FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI- June 7, 2018.  Using an application and interview process, the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) selected Scott Roehl to replace the vacant seat created by the resignation of Steve Zimmer.  Zimmer resigned from the OASD School Board in March 2018.

When asked why he wanted to serve on the OASD School Board, Roehl responded, “ I desire to serve on the Board of Education because I want to make a difference in the lives of our children.  Teaching provides me direct contact with students, and I can make a difference in their lives.  However, the Board of Education aids in creating and establishing a positive global perspective on education.”  He went on to say, “Many positive attributes make communities great, but a strong education system is consistently toward the top of most lists.  My main goal for joining the Board is to continue District’s strive toward excellence.”

Roehl and his wife have been residents of Oconomowoc since 2009, and have two small children currently going through the OASD.  Professionally, he has actively worked in education the past 12 years as a science and engineering teacher in the Pewaukee School District.  Roehl obtained his Bachelor of Science with a Major in Elementary Education and Minor in Math from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse in 2006, a Master of Education from Carroll University In 2011 and became a Project Lead the Way Master Teacher in 2015.  He was also the recipient of the Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award in 2014.

Roehl believes that just like the checks and balances created in local, state and federal governments, the Board of Education needs to work hand-in-hand with the administration and staff of the OASD to develop and promote a high-quality educational environment.  “The Board of Education must trust and respect the expertise and knowledge of the administration and staff just like the administration and staff must honor the community input and overall governance from the Board. Connecting these two and developing a positive, trusting relationship that expects excellence is crucially important.”

Roehl’s appointment was approved during a special board meeting on June 6.  His seat will be up for reelection in spring, 2019.

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Submitted Photo:

OCONOMOWOC, WI – June 19, 2018. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) announced today that Tiersa Ferraro has accepted the District’s offer to become the new Director of Theater at Oconomowoc High School (OHS). Ferraro will also be joining the OHS faculty as a Theater and Speech Communications Teacher.

This is an exciting time for the Performing Arts in Oconomowoc. The OASD is proud to have Ferraro join the parents, teachers, and support staff who work endless hours with the talented performers at OHS. She will continue the work that makes OHS a leader in the performing arts! 

Principal Jason Curtis stated, “I am beyond excited to have Tiersa join the OHS team as our next Theater Director! Tiersa’s passion for Theater will inspire our students and will us to continue to build upon our legacy of excellence in the years to come. The future of our program is bright, and I look forward to working with Tiersa for many years to come.”

OHS Choir Director Beth Kauffeld added, “I am thrilled to welcome Tiersa Ferraro to the staff of OHS and the production team for our theater department.  Tiersa comes to us with experiences as an educator, theater director, and professional actor that will provide a comprehensive perspective and learning framework for our students.”  She went on to say, “I have had the opportunity to work collaboratively with Tiersa and our students as she served as a dialect coach for our OHS Players. Her commitment to developing performers that are responsive, respectful, and poise was evident in that collaboration and will serve to meet the needs of our theater department as we continue to set high expectations for our arts programming.”

Ferraro brings incredible depth and experience to her new role as OHS Theater Director.  She joins OHS with over 20 years of theater and education experience. Teaching theater and speech previously at Mitchell Middle School in the Racine Unified School District, and countless youth theater academy programs with organizations like First Stage Summer Academy, Above the Clouds, Danceworks, Morning Star Productions, and many more. Just this year, Ferraro served as a dialect coach for the Oconomowoc High School Players spring production of As You Like It.  As a Jerry Awards reviewer, she knows the high level of high school musical work around the State of Wisconsin.  A few of her High School Musical Directing credits include, Into The Woods, Footloose, and Hello Dolly!.  Ferraro holds a bachelor's degree in theatre and acting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and masters of fine arts from The Theater School at DePaul University. She also completed the professional certificate program at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City.

An opportunity for students, parents, and staff to meet Tiersa Ferraro and for her to announce next year’s musical is scheduled for July 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

Ferraro’s contract pends approval at the OASD School Board meeting on June 19.

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Submitted Photo:

OCONOMOWOC, WI- June 29, 2018. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) is pleased to announce the district has been awarded $160,000.00 through the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) School Safety Grant program, administered by the DOJ's Office of School Safety. The OASD will use this funding to improve school safety at every school in the district.

Superintendent Dr. Roger Rindo stated, "The State has unquestionably put financial support behind its rhetoric about school safety, and we are very grateful for this level of support from the Department of Justice. These grant dollars will enhance the work we have already done to improve safety measures in our schools. Work on these projects will get underway immediately."

The OASD partnered with local law enforcement agencies throughout the grant development process to ensure that proposed funding, protocols, and school safety plans are effective and provide the safest learning environments possible for all staff and students.

OASD Director of Buildings and Grounds Greg Maroo added, "The District is excited to implement additional safety improvements at our schools. We will be work towards completion of the projects as soon as possible. With this grant approval, we will be able to add safety measures that were prioritized in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. OASD has made many key safety improvements over the last decade and continually look for additional ways to ensure the safety of our students and staff."

Grant dollars through the DOJ are divided into two categories: the Primary School Safety Grant and Advanced School Safety Grant. DOJ's Primary School Safety Grants focus on standard improvements to schools, including door locks and hardening school entryways. The Advanced School Safety Grants are awarded to schools that have met minimum security thresholds. OASD improvements will include such items as:

• Improving radio communication for district staff and first responders

• Hardening all exterior doors of district schools by installing safety film on entrance windows

• Upgrading classroom door locks at district schools

In addition to making upgrades to school buildings, one of the School Safety Grant prerequisites is providing training in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Trauma-Informed Care/Trauma Sensitive Schools (TIC/TSS). Training for these specific prerequisites will take place for staff during OASD's 2018-19 school year.

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Over the past three months, since 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 was signed into law, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has consulted with numerous stakeholders in the fields of education, security, law enforcement, and mental health.

In addition to helping keep schools safe from violent attacks, DOJ will be closely monitoring for behavior that could affect a school's ability to pay market rates for products like door locks and shatter-resistant film for glass. DOJ will review and investigate any instances of inappropriate pricing behavior, so the benefits of the program are not reduced.

Following is a list of organizations who met with DOJ staff, and consulted on the creation of the Office of School Safety and the grant process and criteria.

●Association of Wisconsin School Administrators

●Badger State Sheriffs Association

●CESA 4, 7, 10

●Federal Bureau of Investigation

●NAMI-WI

●Wisconsin Association of School Boards

●Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials

●Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators

●Wisconsin Association of School Nurses

●Wisconsin Catholic Conference

●Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association

●Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services

●Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools

●Wisconsin Department of Administration

●Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

●Wisconsin Education Association Council

●Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

●Wisconsin Juvenile Officers Association

●Wisconsin Professional Police Association

●Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association

●Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Training & Technical Assistance Center

●Wisconsin School Music Association/Wisconsin Music Educators Association

●Wisconsin School Psychologists Association

●Wisconsin School Public Relations Association

●Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association

●Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association

For more information on DOJ's Office of School Safety or to view the full list of schools awarded grant funding, please visit: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/o...

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.

The Oconomowoc High School Athletic Department is offering summer athletic camps for students entering grades 1 - 12.  The athletic camp brochure has complete information on the grade levels for each sport, camp dates, cost, and registration information.

Camp registration is open now through the Web Store.  In most cases, registration is requested by June 1, 2018, to ensure your child's spot and a camp t-shirt.  Please refer to the camp brochure for specific registration information and deadlines by sport.

Click here for the full 2018 Athletic Summer Camp Brochure

For the OASD Elementary and Intermediate School Parents:

There is a new organization calling themselves “Oconomowoc Youth Football” and/or “Jr. Raccoons” and promoting a 3^rd-6^th grade football program in the area, including tackle football for students in 5^th-6^th grade.  This program IS NOT ASSOCIATED with the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) or our new football partnership with the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation, and Oconomowoc High School (OHS) Athletics.

The OASD, is offering the state’s first fully integrated youth football program for students in grades 1-12, and we do not support any program that conflicts with our league’s structure and learning progression.

New OASD Program Structure:

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade - Flag football at the YMCA at Pabst Farms
• 4th, 5th, 6th Grade - Flag football at Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation
• 7th & 8th grade - Tackle football at Nature Hill or Silver Lake Intermediate Schools

To register for these programs:

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade –visit the YMCA at Pabst Farms, or call (262) 567-7251
• 4th, 5th, 6th Grade – visit Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation, or call (262) 569-2199
• 7th & 8th grade - tackle football at Nature Hill or Silver Lake Intermediate Schools, more information coming soon, in advance of 2018-19 athletics registration

Contact Coach Greg Malling at MallingG@oasd.org for additional program information or Keving Flegner, at FlegnerK@oasd.org. Better football is our mission; safety is a goal!

Letter to OHS Families from OHS Principal, Jason Curtis:

Dear Students, Staff, and Families,

Thank you for your support and cooperation during today’s evacuation. To ensure the safety of our OASD students, staff, and families, we are cancelling all activities, athletics, and music performances at Oconomowoc High School (OHS) and the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) tonight.

In addition to the air quality tests that were performed by emergency response personnel today, we will be testing the air quality of the building for the next 24 hours. As a result, Oconomowoc High School will remain closed on Friday, March 23. Pending safe results on the air quality testing tomorrow, we are planning to re-open the building tomorrow afternoon to allow students and staff to reclaim their personal belongings. Please review the process for reclaiming your materials and the adjustments to the OHS operations calendar, outlined below:

• School will be cancelled for staff and students at OHS on Friday, March 23.
• All staff are asked to report to the OHS Cafeteria at 2:00 p.m. Staff are asked to enter through the loading dock.
• The school will be open on Friday, March 23, from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. for students to go into the building and reclaim their belongings. Staff members will supervise classrooms, locker rooms, and other areas.
• School events and practices at OHS will be allowed to occur after 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
• The Club Picture day on Friday will be rescheduled for a later date.
• Prom ticket sales and guest request forms will be accepted through noon on Wednesday, March 28.
• The last day of term 3 will now be on Wednesday, March 28. With term four beginning after Spring Break on Monday, April 9.
• Teachers will be asked to finalize grades by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13. We anticipate publishing term 3 report cards later that afternoon.
• The 2018-2019 master schedule will be released by Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Our Student Services Team will communicate any changes to the scheduling timeline.

Testing at OHS to ensure air quality is safe for staff and students:

When students were evacuated from the building, Western Lakes Fire District tested the OAC and OHS for Carbon Monoxide (CO), and there was no CO detected.  The Waukesha Hazmat Unit was then called to evaluate whether there were any dangerous or foreign substances in the air. Nothing was found. However, among those treated at area hospitals, we have been informed that several individuals were found to have high levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and are continuing to be monitored.

Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC) is placing air quality monitoring units in the OAC and OHS classrooms/hallways on the northern end of the building to monitor for CO, TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), Carbon Dioxide, and Temperature and Relative Humidity. EMC has placed a second monitoring unit to test for CO, Oxygen Level, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Air to Vapor Mixtures. Additional equipment that can test for thousands of chemicals will be put into place tomorrow as well. Finally, there will be a telemetry unit relaying data to EMC officials, sending an alert immediately if there is any change air safety.  Air monitoring will continue through the weekend.

Evening and weekend activities at OHS and the OAC:

Activities, athletics, and music performances will resume at OHS and the OAC at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, pending safe air quality results.

Determination of safe air quality:

District Administration, in consultation with EMC, will make a determination of whether it’s safe for staff and students to re-enter the building tomorrow. In the event that air quality results are unsafe, we will cancel these plans and share that information via, email and voicemail, and will post a notification on www.oasd.org , and social media.

We will continue to share more information as it becomes available. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Jason Curtis

Principal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI –March 23, 2018. At approximately 9:15 a.m. this morning students from Silver Lake Intermediate School (SLI) were practicing for a Choir Concert in the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) at Oconomowoc High School (OHS).  Shortly after rehearsal began several students started feeling lightheaded and nauseous. A medical alert was announced in the building and OHS Principal Jason Curtis, School Police Liaison Officer, Adam Parkhurst, and OHS staff responded immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, students were evacuated from the building and police, fire, and medical responders arrived at school.  Students feeling ill were transported to area hospitals.

At the recommendation of the Oconomowoc Police Department, classes at OHS were canceled.  In an attempt to have an orderly dismissal, students with keys and cars were released first, students that walk to school were released immediately after.  Students being picked up by parents were directed to St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, where students were released to parents with staff supervision. The remaining OHS students were bused home and SLI Choir students were returned to Silver Lake Intermediate School.  Staff members were then sent home.

Testing at OHS to ensure air quality is safe for staff and students:

When students were evacuated from the building, Western Lakes Fire District tested the OAC and OHS for Carbon Monoxide (CO), and there was no CO detected.  The Waukesha Hazmat Unit was then called to evaluate whether there were any dangerous or foreign substances in the air. Nothing was found. However, among those treated at area hospitals, we have been informed that several individuals were found to have raised levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and are continuing to be monitored.

Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC) has placed air quality monitoring units in the OAC and OHS classrooms/hallways on the northern end of the building to monitor for Carbon Monoxide, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Carbon Dioxide, and Temperature and Relative Humidity. EMC has placed a second monitoring unit to test for CO, Oxygen Level, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Air to Vapor Mixtures. Additional equipment that can test for thousands of chemicals will be put into place in the affected areas tomorrow as well. Finally, there is a telemetry unit relaying data to EMC officials, sending an alert immediately if there is any change in air safety.  Air monitoring will continue through the weekend.

Evening and weekend activities at OHS and the OAC:

Activities, athletics, and music performances will resume at OHS and the OAC at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 23, pending safe air quality results.

Determination of safe air quality:

District Administration, with expert opinion from EMC, will make a determination of whether it’s safe for staff and students to re-enter the building tomorrow.  In the event that air quality results are unsafe, we will cancel these plans and share that information via email and voicemail, and will post a notification on www.oasd.org , and social media.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI –March 23, 2018.   Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) continues to investigate yesterday’s incident.  Overnight, the Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC) equipment inside OHS and the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC), monitored the air for Carbon Monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Carbon Dioxide, and Temperature and Relative Humidity. A second EMC monitoring unit tested for CO, Oxygen Level, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Air to Vapor Mixtures.  EMC has reported that their monitoring equipment did not detect any Carbon Monoxide or Volatile Organic Compounds, overnight or through the morning.

As planned, additional test equipment was installed this morning, to test for thousands of other potential chemicals.  As of 10:30 a.m., that equipment has not detected anything harmful.

Butters Fetting, the District’s heating and ventilation contractor, is on site at OHS today completing an inspection of the building’s heating and ventilation systems.

According to Western Lakes Fire Chief Bradley R. Bowen, the Medical Division transported a total of 64 patients by ambulance to Oconomowoc and Aurora Hospitals. The individuals transported included both students and faculty of the school. Throughout the day, the two Emergency Departments evaluated an additional 40 walk-in patients for related symptoms. Another 72 individuals were assessed on the scene for symptoms but did not require transport.  He also confirmed that a total of 5 individuals that were transported to the hospital tested positive for high levels of CO and underwent treatment. As of this morning, Chief Bowen confirmed that everyone who was either transported or came to the ER on their own yesterday have been released. No one remained overnight.

Important Update for OHS Choir Students Involved in Solo Ensemble:

Solo and Ensemble at Nature Hill Intermediate School on this Saturday, March 24, is ON!!!

In a final push for great Solo and Ensemble performances, Mrs. Kauffeld and accompanists, Mrs. Kurschner, Ms. Rehorst, and Mrs. Schilz will be available to rehearse with you any time from 12 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. today, Friday, March 23, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Fowler Lake, 145 E. Lisbon Rd, Oconomowoc.  THIS IS OPTIONAL but highly ENCOURAGED. You will need to arrange your transportation. Parents are welcome to drop off and come back or stay. Mrs. Kauffeld knows that most of you left things behind at school, but if you have music and your intro sheets, bring those with you. Your accompanists will have their music.

Finally, those of you volunteering for the set-up of Solo and Ensemble TODAY should report to NHI as soon as you retrieve your stuff from OHS.  All other volunteering is going on as planned on Saturday. THANK YOU!

We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – March 23, 2018. At the afternoon briefing today, with Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC), Western Lakes Fire District, and Butters Fetting, we were informed that equipment inside the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) showed slightly raised levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO).  While these levels are below the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard of safety, we believe it is necessary to determine the source of these readings before allowing anyone into the building.   Oconomowoc High School (OHS) and the OAC will remain closed.  All practices and events planned at OHS and the OAC this weekend will also be canceled.

We will be working through the weekend to determine the source of these readings and will provide updates as we continue to learn more.  The safety of our students, staff, and community continues to be our priority and we are using an abundance of caution to ensure safety for everyone.

We will communicate with families by voicemail and email once it is safe for students and staff to access the building.  Information will also be posted on oasd.org and social media.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – March 24, 2018. Oconomowoc High School (OHS) will be open from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. today, March 24, for staff and students to reclaim belongings.  Staff will arrive prior to students to help secure the building, then students will be allowed to enter.  We ask students to locate their belongings then exit the building.  Students and families will receive detailed instructions on the process to reclaim items by email.

Air quality monitoring units at OHS and the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) have been in place since Thursday, March 22.  We were informed yesterday, March 23, that equipment inside the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) showed slightly raised levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO).  At that time, levels were still below the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard of safety.

We monitored CO levels overnight and throughout the day on Saturday, March 24th, and have found no abnormal readings either in the OAC or other places throughout the school.  At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the Western Lakes Fire District also inspected the OAC and adjacent spaces and also found no readings of carbon monoxide. As a result, the District, with the support of the Western Lakes Fire District, believes it is safe to allow students and staff into OHS to reclaim their belongings.  On Sunday, March 25^th we will share more information about the planned safe return to school on Monday.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI –March 25, 2018.  Oconomowoc High School (OHS) and the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) will re-open for school on Monday, March 26, for regular school hours and operation.  With the help of Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC), we have been monitoring the air quality inside OHS and the OAC since the afternoon on Thursday, March 22. Since approximately noon on Friday, March 23, the EMC equipment has found no carbon monoxide (CO) reading above 1 part per million (ppm), either in the OAC or other places throughout the school.  We had Western Lakes Fire District representatives in the building on Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, to check for carbon monoxide and both times they detected no CO. The minor difference between the EMC and Western Lakes carbon monoxide readings is credited to the highly specialized equipment provided by EMC, which can detect much lower levels of pollutants than the Western Lakes equipment.

On Friday, March 23, we were informed by Western Lakes Fire District Chief Brad Bowen, that five individuals treated at area hospitals were found to have slightly elevated blood levels of carbon monoxide.  Those blood levels ranged from 2.3 ppm to 3.1 ppm, and these individuals were monitored, then released.

Dr. Timothy Westlake, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Prohealth Care Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, cited toxicology literature that an individual would likely not experience clinical symptoms until carbon monoxide blood levels exceeded 10 ppm.  The vast majority of patients tested that day, had normal blood levels.

At the afternoon briefing on Friday, March 23, with EMC, Western Lakes Fire District, and Butters-Fetting, we were informed that equipment inside the OAC showed slightly elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO).  Over a period of several hours, levels slowly rose to a maximum of 5 ppm, then declined to 0 ppm. While these levels were below the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard of safety of 9 ppm, the District thought it was necessary to attempt to determine the source of these readings before allowing anyone into the building.  As a result, OHS and the OAC remained closed. All practices and events planned at OHS and the OAC for the weekend were also canceled.

On Saturday, March 24, the building continued to be monitored throughout the morning and no abnormal CO readings were found, either in the OAC or other places throughout the school. The OAC air handling units were scheduled as unoccupied overnight, which means they were not moving any air. The hot water heater was turned on with the OAC air handling units still scheduled as unoccupied, and the impact of this move was monitored for a change in the OAC CO levels.  After four hours of operation there were no abnormal CO levels in the OAC. At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, the Western Lakes Fire District inspected the OAC and adjacent spaces and also found no readings of carbon monoxide. As a result, the District, with the support of the Western Lakes Fire District, believed it was safe to allow students and staff into OHS to reclaim their belongings. CO levels continued to be monitored the entire time students and staff were in the building retrieving items, and levels remained normal.

Overnight on Saturday, the boiler in the OAC mechanical room continued to run, but the water heater was shut off in an attempt to once again isolate the source of the CO. The OAC air handling units were still set to unoccupied during this time. CO levels were monitored overnight, with the average CO reading of .4 ppm on the EMC equipment.  With no abnormal readings, the decision was made to bring the building back up to full operation and continue to monitor throughout the day on Sunday, March 25.

“We have had no levels above any recommended or regulatory limits,” said Bill Freeman, from Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC). He went on to say, “After over 30 years of testing air quality in schools and buildings of many types and sizes, we can say that the levels documented here are typical of normal school or similar building operations.”

EMC has worked with us directly since last Thursday, March 22, and was with us at our morning briefing meeting today. As of 11:00 a.m. today, we have had no readings above 1 ppm since the 5 ppm reading reported at our 12:00 p.m. briefing on Friday, March 23. Please remember that the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) safety standard is 9 ppm and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standard is 50 ppm. We are bringing the building back up to fully occupied settings and will continue to monitor CO levels throughout the day and overnight.

We have isolated and tested the boiler and hot water heater in the OAC, the only pieces of equipment that could possibly produce carbon monoxide.  Each time this equipment was tested, no CO was detected. As a result, we have not been able to identify a source for the raised levels of CO in the OAC.  However, since the CO levels detected have always been below safety standards and have stayed below 1 ppm since the afternoon of Friday, March 23, we are intending to open OHS for normal school operations tomorrow, Monday, March 26.

We will have Western Lake Fire District, EMC, and District staff on-site prior to the start of school to ensure air quality remains safe for students and staff.  Going forward, we will continue to monitor CO levels in the OAC with equipment from EMC as well as additional monitors which have been placed throughout the building.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS AT OHS 

Thursday, March 22, 2018:

• At approximately 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, students from Silver Lake Intermediate School (SLI) were practicing for a Choir Concert in the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) at Oconomowoc High School (OHS).
• Shortly after rehearsal began several students started feeling lightheaded and nauseous. A medical alert was announced in the building and OHS Principal Jason Curtis, School Police Liaison Officer, Adam Parkhurst, and OHS staff responded immediately.
• Out of an abundance of caution, students were evacuated from the building and police, fire, and medical responders arrived at school.  Students feeling ill were transported to area hospitals.
• At the recommendation of the Oconomowoc Police Department, classes at OHS were canceled.  In an attempt to have an orderly dismissal, students with keys and cars were released first, students that walk to school were released immediately after.  Students being picked up by parents were directed to St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, where students were released to parents with staff supervision. The remaining OHS students were bused home and SLI Choir students were returned to Silver Lake Intermediate School.  Staff members were then sent home.
• When students were evacuated from the building, Western Lakes Fire District tested the OAC and OHS for carbon monoxide (CO), and there was no CO detected.
• The Waukesha County Hazmat Unit was then called to evaluate whether there were any dangerous or foreign substances in the air inside the OAC or OHS. Nothing was detected.
• Oconomowoc Transport tested the buses that SLI students rode to OHS, and found no carbon monoxide.  The Waukesha County Hazmat Unit also tested the buses and found no CO.
• Silver Lake Intermediate Choir students that were evacuated from the OAC were transported, by bus, back to SLI.
• Upon returning to SLI, several students that did not show symptoms while at the OAC complained of feeling ill.  Emergency personnel responded to SLI to evaluate students there.
• Thursday afternoon, Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC) placed air quality monitoring units in the OAC and OHS classrooms/hallways on the northern end of the building to monitor for carbon monoxide, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide, and Temperature and Relative Humidity. EMC also placed a second monitoring unit to test for CO, Oxygen Level, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Air to Vapor Mixtures.

Friday, March 23, 2018:

• Overnight, the EMC equipment inside OHS and the OAC, monitored the air for carbon monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide, and Temperature and Relative Humidity. A second EMC monitoring unit tested for CO, Oxygen Level, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Air to Vapor Mixtures.
• As planned, additional test equipment was installed in the morning, to test for thousands of other potential chemicals.
• Butters-Fetting, the District’s heating and ventilation contractor, was also on site, completing inspections of the building’s heating and ventilation systems and found nothing unusual or inoperable in our systems.
• Western Lakes Fire Chief Bradley R. Bowen, confirmed the Medical Division transported a total of 64 patients by ambulance to Oconomowoc and Aurora Hospitals. The individuals transported included both students and faculty of the school. Throughout the day, the two Emergency Departments evaluated an additional 40 walk-in patients for related symptoms. Another 72 individuals were assessed on the scene for symptoms but did not require transport.  He also confirmed that a total of 5 of the individuals that were transported to the hospital were found to have blood levels of CO ranging from 2.3 ppm to 3.1 ppm, and underwent treatment.
• That morning, Chief Bowen also confirmed that everyone who was either transported or came to the ER on their own Thursday had been released.  No one remained overnight.
• At the afternoon briefing on Friday with EMC, Western Lakes Fire District, and Butters-Fetting, we were informed that equipment inside the OAC showed slightly elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO).  Over a period of several hours, levels slowly rose to a maximum of 5 ppm, then declined to 0 ppm. While these levels were below the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard of safety of 9 ppm, the District thought it was necessary to attempt to determine the source of these readings before allowing anyone into the building.  As a result, OHS and the OAC remained closed. All practices and events planned at OHS and the OAC for the weekend were canceled.
• In an effort to isolate the cause of these readings, the hot water heater and summer boiler in the OAC Mechanical Room were also shut off at approximately 3:00 p.m.  The OAC air handling units were also scheduled as unoccupied, which means they were not moving any air in the space.       All of this was done in an attempt to isolate the source of the CO in that area.
• In cooperation with Western Lakes Fire Department, we identified a safe way for students to retrieve instruments left in the band room during the evacuation, needed for the WSMA Solo & Ensemble competition on Saturday.
• With the outside door to the band room propped open to provide fresh air, and with a Western Lakes representative present to monitor CO levels in the room, students were allowed inside to retrieve their instruments.  CO levels never went above 0 ppm in the room during this activity. Thank you to the Western Lakes Fire District for making this possible.

Saturday, March 24, 2018:

• The building continued to be monitored throughout the morning and no abnormal CO readings were found, either in the OAC or other places throughout the school.
• CO levels were monitored and did not have any abnormal readings overnight or Saturday morning.  The hot water heater was turned on while the OAC air handling units were still scheduled as unoccupied, and the impact of this move was monitored for a change in the OAC CO levels.  After four hours of operation there were no abnormal CO levels in the OAC.      
• At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, the Western Lakes Fire District inspected the OAC and adjacent spaces and also found no readings of carbon monoxide.
• As a result, the District, with the support of the Western Lakes Fire District, believed it was safe to allow students and staff into OHS to reclaim their belongings.
• Principal Curtis sent a letter to OHS parents and students informing them of the plan to have students safely retrieve belongings Saturday afternoon.
• CO levels continued to be monitored with normal levels the entire time students and staff were in the building retrieving items. Pick up went smoothly.
• Overnight the boiler in the OAC mechanical room was turned on, but the water heater was shut off in an attempt to once again isolate the source of the CO.  The OAC air handling units were still set to unoccupied during this time.
• CO levels were monitored overnight.  With no abnormal readings, the decision was made to bring the building back up to full operation and continue to monitor throughout the day on Sunday, March 25.

Sunday, March 26, 2018:

• Overnight, the OAC boiler ran with the air handling units still set to unoccupied.  There were no abnormal CO readings. The overnight average CO reading was .4 ppm on the EMC equipment.
• Environmental Management Consultants, Inc. (EMC) has worked with us directly since last Thursday, March 22, and was with us at our morning briefing meeting today.
• As of 11:00 a.m. today, we have had no readings above 1 ppm since the 5 ppm reading reported at our 12:00 p.m. briefing on Friday, March 23.
• Please remember that the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) safety standard is 9 ppm and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standard is 50 ppm.
• We are bringing the building back up to fully occupied settings and will continue to monitor CO levels throughout the day and overnight.
• We are intending to open OHS for normal school operations tomorrow, Monday, March 26.  
• We will have EMC monitoring air quality in these areas and District staff on-site prior to the start of school on Monday, March 26, to ensure air quality remains safe for students and staff.
• Going forward, we will continue to monitor CO levels in the OAC with equipment from EMC as well as additional monitors which have been placed throughout the building.

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Fundamentals of Grammar & Conventions

What's the difference between the statements, “Eats Shoots and Leaves” and “Eats, Shoots and Leaves?”  Sixth-grade students at Silver Lake Intermediate School have been learning that comma placement can completely change the meaning of a sentence.  Commas Make a Difference is one of the lessons taught as an interactive read-aloud utilizing the book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, as part of The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions. The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions is a new supplemental program, introduced this year for grades K-8 in the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD).  The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions provides authentic opportunities for students to deepen understanding of how language and grammar impact written and oral communication.  "Fundamentals provides consistency in grammar and language usage instruction and resources across grades K-8," said Sarah Lang, OASD K-8 Curriculum Coordinator.  

The units in The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions are based on the premise that teaching and modeling grammar and conventions in context will help our students become better at effectively using language to convey and understand the message.  Structures such as mini-lessons, interactive read-aloud, and the use of mentor and shared texts, mirror structures already utilized in the Reader's and Writer's Workshop curriculum.

To prepare for the first year of implementation, literacy leaders from across the OASD targeted The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions lessons to align with our current literacy units of study. Silver Lake Intermediate sixth-grade teachers agree the program has been enjoyable and beneficial to their students, helping them to recognize the grammar and language usage in their reading.  One student even exclaimed during class, "Wait, this doesn't feel like grammar, it feels just like a reading lesson."  The sixth-grade teachers also noted that it’s important the lessons and instruction don’t feel isolated, and that they are able to segment the learning and incorporate it into the routine of literacy workshops. 

In the second year of implementation, teachers will focus on refining alignment to the literacy units of study and continue to support intentional grammar "moves" to enhance each student’s writing craft.

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Silver Lake Intermediate students and staff demonstrated The Fundamentals of Grammar mini-lessons, interactive read-aloud, and the use of mentor and shared text, for the OASD School Board members at the March 20, School Board meeting.

Silver Lake Intermediate School teachers and students presented The Fundamentals of Grammar and Conventions, to the OASD School Board at their Tuesday, March 20, meeting.

Back, left to right: Silver Lake Teachers, Maggie Snyder and Mary Stuckey, Kate T., Abby K., and Silver Lake Principal, Jill Marr

Middle, left to right: OASD 5-8 Curriculum Coordinator, Sarah Lang, Walker R., Evan K., Kira H., Jillian O., and Silver Lake Teacher, Lexi Ellis.

Front, left to right: Michael C., Mason P., Fatima R., Charlie M., Ava F.

Oconomowoc, WI- March 21, 2018. The Lake Country Film Festival is excited to announce the 2018 Film List. The 3rd Annual Lake Country Film Festival will be held at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest St., on Friday, April 13. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  

The Lake Country Film Festival received 171 films from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois! Some of the School districts represented include Milwaukee Public Schools, Franklin High School, School District of Waukesha, Watertown Unified School District, West Bend East High School, Oconomowoc High School, Nicolet High School, Kettle Moraine High School, and Marquette Senior High School (upper Michigan).

“The Lake Country Film Festival named after the area where it originated, is a student film festival for all students worldwide. Many don’t realize this event is open to any up and coming student director! In our third year we have received entries from all over Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois! We are continuing to spread the word about this one of a kind Film Festival” states LCFF Co-Founder Michael Krill.

Everyone is invited to the live screening of the Lake Country Film Festival on April 13th at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. General Admission tickets are now available for $10 per person at the Oconomowoc Arts Center box office: https://www.oasd.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=3553

Danielle Bukal LCFF Co-Founder shared “The last two years have really shown us how talented and creative young film producers are in the Midwest! The audience votes several times on the films throughout the evening. This interactive experience is what makes the festival memorable and engaging for all audience members.”

Winners of each group will receive an LC award at the live awards ceremony immediately following the event. The Courtney Bella Foundation: Imagine A Day, sponsors the LC awards.

New this year, Paragon Marketing Group is sponsoring $500.00 to the winner of the Viewers’ Choice Award! The Viewer’s Choice Award is the best film overall and voted on by the audience at the event.

This year’s show is sure to be the best yet!

Lake Country Film Fest 2018 Final List

Film Festival Contacts:

Michael Krill- KrillM@oasd.org

Danielle Bukal- BukalD@oasd.org

About Lake Country Film Festival: https://www.lakecountryfilmfestival.org/

Launched in the Spring of 2016, the Lake Country Film Festival encourages future filmmakers to create films and production pieces that inspire peer filmmakers and universal audiences through the power of Visual Artistry, Sound Design, and Storytelling.

About The Courtney Bella Foundation: Imagine A Day: http://imagineadayfdn.org/

The Imagine A Day Foundation was created in memory of Courtney Bella. Courtney was tragically killed in an automobile accident by an intoxicated driver in April 2008. To honor Courtney’s memory, The Imagine A Day Foundation serves as an endowment for creative and performing arts in the Oconomowoc Area School District. All funds donated to Imagine A Day are used to sponsor creative and performing arts events, programs and workshops for students in Oconomowoc. Their mission is to cultivate other children’s interests in creative and performing arts as well as inspire them always to strive to achieve their goals.

About Paragon Marketing Group: https://paragonmarketinggroup.com/

The Paragon Marketing Group has a combined experience of over 50 years of providing Wisconsin marketing services and solutions. Integration with SEO, social media marketing, web development and video production allows us to create a true content marketing strategy for our clients. We have all the expertise and skills necessary to ensure a successful implementation of your business.

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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. 

The Oconomowoc Area School District School Board is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy on the School Board due to the resignation of Steve Zimmer. It is the intent of the Board to appoint a replacement whose term will end April 2019. In order to qualify for a position on the Board, a candidate must be a citizen of the United States, the State of Wisconsin, and the Oconomowoc Area School District. Additionally, a candidate must be at least 18 years of age.

To ensure consideration, a brief letter of interest must be submitted to Board Clerk, Jessica Karnowski and received prior to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2018:

Via e-mail: millerj@oasd.org

Via U.S. mail:

Board Clerk – Jessica Karnowski

c/o District Office-Oconomowoc Area School District

W360 N7077 Brown Street

Oconomowoc, WI   53066

For the School Board,

Jessica Karnowski, Board Clerk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI –April 10, 2018.  Since the evacuation of Oconomowoc High School (OHS) and the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) on March 22, advanced air quality monitoring equipment from Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC), has been in place inside the building, constantly monitoring air quality.  This monitoring equipment has continued to show 0 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide inside the building, meaning, there is no carbon monoxide inside the building, and there is no equipment leaking carbon monoxide. 

Over the last few weeks, we've participated in several debriefing meetings with Western Lakes Fire District, our local hospitals, the Oconomowoc Police Department, and the Wisconsin Poison Control Center.  All of these organizations continue to confirm that the students in the OAC and OHS on March 22, did not suffer from a carbon monoxide leak within the building.  We have been told that the five reported cases of trace-elevated levels of blood carbon monoxide could have been the result of many factors that have nothing to do with OHS or the OAC.  These same entities have continued to confirm that both the OAC and OHS are safe for regular school and activity operations.

Carbon monoxide detectors are present inside OHS and would alarm in the presence carbon monoxide.

We cannot medically diagnose what made students ill on March 22 but can confirm, based on the expert opinion of EMC, the Wisconsin Poison Control Center, and local medical experts, that it was not the result of carbon monoxide or any other dangerous substance within the building. 

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The 3rd Annual Lake Country Film Festival was held last Friday, April 13, at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.  It was an amazing night to showcase the talent, creativity, and hard work of students from Oconomowoc High School and Southeast Wisconsin.

Congratulations to this year's winners!

2018 LCFF Viewer's Choice: Best Overall Film

Winner:  "We All Bleed Red," directed by Jake Young from Franklin High School

Runner Up: "Shoes," directed by Wyatt Chang from Nicolet High School

One Minute Movies

Winner:  "The Man in the Trench Coat Who Got a Little More Than He Asked For," directed by Deylin Early from Franklin High School

Runner Up:  "Beats," directed by Kara Dunton from Oconomowoc High School

Passion Piece

Winner:  "Shoes," directed by Wyatt Chang from Nicolet High School

Runner Up: "Worship," directed by Madeline Walczak from Oconomowoc High School

Photomontage

Winner:  "Ditch," directed by Kendahl Skomski from West Bend East High School

Runner Up: "Reflections," directed by Tess Stumvoll from Oconomowoc High School

Single Topic

Winner:  "Winner Takes All," directed by Tom Story from Stormonth Elementary

Runner Up:  "Pills," directed by Nate Plotkin from Nicolet High School

Original Music Videos

Winner:  “In the U.P.,” directed by Deanna DeValve from Marquette High School Upper Michigan

Runner Up:  “How Do You Feel,” directed by Laura Klein from University School of Milwaukee

Documentary

Winner:  "We All Bleed Red," directed by Jake Young from Franklin High School

Runner Up: "The Lost Art," directed by Josh Fredrick and Kelly Samp from Oconomowoc High School

Experimental Pieces

Winner:  "Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Eye," directed by Aaron Sims from Golda Meir School

Runner Up:  "Red Bird," directed by Lisa Eapen and Julia Camp from Waukesha STEM Academy

Short Films

Winner:  "Oppressor 2," directed by Caleb Dye and Josh Fredrick from Oconomowoc High School

Runner Up:  "Everything Sucks," directed by Zachary Roszina from Nicolet High School

One of the strongest components of the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum, is how each concept is built upon and extended from, one grade level to the next. The ideas are presented conceptually, using models and objects, in a real-world context in the beginning years. In each grade that follows, models are still used, but the type of model becomes more sophisticated to represent the ideas for that grade level. In addition, they move to a more symbolic representation for the mathematical concept. Summit Elementary School students show how geometric concepts can be introduced in 4K and built upon all the way through fourth grade, to deepen understanding of shapes, their attributes, and how this relates to the concepts of area and perimeter.

In the early grades, students have hands-on experience with a variety of shapes. 4/5K students work with both two and three-dimensional shapes and notice their properties, or “attributes.” They learn vocabulary that can define various shapes as they describe and compare them. Real shapes as well as pattern blocks are used by the students. In first grade, students expand on these concepts as they visualize and build three-dimensional shapes by linking the two-dimensional sides together. These can be built using “nets,” a geometric tool that consists of plastic flat shapes that can be linked together to form a three-dimensional shape.

In second grade, students continue investigating the attributes of shapes, but the use of geoboards, boards with pegs to stretch rubber bands into shapes, as a mathematical tool helps them add the concept of area to their study of shapes. Vocabulary is also extended to include more precise terms and ideas. In third grade, students demonstrate their understanding of the attributes of shapes with an in-depth analysis of quadrilaterals. Students select a specific quadrilateral and create a “riddle book” for other students to read and solve, based on the attributes that match their shape.

In fourth grade, students apply both their understanding of the attributes of shapes and the meaning of area and perimeter by constructing shapes with a given area and/or perimeter. In addition to the shapes, dimensions and equations would be a part of their work and explanation. Their choice of tools depends on their level of understanding – some may be able to create a labeled diagram on their own, while others may use grid paper. Other students may need more opportunities to manipulate their shapes to figure out their answers, in which case square color tile pieces or geoboards may also be used.

This continuity across grade levels for all of the mathematical concepts introduced in Bridges, allows students to connect the ideas being presented to something they have already learned. Students internalize the math concepts with this approach, as opposed to just memorizing them, which is a key to their mathematical success!

Summit Elementary Students and staff who presented “Bridges in Mathematics: Geometry through the Grade Levels at Summit Elementary” at the Oconomowoc Area School District Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

Pictured left to right:

Back row: Brian Stuckey, Summit Elementary School Principal

Middle row: Jessica Koski, Summit Elementary 4^th Grade Teacher, Alex Seraphine, Evalyn Weber (in back), Krystin Dieringer, Summit Elementary 3^rd Grade Teacher, Anne Seraphine, Summit Elementary 4K Teacher

Front row: Brianna Brown, Michelle Ganser, Summit Elementary 2^nd Grade Teacher, Colin Freeman, Mallory Beard, Asher Bencivenga, Greyson Collins

Summit Teacher, Anne Seraphine, along with Summit students, Greyson Collins and Asher Bencivenga, present at the OASD Board of Education meeting on April 17, 2018.

Summit Teacher, Michelle Ganser, along with Summit students Brianna Brown and Colin Freeman, present at the OASD Board of Education meeting on April 17, 2018.