Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Hello Raccoon Community!
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! Over the last few weeks, campus has come alive with hundreds of Raccoons participating in various camps, summer enrichment opportunities, and fall sports. It’s been fun to see so many Raccoons and their families getting amped up for the new school year!
We are just a few short weeks away from the first day of school for Freshmen on Tuesday, September 5, and the first day of classes for all students on Wednesday, September 6. Outlined below are important dates and opportunities to help support the transition into the new school year. This includes:
A reminder of important events (Open House, First Day of School for Freshmen, and First Day of Classes for All Students)
Updates regarding new staff, picture makeup day, club and activity enrollment, and grade-level specific transition supports occurring in late August and early September
A preview of Homecoming 2023 and important events through Term 1
Important Dates & Events
Open House on Tuesday, August 29 (2:00pm-4:00pm or 4:00pm-6:00pm)
Our annual Back to School Open House will occur on Tuesday, August 29 from 2:00-4:00pm to meet with teachers and staff and from 4:00-6:00pm for self-guided tours. Please enter through the Gale Douglas Field House Lobby.
The purpose of Open House is to allow students and families to visit Main Campus and East Campus to familiarize themselves with the buildings and walk their schedules. If you are hoping to meet your new teachers or to visit with other staff, please note that teachers and counselors will be in their classrooms or offices for informal meetings from 2:00-4:00pm. However, the building will remain open for self-guided tours until 6:00pm.
Freshmen First Day of School on Tuesday, September 5 (7:20am-2:40pm)
The first day of school is an orientation for our Freshmen class. Only Freshmen and upperclassmen supporting the orientation program should report to OHS on Tuesday, September 5.
Buses will operate on their normal schedule, and all Freshmen should report to the Gale Douglas Field House by 7:20am. There is no need to bring your Chromebook or any school supplies—hold on to those until Wednesday’s first day of class. We will run our normal lunch operations. If you prefer to bring your own lunch, you are welcome to do so.
A schedule for Freshmen Orientation is outlined below:
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7:20am-9:00am |
Class of 2027 Welcome Rally |
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9:00am-11:00am |
Freshmen Orientation Program |
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11:00am-11:45am |
Lunch |
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11:45am-2:15pm |
Exploring our Values: Grounded, Committed, and Accountable |
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2:15pm-2:40pm |
Pep Rally and Student Section Chant Lessons |
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2:47pm |
Buses Depart |
Freshmen Orientation on Tuesday, September 5, is the culminating event of the extensive Freshmen Transition programming. Click here to access the Class of 2027 Freshmen Transition website which includes information and registration about the small group family dinners scheduled throughout August.
First Day of Classes on Wednesday, September 6 (7:20am-2:40pm)
Since Freshmen Orientation takes place on Tuesday, September 5, our first day of classes for all students is on Wednesday, September 6. All Raccoons should be in their Block A/Hour 1 class by 7:20am.
Click here to view the modified schedule for the first day of classes. Students enrolled at off-site locations or participating in work-based learning opportunities should take note of the adjusted schedule and make appropriate arrangements.
News and Notes
Picture and ID Makeup Day
New ID cards were issued, and yearbook photos were taken on Registration Day in early August. If you were not able to make it, please plan to attend one of the following makeup sessions:
Friday, August 18 from 11:00am-1:00pm (Main Cafeteria 150)
Tuesday, August 29 from 2:00pm-6:00pm during Open House (Main Cafeteria 150)
Wednesday, September 6 from 11:51am-12:28pm during lunch (REC)
Please click here to reserve your spot for one of these makeup opportunities.
Welcome New Staff!
Click here to check out the new staff members joining the Oconomowoc High School family this fall.
Post-High School Transition Planning for Junior, Seniors, and Their Families
Our upperclassmen are invited to attend one of our grade-level specific post-high school transition support meetings scheduled for late August and early September. Please see details and registration information below:
Junior Career and College Readiness Workshops (Thursday, August 17 or Wednesday, August 30)
Junior year is critical when it comes to your academic and career planning. As you approach the halfway point of your high school career, it’s important we begin to prioritize planning for college admission, military commitment, or acceptance into an apprenticeship or job opportunity. Therefore, we will have two opportunities for Raccoons and their families to meet to discuss work-based learning, ACT preparation supports, and ways in which you can take classes at local colleges. Please register for one of the following workshops:
Thursday, August 17 at 6:30pm in the Oconomowoc Arts Center—Click here to register
Wednesday, August 30 at 6:30pm in the Oconomowoc Arts Center—Click here to register
Class of 2024: Senior College Pathway Night (Wednesday, September 13)
There will be a Class of 2024: Senior College Pathway Night on Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30pm in the OAC. You can choose one or more of the different sectionals to attend:
The College Application Process
Scholarship Opportunities
Completing the FAFSA: the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance
You can click here to sign up.
Clubs and Activities
A new year is a great time to join a new club! We will have our annual club fair during Open House on Tuesday, August 29 from 2-4pm and on the Freshmen First Day of School. In addition, mark your calendar for our annual Homecoming Week Club Fair on Tuesday, September 26, during our lunch period.
New Student Family Dinners
New-to-OHS families with Raccoons entering Sophomore, Junior, and/or Senior year are invited to discuss your transition and to learn more about the OHS operations and culture on Monday, August 28 at 6:30pm. Click here to register.
Supply Lists
Supplies for classes were either purchased as part of the course fee that you paid at registration or will be shared with students on the first day of class.
Planning Ahead
Homecoming 2023 (Sunday, September 24-Saturday, September 30)
Who is ready to go for the gold with an O-Lympic theme for this year’s homecoming festivities?! The party starts on Sunday, September 24 with downtown Window Painting at 10:00am and will conclude with the annual Homecoming Dance at 8:00pm on Saturday, September 30. Click here to check out the Homecoming information, which outlines the themes and all of the events scheduled throughout the week. Highlights include:
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Sunday, September 24 |
10:00am |
Window Painting- Downtown |
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Monday, September 25 |
8:55am |
Homecoming Court Videos on RCC |
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Wednesday, September 27 |
6:30pm |
Powderpuff Football Game at Rux Stadium |
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Friday, September 29 |
1:50pm |
Homecoming Pep Rally- Gale Douglas Field House |
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Friday, September 29 |
5:15pm |
Homecoming Parade- Downtown! |
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Friday, September 29 |
7:00pm |
Football Game and Marching Band Performance |
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Saturday, September 30 |
12:00pm |
Community Tours of OHS- Gale Douglas Field House |
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Saturday, September 30 |
8:00pm-11:00pm |
Homecoming Dance- Upper Gym |
Important Dates
For those who plan ahead, please mark your calendars for other important dates and events occurring between now and the end of the first term on Friday, November 3.
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Tuesday, September 5 |
7:20am-2:40pm |
Freshmen First Day of School- Only Freshmen |
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Wednesday, September 6 |
7:20am-2:40pm |
First Day of Classes for All Grades |
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Thursday, October 5 |
3:15pm-7:15pm |
Family-Teacher Conferences |
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Monday, October 9 |
All Day |
No School |
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Tuesday, October 17 |
All Day |
Career, College, and Life Readiness Day (Details) |
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Thursday, October 26 |
11:38am |
Early Release |
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Friday, October 27 |
All Day |
No School |
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Thursday, November 2 |
All Day |
Block A and C Term Exams (Schedule) |
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Friday, November 3 |
All Day |
Block B and D Term Exams (Schedule) |
