addition, golf carts will be available to help transport guests with limited mobility from the front entrance of Rux Stadium to the accessible seating on the field.
  • Commemorative Flowers and Items on Sale NOW: Order flowers or other commemorative items through this link. Items will be available for pick up at the entrance to Rux Stadium on graduation morning.
  • Graduation Photos: Professional photographs from the ceremony will be available for purchase from Lifetouch through this link and enter access code 73748GY26.
  • Livestream: The ceremony will be broadcast on our livestream link (click here) and will be accessible to friends and family who cannot be with us in person. 
  • Inclement Weather: In the event of rain and thunderstorms, we will delay the start of the ceremony. Our primary goal is to hold the ceremony on June 13, even if that means the ceremony starts later in the day. However, if the day is a total washout, we will reschedule the ceremony to be held on Sunday, June 14, ideally in the morning. Please understand that we have to consider the schedules of our vendors and contractors when establishing a new time for the ceremony. If the weather cooperates, the ceremony will be held at Rux Stadium; if storms and rain are predicted at that time, we will move the ceremony to the Gale Douglas Fieldhouse. Please keep these contingency plans in mind when making travel arrangements and plans for your graduation parties! 

 

Account Access and Fee Payments
A reminder that all fees must be paid by Wednesday, June 10. In addition, your school Gmail accounts and files will no longer be accessible as of Sunday, June 14. Please make arrangements to transfer any files, pictures, and documents from your Google Drive before June 14. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Details for Spring Career, College, and Life Readiness Day: Tuesday, April 14

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Hey Raccoons!

Our last Career, College, and Life Readiness Day of the year is on Tuesday, April 14. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will report to OHS for their grade-level-specific Academic and Career Planning activities. Seniors will have the day off.  

Details for each grade level are shared below. Please review them and reach out to your counselor or me if you have any questions.

Go Raccoons!
Jason

 

Freshmen - Participate in ACT Secure Testing
All Freshmen will report to OHS at the normal start time of 7:20am and take the ACT Secure exam. This test serves as a college readiness indicator and can help inform your academic and career plans. Later this spring, you will get your results and be able to identify your strengths and possible areas for improvement. These results will be reviewed at your one-on-one sophomore family meeting in the fall.

CLICK HERE  for specific details and the schedule for the day. Buses will run on their normal schedule. Students who do not have a ride home after testing is complete are welcome to stay on campus until 2:47pm or until their after-school activities and practices begin. 

 

Sophomores - Participate in ACT Secure and Forward Testing
All Sophomores will report to OHS at the normal start time of 7:20am and take the ACT Secure and Forward exams. The ACT Secure serves as a chance for you to review your academic growth from 9th grade and evaluate your scores on various college readiness indicators. The results will help you determine your next steps in your academic and career plan. The results and preparation opportunities for the actual ACT exam will be shared with you at our annual Junior Workshop, which is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30pm in the OAC. Watch for more details and registration this June.

CLICK HERE for specific details and the schedule for the day. Buses will run on their normal schedule. Students who do not have a ride home after testing is complete are welcome to stay on campus until 2:47pm or until their after-school activities and practices begin. 

 

Juniors - Career Expo Event
Juniors will report to OHS at their assigned time to participate in three workshops focused on career and college readiness. Students will start their day with an opportunity to hear about the supports in place to help students begin to apply for college, explore apprenticeship options, understand more about workforce readiness opportunities, and learn more about the military recruitment process. After the workshop, students will meet with local employers to hear about career opportunities and entry-level jobs available to high school students this upcoming summer! Following that, students will learn more about the reference and letter-of-recommendation process before receiving a free professional headshot. 

CLICK HERE for more details about this opportunity and your assigned arrival time. Counselors will be meeting with you in the coming weeks to help you better understand the day and select workshop sessions.

 

Seniors - No School
Seniors do not have school. Time is running out, so use this day for any last-minute college visits, job shadows, or to pick up extra hours at work. 

Monday, March 2, 2026

March Academic and Career Planning Update

 Hi everyone!


As we rapidly approach the end of Term 3, I wanted to provide everyone with a few quick reminders and updates as we move into a fast-paced and busy few weeks. Please reach out to
your counselor or me if you have any questions!

Go Raccoons!
Jason


Tuesday, March 10: Career, College, and Life Readiness Day (Adjusted Schedule - See Below)
  • Juniors: Report to your assigned ACT Rooms by 7:20am.
  • Seniors: Arrive for your Graduation Preparation and Life Ready Simulation at your assigned time. Remember to enter through the doors at South Campus (English Wing) to check in.
  • Freshmen and Sophomores: No School

Click here to read the full communication that was sent to students and families in mid-February.

 

Wednesday, March 11: Class of 2027- The College Pathway and Direct Admit Overview Night (6:30pm - REC)
Juniors and their families are encouraged to attend this informational session on the College Application Process and Direct Admit Wisconsin. The college admissions process for many of our State schools has drastically changed over the last two years. If this is your first time navigating the college application process under these new changes, we recommend that you attend this night to learn more about the Direct Admit process. 

Click here to register.

 

Thursday, March 19-Friday, March 20: Term 3 Exams (Click here for adjusted schedule)
Term 3 exams will be administered on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20. We anticipate that your Term 3 Report Card will be published by Thursday, April 9.

Term 4 classes begin on Monday, March 23.

 

Monday, March 23: Spring Safety Drill (Community Meeting at 8:55am)
Our Spring Safety Drill will occur on Monday, March 23. All students should report to Block B/Hour 3 for Pride. The drill will cover:
  • Appropriate responses in case of an emergency situation on a bus or public transportation.
  • Severe weather safety routines and procedures on Campus (including a tornado evacuation drill).

Families are welcome to tune in live or watch the recording of the drill through this link.

 

Spring Break: Monday, March 30-Monday, April 6 (Classes Resume on Tuesday, April 7)
Enjoy your Spring Break! Please note that our office will be closed during this time. Watch for additional information after Spring Break regarding:
  • Class of 2026 Senior Celebrations and the Commencement Ceremony
  • AP/IB Testing
  • Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year

Quick Links and Reminders

Thursday, February 12, 2026

March 10 Career, College, and Life Readiness Day - Overview and Details

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Hi OHS Students and Families,

Our next Career, College, and Life Readiness Day is on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. On that day, only our Juniors and Seniors will report to campus for their designated Academic and Career Planning activities and the state ACT testing. Freshmen and Sophomore students do not have school. 

Outlined below are the details and activities planned for each grade level. Please review your grade level-specific information and reach out to your counselor or me with any questions.


Thanks!
Jason

 

Seniors - Life Ready Workshop: Graduation Preparation Meetings, Reality Check Simulation, and Industry Interviews
Seniors will enter through the doors of the South section of Main Campus (English wing) to check in at their assigned time and participate in three life-ready preparation activities. Mrs. Kyla Stefan and our counselors will meet with students in small groups throughout late February to explain details about the day, select topics they would like to explore, and prepare for the Reality Check simulation.

Click here for more details and for your assigned arrival time. Buses will operate on their normal schedule, so if you need to take the bus, you are welcome to arrive and leave at your normal time and work in the REC until your session starts.


Juniors - ACT Test and Direct Admit Overview 
ACT Test for all Juniors at 7:15am
Juniors will report to campus by 7:15am and will take the ACT exam. This exam is free of charge. All Juniors will register for the exam and learn more about the structure of the day at their assigned registration sessions in early March.

Click here to review a letter from Mrs. Anders outlining the details for the day and testing session. Buses will operate as normal. Juniors are welcome to work in the REC after the exam. 

 

Direct Admit Overview Night (Register Here)
Finally, we will have an information night about the Direct Admit process on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:30pm in the REC. This new process for college admissions has transformed the application process, and we want to make sure you are informed about this process and its benefits. 

 Click "Register Here" above to learn more and register for this information. 

 

Freshmen and Sophomores - No School
Freshmen and Sophomores have the day off. Your testing sessions will occur on our next Career, College, and Life Readiness Day, Tuesday, April 14. Watch for more details in mid-March.

Class of 2026: Next is Now! Graduation and Senior Celebration Information

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Hi Raccoons! Let’s start the celebrations for the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2026! With the blink of an e...