Members of the Oconomowoc High School Class of 1948 celebrated their 70^th class reunion on Saturday September 29, at Shorehaven in Oconomowoc. Members came from around the area to attend the event.

Every Student at Nature Hill Intermediate School Has a Story – Here's How We Learn Them

Start To Learn Their Story Early

The staff at Nature Hill Intermediate School understand that moving from elementary to intermediate school can be frightening and challenging for students and parents. To help make the transition less intimidating, the Nature Hill team uses several programs to begin meeting students and families early, before the new school year begins.

In the spring, fourth graders from Ixonia, Greenland, and Meadow View Elementary Schools visit Nature Hill to see the school and learn what it means to become part of the Nature Hill "Wolf Pack." The visit is a good way to introduce students to the school while they're with their classmates and fourth grade teachers in a field trip environment. This visit allows the Nature Hill fifth grade teachers to observe student personalities and interaction when the students are in a more comfortable and relaxed situation.

After the visit, Nature Hill Administrative and Student Services staff meet with all of the elementary school staff teams. They learn more about the incoming fifth grade students and plan for any additional support that might be needed for specific students.

The final spring event is a fifth grade transition night with students and families. Parents meet the Nature Hill teachers and learn more about the school and changes they can expect for the new school year. While families are meeting teachers, students meet with outgoing fifth graders to talk about Nature Hill and being part of the "Wolf Pack."

Where Everyone Belongs (WEB)

It's important for teachers to get to know their students, but it's equally important for students to feel comfortable enough to share their personalities at a new school. Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) is a program developed to help incoming fifth graders feel familiar and comfortable at Nature Hill, so they're already part of the Wolf Pack on the first day of school. The program also gives students resources and tools that they can use if they need help or have apprehensions about their first year at Nature Hill.

Nature Hill eighth graders, Camille Jostad, Adam Lois, and Samantha Jappinen, are all WEB leaders who helped lead the fifth grade WEB experience in August. Samantha described the program at the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board meeting on October 16. She said, "WEB makes a fifth grader's transition from elementary school to middle school a little easier. We also play games and do activities with the kids to make their transition a little easier. It makes the kids know they're part of a community at school. We hope that 5th graders feel connected to the 8th graders through WEB."

Eighth grader Adam Lois explained the day-long WEB program in August. "This is the day where we meet the fifth graders. We all come into an assembly and we make a giant tunnel and have all the fifth graders run through it. It's just a cool way to introduce all the fifth graders to the school. After that we break up into small groups where we play different games with them and get to know the fifth graders."

The WEB program then extends throughout the school year, with the eighth graders periodically meeting with their fifth grade WEB team, to see how they're doing and offer guidance or help with anything they can.

Camille Jostad concluded the School Board meeting presentation by explaining what the WEB program meant to her when she was an incoming eighth grader. "In WEB I met new people who are now my best friends. It helped me so much just getting to know them and be social with them. I walked around the school and I got to see all my classes and see where the lunch room is. I also got to use my lock which was really helpful. Now being a WEB leader, I want to make the fifth graders feel comfortable and welcome coming into our school."

Learning a Student's Story Within the Classroom

Nature Hill Intermediate teachers, Kelly Boldt and Shelly Favorite, explained some of the approaches they use to build community within their classrooms, beginning the very first day of school. "This year we were excited with the one-to-one technology. We decided to take some activities we've done in the past with learner profiles, using paper and pen, and instead put it into a technology format."

Shelly Favorite explained further saying, "in addition to wanting to build our community, we wanted the kids to get to know each other on a personal level, on a learning level, and everything about them that's going to help them be successful in the classroom." To accomplish this community building, they created a Google Classroom with a variety of activities for the students to complete in small groups. They included videos, questionnaires, interactive games, and writing sections. When the groups completed all of the sections, they created a "teach us about you" project, where they made a video, a slide show, or a collage that they shared with the class. It worked very well for their students, and brought everyone together.

Nature Hill Principal, Chuck Olson, concluded by saying, "our goal is to learn our students story, to understand their learning profile. When we know our students stories, we can build classes that meet every students unique learning needs."

Left to right: Nature Hill 5^th grade teacher, Shelly Favorite, 5^th grade teacher, Kelly Boldt, Samantha Jappinen, Camille Jostad, Adam Lois, and Nature Hill Intermediate Principal, Chuck Olson

All are welcome and invited!

• Come see the fine work of the Oconomowoc High School Trades III students and hear what they have learned so far
• Experience first hand what makes Tim O'Brien Homes Green & Energy Certified and how this home is designed to save the homeowner money on heating and cooling bills
• Please dress warm and wear comfortable shoes
• Coffee, juice and pastries will be served

Time O'Brien Homes/Oconomowoc Area School District
Construction 101
November 10, 2018
11:00 a.m.

Location:
The Kendall- Lake Country Village
35409 Mineral Springs Blvd.
Summit, WI

For Directions:
Visit, timobrienhomes.com/35409-mineral-springs-blvd

Questions:
262-542-5750

Through the generosity of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, First Bank Financial Center, and ProHealth Care, the Oconomowoc Area School District has received 9 Bleeding Control Kits. The kits were created through a program called "Stop the Bleed" which seeks to strengthen training and availability of medical supplies in an injury or massive bleeding situation. A Bleeding Control Pack will be available at each OASD school and district medical response staff will receive training to use the supplies.

From the First Bank Financial Centre Press Release:

The "Stop the Bleed" campaign was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup convened by the National Security Council Staff and The White House. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters.

"At ProHealth Care, we strive to be the health care leader in Waukesha County by providing outstanding care across a full spectrum of services," said Sarah Butz, ProHealth Care Director, Community Benefit. "Those services may expand beyond our facilities, and supporting this initiative in our schools is an excellent example of that outreach."

Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO of First Bank Financial Centre, added, "Oconomowoc has been our home for nearly 160 years. It's an honor to support our schools in a variety of ways, and this initiative is a potentially life-saving program for our kids and teachers."

The campaign includes medical training and provides kits filled with supplies to be used in an emergency. Each kit includes a tourniquet, permanent marker, trauma dressing, gauze, two pairs of gloves, shears/scissors, and an instruction card.

Pictured in Photo from left to right: Greg Maroo, Oconomowoc Area School District; Jennifer Wucherer, Oconomowoc Area School District; Sarah Butz, ProHealth Care; Dave Sutton, Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Christy Deal, Oconomowoc Area School District; Jeff McCarthy, First Bank Financial Centre; Kay Nissen, ProHealth Care and Paula Jacobs, ProHealth Care Foundation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – November 6, 2018. Three alumni from Oconomowoc High School (OHS) scored among the top business students nationwide during their senior year on rigorous exams to test their business knowledge during the 2017-18 school year. The exams are part of the school's High School of Business™ (HSB) program, a national accelerated business administration program of MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Approximately 8,000 students from across the nation participated in the program during the 2017-18 school year.

Receiving top scores at OHS are:

• Nathaniel Trego, Principles of Business
• Nathan DuPont, Principles of Business
• Brett Miller, Principles of Business

OHS School to Career Coordinator Kyla Stefan stated, "I love the new HSB classes offered at OHS and the hands-on approach they provide students in the classroom. These classes help students learn a variety of concepts while also applying them to local businesses or project-based experiences. I am proud of all of the students for the dedication and flexibility they demonstrated as we worked through our first year of implementing the first two courses of this program (HSB Principles of Business and HSB Business Economics)." She went on to say, "Nate, Nathan, and Brett have all set the bar high and deserve recognition for scoring in the top 20 across the nation, a true testament to their hard work and focus."

Students participating in High School of Business™ complete real, hands-on business projects through a series of six courses. The program also includes observational internships, opportunities to earn college credit, and local oversight via a steering team of college faculty, business professionals, and school personnel.

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High School of Business™ is a program of MBA Research, a non-profit organization specializing in educational research and the development of business and marketing curriculum for high schools and colleges across the U.S. The accelerated program is designed for college-bound students with interest in business administration careers, such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or management. For more information about the national organization, visit www.MBAResearch.org/HSB.

Photos:

Nathaniel T.

Nathan D.

Brett M.

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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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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curtain call

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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!