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.

Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive math curriculum that helps teachers fully implement the Standards for Mathematics in a way that is challenging, engaging, coherent, and accessible to all learners. On Tuesday, May 1, Meadow View Elementary School staff and students were excited to present their work in Bridges to the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board.

The Bridges curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to problem solve. Teachers showed how they support this work through Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  “With UDL, we’re trying to make sure that all our learners in our classrooms understand what we’re teaching.  There are three basic pillars to UDL, trying to show kids multiple means of representation, then there are multiple means of engagement and multiple means of action and expression,” explained Meadow View Elementary fourth grade teacher, Lisa Docter.

Within the math curriculum, multiple means of representation come to life through the ways that math is taught.  Students learn through large group math lessons, small group instruction, individual instruction, and lessons taught using the document projector for visual learning.  Within these different settings, multiple learning strategies are used personalize the instruction further.  Teachers use anchor charts, number grids, and a variety of shapes and manipulatives.  “Multiple means of representation is how we present the information to kids in a variety of ways,” summarized Docter.

Students also use a variety of tools to engage with their math lessons.  Students might use small whiteboards to write on during large group instruction, or use number cards on a number line during small group learning.  They also work with a partner in “productive struggle” to work through a challenging math problem together.

As a result of the variety of learning formats and tools available for students, they’re able to express their thinking in multiple ways.  They use manipulatives, drawing pictures and writing to engage in “math talk” and explain how they reach the correct answers.  Meadow View Elementary Principal, Jason Schreiber said, “Effective mathematics teaching facilitates an opportunity for students to talk and collaborate in order to build a shared understanding of ideas, by analyzing and comparing student approaches and arguments.”

At the May Board Meeting, students in kindergarten through fourth grade demonstrated their small group work, solving a problem and modeling how they talk about their work.  Teachers also shared how Bridges allows them to create lessons that students can access, find engaging, and will enable them to show what they know in multiple ways. Through this planning, teachers can blend direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration while tapping into the strengths of all students by presenting material in a variety of ways.  Lisa Docter ended the presentation, saying “students are growing so much in math with Bridges, and we’re so excited.”

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Pictured left to right:

Back row: Mr. Jason Schreiber, Meadow View Elementary Principal, Rachel Gaulke, Learning Strategist, Lisa Docter, 4^th Grade Teacher, Sarah Schick, 3^rd Grade Techer

3rd row: Roxanne Cooke, 2^nd Grade Teacher, Jen McMillen, 1^st Grade Teacher, Becky Ballweg, 5K Teacher, Gwen Muehlbauer, 3^rd Grade Teacher

2^nd row: Isaac Carriveau, Sophia Kluck, Joscelyn Tewes, Michael Funk, Kyler Katankik

Front row: Jackson Shoemake, Jeffrey Xu, Addison Brendel, Chaelie Davis, Mackenzie Totten

Meadow View Elementary students Addison Brendel and Mackenzie Totten demonstrate how they use white boards, shapes, and drawing to solve a math problem. Kindergarten Teacher, Becky Ballweg, 1^st Grade Teacher, Jen McMillen and OASD Board member Juliet Steitzer watch their work.

Meadow View Elementary students Jeffrey Xu and Jackson Shoemake cut out their own shapes to solve a larger geometry problem.

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

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

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.

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.

Page 2

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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We're gearing up for the start of the 2018-19 school year and Open House for all of the OASD schools is on Tuesday, August 28th. This is a great time to visit the school, get familiar with classroom locations, meet teachers, and drop off school supplies. Open House times will be:

• OHS: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• Intermediate Schools: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
• Elementary Schools: 4:00-7:00 p.m.

If you are looking for your child's school supply list, please visit one of these Back-to-School pages:

• Greenland Elementary School
• Ixonia Elementary School
• Meadow View Elementary School
• Park Lawn Elementary School
• Summit Elementary School
• Nature Hill Intermediate School
• Silver Lake Intermediate School
• Oconomowoc High School

#oconpride

Important: This is only a training and not an emergency!

The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD), in partnership with the Oconomowoc Police Department (OPD), will be holding an Armed Intruder Training district-wide for all staff on August 29, 2018.

These training sessions will be held at all OASD schools and there will be a police presence at each location during the training. Police Department officials will be shooting blank rounds inside buildings to familiarize staff with the sound of live firearms.

District staff will spend time practicing:

• How to be flexible in their response to an emergency, based on the information available
• How to feel empowered in deciding the safest response, based on the information available
• How to communicate with each other and alert one another in an emergency

OASD Staff Training Schedule:

Nature Hill Intermediate Social Studies Teacher, Erik Jappinen, participated in a unique learning opportunity this summer. He spent a week in Virginia at the Monticello Teacher Institute, a summer fellowship program for American History teachers. This was Jappinen's second trip to Monticello, having visited last fall through the Worldstrides program. This summer's experience was much different because the Monticello Teacher Institute is an opportunity to research and study at Monticello, with a goal of enhancing classroom teaching on Thomas Jefferson's ideas and life.

During the Institute, Jappinen had the opportunity to privately tour Monticello and learn more about the lives of the enslaved people and families who lived there. He was also able to work with Monticello's lead historian and meet several of the archaeological staff working to uncover relics and better understand life at the site. The highlights of the week included:

• The opportunity for fellows to talk with noted Jefferson historian, Peter Onuf, via Skype.
• Access to the University of Virginia Special Collections Library, where Jappinen saw one of the 25 original printings of the Declaration of Independence and a copy of Notes on the State of Virginia, which Thomas Jefferson gave to the Marquis de Lafayette with personal inscription.

In addition to their time at Monticello, the fellows also toured Highland, the home of the fifth president, James Monroe, and the University of Virginia's Rotunda and Academical Village, both designed by Thomas Jefferson.

At the end of the weeklong Institute, Jappinen created a lesson plan that will be added to the Monticello Digital Classroom, an online resource for teachers across the country to enhance their classroom teaching on Thomas Jefferson. His lesson plan was a review and interpretation of the significant correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams over the course of their public lives. In many ways, their correspondence mirrored the growth and changes that the country was experiencing. "I had the opportunity to work with fifteen other teachers from across the country as we studied aspects of Thomas Jefferson's ideas and life. I also, and more importantly, learned a lot about someone that I believed I already knew," said Jappinen. "I would highly encourage all teachers to search out these types of immersive professional development opportunities. I met fifteen incredible educators and three terrific leaders from Monticello who I hope will continue to impact my teaching and learning. It was so rewarding," said Jappinen about his experience.

Nature Hill Intermediate Social Studies Teacher, Erik Jappinen, with statue of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello

Monticello Teachers Institute Group, Erik Jappinen in back row, far right

Monticello Teachers Institute Skype discussion with noted Jefferson historian, Peter Onuf.

One of the 25 original printings of the Declaration of Independence.

The main house at Monticello.

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You're invited to a screening of the documentary, Suicide, The Ripple Effect, at the Oconomowoc Arts Center on Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

The documentary highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, the film follows Kevin on a mission to help others stay alive and find recovery. In the Oconomowoc community, statistics reveal concerns around the issue of suicide as well. In spring of 2017, Oconomowoc High School students took the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) that revealed startling statistics. The percentage of students who seriously considered attempting suicide in the last 12 months was 13.3—that's 160 students.

We hope this film sheds light on this topic and offers hope to all that may be touched by suicide.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

• 5:30-6:00 p.m. - Resource fair
• 6:00-7:30 p.m. - Documentary screening
• 7:30-8:00 p.m. - Panel discussion with audience Q&A
• Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest Street, Oconomowoc

The event is FREE and open to the public for ages 13 and over.

Screening Partners/Sponsors Include:

• Rogers Behavioral Health
• SOFA: Saving Others for Archie
• National Alliance of Mental Health: Waukesha
• Oconomowoc Area School District

The counselors of Oconomowoc High School would like to invite parents of the Class of 2019 to attend our Senior Parent Night on the evening of Tuesday, September 11, 2018. The presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

This evening will provide information on the following topics:

• College, Career & Life Readiness Information
• Post High School Exploration
• College Admission Procedures and Process
• Scholarship Resources and Information
• Financial Aid Process

Due to changes in the financial aid process last year, we now bring in a financial aid expert who will speak on important deadlines and details on filling out the FAFSA.

Seniors will also begin meeting with their counselors in workshops during assigned PRIDE periods in early September to begin post high school planning. Students are not required to come to parent night.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the OHS Student Services office at (262)-560-3115.

We hope to see you there!

Join us for a conversation and opportunity to think collectively about diversity and the goals of the Oconomowoc Area School District. We'll talk about the values we want to carry forward and create a shared vision for the future.

Event Details:

• Thursday, October 18 and Monday, November 5, 2018
• 6:30-9:00 p.m. for both sessions
• Oconomowoc High School East Campus, 915 E. Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc
• Parking in front of the building, enter at main entrance

Session Goals:

October 18th: Overview of Identity Development

• Understanding our biases and assumptions and how they impact us individually
• How we see ourselves and others and its impact at the classroom, school and community levels

November 5th: Overview of Educational Equity

• Delineate areas of needs and interest specific to marginalized identities
• Participants categorize areas of interest and prioritize

About the Facilitators:

Dr. Elise Frattura

Dr. Elise Frattura has been a professor in the Department of Administrative Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Education since 2001. She's Co-Founder of Integrated Comprehensive Systems for Equity (icsequity.org) and Co-Director of the National Leadership for Social Justice Institute and Academy. From 2003-2013, Dr. Frattura served as an Associate Dean and Department Chairperson for the School of Education.

Dr. Joe Schroeder

Dr. Joe Schroeder combines successful leadership experience in teaching and administration with a passion for leadership development. Before joining the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) as Associate Executive Director in 2012, Dr. Schroeder served five years as Superintendent of the Muskego-Norway School District. Prior to that, Dr. Schroeder was the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services in the Elmbrook School District, Principal of Brookfield East High School, Associate Principal and Principal of Evansville High School, and English Teacher at both Menasha and Parker High Schools.

Click Here to RSVP for this event!

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

2018 Homecoming Court

• Back Row- Left to Right: Cole Ninmann, Ben Rawson, PJ Nelson, Jacob Hogan, Michael Kluz, & Luke Petersen
• Middle Row- Left to Right: Ethan Cash, Katie Jorgensen, & Emily Osborn
• Front Row- Left to Right: Dani Rabay, Madison Begos, Chela Quinones, Ryan Odeja, Sierra Boettcher, & Abby Westburg
• Not Pictured: Malik Staude

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.

Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) 2019-2020 Grant Proposals Accepted Now

Grant proposals for the next school year are due on or before December 19, 2018. OPEF has planned a Grant Writing and Q&A Workshop for October 19, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the OHS Library. This workshop is open to all Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) staff. Be sure to sign up for the upcoming workshop.

Please use the application document for grant submissions [PDF]. Please contact Keara Harris at opefinfo@gmail.com with questions.

Over the next few weeks, all OASD schools will participate in safety drills following the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) safety protocol. This training encourages staff and students to respond to an unsafe person based on the situation, rather than rely on centralized instructions in dynamic times of crisis.

The purpose of these safety drills is to provide students and staff the opportunity to practice making a well-informed decision if an unsafe and unexpected situation were to happen at school. Before these drills are held, teachers will hold age-appropriate discussions on:

• what will take place during the training
• how to calmly complete the exercise
• what materials students may need to have with them
• the expectations for remaining orderly throughout the drill

Parents will receive additional information, including specific dates and times, via email prior to and during these drills. Any school-specific information will also be shared in these emails. Please contact your school front office with any questions about these safety drills.

Thank you for your support of safety education in the Oconomowoc Area School District.

Your Choice Prevention Education is hosting the "Wake Up Call" exhibit at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. "Wake-Up Call," is a life-size exhibit of a teen's bedroom with more than 20 "red flags" that can signal drug or alcohol use. The bedroom identifies spots where teens may hide drugs, household items that can be used as drug paraphernalia and ways teens try to cover up drug and alcohol use. This FREE presentation is intended for adults only, 21 years of age and older.

Participants will:

• Learn the signs and symptoms associated with substance use as well as current drug trends
• Receive a guided tour of the bedroom along with a description of items used to conceal substance use
• Learn parenting strategies to help prevent substance use
• Receive a comprehensive resource handbook
• Receive an opportunity to go through the bedroom and ask questions

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The Oconomowoc Arts Center

641 E. Forest Street, Oconomowoc

6:00-6:30 p.m. - Resource Fair

6:30-8:00 p.m. - "Wake Up Call" tour presented by Your Choice team members

Please register for this FREE event through this link.

For questions about this event, please contact Brenda Barker at (262)-569-4950 or Sandi Lybert at (262)-367-9901.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – October 16, 2018. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) announced today that John Cramer has accepted the District's offer to become the new Director of the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC). Cramer will replace longtime Director, Michael Duncan, upon his retirement in November.

This is an exciting time for the Performing Arts in Oconomowoc. The OASD is proud to have Cramer join the OAC staff and volunteers who work endless hours to showcase student talent and attract professional programming throughout the year.

Superintendent Dr. Roger Rindo stated, "We are so happy to welcome John to the Oconomowoc Area School District and the OAC. His extensive experience in arts administration, his local and regional connections, and rich development experience make him exceptionally well-suited to take the OAC to the next level. Michael Duncan's retirement leaves large shoes to fill, but John Cramer is up to the task."

"I am excited about John Cramer becoming the next director of the OAC. I have worked with and for John on numerous projects over the past 20 years. John served as my associate artistic and education director at Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. John brings a panoply of professional arts experience including directing, producing, presenting and every aspect of arts administration to the table. He will be an invaluable addition to the OAC future", added Current OAC Director Michael Duncan.

Cramer brings artistic excellence, education, community engagement and is a successful theater-maker. He joins the OAC with more than 20 years of theater management and theater education experience. Providing leadership and supervision as the Managing Artistic Director for all operations most recently at the Waukesha Civic Theatre in Waukesha, WI, he managed production, administration, budget, marketing, fund development, and education. He also worked previously at The Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove, WI, as the Associate Artistic Director and Director of The Sunset School for the Arts coordinating auditions, creating staging, implementing a theatre school curriculum and all other details associated with running theater programs.

John Cramer added, "I am incredibly grateful for and excited about the opportunity to bring my experience in theater arts to the OAC. I look forward to continuing the strong programming that is already in place, and providing the vision and leadership to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm."

Cramer holds a bachelor's degree in Drama from the University of Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, and a Study of Theatre Arts from Mankato State University, Mankato, MN.

Cramer's contract pends approval at the OASD School Board meeting on October 16.

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