OHS Community Update: Virtual Learning at OHS

Monday, March 30, 2020 (Updated: 11:00am)

Hey Raccoon Family!

I hope that everyone had a great Spring Break and you are feeling ready to hop into the “routine” of virtual learning. Just a reminder, virtual learning will now occur Tuesday through Friday, with Monday being time to catch up on assignments and for teachers to plan the upcoming lessons and activities.

Today’s update is focused on helping us connect as a community and to provide you with an update on various events and activities planned this fall. Please feel free to reach out to me at CurtisJ@oasd.org if you have any questions. 

VIRTUAL SPIRIT DAY: You can’t hide that Ocon Pride!

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 (no joke!)

It’s important that we remain connected as a school community! I am excited to share that we will host a Virtual Spirit Day on Wednesday, April 1. We are calling on all Raccoons (students, staff, parents, alumni, community members...anyone!) to go crazy and put on your Purple and Gold! In addition, we are challenging you to submit a photo with a happy thought, positive message, words of inspiration, or anything to show your Ocon Pride!

Dress up and submit your photos on April 1.

• Tag #VirtualOconPride on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
• Email me directly at CurtisJ@oasd.org 

Student Council will be giving out gift cards to local restaurants for the best submissions in each category: 

• Craziest Ocon Spirit
• Most Creative Student Post
• Most Creative Staff Post
• Most Creative Community Post

 Reminder of Virtual Learning Guidelines

Lessons and activities will now occur Tuesday through Friday. This will give teachers Monday to thoughtfully plan out the activities for the week. Lessons will be posted by 7:30am each day. Students will no longer need to complete their attendance checks by 3pm. Rather, they will be held accountable to completing the assignments through our grading process. Families can reach out directly to their teachers with any questions or concerns.

Work Permits

We have received permission to open the office at Main Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9am to process work permits. We know that our local grocery stores are in desperate need of employees, so we are happy to offer this service to students under 16. Please bring:

• Your social security card
• Your birth certificate
• A letter from your employer indicating you have been offered a job (must be on letterhead)
• A  letter from your guardian indicating that they give you permission to work
• $10 cash processing fee (please bring exact change) 

Updated Information: Postponements and Cancellations

Career and College Readiness Day: Tuesday, April 7

Originally, this day was set aside for Freshmen and Sophomores to take the ACT Aspire Exam and for Juniors and Seniors to participate in the Global Youth Service Day. However, all state assessments are cancelled for this year. This means that our Career and College Readiness Day scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 will now be a “regular” virtual learning day for all grades. 

Spring Sports Season

The Spring sports season remains suspended for the duration of the school closure. 

Advanced Placement Exams

On March 20, the College Board provided further guidance around the administration of AP Exams. You can click here to read the most updated communication. Essentially, they will offer an abbreviated version of the AP exam, with the option to complete the exam at home. The exam covers certain units and will be completed in 45 minutes. The exact date of your exam will be determined. Your teachers will be in touch regarding next steps for your specific class. 

Project Lead the Way

Project Lead the Way has announced they will suspend end of course assessments. 

IB Exams

Students in IB classes received a letter from Mrs. Schultz on Tuesday, March 24. In this letter she shared that IB has cancelled their upcoming Spring exams scheduled for April 30-May 22. IB will still award Diplomas and Certificates based on your internal assessments and predicted scores. Students impacted by this change will receive additional communication soon.

If you have questions, please email Mrs. Schultz at SchultzC@oasd.org. 

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Saturday, May 2

Our athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be postponed. We are currently working to reschedule the event. Our Athletic Office will be sharing more information at a later date.

Reminder: Previously Announced Postponements and Cancellations 

• Lake Country Film Festival (April 3): Cancelled 
• Prom (April 18): Rescheduled to Saturday, May 30 at OHS
• Relay for Life (April 24): Cancelled
• Spring Show (April 30-May 2): Cancelled

While I remain hopeful that we can return to a normal schedule before the end of the year, it’s important that we start to plan ahead. In the coming weeks, we will begin to evaluate the events and celebrations planned for May. This evaluation includes all end of year celebrations, such as the Scholar-Athlete Banquet, Senior Honors Night, Grilling to Give, Celebrate Your Future Week, the Senior Awards Assembly, our rescheduled Prom, and, of course, the Commencement Ceremony scheduled for June 13. 

There is no doubt that this is all so crazy and at times difficult to cope with. On a personal note, this is my favorite time of the school year. Term 4 is typically a time of celebration, recognition, and fulfillment as we celebrate the individual and collective accomplishments of our community. My heart is especially breaking for our seniors and their families. Trust that over the next few weeks we will continue to monitor the pandemic, CDC guidelines, and regulations provided by the state and, if necessary, think creatively about how we will celebrate the accomplishments of the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2020! 

Hang in there, Raccoons! We got this!
Jason

March 18 Update: Information on OHS Operations During Closure

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 (2:00pm)

Hey Raccoons!

I hope everyone is settling into our new routines of online learning and social distancing. The past few days have certainly been a whirlwind! Please know that even though we are not physically present, our community is still united, and we are here to help each other. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me at CurtisJ@oasd.org. I am happy to meet on google hangout to talk, answer questions, and stay connected. 

I am writing to you today to provide everyone with a few updates as we continue evaluating our operations during this coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. Please review the information below and let me know if you have any questions.

Statewide School Closure

The Governor has ordered all K-12 schools to be closed until further notice. During this period, we will provide continuity of learning virtually. Lessons will be posted every day by 7:30 a.m. Students should complete all necessary attendance checks by 3:00 p.m. If you need an extension, please contact your teacher directly. If you are ill, please call the attendance line (262-560-3102), and you will be excused from class for the day. Keep in mind that we will still be off for our previously scheduled Spring Break from March 23-March 27. 

• March 18-20: Virtual Learning
• March 23-27: No School—Spring Break
• March 30- Until Further Notice: Continuation of Virtual Learning 

Please note that term 3 will end on Friday March 20. Report cards will be published on Thursday, April 9. Students should plan to start term 4 in our virtual setting on Monday, March 30.

Tech Support

If your Chromebook breaks or is not working properly, please fill out this form. Someone from our tech team will contact you as soon as possible. If you would prefer you can email helpdesk@oasd.org or call 262-560-2126.

Spring Sports Season 

The WIAA has suspended the Spring sports season during the statewide closure. Teams cannot practice, compete, or meet on or off campus. Mr. Flegner will continue to monitor the situation, and we will be in touch regarding next steps.

Lake Country Film Festival 

Our annual Lake Country Film Festival scheduled for Friday, April 3, is cancelled.

Wind Symphony Performance at Carnegie Hall 

Our Wind Symphony will no longer safely be able to travel to Carnegie Hall in New York City for their performance scheduled for April 9. Mr. Krofta is in touch with representatives from Carnegie Hall about the potential opportunity to rebook the event for later this Spring. 

Prom: Date and Venue Change 

Originally, Prom was scheduled to take place at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Saturday, April 18. Because of the unknown duration of the closure and other preventative measures instituted by the CDC, we are left with no choice but to postpone Prom. Assuming that we are allowed normal operations, the 2020 Prom will now take place on Saturday, May 30, at Oconomowoc High School, and it’s going to be amazing! While there will naturally be a level of disappointment with the postponement and venue change, I can promise you that our team will come together to provide you with the best Prom of your life!!

I am so thankful to our team and our Buildings and Grounds crew for helping us host Prom at OHS. Without their support, we would have had to cancel the event altogether. We are working on exact details regarding logistics and pricing. Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Bukal, and Ms. Scavone will be working with our Student Council and will communicate the details when we reopen. Those who already purchased a Prom ticket on the Webstore will have their money refunded as soon as possible.

Finally, any previously submitted Dance Guest Forms will be honored for the May 30 event. Please don’t worry about getting another form submitted.

Students for Service Relay for Life Event

Our annual Relay for Life, scheduled for Friday, April 24, is cancelled. 

Around the World 80 Days: Spring Show

We will cancel the OHS Spring Show scheduled for April 30-May 2. Having lost the rehearsal and set building time, it puts us in a position where we could not guarantee the high-caliber performance our community deserves. Hopefully we can provide some sort of schoolwide Theater Arts experience later this Spring!

Field Trips and Events   

All OHS sponsored field trips and events scheduled during the statewide school closure are cancelled. In addition, many events in April and early May are being proactively cancelled. Advisors and teachers will be reaching out regarding any refunds. 

Front Office

Our front office is now closed for the duration of the school closure. Please email Christine McCartney at McCartnC@oasd.org or at ohs@oasd.org. She can point you in the right direction or answer your question.

Finally, I implore everyone to practice social distancing, reconsider Spring Break travel plans, and limit contact with others. This includes sleep overs, hanging out with friends, and other social activities. Any return to normalcy for our community depends heavily on our cooperation with these guidelines. 

There is no doubt that the coronavirus has changed our way of life, and its impact is hitting us hard. Hang in there, and I hope that we see each other soon!

Go Raccoons!
Jason

Information Regarding OHS Virtual Learning during Coronavirus Closure

Friday, March 13, 2020

Hey Raccoons!

As you know, we will move to a virtual learning environment due to the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. Teachers will be preparing lessons on March 16 and 17, with actual virtual instruction beginning on Wednesday, March 18. Here are just a few quick attendance logistics:

• Teachers will have lessons posted by 7:30am each day, and students will be expected to log-in and complete the assigned attendance accountability activity by 3:00pm each day. 
• Students who do not complete the assigned attendance checks, by the 3pm deadline will be marked absent. Students and families should work directly with teachers to request deadline extensions for illness, vacation, or other personal matters.
• If a student is sick or on vacation, follow our regular attendance protocols and notify the attendance office of your absence. 

During the closure, our building will not be open. Teachers, advisors, coaches, and students will not have access to any district facilities. The closure of our physical building spaces forces us to think creatively about some of our upcoming events and plans during the month of April. I have outlined information regarding these events for you. Check them out and feel free to email me at CurtisJ@oasd.org  if you have any questions.

Stay healthy, Raccoons! I can’t wait to see you soon!

Jason 

Winter Sports Banquet

All banquets for winter sports are postponed and will be rescheduled for later this Spring.

Spring Athletics

The Spring sports season is suspended indefinitely. This includes, all workouts, tryouts, practices, and competitions, both on-site and off-site. To be clear, teams cannot formally meet or assemble during our closure. This also includes captain’s practices and/or informal team meetings. Mr. Flegner will work directly with the head coaches to discuss and find ways to support our student athletes during this unprecedented time. 

Extra and Co-Curricular Activities

All extra-curricular and co-curricular events are suspended indefinitely. This includes all meetings, competitions, and events scheduled through our closure. Students and advisors cannot travel to any events. They are welcome to continue planning and prepping virtually during the closure.

When we return to school, we will evaluate upcoming events and determine if events will need to be cancelled or postponed due to lack of planning opportunities. This includes the Spring play, concerts, Relay for Life, and other events.

Mr. Frias will be working with advisors to determine if modifications need to be made to service hour requirements for the various honor societies at OHS.

Prom

Prom is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020. At this time, it’s still on! Obviously, we cannot predict what the next few weeks will bring. However, we will be in touch with the Milwaukee Art Museum and announce any necessary changes. For now, hold off on purchasing tickets until we have more specific information. If you already did purchase tickets, sit tight and wait for more information. If you have specific questions or concerns please feel free to email Mrs. Fisher at FisherA@oasd.org. 

Off Site Classes and Job Placements

Students who have classes at WCTC, have a career internship, or youth apprenticeship should continue to report to their off-site jobs and classes unless otherwise notified by their instructor or supervisor. Please keep in touch with Mrs. Kyla Stefan at StefanK@oasd.org if you have any questions.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Testing Schedule

We will take direction from the College Board and IB regarding testing regulations during the closure. As it stands now, all AP and IB exams scheduled for May will continue on the previously scheduled dates. Please keep up with your virtual assignments and keep working towards those exams in May.

ACT Aspire and Forward Exams

During April, we administer our mandated state accountability exams to 9th and 10th graders. We will communicate testing dates and plans once we have more direction from the state and have a better idea of when we return to face-to-face instruction.

Counselors and Support

The closure and recent events may cause some stress and anxiety. In addition, this is an important time of year as our seniors continue to plan for next year. I want to remind you that your counselor is still available during this time. They can continue to be your point of contact during the closure and help assist you in anyway. Simply, send them an email and I promise they will respond promptly. Click here to access a list of comprehensive resources available to students and families during the closure.

March Madness: Raccoon Style! Girls Basketball to State and Boys to Sectionals

Monday, March 9, 2020

UPDATE: March 13, 2020 at 6:00am

The WIAA has cancelled all winter tournaments. This includes the girls basketball State Tournament. Our Lady Raccoons will return to OHS later today. Thank you for all your continued support of our teams!

Jason



UPDATE: March 12, 2020 at 11:45am

The Boys Basketball Sectional game against Madison East will still occur at 7:00pm tonight. However, it appears that many Madison area school districts have implemented a 50 person maximum attendance for all school events. This includes Madison East, who will only participate if the host school abides by the 50 person rule. Therefore, we will have to play tonight’s game without any fans or parents present. The game is currently scheduled to occur at Middleton High School. However, they do not have live-streaming technology, so we are looking for a new location. If a new location is found, Coach Benish or our Athletic Office will be in touch regarding opportunities to view the game on a live-streaming service.

We apologize for the inconvenience. It is important to prioritize the safety of our students, families, and staff.  Refunds for any student who purchased a Fan Bus ticket on the webstore will be refunded to you as soon as possible.

Thanks-
Jason  

UPDATE: MARCH 12, 2020 at 10:00am

The WIAA has informed us that they will limit spectators at this weekend’s State Tournament in Green Bay. Each team will be allowed to travel with 22 individuals, and each individual will receive four tickets to the game. Therefore, we will have to cancel all fan buses, and students should not drive themselves, as they will not be able to gain entry to the Resch Center. 

Oconomowoc High School has not yet been notified by WIAA regarding tonight’s OHS Boys Basketball Sectional game against Madison East in Middleton.  We will communicate details to staff, students and families as soon as they are available.

You will still be able to watch the game through WMLW. You can click here to access their online link.

We apologize for the inconvenience. It is important to prioritize the safety of our students, families, and staff.  Refunds for any student who purchased a Fan Bus ticket on the webstore will be issued.

Thanks
Mr. Curtis

The Oconomowoc High School Girls Basketball Team has qualified for the State Tournament for the first time in program history! The team has earned the #4 seed in the tournament and will play against Middleton in the Division 1 State Semifinals on Friday, March 13, at 6:35 p.m. at the Resch Center in Green Bay. If they win, they will play in the State Final game on Saturday, March 14.

Also, our Boys Basketball Team is playing in the Sectional Semifinal on Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. versus Madison East at Middleton High School. If they win on Thursday, they will play in the Sectional Final on Saturday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. in Sun Prairie. 

Details regarding buses and events for both of our teams are outlined below.

Go Raccoons!
Jason

GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL: SEND-OFF, FAN BUSES & T-SHIRTS

Community Send-Off (Thursday, March 12, at 9:00 a.m.)

The girls will leave for Green Bay on Thursday morning. Our entire community is welcome to join us at OHS for a send-off at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. Family and friends should enter through the Gale Douglas Field House main entrance (Door 34). I would recommend arriving by 8:45 a.m. 

Ticket and T-Shirt Sales

Tickets for Friday’s game will be $10.00 per ticket and commemorative t-shirts will cost $10.00 each to celebrate our trip to State.  Both tickets and shirts can be purchased on the Oconomowoc High School Webstore beginning Monday afternoon. Click here to access the Webstore.  Tickets will remain on sale until 11:00 a.m. on Friday. However, t-shirts must be ordered by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. 

Students, staff, and community members will need to pick up any pre-ordered tickets or t-shirts at Oconomowoc High School between 2:45 - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 or between 7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Help us win the Rush to the Resch Contest: A $2,000 check will be awarded to the school that sells the most pre-sale tickets for their semifinal game. Keep in mind that only tickets sold by the school will count towards the contest total!

Finally, please note that game will also be broadcast on television through WMLW. Click here for additional information.

Fan Buses

We have four buses, totaling 192 seats, reserved to transport students to Green Bay for the game on Friday. Buses will depart from the Gale Douglas Field House at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, March 13. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bus tickets will be sold on the Webstore for $3.00 starting on Monday, March 9 until Friday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m.

If we win on Friday, we will play in the State Finals on Saturday evening at approximately 8:00 p.m. Tickets for fan buses would go on sale online shortly after the game on Friday. Watch your email and social media for details.

The girls have a chance to break our school’s 38-year championship drought, so let’s show up and show our Ocon Pride! We hope to see everyone from Raccoon Nation in Green Bay on Friday night!

BOYS BASKETBALL FAN BUSES

We have one bus, totaling 48 seats, reserved to transport students to Middleton for the game on Thursday night. Buses will depart from the Gale Douglas Field House at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Please arrive at least 15-minutes early. A bus/game ticket package will be sold on the Webstore for $9.00 starting on Monday afternoon until Thursday, March 12, at noon. This package is for current OHS students only. Other guests or students traveling themselves will need to purchase their game ticket for $6.00 at Middleton High School.

March Student Services Newsletter

Hey Raccoons!

Spring break is just a few weeks away! However, these next couple of weeks are filled with programs and events to support your post high school transition goals. You can click here to check out this month's Student Services Newsletter, which outlines these opportunities. This includes information regarding...

• March Madness: Career and College opportunities for our Juniors
• The Career and College Symposium on March 11
• Our new college application support class being offered during Summer School.
• The Career Networking Fair on March 13.

Have a great week!
Jason