End of the School Year Reminders and Schedules

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Hey Raccoon Community!

Well, that flew by! The final days of school are here, and I want to wish everyone a relaxing and fun summer! This past school year has been one of my favorites of all time. As we emerged from the challenges of the last two years, I was impressed by our community's commitment to get back on track. Our Raccoons were engaged and eager to take advantage of all the opportunities that we provide at OHS, our staff worked harder than ever to address the individual academic and developmental needs of each of our Raccoons, and our parents and community partners were always willing and ready to lend a helping hand. Everyone deserves the slower pace that comes with the summer months and I wish everyone a safe and fun summer! 

Outlined below are several updates regarding the close of the school year. Please take a moment to review them and let me know if you have any questions.

Jason

 

Final Exams: Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9

• You can click here to view the final exam schedule for June 8 and June 9. 
• Students are welcome to leave at 12:10 p.m. However, buses will not depart until their regular departure time of 2:47 p.m. Students staying after their exams are invited to hang out in the Field House lobby. Lunch will be served.
• Term 4 report cards will be posted on the morning of Monday, June 13.

 

Last Day of School & Graduation Rehearsal: Friday, June 10

• Because we will have already given exams and there’s a tight turnaround time to publish report cards, the last day of school is a scheduled half-day and is designed for students to make up any last-minute assignments or tie up any loose ends. 
• Dismissal will occur at 11:38 a.m. and the buses will leave at OHS at 11:47 a.m. Please click here to review the schedule.
• Seniors should report to OHS at their assigned times for graduation rehearsal by counselor:
• Bakkum (Last Names A-D) 7:30-9:00 a.m.
• Fisher (Last Names E-Ka) 8:15-9:45 a.m.
• Verhagen (Last Names Ke-O) 9:00-10:30 a.m.
• Black and Schultz (Last Names P-Z) 9:45-11:15 a.m.

 

Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, June 11 

• Our entire community is invited to attend the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Rux Stadium. 
• Details on (about) graduation, including livestream options, are available on the Class of 2022 Senior Celebrations website, which is available by clicking here.

 

Summer School at OHS

• O-Power will begin on Monday, June 13, while our regular summer school classes will begin on Monday, June 20. If you have any questions about summer school, please contact your counselor or Krista Werchowski at (WerchowK@oasd.org).

 

Registration and Details for the Start of the 2022-2023 School Year

• In mid to late June, I will send an email with important information and dates as we look toward the start of next school year. 

 

OHS Summer Hours

• From Monday, June 20-Friday, July 29, our office is open from 8:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. During that time, we will be able to process work permits. In order to get your permit, please remember to bring:
• Your original birth certificate 
• A letter indicating a job offer from your employer
• $10 for the processing fee 
• Parental permission to work (letter with signature)
• Student must be present to sign

 

End-of-the-Year Student Services Newsletter

You can click here to review the end-of-the-year Student Services newsletter. This edition outlines some changes to our counselor assignments and introduces Mr. Bakkum’s replacement, Mr. Alex Eidman, and our new counselor and 504 coordinator, Ms. Brianne McGuire.

Upcoming Senior Celebrations Updates and Reminders!

 
Monday, May 23, 2022 
 
Hello Class of 2022 and Families!
 
We continue to draw closer to the end of the year…you can feel the excitement and energy around campus!
 
Heading into next week, I want to call your attention to some of the upcoming events and celebrations planned for the senior class. Check them out below and let me know if you have any questions.
 
As a reminder, seniors will be dismissed from classes at about 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 and should report to the Gale Douglas Field House in order to pick up their Caps and Gowns. In addition, we will be taking our class photo and going over the following important information.
 
Finally, you can click here to access all the important details and information arounds senior celebrations and the Commencement Ceremony.
 
Have a great week!
Jason
 
Celebrate Your Future Week (May 30-June 3)
MAY 30-JUNE 3
 
Families and friends are invited to join the Oconomowoc High School community as we celebrate the seniors who have committed to the military, workforce, apprenticeships, and  2-year and 4-year colleges during the following events:
 
Monday, May 30 
Memorial Day Ceremony (8:00-8:15 a.m.) on the OASD Facebook Page
We will honor our Raccoons committing to the military and honor our alumni and families who have served in our Armed Forces with this special Memorial Day Event. Join us on Facebook Live @oconomowocschools at 8:00 a.m. This ceremony is being coordinated and facilitated by the students in our Advanced Placement U.S. History class.
 
Senior Tribute Signs and Recognition
This weekend, Stadium Drive will be lined with recognition signs honoring each member of the senior class. The signs will showcase stickers indicating their contribution to the legacy of Oconomowoc High School. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to drive or walk around campus to check out these signs. The signs are for you to keep. However, we ask that you leave them on campus for our community to see and in recognition of Celebrate Your Future Week until after school on Thursday, June 2.
 
Tuesday, May 31 
Military Commitment Day (8:55-9:35 a.m.) at Rux Stadium
We will recognize the seniors enlisting in the Armed Forces in a special school-wide celebration at Rux Stadium. Please email Lauren Black at BlackL@oasd.org to ensure your military recruit is registered to participate. Family and friends hoping to participate should meet at Rux Stadium by 8:30 a.m.
 
Wednesday, June 1
Apprenticeship and Workforce Signing Day (8:55-9:35 a.m.) at the Oconomowoc Arts Center
We will recognize the seniors committing to various apprenticeships in the skilled trades and employment opportunities in a ceremony at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Please contact Kyla Stefan at StefanK@oasd.org to ensure your senior who is committing to an apprenticeship or the workforce is accurately registered for this special event. Family and friends hoping to watch this special ceremony should enter the Oconomowoc Arts Center any time after 8:30 a.m.
 
Thursday, June 2
2-Year and 4-Year College Commitment Parade (9:15-9:35 a.m.) at the Gale Douglas Field House
Seniors attending various 2- and 4-year colleges should dress up in gear and colors from their new school and showcase their college commitment. At the start of Pride, students will assemble in the Oconomowoc Arts Center and at 9:15 a.m. begin to parade down Raccoon Runway. Families and friends wanting to watch the parade can meet in the Gale Douglas Field House lobby at 9:00 a.m.
 
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION EVENTS & FINAL EXAMS
June 6-10
 
Monday, June 6 
Class of 2022 Academic & Community Honors Night (6:30-9:00 p.m.) in the Oconomowoc Arts Center
This year, the Class of 2022 Academic and Community Honors Night will recognize those members of the Class of 2022 for the following awards:

·  Local Scholarship recipients

·  Academic Excellence and Technical Excellence Scholarship Recipients

·  IB Diploma Programme Candidates

·  IB Career-related Programme Candidates

·  Straight A’s for seven consecutive semesters

·  Top 10% of the OHS Class of 2022

·  Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Susan Verhagen coordinates this event and will be sending out Invitations out the week of May 23rd to those students being recognized at the Class of 2022 Academic and Community Honors Night. 

Any questions, please contact Susan Verhagen at verhags@oasd.org

Tuesday, June 7 
Class of 2022 Community-Wide Recognition and Parades
Seniors are asked to wear their graduation regalia as we take our final field trip of our high school careers. Graduation recognizes not only the completion of your high school journey, but the culmination of 12 years of education. As a class, we will visit our district’s elementary and intermediate schools to honor our former teachers and inspire the next generation of Raccoons who will build on the legacy that the class of 2022 is leaving behind. 
 
The day will conclude with a Farewell Assembly for the Senior Class at about 1:30. Families are more than encouraged to attend and should arrive by 1:15pm.
 
 
Other Important Reminders
 

• Personalized Caps and Dress: We want to personalize the Commencement Ceremony to reflect your career and college goals. Therefore, students/families may request exemptions from the traditional commencement ceremony robes by June 8 at 3:00pm. Please email Mr. Curtis directly (CurtisJ@oasd.org) to request one of the following exemptions: 

• Students wishing to design their graduation caps are welcome to do so. We will approve designs that reflect a positive message and your college or career goals.

•  In addition, students entering an apprenticeship program or fire-fighting program are invited to wear their respective helmets instead of the traditional cap. 

• Students enlisting in the military are invited to wear their dress blues instead of the traditional commencement robes. Please check with your recruiter on the appropriate attire.

• The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed. You can click here to access the site. In addition, we will post the link as a pop-up on graduation morning on our district webpage. If they can’t attend the Commencement Ceremony,  friends and family can watch the livestream from a computer anywhere in the world or from the air-conditioned comfort of the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

• Seats at the Commencement Ceremony are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gates to Rux Stadium will open at approximately 6am when we begin to set up for the ceremony. You are welcome to come and reserve seats and return later. However, the only way to guarantee your spot is reserved is if you leave a family member to reserve your seats. The concession stand will be open!

Class of 2022 Celebrations and Commencement Ceremony: Updated Information and Reminders

 
Friday, May 13, 2022
 
Hello Class of 2022 Graduates and Families!
 
We are now less than one month away from graduation! The next few weeks will be busy with all the celebrations we have planned to recognize this amazing class and each of you. Below is an outline of important reminders and new information as we move into the last month of the school year. You can also click here to review the class of 2022 Graduation website. 
 
As a reminder, please contact me at CurtisJ@oasd.org if you have any questions!

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Jason

 
NEW INFORMATION

• Community Parades and Farewell Assembly: On Tuesday, June 7, our graduates will participate in a city-wide parade honoring their legacy and inspiring a future generation of Raccoons. Students should wear their caps, gowns, and recognition cords. Buses leave OHS at 9:00 am and will stop for a parade at each elementary and intermediate school in the district. You can click here to see the schedule. Parents of seniors are reminded to log into Family Access to complete the permission slip posted under Forms. We invite community members and family to wave and greet the students when they drive through downtown at approximately  10:50am. The day will conclude with our schoolwide Farewell Assembly and Pep Rally. Families wishing to attend should arrive at the Gale Douglas Field House no later than 1:30pm. The event will also be livestreamed and recorded on this site.

• Personalized Caps and Dress: We want to personalize the Commencement Ceremony to reflect your career and college goals. Therefore, students/families may request exemptions from the traditional commencement ceremony robes by June 8 at 3:00pm. Please email Mr. Curtis directly (CurtisJ@oasd.org) to request one of the following exemptions: 

• Students wishing to design their graduation caps are welcome to do so. We will approve designs that reflect a positive message and your college or career goals.

•  In addition, students entering an apprenticeship program or fire-fighting program are invited to wear their respective helmets instead of the traditional cap. 

• Students enlisting in the military are invited to wear their dress blues instead of the traditional commencement robes. Please check with your recruiter on the appropriate attire.

• Commencement Ceremony Dress Code: The Commencement Ceremony is a formal event. We encourage students to dress in a way that reflects the importance of this special day. While there is not a formal dress code, traditionally students have worn business casual attire under their robes. Photos will be taken throughout the day and families are more than welcome to take photos around campus and on the field at Rux Stadium after the ceremony.

 
 
Reminders:

• A comprehensive communication was sent to all seniors and their families on Thursday, April 14. The communication outlined all the dates, times, and details for the senior celebrations and provided details on the Commencement Ceremony. You can click here to review and re-read the details shared in that letter. 

• I predict that it will be 74 degrees and sunny on graduation day! However, in case I am wrong, the letter above outlines our inclement weather plan. Please take note of our contingency plans as you arrange for travel and family parties. 

• The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed. You can click here to access the site. In addition, we will post the link as a pop-up on graduation morning on our district webpage. If they can’t attend the Commencement Ceremony,  friends and family can watch the livestream from a computer anywhere in the world or from the air-conditioned comfort of the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

• Seats at the Commencement Ceremony are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gates to Rux Stadium will open at approximately 6am when we begin to set up for the ceremony. You are welcome to come and reserve seats and return later. However, the only way to guarantee your spot is reserved is if you leave a family member to reserve your seats. The concession stand will be open!

• We ask that families needing handicap accessible seating contact Christine McCartney (McCartnC@oasd.org) by Noon on Wednesday, June 8.

• Remember, you can preorder your flowers for your graduate at https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/oconomowoc/. Pre-Ordered flowers will be available to pick up at the Commencement Ceremony.

Class of 2022: Senior Celebration and Graduation Information!

Thursday, April 14, 2022
 
Hello Class of 2022 Students and Families! Who is ready to GRADUATE!?

As we move into the last weeks of the school year, I am excited to share our initial graduation and end-of-year celebrations with you! As we mark the end of your high school journey, I look forward to joining you in celebrating both your personal achievements and the collective accomplishments of the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2022. 
 
Throughout the end of May and into early June, we have several celebrations planned. Hopefully these give you a chance to reminisce about your educational experience, thank those who have been influential in your life, and help you look forward to a new chapter in your life. Please check out the details below and watch for continued updates throughout the spring.
 
I am so proud of each of you, and I look forward to a fun spring ahead! As always, please email me at CurtisJ@oasd.org if you have any questions!

Go Raccoons!
Jason

 

CLASS OF 2022 RECOGNITION EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS 

Mark your calendars for the following celebrations. More details will be shared closer to each day!

 
CAP AND GOWN DISTRIBUTION & CLASS PICTURE
Wednesday, May 25 (1:45-2:40 p.m.)
 
We will run a modified schedule and seniors will be released from Pride to pick up their cap and gown and senior recognition cords in the Gale Douglas Field House. This special event is a chance to come together as an entire senior class and for you to have one last meeting with your counselor, collect your memorabilia, and take those first photos in your cap and gown!
 
Seniors taking classes off-campus should plan to attend. If you cannot make it, please email your counselor to make alternative arrangements. 
 
CELEBRATE YOUR FUTURE WEEK
MAY 30-JUNE 3
 
Families and friends are invited to join the Oconomowoc High School community as we celebrate the seniors who have committed to the military, workforce, apprenticeships, and  2-year and 4-year colleges during the following events:
 
Monday, May 30 
Memorial Day Ceremony (8:00-8:30 a.m.) on the OASD Facebook Page
We will honor our Raccoons committing to the military and honor our alumni and families who have served in our Armed Forces with this special Memorial Day Event. Join us on Facebook Live @oconomowocschools at 8:00 a.m. 
 
Senior Tribute Signs and Recognition
On the afternoon of Monday, May 30, Stadium Drive will be lined with recognition signs honoring each member of the senior class. The signs will showcase stickers indicating their contribution to the legacy of Oconomowoc High School. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to drive or walk around campus to check out these signs. The signs are for you to keep. However, we ask that you leave them on campus for our community to see and in recognition of Celebrate Your Future Week until after school on Thursday, June 2.
 
Tuesday, May 31 
Military Commitment Day (8:55-9:35 a.m.) at Rux Stadium
We will recognize the seniors enlisting in the Armed Forces in a special school-wide celebration at Rux Stadium. Please email Lauren Black at BlackL@oasd.org to ensure your military recruit is registered to participate. Family and friends hoping to participate should meet at Rux Stadium by 8:30 a.m.
 
Wednesday, June 1
Apprenticeship and Workforce Signing Day (8:55-9:35 a.m.) at the Oconomowoc Arts Center
We will recognize the seniors committing to various apprenticeships in the skilled trades and employment opportunities in a ceremony at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Please contact Kyla Stefan at StefanK@oasd.org to ensure your senior who is committing to an apprenticeship or the workforce is accurately registered for this special event. Family and friends hoping to watch this special ceremony should enter the Oconomowoc Arts Center any time after 8:30 a.m.
 
Thursday, June 2
2-Year and 4-Year College Commitment Parade (9:15-9:35 a.m.) at the Gale Douglas Field House
Seniors attending various 2- and 4-year colleges should dress up in gear and colors from their new school and showcase their college commitment. At the start of Pride, students will assemble in the Oconomowoc Arts Center and at 9:15 a.m. begin to parade down Raccoon Runway. Families and friends wanting to watch the parade can meet in the Gale Douglas Field House lobby at 9:00 a.m.
 
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION EVENTS & FINAL EXAMS
June 6-10
 
Monday, June 6 
Class of 2022 Academic & Community Honors Night (6:30-9:00 p.m.) in the Oconomowoc Arts Center
We will recognize our seniors receiving various awards and scholarships at our Academic and Community Honors Night. Susan Verhagen coordinates this event and will be in touch regarding a formal invitation and details in the coming month. If your senior is receiving an award or scholarship, please report this information to Susan Verhagen at VerhagS@oasd.org.
 
Tuesday, June 7 
Class of 2022 Community-Wide Recognition and Parades
Seniors are asked to wear their graduation regalia as we take our final field trip of our high school careers. Graduation recognizes not only the completion of your high school journey, but the culmination of 12 years of education. As a class, we will visit our district’s elementary and intermediate schools to honor our former teachers and inspire the next generation of Raccoons who will build on the legacy that the class of 2022 is leaving behind. 
 
Seniors should report to the Gale Douglas Field House at 8:45 a.m. with their caps, gowns, and academic regalia. Lunch will be provided.
 
Raccoon Community Senior Sendoff (1:45-2:40 p.m.) in the Gale Douglas Field House
Family and friends are invited to join our entire OHS community as we celebrate and send-off the Class of 2022. As a community, we have so much to celebrate from this past year. Please join us in the Field House as we share a few laughs, recognize our retiring staff members, and remember some of the highlights of this past year.
 
Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9
Final Exams
Seniors should report to OHS for Final Exams. We will run a modified schedule with students released at 12:10 p.m. each day.
 
Friday, June 10 
Last Day of School and Graduation Rehearsal 
Seniors are required to come back to campus at specific times for a send-off breakfast, small recognition ceremony, and graduation rehearsal. Below are the specific times, by counselor, that each senior should report:

• Bakkum (Last Names A-D) 7:30-9:00 a.m.

• Fisher (Last Names E-Ka) 8:15-9:45 a.m.

• Verhagen (Last Names Ke-O) 9:00-10:30 a.m.

• Black and Schultz (Last Names P-Z) 9:45-11:15 a.m.

 

CLASS OF 2022 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 AT 10:00 A.M.

OHS RUX STADIUM

 
The Commencement Ceremony for the Oconomowoc High School Class of 2022 will occur at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Rux Stadium. Seniors should report to the Gale Douglas Field House by 8:45 a.m. in their caps and gowns for photos and to line up. With more than 400 seniors graduating, we anticipate the ceremony will last about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Additional details about the ceremony are outlined below. If you have any questions, please email myself (CurtisJ@oasd.org) or Christine McCartney (McCartnC@oasd.org):
 
Event Protocols and Logistics

• Seating: Graduates are invited to bring an unlimited number of guests to the ceremony. Seating is done on a first come, first serve basis with the gates opening at 6:00 a.m. Families needing accommodations for handicap accessible seating should email Christine McCartney (McCartnC@oasd.org) to make specific arrangements prior to Wednesday, June 8 at 12:00 p.m.. 

• Livestream Viewing: The ceremony will be livestreamed so that individuals who cannot attend can watch this special event live. A link will be shared closer to the event. In addition, the Oconomowoc Arts Center will be open to the public to watch the livestream of the ceremony in a comfortable and air-conditioned setting. 

• Flowers: You can preorder flowers for your graduate at: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/oconomowoc/. You will be able to pick up your flowers on graduation day at OHS.

• Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be postponed to later in the day. If the weather forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms throughout the day, the ceremony will be moved to Sunday, June 12, with a tentative start time of 1:00 p.m. If it is still raining on Sunday afternoon, the ceremony will be moved into the Gale Douglas Field House. Our primary goal is to have the event on Saturday, even if that means it happens later in the evening.

• Diplomas: Diplomas will be available to pick up in the Gale Douglas Field House after the ceremony.

• More Details in May: I will contact seniors about the dress code, cap decoration, and other important details in late May.