Relay for Life - Location Change

Due to the rainy weather, tonight's Relay for Life at Oconomowoc High School will be moved inside the Field House.

Please arrive between 5:00-5:45 p.m. for check-in. The opening ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The “Students 4 Service” club at Oconomowoc High School (OHS)  is hosting the 1^st Annual Relay for Life on Friday, May 11, from 6:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.  This event will help raise money for the American Cancer Society.  The event will be held at the OHS outdoor track and will include a “survivor” lap.  OHS students are invited to form teams, and any staff or community member interested in participating in the “survivor” lap can sign up online. 

In addition to the Relay for Life, students are selling OHS Athletic “O” Pop Sockets. If interested, Pop Sockets are selling for $10 each on the district's online store.  Purchases will be delivered to your designated school. 

Please contact Susan Verhagen at VerhagS@oasd.org or Jennifer Hoffman at HoffmannJe@oasd.org with questions. Thank you in advance for your support!

The correct use of capitalization is an integral part of grammar instruction and students at Nature Hill Intermediate are using a new, supplemental program called Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions, to improve their use of capitalization.  “As much as we love technology, our students are texting and using messaging and unfortunately, that technology reinforces some bad habits,” said Nature Hill Intermediate 6^th grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, Melissa Krahn.  “The lack of capitalization for the letter I, or using the letter “u” instead of “you,” are just a few examples,” she added.

To help students improve their grammar skills, Nature Hill teachers have spent this school year introducing Fundamental of Grammar and Conventions.  “One of the things we have found as English Language Arts professionals is that we have a wonderful curriculum we love.  However, we have not had quite the systematic teaching of grammar in that curriculum…and that showed in our student’s application and writing skills,” said Krahn.  Fundamentals of Grammar provides that systematic approach to complement the existing language arts curriculum and the program spans Kindergarten through 8^th grade, so students will receive consistent reinforcement of these skills as they move through the grades.

At the Oconomowoc Area School District Board of Education Meeting on May 15, teachers and students from Nature Hill shared some of the tools they’re using to connect their grammar work to other classroom lessons.  One of the capitalization tools is called, “Capitalize with M.I.N.T.S.,” a mnemonic that helps students remember the five times they should use capitalization – months, the letter I, names, titles, and at the start of sentences.

Nature Hill Intermediate 5^th grade teacher, Amy Jappinen, recently used the “M.I.N.T.S.” tool to connect a grammar lesson to the Revolutionary War research papers her students were writing.  After their papers were complete, students used the tool to examine their work and identify each place one of the “M.I.N.T.S.” rules was used. 

“Grammar instruction is so important because it will not go away as you get older.  It will only be used in more difficult writing,” said Nature Hill 8^th grader, Gabby Schreiber.  “Learning many aspects of grammar in elementary and middle school has helped me with all kinds of assignments and writing,” she added.

“Our goal at Nature Hill is continued growth, and we’re looking forward to focusing on what students need for continued progress next year,” said Nature Hill Associate Principal Ali Hedrick.

Nature Hill 7^th grade ELA teacher, Sarah Coenen added, “We’re learning that the implementation of a new curriculum is a process.  Growth isn’t going to happen overnight, the key to success is the consistent exposure to grammar, year after year.”

Nature Hill Intermediate School teachers and students presented The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions, to the OASD School Board at their Tuesday, May 15, 2018 meeting.

Back, left to right:  Nature Hill 7^th Grade ELA Teacher, Sarah Coenen, Nature Hill Associate Principal, Ali Hedrick, 6^th Grade ELA Teacher, Melissa Krahn, Nature Hill Principal, Chuck Olson

Middle, left to right: Nature Hill Literacy Coach, Rachel Quill

Front, left to right: Nature Hill 8^th Grade Students, Gabby Schreiber, Anna Baucom, and Taylor Hedrick

Mark your calendars for the 1st Annual Raccoon Rally!  OHS Student Council will host this pregame family carnival and community event on Friday, September 7, 2018, from 3:00-8:00 p.m.  The entire community is welcome to Rux Stadium for the evening!  Part of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Oconomowoc Area Foundation.  

The rally features:

• Inflatables

• DJ

• Carnival games organized by various OHS clubs, teams, and area businesses

• Face painting

• Food

• Performance stage

We are pleased to announce that Oconomowoc High School will be offering Girls Hockey as a WIAA sport starting with the 2018-19 school year. Girls Hockey is a winter sport and we will be participating in the Arrowhead High School Co-op, which also includes Sussex Hamilton High School and Kettle Moraine High School. All practices and home matches will be played at the Mullett Center which is located on the Arrowhead High School campus.

OHS Girls playing hockey will have their OHS Athletic Fee of $150.00 waived but will be required to purchase their own equipment and pay the Arrowhead hockey fee. Student Athletes will also be required to provide their own transportation to the Mullet Center for practices and games. A bus will be provided for all away matches and that bus will always leave from the Mullett Center.

We were just notified that the current Head Coach, Andy Smith, recently resigned to pursue another job opportunity out of state. Once more information is available we will share it with our student athletes and parents.

If your daughter plans to participate in tryouts, please contact Beth Loppnow in the OHS Athletic Office, loppnowb@oasd.org or call (262) 560-3111, by August 1, 2018.

We are thankful for the opportunity to join the Co-op and excited offer a new sport to our students.

Go Raccoons!

#oconpride

Download the “Color Me Oconomowoc” coloring book, created by Summit Elementary School 4^th-graders with the help of their teacher, Jill LaGrange. 

The coloring book was created through a grant from The Imagine A Day, Courtney Bella Foundation, and a partnership with the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society & Museum.

The last Learners and Leaders District newsletter of the 2017-18 school year is now available.

Oconomowoc High School's Rux Stadium will be closed on Tuesday, July 10th for field maintenance. There will be no public access to the stadium or the track for that day.

The International Thespian Society at Oconomowoc High School (OHS) is offering a free theater workshop for kids entering grades 2 -7. Spend the day acting, singing, dancing, learning about the technical side of theater, and having fun!

Saturday, July 21st

Oconomowoc Arts Center (641 E. Forest Street, Oconomowoc)

9:30 a.m. - Arrival and check-in

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Workshop

Registration is required for the event, please sign-up online at: https://bit.ly/2KNuLUU.

Oconomowoc Area School District online registration for the 2018-19 school year is open now through August 8, 2018. The registration process is available through your online Family Access account. It is imperative that you complete the registration process by August 8, to ensure accurate student records on the first day of school.

You are required to complete the registration process for each student. Upon completion of online registration, you will receive an email confirming that you have completed the process. If you do not receive an email, please login to your online Family Access account to verify that the process is complete for each student.

Registration Assistance Available:

• Computer access will be available at Meadow View Elementary, Nature Hill Intermediate, Silver Lake Intermediate, and Oconomowoc High School during normal summer office hours. Please visit www.oasd.org/SchoolRegistration for the summer hours at each location.
• There will also be access at Greenland Elementary during summer school hours, which are: June 18 – July 27, 2018, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (closed on July 4, 2018).
• For families who have not completed the registration process prior to August 8, computer stations and assistance will be available at Oconomowoc High School on August 8, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Please note, a $25 late fee will be assessed for all registrations completed after August 8, 2018. Schedules and teacher assignments will be visible in Family Access on August 20, only to families who have completed online registration.

NEW 1:1 Chromebook Program Information:

• Starting in the 2018-19 school year, the 1:1 Chromebook Program will be introduced for students in grades 4-7.
• The cost for optional Chromebook insurance is being reduced from $35 to $25.
• Additional information on the Chromebook program is available at www.oasd.org/Chromebook.

Athletic Registration Process for OHS & 7th and 8th Grade Intermediate Students:

• To be eligible to participate in a sport, a student must complete a separate Athletics Registration process by July 31, 2018. Visit www.oasd.org/AthleticRegistration, for step-by-step instructions.

District Nurses and Health Services Team Available On August 8, 2018:

• District Health Services team members will be available for walk-in appointments at Oconomowoc High School on August 8, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. to discuss any health/medical questions or concerns regarding your student.
• Families can also use this opportunity to drop off medications and health paperwork to District Health Staff for students attending any of our schools.
• If you would like to schedule an appointment on a different day to discuss the medical needs of your child, please contact Jody Ernser, District Nurse Assistant, at (262)-560-2114 or ErnserJ@oasd.org.

The Oconomowoc Police Department will be holding an officer training session at Oconomowoc High School, August 2-3. Please expect a police presence around the Oconomowoc Arts Center and Oconomowoc High School on both days. Current athletic events and construction projects will continue during the training.

Tina Heinecke-Kurtz, Social Studies and Science Teacher at Silver Lake Intermediate School, has been selected as a 2018 Museum Teacher Fellow by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Kurtz was one of 24 educators nation-wide, chosen for the program. Educators must show evidence of extensive knowledge of Holocaust history, successful teaching experience, and participation in community and professional organizations. Selection preference is given to applicants who have attended the Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National Conference for Educators, which Kurtz attended last year.

As a Museum Teacher Fellow, Kurtz was invited to a five-day institute in Washington, DC, designed to immerse Fellows in advanced historical issues and teaching training. Established in 1996, the Museum Teacher Fellowship Program has developed a national corps of skilled educators to help lead the Museum's efforts to ensure quality Holocaust education in secondary schools. Kurtz is one of 394 Museum Teacher Fellows who has completed the program since its inception.

"The Museum Teacher Fellows play a vital role in bringing the lessons of the Holocaust to communities around the country," says Gretchen Skidmore, director of the Museum's education initiatives in the Levine Institute for Holocaust Education. "Teaching students critical thinking skills as well as providing resources that encourage in-depth examination of how and why the Holocaust happened are key components of the Museum's ongoing engagement with educators across the country."

As a Fellow, Kurtz will work to create and implement an outreach project in the community, then share her work with other Fellows at a conference next July.

Tina Heinecke-Kurtz, Silver Lake Intermediate School Teacher

Oconomowoc High School (OHS) Counselor, Scott Bakkum, has been invited to serve on the State Superintendent's Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory (AODA) Council. Bakkum was identified for participation by current council members and by staff from the Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center.

Bakkum has been a school counselor at OHS for the past 20 years and also serves as an advisor for the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club, is the AFS program staff liaison and is the AODA program coordinator for the district. He will serve as an AODA council member for an initial two-year term with the option to renew his service for another two years. The Council provides advice and recommendations on the design of comprehensive AODA programs, which includes the AODA grant and student mini-grant programs. "I'm excited and honored to join this advisory council and continue our work on these very critical AODA topics," said Bakkum, about the honor. Bakkum's service will begin in the fall of 2018.

Gals Institute & the Oconomowoc Area School District invites you to attend a FREE viewing of the documentary Screenagers.

Screenagers is a documentary created and directed by Delaney Ruston, a physician and film director. The film describes what it is like growing up in a tech-saturated world and the importance of balance between screen time and screen-free time. Through poignant stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, Screenagers reveals how tech time impacts kids' development and offers solutions for adults who hope to empower their children to establish the right balance.

We will also explore how screen time looks different in a school setting versus free time at home. An expert panel discussion will follow the 70-minute documentary. Panelists will help your family establish balance and increase your parenting toolkit!

Students in grades 5-12 welcome to attend with parents.

September 12, 2018

The Oconomowoc Arts Center
641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc

Parent Resource Fair in the OAC Lobby: 6:00 p.m.

Documentary Show Times:
6:30 p.m.

About GALS Insitute LLC:

• Prevention & Healing for the Individual, Family & Adolescent.
• GALS Institute offers services and workshops for ages 5 and up, males and females. Check out galsinstitute.com for upcoming events.
• For more information about this workshop or our services contact us at gals.ocommunity@gmail.com

WE NEED YOU! FOOD SERVICE IS HIRING!

September, 2018

Are you looking for a PART-TIME JOB that works around your kid's school schedule? Do you want to have nights, weekends, holidays & summers off? Sodexo Food Service is looking for hard working talented people to become a part of the Oconomowoc Area School District Foodservice Team. We are currently looking to fill part-time positions in food service at Oconomowoc High School & Park Lawn Elementary. Shifts are Monday – Friday days, hours vary 6am-1pm, 9am-130pm, no nights, holidays or weekends. Unemployment Eligible for all time off during school closures and breaks, including summer. Food service experience helpful. Must be friendly and enjoy serving kids of all ages and be available to work over the lunch periods. Not a benefit eligible position.

To apply: Please visit www.sodexousa.jobs.com to fill out an online application or click the links below: Requisition for EZ searching: Cook #2018-19635; Cashier #2018-19631

Cook, High School, 1 open position, to apply click the link below: http://sodexo.balancetrak.com/201819635

Cashier/FSW, High School, 2 open positions, to apply click the link below: http://sodexo.balancetrak.com/201819631

Cashier & Cook, Park Lawn Elementary, 1 open position

http://sodexo.balancetrak.com/201819635

If you have questions regarding the positions, please contact:

Tina Hohlfeld,

Director of Food & Nutrition Services

262-560-2146

HohlfeldT@oasd.org

Sodexo will require a background check

OCONOMOWOC, WI- June 24, 2018. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) announced today that Kyla Stefan has accepted the position of School to Career Coordinator at OASD. Stefan will fill the position previously held by Greg Benz, who helped rebuild necessary community business partnerships in the areas of manufacturing and transportation over the past 12 months.

Stefan moves into her role after 11 years as the Business Education teacher at Oconomowoc High School (OHS). The OASD is proud to have Stefan continue the important job of connecting students with our community business partners, growing the OHS Career Technical Education (CTE) Program.

OASD Curriculum & Instruction Director John Flannery stated, "OHS is excited to announce Kyla Stefan as our new Coordinator of Career Programming. Kyla has been an instrumental leader within the OHS CTE Program as a Business Education teacher over the past 11 years. She has demonstrated an ability to build strong community partnerships, which is essential as we continue to develop our manufacturing, computer science, and transportation pathways." He went on to say, "The district, high school administration, and teaching staff have made significant efforts to elevate the vocational education programming in our high school over the past several years. We are very confident Kyla will continue to foster the necessary relationships with our community partners to afford exceptional opportunities for our OASD students."

"After 13 years in the classroom I am excited to be transitioning into a new role that allows me to still connect with students, but also work with more staff and the community, providing a variety of opportunities for all to learn and grow. I believe we have phenomenal things going on in our CTE department and I look forward to showcasing them in our community," said Kyla Stefan.

Stefan brings incredible experience to her new position, including multiple awards and recognitions. She is a Jostens National Award of Excellence recipient for her work with the OHS Yearbook class, a Lorraine Missling Outstanding Business Educator award recipient, and a WeBit Board Member and Facilitator. She has been the advisor for the OHS chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for 11 years, mentoring students through 11 national competitions, hosting a Regional FBLA competition, and organizing the 2012 FBLA Wisconsin Fall Leadership Conference.

Stefan received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Education from UW-Whitewater and her Masters of Science degree in Educational Technology from Marian University. She began her career as a Business Teacher at Oshkosh West High School before beginning her tenure at OHS. She also acted as an Adjunct Instructor for Marian University's Educational Technology Master's Program for four years.

OHS Principal Jason Curtis added, "As a teacher and advisor, Kyla has found unique and innovative ways to give her students meaningful and authentic learning experiences. She takes time to get to know each student's individual interests so she can provide new opportunities that introduce them to various aspects of the business world. Kyla's experience as an OHS teacher will allow her to build upon the relationships and partnerships we've already established, as we launch our automotive and manufacturing programs."

The future of this program is bright, and the District looks forward to watching Stefan further grow our community business partnerships and continue connecting students with important hands on learning and career opportunities.

###

Photo:

District News

View the best OASD social media pictures and posts from this week by clicking here!

OHS COUNSELOR INVITED TO SERVE ON STATE COUNCIL: OHS Counselor, Scott Bakkum, has been invited to serve on the State Superintendent's Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory (AODA) Council. He'll serve as an AODA council member for an initial two-year term with the option to renew his service for another two years. As a council member, he'll provide advice and recommendations on the design of comprehensive AODA programs, including the AODA grant and student mini-grant programs. Congratulations Mr. Bakkum!

SLI TEACHER SELECTED AS A 2018 MUSEUM TEACHER FELLOW: Silver Lake Intermediate Teacher, Tina Heinecke-Kurtz, has been selected as a 2018 Museum Teacher Fellow by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Kurtz was one of 24 educators nation-wide, selected for the program. As a Museum Teacher Fellow, Kurtz was invited to a five-day institute in Washington, DC, designed to immerse Fellows in advanced historical issues and teaching training. Congratulations Mrs. Kurtz!

OHS TEACHER, KYLA STEFAN, IS NEW SCHOOL TO CAREER COORDINATOR: OHS Business Education Teacher, Kyla Stefan, has accepted the position of School to Career Coordinator for the OASD. In this new role, Stefan will continue the important job of connecting students with our community business partners, growing the OHS Career Technical Education Program. The future of this program is bright and we look forward to watching Stefan further grow our community business partnership opportunities for students.

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR: Online registration for the next school year is open now through August 8. You can access online registration through your online Family Access account and must complete the registration process for each student by August 8, to ensure accurate records on the first day of school. For more information on the Online Registration process, please visit www.oasd.org/SchoolRegistration.

OCONOMOWOC POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING AT OHS IN AUGUST: The Oconomowoc Police Department will be holding an officer training session at Oconomowoc High School, August 2-3. Please expect a police presence around the Oconomowoc Arts Center and Oconomowoc High School on both days. Current athletic events and construction projects will continue during the training.

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE IMAGINE A DAY GOLF OUTING ON AUGUST 11: The Imagine a Day-Courtney Bella Foundation, is hosting their 10^th annual golf outing at Paganica Golf Course on Saturday, August 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. The golf outing is the main fundraiser for the Image a Day Foundation, which sponsors creative and performing arts programming in the OASD. Register online today!

SUMMER BOOKMOBILE IS BACK: The Loving Oconomowoc Literacy (LOL) Bookmobile is back in action this summer and is free to all Oconomowoc families in grades 4K-8. Come to a scheduled stop to grab a book to borrow, enjoy a surprise guest reader, and connect with other friends.

Dates: August 1, August 22

Scheduled Stops on Each of These Dates:

• Ixonia Fireman's Park: 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
• Ashippun Zion Park: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.
• Meadow View Elementary: 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
• Imagination Station: 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
• Summit Elementary: 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

"SCREENAGERS" DOCUMENTARY RESCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12: Gals Institute and the OASD invite you to a free viewing of the documentary, "Screenagers," at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to attend with their parents. The film describes what it's like growing up in a tech-saturated world, and the importance of balance between screen time and screen-free time. There will be a resource fair starting at 6:00 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and register to attend this free event.

Facility Updates

IXONIA ELEMENTARY: The exterior of Ixonia Elementary School looks more complete every day! Concrete work for the exterior curbs and main entrance is complete and the stone has been laid and rolled for the new bus loop. Paving of the bus loop will begin next week, followed by final landscape work. Light poles and the new building sign have also been installed. Inside the new addition, final cleaning is nearly complete and the new kitchen equipment is being installed next week. Inside the existing building, drywall hanging is 95% complete and drywall finishing is scheduled to be completed this week. Painting of the new walls will begin by the end of the week along with new ceiling grid installation.

Click here to view photos of the construction progress at Ixonia Elementary.

MEADOW VIEW ELEMENTARY: It's been an exciting month at the site of the new Meadow View Elementary. Three of the walls for the new gym have been set and underground plumbing rough-in has also begun in the gym area. Masonry work will begin in this area next week as well. Wall footings for the Southwest section of the school are complete and footings for the Northwest section are 40% complete.

Click here to view photos of the construction progress at the new Meadow View Elementary.

OHS EAST CAMPUS: Interior painting and casework installation has begun in the instructional spaces at OHS East Campus and floor finishing will begin next week. New skylights are installed and interior door installation is slated to begin in August. Exterior aluminum paneling installation is nearly complete and roofing repairs are 95% complete as well. Underground electrical lines are being run along the new walking path between Main and East Campus. Stone will be laid along the path starting next week and paving is scheduled for mid-August.

OHS MAIN CAMPUS:The renovations inside OHS Main Campus are nearing the finishing stages. The classroom floors are being prepped for concrete polishing to begin and painting is set to start next week. Installation of the specialized electrical and HVAC equipment in underway and overhead door installation will begin next week.

OHS FAB LAB: In spring, the OASD School Board approved bids for the renovation of existing classroom space to create the new Ocon Fab Lab, an engineering, robotics, and fabrication classroom and lab space. The Ocon Fab Lab project is not part of the facility referendum projects and is instead being funded by the OASD. Construction work for the Fab Lab is happening this summer so that the new space can be ready for the 2018-19 school year, consistent with the facility referendum projects. The new Fab Lab is located at the top of the main staircase, near the Field House. It will feature large windows where students and staff can see the innovative work happening inside.

Construction updates are available on the OASD site under the Building our Future Project Updates section.

School Board Updates

DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO OF EACH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ONLINE!

You can watch live stream video of all the regular Oconomowoc Area School District School Board meetings by following this link. These videos remain on the site for viewing after the meetings as well. In addition, all School Board meeting schedules and agendas are available by following this link. Upcoming Meetings:

• Tuesday, August 21, 2018, OHS Little Theater, 6:00 p.m. budget hearing, 7:00 p.m. regular meeting

School News

OHS Footloose Theater Workshop: Ms. Ferraro, Mrs. Kauffeld, and Mrs. Beilfuss will be offering a FREE fall musical and audition preparation workshop on Wednesday, August 29, 4:00-7:30 p.m. at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. This will be the only formal opportunity for audition preparations for the fall production of Footloose. Auditions for Footloose will be held during the first week of school!

Athletics

OHS CHEER TEAM ANNUAL YOUTH CLINIC: The OHS Cheer Team will host their annual Youth Clinic for kids in 5K-8^th grade, on Saturday, August 18, 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. at the OHS Field House. Cost is $45 and includes a t-shirt, bow, and snack. Kids will learn the basics or cheerleading and be invited to join the Varsity Team on the sidelines at the September 7^th Youth Night OHS Football Game. There will be an additional practice on September 5^th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for everyone cheering at the September 7^th game. Sign up online by August 10^th.

SUMMER OUTDOOR TRACK ACCESS: The Rux Stadium Track is available to the public during the summer but a key fob is required to enter the stadium. If you would like a key fob, please visit the OASD Building and Ground page for information on requesting a fob.

Rux Stadium Track – Summer Hours:

From June 11 - July 31, 2018

Monday-Friday: 4:30 – 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Weekends: 5:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

** The track will be unavailable July 16 and 17, 2018.

Click here for OHS Athletic Home and Away Game Schedules

Upcoming Events

• August 2-3, Oconomowoc Police Department Training, OHS, all day on both days
• August 3, Silver Lake 5th Graders "Moving In", 8:00-11:45 a.m.
• August 7, Summer Autism Essentials Institute, Oconomowoc Arts Center, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., FREE for all OASD staff
• August 8, Online Student Registration Final Day, Assistance and Computers Available at OHS for Families to Register In-Person, OHS Library, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
• August 8, OHS Materials Pickup & Picture Day, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
• August 11, Image a Day Foundation Golf Outing, Paganica Golf Course, 8:30 a.m. start
• August 21, OASD School Board Meeting, OHS Little Theater, 6:00 p.m. Budget Hearing, 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
• August 23, Nature Hill 5th Graders "Moving In", 8:00-11:00 a.m.
• August 28, School Open Houses
  • OHS, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Intermediate, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
  • Elementary, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• August 28, OHS Freshman "LINK" Orientation, OHS, 8:00-12:00 p.m.
• August 29, OHS Fall Musical, Footloose, Free Audition Preparation Workshop, 4:00-7:30 p.m., Oconomowoc Arts Center
• September 4, First Student Day of School

OAC Events

• July 14-August 31:"The Nature of Things of Nature" and "The Continuing Evolution of an Artist"
• September 7-October 6:"Americana Now & Then"
• September 13: Michael Perry, "Writing from the Middle of Nowhere", 7:30 p.m.
• September 22: Backtrack Vocals, 7:30 p.m.

Homecoming 2018: September 30-October 6, 2018

Homecoming Week Festivities

Sunday, September 30, 2018

• Window Painting @ 10:00 a.m. - Meet in front of Roots Coffee Shop
• OHS Main Campus & East Campus Dedication Celebration & Open House @ 1:00 p.m. - OHS East Campus

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

• OHS Varsity Soccer @ 6:30 p.m. - OHS Soccer Stadium
• OHS Varsity Volleyball @ 7:00 p.m. - OHS Fieldhouse

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

• Powder Puff Football Game @ 7:00 p.m. - OHS Rux Stadium

Thursday, October 4, 2018

• Swim Meet @ 6:00 p.m. - YMCA at Pabst Farms

Friday, October 5, 2018

• Homecoming Parade Lineup @ 4:00 p.m. - Oakwood Avenue, see attached map
• Homecoming Parade Starts @ 5:15 p.m., see attached parade route map
• Homecoming Football Game @ 7:00 p.m. - OHS Rux Stadium

Saturday, October 6, 2018

• Homecoming Dance @ 8:00-11:00 p.m. - OHS Upper Gym

Spirit Week Themes at OHS

Monday, October 1: Tie Dye

Tuesday, October 2: Hawaiian Day

Wednesday, October 3: Vine/Meme Day

Thursday, October 4: Throwback to Third Grade Day

Friday, October 5: School Spirit Day

Homecoming Parade Participation

Homecoming application forms are available through this link. Forms are due to the OHS Athletic Office by Friday, September 26, 2018. Please email completed forms to Beth Loppnow at LoppnowB@oasd.org.

Parade Safety Guidelines:

• Due to overhead electric wires, floats may not exceed 16' in height.
• NEW - PROVIDE 2 ADULTS to walk along parade route with float. Direct spectators back to the edge of the road. Candy can be handed out along the sidewalks.
• All City, County & State ordinances must be followed during the event. Any participant who violates city, county or state ordinances or creates a public safety hazard will be referred to the appropriate authorities.
• All parade vehicles/floats must be structurally sound and safely designed. The main platform must have no holes or hollow areas where someone could fall through. All standing persons must have something on which to hold (i.e. a railing, pole, handle, etc.) or they must be seated at all times.
• Two people need to be in the pulling vehicle with one being a full time spotter for the driver.
• No vehicle in the parade shall stop in route to load or unload passengers.
• No one will be permitted to ride on the roof or hood of a moving vehicle.
• Parade moves at a set pace, please follow accordingly to ensure that the parade begins and ends on time and that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
• Parade entries must maintain appropriate distances (one car length) from the entry in front of them. Large gaps between entries can pose a safety hazard as can following an entry too closely.
• For the safety of parade attendees, throwing items such as candy, etc., from the float or vehicle will not be permitted. You may walk along the sidewalk and hand out candy. Entries identified as throwing items risk future parade participation.
• Persons riding on floats should have proper footing/seating and should not hang any appendage over the sides of the float.
• Parade participants should not jump from or onto a float or motorized vehicle.
• Ensure that float decorations do not obscure the driver's view of the road and that drivers/operators can hear verbal instructions.
• Entry should easily travel the parade route, turn corners and fit under traffic signals.
• The height of the entry needs to fit under trees and traffic devices encountered on the parade route.

Michael Duncan, director of the Oconomowoc Arts Center announced his plans for stepping down from his position on Nov. 4 to pursue other opportunities.

"The past ten years have been an amazing experience and the community has been very supportive. My colleagues, staff and volunteers have been the best group of people to work with, but it's time for a new energy and vision to guide the OAC into the future," he explained.

Duncan was hired in 2008 as the first director for a new state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot arts venue designed to showcase student talent and also attract top-notch professional arts programming to fill the 755-seat Neudecker Main Stage Theater.

Two years earlier, voters in the Oconomowoc Area School District approved the project as part of a $49.6 million referendum that also paved the way for two new intermediate schools and a gymnasium for the high school. The OAC would replace the 80-year-old, antiquated middle school auditorium that was being used for school district performing arts programs.

"When the OAC was in the planning stages I was contacted by then OHS theater director, Vic Passante. The school board wanted to have a full-time person to manage the space and Vic encouraged me to apply. I had been working at Sunset Playhouse for 10 years, so I knew what it took to run a theater," said Duncan. "The OAC was in my backyard, so I decided to go for it."

Long-time Oconomowoc resident, Betty Reul served on the original arts center board and on various committees in support of the OAC for the past 10 years.

"When the OAC was under construction, Superintendent Pat Neudecker and the school board wisely sought a managing director. We had 52 applicants from all over the country. We were challenged to find one person who was qualified for all the requirements of the position. And then came Michael Duncan!" explained Reul. "We can't thank him enough for helping our arts center to become the remarkable asset it is for the community and the school. Michael will be missed, remembered and respected."

A passion for the stage

Duncan has been a professional in the arts for more than 45 years including arts management, artistic director, production manager, stage director, theater designer and professional actor. He is a member of the Actor's Equity Association and the American Guild of Musical Artists.

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He has also been an active member of the Wisconsin Presenters Network and served as the Southeast Region chair from 2014-17. He has been recently part of a WPN project of theater management professionals that assist new performing arts centers attached to school districts.

In the Milwaukee area, he has worked in arts administration and production management with Skylight Opera, The Florentine Opera, Great American Children's Theater, The Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival, and artistic director of Sunset Playhouse from 1994-2003.

As a professional director and actor his career includes work with many nationally recognized companies including the Milwaukee Rep, Madison Rep, In Tandem Theater, First Stage Children's Theater, Chamber Theater of Milwaukee and several seasons with the Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Riverside Shakespeare Festivals.

He has performed professionally in over 100 roles including classical, musical and contemporary. He has also directed more than 65 productions including classical, contemporary, musical theater and opera.

Duncan has designed scenery and lighting for over 50 productions. While at the OAC, he designed scenery for the OHS drama productions of "Guys and Dolls," "Into the Woods," "Singing in the Rain," "Grease," "Billy Elliot," "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "As You Like It."

"Michael Duncan and the Oconomowoc Arts Center are synonymous. He has been there since the very beginning, and you just can't think of one without thinking of the other. The dedication and commitment he has shown over the last 10 years has helped to make the OAC what it is today—a central fixture in the Oconomowoc Arts community, and he did it with an incredible level of grace," said Dr. Roger Rindo, superintendent of the Oconomowoc Area School District.

Curtain call

The OAC celebrated its 10th anniversary presenting season last year. "Our 10th anniversary season was our most successful. We needed to do it up big and our risks paid off. In the first few years, we were just trying to get the arts center going and we did everything we could to get it all to work. Ten years later and we are in a really great place," said Duncan.

Throughout the past decade, Duncan's responsibilities at the OAC required his presence seven days a week.

"Running a successful performing arts center is a complex task. Finding the right blend of shows that attract a wide variety of patrons, while at the same time understanding that those shows need to fill seats, is a continual challenge. Michael did it with a sense of ease, and through his leadership the OAC has developed a strong patronage in a relatively short period of time," added Rindo.

Despite the long hours, his love for the theater and personal mission to make the arts accessible to everyone, have fueled his endeavors to create an environment where students and the community can experience the highest quality arts education and opportunities right in their own backyard.

"The journey to this point has been an amazing ride. I have been given the opportunity to help build something special for my own community. Working directly with our students and with such talented professional artists from all over the country has definitely been one of the highlights of my career," added Duncan. "But there are many things I would still like to do. The urge to get back to my roots in the professional theater has been a big part of it. I also want to spend more time with my family and friends."

For more information about the Oconomowoc Arts Center, call the OAC Box Office at 262-560-3172 or visit www.theoac.net.

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Please support the Oconomowoc Sports Booster Club (OSBC) and the Oconomowoc High School (OHS) Athletic Department. On Sunday, August 12, 2018, OHS athletes and coaches will visit Oconomowoc neighborhoods selling the "Cooney Card" from 4-6:30 p.m.

Cards are priced at $20.00 per card, contain many great deals and all money raised will support all athletic teams at OHS. Last year's fundraiser raised $25,000.00 and the goal is to exceed that amount for the 2018-19 school year.

How to purchase if you are not home on Sunday, August 12:

• Stop in at OHS and purchase a card in the Athletic Department

• Purchase a card at any fall home OHS football game

• OSBC will sell cards during Paddle Fest on August 18 in Oconomowoc

• Contact the OHS Athletic Department at 262-560-3111 for more information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – April 9, 2018.   Summit Elementary Principal Brian Stuckey was chosen as one of 16 principals across the state recognized with the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2018 Leadership Award. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation established the award to recognize outstanding Wisconsin school principals or administrators.  Stuckey was nominated by Julie Artz, a Reading Specialist at Summit Elementary School. 

Julie Artz shared, “Mr. Stuckey challenges our staff to set rigorous goals and implement bold action plans.  He provides teachers with valuable feedback, and he encourages us to take risks and try new instructional strategies to increase student engagement and learning.   He fosters a culture of respect, engagement, and life-long learning.  He seeks the input of others because he knows that we can accomplish so much more when we work together.”  Artz went on to say, “Mr. Stuckey is always there for each child, each parent, and each teacher as they face challenges and celebrate successes.  Mr. Stuckey exemplifies the kind of leader we need in schools today and is most deserving of the Kohl Leadership Award.”

The Herb Kohl Leadership Award recognizes school principals who have set high standards for instruction, achievement, and character, and created a climate to best serve students, families, staff, and community. Herb Kohl hosted outstanding students, teachers, and principals from southeast Wisconsin at the Kohl Educational Foundation luncheon on April 8 in Milwaukee.

As an award winner, Mr. Stuckey will receive a $6,000 Leadership grant, and an additional $6,000 awarded to Summit Elementary for use in innovative educational projects.

2018 Principal Leadership Honorees

Patricia Cifax, Menomonee Falls, Curtin Elementary School, Milwaukee

Heather Connolly, Kenosha, Frank Elementary School, Kenosha

Deborah Erdmann, Menomonee Falls, Grace Evangelical Lutheran School, Menomonee Falls

Rebecca Jones, Glendale, Saint Eugene School, Fox Point

Sally Schumacher, Milwaukee, Whitman Elementary School, Milwaukee

Brian Stuckey, Delafield, Summit Elementary School, Oconomowoc

Mary Jo Tye, Mequon, Oriole Lane Elementary School, Mequon

Marty Van Hulle, Pewaukee, Pewaukee High School, Pewaukee

Scott Walter, Menomonee Falls, Riverside Elementary School, Menomonee Falls

Laura Eicher, New Glarus, New Glarus Elementary School, New Glarus

Mike Kruse, Stoughton, Stoughton High School, Stoughton

Kay Berra, La Crosse, Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, La Crosse

Nicki Pope, Camp Douglas, Lemonweir Elementary School, Tomah

John Blosenski, Baraboo, Al Behrman Elementary School, Baraboo

Mike Mauthe, Appleton, Xavier High School, Appleton

Michael Rietveld, Combined Locks, Kimberly High School, Kimberly

Congratulations, Mr. Stuckey!

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Summit Elementary School Principal Mr. Brian Stuckey was recognized for his leadership during the Kohl Educational Foundation luncheon on April 8 in Milwaukee.