Message from Superintendent Dr. Patricia Neudecker
 To the Oconomowoc Community,
What does it take to educate a child for a rapidly changing world? Who decides what a child is to know and be able to do in order to be a contributing citizen in a global environment? What will this year’s freshmen need in the next four years to be college and career ready? And even more thought provoking, what will this year’s kindergartners, the class of 2024, need for a future even a crystal ball cannot predict?
It takes the commitment and dedication of all of us - staff, families, businesses, government, our citizens - to deliver a high-quality educational experience that will prepare our students for whatever tomorrow has in store. We must work together to foster those uniquely American qualities of creativity, problem-solving and teamwork skills which set our students apart from their state, national and international peers.
As superintendent, I am committed and dedicated to making our schools the very best for our students…and I look forward to working with every family and community member to make that happen.
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Go-ahead Given for Athletic Fields Forever Fundraising
 The OASD School Board gave its blessing for the Oconomowoc Sports Booster Club (OSBC) to pursue fundraising options for the proposed Athletic Fields Forever project.
Recently the OSBC engaged fundraising counsel with the McDonald Schaefer Group of Milwaukee to manage and direct a $4 million capital campaign. During the next year, work will focus on developing campaign leadership and lead gifts. After sufficient funds and pledges have been committed, the OSBC will return to the OASD Board for final approval of the Athletic Fields Forever project, which will significantly enhance and expand the OHS outdoor athletic facilities. For more information, please see the OSBC website: www.oconomowocsportsboosterclub.org.
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Get Connected! Information for Parents from OPEN
The OASD Oconomowoc Parent Education Network (OPEN) - Get Connected program is designed to provide parents with the opportunity to strengthen communication with their children and become engaged partners with schools. By providing information, resources and support to Oconomowoc families, we are supporting the goal of successful children as well as a stronger community. The program has been in place for several years, promoted to families through school communications. Information is also available on the District website, accessible on the top banner under “Family Resources.” Speakers have been scheduled through the first half of the school year. Click here for a schedule that includes topics and presenters.
Contact Katie Westerman at Kathleen.westerman@mail.oasd.k12.wi.us for more information, to register for a session or to sign up to receive e-mail reminders. Funding and support for this program is provided by the United Way in Waukesha County "Helping Kids Succeed" initiative.
Step Up in Style - New Stairs at the Oconomowoc Arts Center
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Over the summer, the OAC had brand new steps installed.
There were several problems when the stairs were installed in November 2008 leading to corrosion and deterioration. The District worked out an agreement with the original contractor to have them replaced at no additional costs. |
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Homegrown Institute Invigorates OASD Teachers
OASD teachers came back to school early to take advantage of what
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Stephanie Leonard-Witte refers to as a "Homegrown Institute."
From August 1 to 4, more than 200 4K to 8th-grade staff took part in a special workshop to support the implementation of Readers’ Workshop. The District partnered with Columbia Teachers' College during the four-day Institute which was held at Silver Lake Intermediate School.
Staff worked with Dr. Mary Ehrenworth, a national literacy consultant and Deputy Director of the Columbia Reading and Writing Project, plus a team of five additional Columbia staff. Teachers worked in small and large group settings to learn more about mini-lessons, Units of Study, conferring, assessment, readers' notebooks, and the English Language Arts Common Core Standards, which are all part of Readers’ Workshop.
Hosting a Homegrown Institute this summer allowed all staff the opportunity to participate in gold standard professional development to build capacity for teaching and learning. Leonard-Witte added, “I am grateful to the OASD Board of Education, our superintendent, Patricia Neudecker and Mike Barry, assistant superintendent/business services, for their continued support of our partnership with Columbia Teachers' College. I am also extremely impressed by the dedication and professionalism shown by our OASD staff who volunteered their time in August to participate in the Homegrown Institute.”
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Race to Nowhere: Film on October 1 at the OAC
The job of raising healthy, happy children can be daunting. One often hears, “I just want them to be happy,” as the simple goal of parents. But as they enter school and progress through the grades, children can hear another, louder message – one that can have unintended negative consequences. This message tells them that in order to succeed at life, they must excel in academics, after-school activities, clubs, athletics, music, drama, etc., and that excellence must be measured and ranked.
The pressure students experience – either self-imposed or from family or outside forces – is at an all-time high, leaving some young adults overburdened, depressed and burned out. These issues will be explored with the showing of “Race To Nowhere,” on Saturday, October 1, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Tickets are free, but must be reserved. Rogers Memorial Hospital and Oconomowoc Area School District have partnered to bring the film to Oconomowoc. Tickets are available online at www.theoac.net.
After watching the film, participants are invited to stay for a panel discussion about redefining success, as well as what we have done as a community to create an educational system that supports all children, makes health a priority and better prepares students for their future. Visit www.theoac.net for complete details about the event.
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OPEF's Haunted High Opens Oct. 1 - Volunteers Needed!
Oconomowoc’s Haunted High Halloween attraction opens October 1 at the old Oconomowoc Middle School, 550 E. Forest Street. Three levels of the 80,000 square foot old school will be open to the public, the largest haunt in Wisconsin. Haunted High is expected to draw nearly 10,000 visitors for experiences including the treacherous Tech Ed class, the Paranormal Principal’s office and the horrifying Classtrophobia.
The popular "Lights On" Day is back and scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 23 from 12-4pm. Tickets are $5.00 and is best for ages 6-12 with an adult.
Thanks to the work and dedication of Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) volunteers, last year more than $50,000 was awarded to District classrooms to fund educational experiences not available in the standard budget. Almost all of that money was raised by an incredibly successful event: Haunted High.
Volunteers Needed!
To be ready for the thousands of visitors expected, hard-working volunteers ages 16 or older, are encouraged to apply their talents to the haunt. From October 1-29, 100 volunteers are needed to staff the haunt every Friday and Saturday night plus Thursdays, October 20 and 27, and "Lights On" Day on Sunday, October. 23.
New this year: volunteers can sign up online! Visit www.hauntedhigh.info for all the details!
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OPEF's Haunted Ball is Back - October 21
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The Haunted Ball is a fundraiser benefitting the students and community of the Oconomowoc Area School District. Join us for an elegant masquerade ball on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 7:00 p.m to midnight, at Olympia Resort and Conference Center, Oconomowoc.
OPEF’s Haunted Ball is an Orange Tie Affair for adults only (21 and over).
Party to the music of THE BOOZE BROTHERS. There will be
hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and a cash bar. Creative Costume Contest with Cash Prizes, silent and live auctions, wine pull, and drawings all add up to a fun night for a great cause.
Click here for more information about the Haunted Ball.
OPEF is a 501(3c) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. |
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Current Arts Schedules for the OAC and Around the District
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