The school board approved the 2017-18 District Calendar.

Click here to download PDF.
 

OCONOMOWOC, WI – December 21, 2016.  The Oconomowoc DECA Chapter gave back to more than 300 Milwaukee students during their annual “Adopt-a-School” service project.

2016 marks the 11th year for Oconomowoc High School DECA’s “Adopt-a-School” project. This year, the DECA Leadership Team selected Townsend Street Elementary School, an MPS school with an over 95% poverty rate. DECA students gathered wish lists from all 300 of the children, and OHS students and staff each “adopted” a student.  OHS students and staff shopped for the gifts including hats, mittens, gloves, coats, school supplies, and toys. We are thankful for the generosity of our school community and for the opportunity to contribute in this way.        

About 80 DECA members as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus delivered food and gifts to each classroom on Wednesday. They also took time to eat lunch with students and play outside at recess. This project not only helps children in need, but also helps OHS students create connections with young people and gain a new perspective during this meaningful event.

PHOTO: OHS DECA getting ready to spread Holiday Cheer to students at Townsend Street Elementary School in Milwaukee!

Pictured: Santa and Mrs. Claus - Richard and Mary Pyka; Katherine Aasen (left red hair); Scott Sayles (middle – OHS Business & Marketing student teacher); Chelsea Hess (right)

OCONOMOWOC, WI – January 2017.  Beginning in the fall of 2018, football will be offered to Oconomowoc Area School District students as an extra-curricular sport.  This opportunity will be available for seventh and eighth grade students.  In addition, the district will be partnering with the City of Oconomowoc Park and Recreation department and YMCA of Pabst Farms to offer flag football for students in fifth and sixth grade.

“We believe this move comes at a good time,” said Kevin Flegner, Oconomowoc High School Athletic Director.  “As we transition into the Classic 8 Conference it provides us the opportunity to better ensure program consistency and continuity in an education-based setting.  It also comes at a time when programs everywhere, and at all levels, are taking greater steps regarding player safety.”

All interested seventh and eighth grade students would play for their home intermediate schools, with practices held immediately after school.  All home games will be played on the turf at Rux Stadium at the Oconomowoc High School.  Coaches will be supervised by the school administration and program oversight will come from the high school football staff.

OHS Head Football Coach Ryan McMillan commented, “I am excited about this new opportunity for our kids and for our program.  I can guarantee there will be a concentration on fundamentals, skill development, and proper technique for all student-athletes. Studies continue to identify the potential health and safety risks of starting contact football at too early an age, and we believe those same fundamental skills and techniques can be learned early in a flag football setting with our fifth and sixth graders.”

Consistent with District practice, all coaches, regardless of whether they are teachers on staff, will have CPR, First Aid, and AED training.  All non-staff coaches will have full background checks and all coaches will be evaluated on an annual basis.

Development of both the 7^th and 8^th grade programs as well as the 5^th and 6^th grade programs will take place in the coming months.  The District will be working in conjunction with Oconomowoc Youth Football during the 2017 season to ensure a smooth transition and to celebrate the rich history of the OYF program in the Oconomowoc community.

“This is a bittersweet day for our leadership team, our coaches, and our families.” said Gary Wipperman, OYF president. “While we are sad to mark the end of Oconomowoc Youth Football, we know our youth are in good hands and we offer our best wishes for success to Kevin Flegner, OASD Athletic Director, and Ryan McMillen, OHS Head Football Coach.   They have a vision for the future of Oconomowoc football and we support them fully in this endeavor.”

OCONOMOWOC, WI – January 31, 2017.  David Vowels, a graduating senior at Oconomowoc High School has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.  The candidates were selected from nearly 3.5 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2017.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 53nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 800 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.  David is the son of Carl and Michelle Vowels.

[PHOTO:  David Vowels]

OCONOMOWOC, WI – February 15, 2017.  Nature Hill Intermediate School is currently more alive than usual and that is due to the many rehearsals and behind the scenes work currently taking place as students, parents, and staff get ready for this year’s musical production, The Sound of Music G2K.  Between 57 cast members, 25 tech crew members, 10 adult production staff, and countless parent and community volunteers are working around the clock to bring this timeless Broadway and Academy Award winning movie to the school’s stage.  

Doing a show that is loved by so many and widely known is a challenge for students, but the G2K format gives it a new twist.  G2K stands for “Getting to Know” Rodgers and Hammerstein.  Like the Broadway Jr. Series, which is known for its Disney Theatricals, the G2K program takes well-known Broadway titles and condenses the storyline and rewrites the music so that it is performance friendly for middle level actors and audiences.  The Sound of Music G2K includes all of the classic songs that audiences will be ready to sing along with, but they are not found in the usual order in the show.

“Having the songs out of order seemed a bit strange at first, but now that we’ve been working on it and know how we want to portray the characters and this story, we’re excited that this version allows us to give a little twist on the classic,” states Amy Jappinen, director.  “This allows us to make the show our own, adding in our own special touches that we how will thrill our audiences.”

An extra special touch added to this year’s performance is having the actresses that form the nun ensemble showcased in a pre-show performance with music that you would expect to hear from this type of show.  This group adds sparkle that will have the audience ready to sing and dance.  In fact, with a medley from Sister Act, the audience will be asked to participate.  The show’s vocal director and NHI’s choral teacher, Tracy Garon, selected the music for this pre-show and the girls involved in the ensemble couldn’t be more excited to perform for their upcoming audiences.

Garon states, “A personal interest and specialty of mine is working with women’s vocal ensembles, making this opportunity an exciting experience for myself and the singers. Working with a young women’s choir allows for new friendships and camaraderie as they build one another up in singing, and further embody the spirit of the music to share with others.”

Students in all grade levels at NHI are able to audition and be selected to perform as members of the cast and crew for the all-school musicals.  This is one of a few opportunities at the middle school level where all four grade levels are able to work and perform together.  “This makes our program very unique and special,” shares Amy Jappinen.  “It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn to work with others that aren’t the same age or have the same abilities.  We started rehearsals in January and have worked together for about two months to create this piece of art.  When we first get started, we have a blank canvas/stage and when we finish, we have a musical production that we are all very proud of.  During this time new friendships have developed and lasting memories made. For many of our students these are the best memories of middle school.”

Ticket Information:

Tickets are currently on sale through the district and school’s websites.  However, due to this year’s show being performed on site, there are a limited 250 tickets per show.  Beginning in the 2017-18 school year, both intermediate schools will be performing at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.  Nature Hill’s theater department is so excited that our community and school board is so dedicated to the arts and has found a way to give even more students the opportunity to perform at our beautiful Arts Center.  Thank you to everyone for supporting theater for middle level students!

Link to purchase tickets:  https://www.greateventseats.com/events.php?lID=106

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Quick Facts at a Glance:

Sound of Music G2K
March 2-5, 2017
Evening Shows on March 2 -4, 2017, at 7 p.m.
Matinees on March 4-5, 2017, at 1 p.m.
General Admission Tickets $10

Questions?

Amy Jappinen

Show Director

JappineA@oasd.org

Jennifer Hogan as Maria and Callahan Cowles as Captain Von Trapp acting out their proposal scene. 

Brooke Dunford as Liesl and Gage Mesick dancing to “You are 16 Going on 17”. 

The Lonely Goatherd by the von Trapp Children – Brooke Dunford/Liesl, Ana Thiel/Gretl, Kade Ducklow/Kurt, Kiera Hemmerling/Marta, Cormac Wiese/Fredrich, Emma Holland/Brigitta, and Stephanie Hogan as Louisa

OCONOMOWOC, WI – February 24, 2017. Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) Summer School for grades 4K-12 will be held June 19-July 28, 2017.  Summer school course information is now available to view on the district website at www.oasd.org.  Online registration will be open beginning March 6, 2017 at 6:00 a.m. and will close March 17, 2017 at 12:00 noon. 

Families can visit the Summer School web pages for complete course and registration information. Grade level course brochures, step-by-step instructions for registration and the payment process are posted on the website, under District>Summer School.

Registration will occur through Family Access, the district’s student management software. Payment for summer school courses is required at the time of registration and can be paid by credit or debit card.  All courses must be paid for no later than the Friday of the week you register to secure your student’s place within the class or classes registered.

• Summer School classes are separated into three new brochures, for elementary, intermediate and high school courses. There are new course offerings at each grade level.

• Gymnastics will be offered through the Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation – visit the Parks and Rec website to register for summer gymnastics.

• Classes for grades 4K-4th grade skills instruction, Summer Adventure, and enrichment classes will be held at Summit Elementary School.

• Classes for grade 5-8 skills instruction and enrichment classes will be held at Oconomowoc High School.

• Classes for grades 9-12 credit recovery, skills instruction and enrichment classes will be held at Oconomowoc High School.

Contact Us:

Email: summer@oasd.org

Website:  www.oasd.org

Phone: 262-560-2115

Thank you and we look forward to serving your student this summer as part of OASD’s Summer School Program!

OCONOMOWOC, WI – February 15, 2017.  The Arts are the thread that ties communities together and reflects students’ voices, life experiences, hopes and dreams.  Oconomowoc High School is proud to announce our first annual Student Art Festival March 31- April 1, 2017.  The event will highlight the best in area Arts programs and paints a picture of the communities we call home.

Event Details and Submission Guidelines
The anchor event is the 2nd Annual Film Festival, held on the evenings of March 31 and April 1, 2017.  This school year, the event is expanding to include many more categories.   Submissions in the following areas were accepted February 1-28, 2017:

• Film
• Visual Art
• Spoken Word Poetry
• Theatre:  One Act Play Festival
• Storytelling:  Moth Event
• Music:  Chamber Music
• Guest Artists & Demonstrations
• Live Sketching Competition Event

>SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:  

Youth Arts Festival Submissions-  http://youthartsfest.weebly.com/submit-work.html

Lake Country Film Festival-  http://www.lakecountryfilmfestival.org/?p=guidelines

Event Schedule

>YOUTH ART FESTIVAL WEBSITE: http://youthartsfest.weebly.com/event-schedule.html

How to Purchase Tickets
Purchase tickets from the OAC box office, by phone, online or in person.  Tickets are $15 general admission for either the March 31 or April 1 Film Fest. The purchase of a ticket includes free admission to the rest of the festival.

>ADDITIONAL TICKETING DETAILS:  http://youthartsfest.weebly.com/tickets.html

Concessions
Concessions will be available during the event for purchase and will benefit OHS Clubs and Activities.  Offerings will include coffee, breakfast items, subs, snacks and side items, pizza, soda and water.

Questions?

Event Address

641 E. Forest Street

Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Park in the North OAC lot and enter through the OAC doors.

General Event Contact Information:

Melissa Anders

Youth Arts Festival Coordinator

Oconomowoc High School Associate Principal

262-560-3107

andersm@oasd.org

TWITTER

@youthartsfest

twitter.com/YouthArtsFest

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/YOUTHARTS

[Please see the attached printable flyer for more information.]

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OCONOMOWOC, WI – March 24, 2017. The Oconomowoc Area School District is pleased to announce that Lynne Carlstein, choir teacher for grades 5-8 at Silver Lake Intermediate School, has been selected as a 2017 Herb Kohl Fellowship recipient. Mrs. Carlstein was chosen for this $3,000 grant because of her skill as a leader and agent for positive change in her classroom and school, and for her superior ability to inspire the love of learning.

Silver Lake Intermediate will also receive a $3,000 grant. Both Carlstein and Silver Lake will be recognized at a regional luncheon on Saturday, April 8 at Greendale High School, along with other recipients. The grant funds will be paid out this June.

Congratulations, Lynne from the Oconomowoc Area School District! Thank you for your dedication to our students.

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About the Kohl Teacher Fellowship Program

The Kohl Teacher Fellowship program recognizes and supports teaching excellence and innovation in the State of Wisconsin. Their goal is to support teachers in the pursuit of their unrealized goals for their classrooms or professional development. This year, the Foundation increased its awards to 100 Wisconsin teachers to $3,000, and each Kohl Fellowship recipient's school will receive a matching $3,000 grant. Recipients' professional accomplishments are celebrated at a recognition luncheon in the spring. The applications of the public school Kohl fellowship recipients will automatically be used as the applicants for the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year program.

PHOTO:  Lynne Carlstein, Silver Lake Intermediate Choir Teacher and 2017 Kohl Fellowship Grant Recipient

OCONOMOWOC, WI – October 24, 2017.  OHS German Program is very proud to announce the winners of this year’s National German competition, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).

The following students at Oconomowoc High School have been awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze and Achievement Awards and special recognition on the Presidential Honor Roll for outstanding performance on the 2017 National German Exam for High School Students.

Caroline Volk (Senior, level 4) received the Gold award;  Stephanie Christiansen (Freshman, level 2), Kylei Hoffland (Senior, level 4), and Jessica Steckling (Senior level 4) received the Silver award; William Grosspietsch (Junior, level 4), William Raskopf (Senior, level 4) and Kyla Voelz (Junior, level 4) received the Bronze Award; Octavia Buschhaus (Sophomore, level 3), Greta Kelly (Junior, level 4), Alyssa Odau (Junior, level 4), and Claire Volk (Sophomore, level 3) received the Achievement Award on the 2017 National German Exam sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).

Over 20,000 students participated in the exam this year. The National German Exam, now in its 57th year, rewards students through an extensive prize program and provides a means of comparing students in all regions of the United States.  Nicole Moser, teacher of German at Oconomowoc High School and AATG Member said, “Through this test, we are proud to highlight the outstanding achievement of our students”, and Christele Schwerer, German Teacher at OHS and AATG Member stated, “This competition consists mostly of reading and listening to authentic German speaking segments. The results demonstrate how our OHS German students compare with peers across the nation. We are proud of all the students who volunteered their time and effort in this event.”

Founded in 1926, the AATG represents German teachers at all levels of instruction. The AATG is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the teaching of language, literature, and culture of the German‐speaking countries.

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Questions:
Christele Schwerer
Schwerec@oasd.org

Photo:

Front row from left: Stephanie Christiansen, Kylei Hoffland, Claire Volk, Kyla Voelz, Greta Kelly,

Second row from left: Will Grosspietsch, Caroline Volk, William Raskopf, Octavia Buschhaus, Alyssa Odau, Jessie Steckling.

OCONOMOWOC, WI – April 7, 2017.  For the seventh time, the Oconomowoc Area School District earned a top ten national ranking among mid-size districts for innovative use of technology district-wide.  OASD placed fourth with two other districts in the Mid-sized Student Population Districts Category, recognizing districts around the country with enrollment of 3,000-12,000.

 “The Oconomowoc Area School District is committed to making learning technologies readily available to all students and teachers,” said Dr. Derick Kiger, Director of Research, Technology and Assessment.  “This is evidenced by strategic investments in modern learning facilities, technology infrastructure and innovative instructional programs.”  The district will implement the final phase of OASD Mobile Technology Plan in 2017-18 while continuing evaluation of technology use in its Flexible UDL learning spaces.

School districts’ use of innovative technologies such as investing in tools for next-generation digital learners; launching STEM academies; and encouraging the innovative use of drones, solar panels and robotics clubs and camps earned top spots in the Center for Digital Education’s and National School Boards Association’s 13^th  anniversary Digital School Districts Survey.  The survey recognizes exemplary school boards’ and districts’ use of technology to govern their district, communicate with students, parents and community and improve the learning environment and district operations.

The top-ten rankings are awarded to those school boards and districts that most fully implement technology benchmarks in the evolution of digital education, as represented in the survey questions.  All U.S. public school districts are eligible to participate in the Digital School Districts Survey.  View the full list of school districts honored.

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About the National School Boards Association

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is the leading advocate for public education and supports equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership.  NSBA represents state school boards associations and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S. Learn more at:  www.nsba.org

About The Center for Digital Education

The Center for Digital Education (CDE) is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding.  CDE provides education and industry leaders with decision support and actionable insight to help effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21^st century.  www.centerdigitaled.com    

OCONOMOWOC, WI – April 21, 2017.  Earlier today, OASD Superintendent Roger J. Rindo, Ed.D. contacted the Lakeville School District and withdrew his name from the search for Superintendent in that district. 

Regarding his decision to stay in Oconomowoc, Dr. Rindo stated, “After a very good discussion with the School Board about the work the Oconomowoc Area School District has started and the direction the District is headed, I am eager to remain in Oconomowoc and continue that work.  Our discussion was honest and productive, and we left understanding that we all share the same goals and aspirations for our students and our community. 

Dr. Rindo concluded, “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Board as we advance our vision to become an unrivaled learning community.  I remain committed to Oconomowoc, and more importantly, to the work that we are doing together here for all kids.  We have made great progress, but the work is not finished.  It is my intention to remain in Oconomowoc to see that work through.  And I am humbled to do that work alongside strongest and most committed group of faculty, staff, and administrators that I have worked with in my career.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oconomowoc Area School District Provides Clarification to Meadow View Elementary School Site Concern 

OCONOMOWOC, WI – April 26, 2017.  After representatives leading the development of the Northeast Corridor project filed a Notice of Intent to the Department of Natural Resources earlier this month, the Oconomowoc Area School District was notified that a potential burial site was identified within the area of the project which includes the site for the new Meadow View Elementary School.  Specifically, several acres in the southeast corner of the new site have been identified within the area identified as a potential burial site, but are not within the area where the school is situated on the current site plan. 

Because the entirety of the site for the new school is on land that has been farmed for an extensive period of time, the District has been informed that it is possible that the disturbance of the land over a lengthy period of time may have destroyed the site.  However, over the next several weeks, topsoil from the site will be stripped away under the supervision of the Commonwealth Heritage Group, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  If their professional review of the site identifies bones or artifacts they will report those findings to the Wisconsin Historical Society which will then provide direction to the District. The District will adhere to those directions prior to any further activity on the site.  We have respect for the identification of the possible burial site and have every intent to cooperate with the State and other permitting authorities in a process similar to any other in such identifications. 

The comments attributed to Board President Don Wiemer were not quoted in their entirety, and should not be interpreted as they were portrayed.  Mr. Wiemer referenced that the correct process for addressing this situation will be followed, a comment which was also reinforced at the meeting by Board Member Mike Bickler as cited in the April 25, 2017 article in the Oconomowoc Focus. It was not the intent to appear insensitive or disrespectful in any way.  As a District, a part of our vision is to honor the past as we shape the future.  We are committed to ensuring that we are honoring the Native American heritage in our area while taking the steps necessary to move our project forward in the best way possible for everyone involved.

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Oconomowoc High School Honors 2017 Wall of Fame Recipients

OCONOMOWOC, WI – April 25, 2017.  Oconomowoc High School is excited to announce that they have presented the 2017 Wall of Fame Award.  This year, both Wall of Fame award recipients complement each other well, as they were both selected from the field of visual arts.  

Dean Sobel, a 1978 graduate of OHS, has been selected as one of the recipients of this annual honor that is bestowed upon OHS Alumni that have demonstrated a significant contribution to mankind.  Dean’s nomination quickly rose to the top with accomplishments such as being appointed Director of the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado, a position he holds to this day.  In years prior, Sobel held the position of Director of the Aspen Art Museum, as well as the Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Art at the Milwaukee Art Museum around the time that the museum was preparing for major renovations under the design of Santiago Calatrava.  Also during his time at the Milwaukee Art Museum, he organized shows featuring major contemporary artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Cindy Sherman, and Damien Hirst.  Sobel also contributed to the 2009 Milwaukee Lakefront Festival of the Arts as a juror.

Dean joins Stasia Wilson, our second 2017 Wall of Fame recipient, who is an accomplished artist with a disability.  She paints murals, portraits, and more with the aid of a device on her head.  Stasia recently held a 2015 show at the OAC called The Innocence of Sandy Hook, where she painted the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in December of 2013.

These OHS graduates exemplify the criteria of “making a significant contribution to mankind,” as well as our district’s mission, vision, and core values.  They were selected by current OHS students and staff to receive this award at the OASD School Board meeting on April 25, 2017.  A special thank you to OHS students Zach Nienhuis and Greta Kelly for taking the time to prepare introductions for each inductee.  Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our OHS Alumni!

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WALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CRITERIA

The following criteria must be met to be considered for induction to the Oconomowoc High School Wall of Fame:

1. Must be a graduate of Oconomowoc High School

2. Candidate must have made a significant contribution to the welfare of mankind. Prior recipient’s achievements have included:

This contribution may have been accomplished through one or more of the following areas but not limited to:

a. Community impact/recognition

b. State/National impact/recognition

c. Volunteer work

d. Contribution to human culture

e. Benefit to mankind

Questions:

Melissa Anders, OHS Associate Principal

AndersM@oasd.org

Photo:

From left to right:  Greta Kelly, Zach Nienhuis, Stasia Wilson, Arlys Sobel (accepting the award on behalf of her son Dean Sobel)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oconomowoc, WI – May 5, 2017. The Oconomowoc Area School District is pleased to announce four grant awards to classroom projects around the district, thanks to the generosity of the Imagine a Day Foundation. Approximately $9,000 was awarded to elementary and intermediate classrooms and projects.

The Imagine A Day Foundation was created in memory of Courtney Bella, by her father, Brad Bella. At age 10, Courtney was tragically killed in an automobile accident by an intoxicated driver in April of 2008. The name of the foundation was inspired by a poem Courtney wrote just weeks before her death.

The grants are as follows:

Park Lawn and Ixonia Elementary Schools - Amy Ciesielski and Stacy Yearling
$1,695 for a shared Ukulele Music Curriculum Program

Summit Elementary – Jill LaGrange
$3,995 for iPad Art Technology (10 iPads and associated applications)

Summit Elementary - Brian Stuckey
$2,000 for the Annual Lapham Peak Field Trip for Music, Art and Writing in Nature

Park Lawn Elementary - Jennifer Jones
$1,535 for Art Room and Performance Technology

# # #

OCONOMOWOC, WI – May 9, 2017.  The Oconomowoc Area School District announced today that Greg Malling has accepted the District’s offer to become the next head football coach at Oconomowoc High School.  Malling will be joining the faculty as an English teacher.

Coach Malling brings incredible depth and experience to his new role as OHS transitions next year to the Classic Eight conference.  His head coaching experience has included stops at Wootton High School in Maryland, Arrowhead High School, and most recently Coon Rapids High School in Minnesota.

Athletic Director Kevin Flegner stated, “I am very excited that Greg Malling has accepted the opportunity to be our next head football coach here at OHS.  Greg’s knowledge of the Classic Eight and the style of play that we will face night in and night out in that league will help us immediately in our transition.  His incredible work ethic, student-centered approach and his background in leadership and weight training will fit right into the great work that has already been established here.”

Flegner went on to state, “In following with the blueprint for success that our OASD administrative team has set, we will continue to seek out and hire the best available coaches regardless of what school they come from.”

An opportunity for players, parents, and boosters to meet Coach Malling is being organized.

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 Photo:  Greg Malling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – May 9, 2017.  Oconomowoc High School Senior Lauren Gall competed at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Gall competed against other DECA students from around the world on April 26th-29th in Anaheim, California. Lauren medaled as a finalist in the Hotel and Lodging category where she competed against almost 200 other students from around the world.

Lauren stated, “Standing on stage in front of 20,000 other student to receive my medal was the highlight of my senior year. It was an incredible experience and I'm so proud to have had the opportunity."  

Oconomowoc High School’s DECA chapter includes almost 250 members, 45 of those students competed during the 2016-17 school year at the district level, 13 at the state level with three students qualifying for ICDC.   

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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.  https://www.deca.org/

DECA is organized into two unique student divisions each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members. The High School Division includes 200,000 members in 3,500 schools. The Collegiate Division includes over 15,000 members in 275 colleges and universities.

DECA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit student organization with more than 215,000 members in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain. The United States Congress, the United States Department of Education and state, district and international departments of education authorize DECA’s programs.

Questions:
Jennifer Starke-White
DECA Advisor
StarkeJ@oasd.org

Pictured: Lauren Gall 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

OCONOMOWOC, WI – May 10, 2017.  The Oconomowoc Area School District announced today that Jill Marr has been selected as the new Principal at Silver Lake Intermediate School.  She will replace Ellyn Helberg who will be retiring at the end of June.

Jill comes to Silver Lake with nearly 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher at the 3rd and 4th grade level in OASD.  She has also served the District as Coordinator of Instructional Technology, and most recently Coordinator of Continuous Improvement and Innovation, a role that also included her work in instructional technology.

She is a graduate of UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Master’s degree in Education from George Williams College of Aurora University, and attained her licensure in Administrative Leadership from Viterbo University.

Superintendent Dr. Roger Rindo stated, “We are thrilled to have Jill assuming the instructional leadership role at Silver Lake.  As principal, she will bring a very student-centered approach and I have every belief that her leadership will help take Silver Lake to even higher levels.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

OCONOMOWOC, WI – May 11, 2017.  The Ixonia Elementary School will hold a ground breaking ceremony on Friday, May 19 to celebrate the kickoff of their school construction project as a part of the successful November, 2016 referendum.  OASD staff, parents and community members are all welcome to join in the festivities, acknowledgements and student participation.

Ixonia Elementary School Principal Stacy Yearling commented, “Ixonia's visionary team has spent a great deal of time over the past 6 months creating a school design that honors the history and pride of this community, while offering our students' learning spaces that will enhance their experiences and launch us into the future. Please join us as we officially begin seeing those dreams come to life.”

You Are Invited to a Special Ground Breaking Event!
Friday, May 19, 2017
11 a.m.
Ixonia Elementary School
N8425 North Street, Ixonia 53036
NO RSVP required.

While construction on the Ixonia Elementary School project will begin as soon as school is out in June 2017, excavating of the property will begin immediately following the ground breaking on May 19.  An estimated project completion date has been set for August 2018.

Details of this school construction project include:

• Relocate three classrooms from basement to main level
• Renovation of existing classroom spaces
• Replace heating, ventilation and mechanical systems
• Replace portions of roof
• Build visible and secure main entrance
• Build a dedicated cafeteria
• Add cooling system
• Estimated cost $8,172,000

VISIT www.oasd.org  and click on Building Our Future Project Updates.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCONOMOWOC, WI – May 12, 2017.  The students are taking over the stage, literally, at Nature Hill.  The one-act play The Little Red Schoolhouse by Millard Crosby is being completely produced by 7th grade student directors Morgan Gura and Xavier Tremblay, with the assistance of Amy Jappinen, NHI 5th grade teacher and theater director. 

The idea for producing a show of this nature is not new to our district, as the OHS Players have been doing a Senior Directed Show each season for many years.  The idea of doing one at NHI came from student Xavier Tremblay.  After approaching Mr. Jason Curtis, school principal, about the idea, Mrs. Jappinen was brought on board.  Morgan Gura soon joined the team and the rest is theater history for the school.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is a Schoolroom Comedy in One Act.  It takes place in the 1940s, in any little red schoolhouse in any village in the U.S.A.  Mary Bronson is a young teacher, trying her best to keep behavior in line and academics a focus in her classroom.  Her job isn’t easy, as her classroom is fully of giggling girls, tough bullies, teacher pets, and a student with severe fatigue!  With a cast of 20, the audience is sure to find a character that they can completely relate to.

All of the students involved are excited to be part of this theater-first at Nature Hill.  Performances will take place in the NHI cafeteria on Thursday, May 18th at 5:15 p.m. and on Friday, May 19th at 6:30 p.m.  Admission is free, with no reserved seating. 

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Photos:

Left to right, front row: Jack Simons (playing Tubby Fink), Keira Hemmerling (playing Flash Graman), Evan Perry (playing Butch Callahan), Elyse Whitakker (playing Midge Reis).

Left to right, back row:  Playing the Classroom Ensemble, Nora Hannan, Kaitlyn Yang, Ally Higbee, Katilin Flood, and Max Voigt

Left to right: Morgan Gura (director), Xavier Tremblay (director), and Ana Thiel ( playing Clarissa Porter)

Left to right: Seth James (playing Mr. Ezra Porter), Emily Thompson (playing Mrs. Sylvia Porter), and Addy Mulder (playing Ms. Mary Bronson) – Jacob Maerder (playing Mayberry Flutter) is looking on.

OCONOMOWOC, WI – June 7, 2017.  Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 3,200 winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities, including 80 Wisconsin students.  Oconomowoc High School Senior Triston Charlson was named a College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship winner.

Oconomowoc High School Counselor Mr. Scott Bakkum remarked, “There have been few students that I have encountered in my career that have the academic credentials that Triston Charlson has.  His determination and endless perseverance to meet and even exceed his academic goals are second to none.   He is an extremely industrious young man who sets the bar of excellence as high as it can go and will settle for nothing else. “ 

According to the press release, officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the Finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.  These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.  An additional group of Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2017 competition to approximately 4,000.

Over 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2017 National Merit Scholarship competition when they took the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named on a state-representational basis in numbers proportional to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of the nation’s seniors.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. Visit www.nationalmerit.org for more information.

[PHOTO: Triston Charlson]

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