Transcript Frequently Asked Questions

Oliver Ames High School
Class of 2020
Freshmen Orientation
Principal
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Wes Paul –Entering 18th year as OAHS
Principal
[email protected]
Twitter Account @OAHSTigers
Phone 508-230-3210 Ext. 3
Secretary is Peggy Crowley
[email protected]
Website - Calendar
http://www.oliverames.org/
Introductions
Assistant Principals – Cathy Queally and T.J. Flanagan
Director of Guidance – Susan Mancuso
Athletic Director – Bill Matthews
School Nurse – Lynne LeBlanc
Director of Music – Charlene Dalrymple
Athletics
Mr. Bill Matthews is the Athletic Director for OAHS
◦ Email is [email protected]
◦ Office Phone is 508-230-3210 ext. 1454
◦ Twitter @OAHSTigersports
◦ Sports info and link to online registration on Athletics
page at www.oliverames.org
Athletics
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Important things to know:
We offer the following sports in the fall:
cheerleading, boys & girls cross country,
field hockey, golf, football, boys & girls
soccer, and girls volleyball.
 Football Starts 8/19 all other sports start
8/25- Football Lifting MWF 9:00 a.m.
Cheer tryouts are in June.
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Athletics
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To participate all athletes must:
Be registered by a parent or guardian through our
online registration process at oliverames.org.
Activity fees are $150 per athlete per sport. Family
maximum is $600 per year for athletics.
Have a valid physical on file at the nurses office.
Physicals expire 13 months to the day from the
date they were conducted. New physicals can be
turned in to the athletic director or school nurse.
Have taken the IMPACT concussion baseline test
within the past 2 years if participating in cheer,
football, field hockey or soccer
Athletics
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Note: coaches have lists of valid physicals and
IMPACT tests if you need to check the status of
either for your child.
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Links to email addresses for coaches and Mr.
Matthews can be found on oliverames.org. If
you have any questions, please email
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For real time sports updates, game cancellations,
and scores, follow AD Matthews Twitter at
@oahstigersports.
Athletics
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Parents - REALLY important things to
know:
High school athletics is not about winning,
it’s about learning.
 Allow your child to learn to fail, get back
up, and try harder next time. Allow them
to learn how to deal with adversity.
 Support/cheer for your child and team. Set
example of good sportsmanship.
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Music
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Charlene Dalrymple is our Director of
Music
Email is [email protected]
Phone is 508-230-3210 ext. 1434
http://www.oliverames.org/music.php
TEMPO
https://sites.google.com/site/oatemposite
/
Music
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Marching Band/Color Guard
Jazz Ensemble
Show Choir
Show Choir Pit
Chamber Orchestra
Concert Choir
Concert Band
Orchestra
Introductions
Department Heads
◦ Marie Whalen – Family Consumer Science
◦ Kristyn Shea – Art
◦ Jim Sullivan – Industrial Technologies
◦ Joan Holt – Librarian
◦ Susan Sweeney – Business & Technology
◦ Charlene Dalrymple – Music
◦ Mary Romans – Math
◦ Matt Auger – History
◦ Joanne Coffman – English
◦ Maria Annunziato and Nancy Donahue – Science
◦ Maria Palma Foreign Language
OA Mission Statement
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The Oliver Ames High School community of faculty, staff, students,
parents, and residents believe that in order to fulfill its mission of
excellence and equity in education, we must embody the ideals of a
comprehensive high school. We will work together to create a safe,
nurturing, and stimulating learning environment. Students will become
critical thinkers, problem solvers and independent learners who
contribute in many ways to our ever changing world. We recognize the
need for a variety of educational experiences that extend beyond the
classroom and promote intellectual curiosity, individual responsibility
and respectful interaction. By achieving goals and overcoming
adversity, students will be encouraged to reach their potential and be
prepared to assume meaningful roles in society.
Core Values
 Learn
collaboratively
 Express creativity
 Act with integrity
 Demonstrate responsibility
 Embrace curiosity
 Respect each other
 Strive for excellence
OAHS Learning Expectations
OA
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21st CENTURY ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING
students will ACCESS information in a variety of ways, including:
A1. Actively and critically reading, listening and observing
A2. Initiating appropriate questions
A3. Conducting independent and collaborative research
A4. Using appropriate technologies and networks to locate and retrieve information
A5. Demonstrating initiative while seeking information
students will PROCESS information in a variety of ways, including:
P1. Assimilating and organizing information
P2. Recognizing patterns, evaluating trends, and making comparisons
P3. Drawing inferences and making conclusions
P4. Responding and adapting quickly to unexpected challenges
P5. Creating and designing solutions to problems and challenges
P6. Applying appropriate form and technique to performance tasks
students will COMMUNICATE information in a variety of ways, including:
C1. Writing and speaking clearly and purposefully for a variety of audiences
C2. Presenting creative products in a variety of formats
C3. Using technology to present information
C4. Demonstrating leadership while promoting individual and collaborative activities
students will DEVELOP themselves in a variety of ways, including:
D1. Demonstrating a sense of curiosity by considering alternative perspectives
D2. Gaining a better understanding of their learning process through consistent self – reflection
Social/Civic Expectation for Student Learning
OA students will act responsibly for themselves and others in a variety of ways, including:
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SC1. Working cooperatively and collaboratively
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SC2. Respecting and understanding cultural differences
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SC3. Participating with a local/global perspective
OA students will act respectfully to themselves and others in a variety of ways, including
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SC4. Interacting appropriately with all members of the community
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SC5. Honoring school policies and procedures
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SC6. Understanding and demonstrating academic integrity
Overview
 Oliver
Ames High School is a
comprehensive high school with an
impressive and well deserved
reputation in academics and cocurricular activities.
 Niche Ratings of Best High Schools in
MA 30/352
https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-highschools/best-overall/s/massachusetts/
Overview
 The
New England Association of
Schools and Colleges Recent
Accreditation Report and Letter
http://www.oliverames.org/downloads/accr
editation.pdf/
http://www.oliverames.org/downloa
ds/accreditationcommendationletter
.pdf
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Commendations from NEASC
◦ The strong influence of core values and beliefs on the school
culture
◦ The use of the school’s core values, beliefs and 21st Century
Learning Expectations to inform instructional practice
◦ The instructional practices that are purposely designed to
require student engagement in higher order thinking,
problem-solving, and inquiry
◦ The opportunity to create a customized high school
experience through an extensive catalog of clubs,
organizations, and athletic teams
◦ The shared sense of community among students,
professional and support staff, and community
stakeholders.
◦ The widely varied programs and courses offered which
support the vision of a comprehensive high school
NEASC
Video Introduction of OAHS
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This video was produced by Ed Hands
and the OAHS Media Production Class.
Shortcut to VTS_01_1.lnk
Overview
The Town of Easton Massachusetts -population
22,980 is a residential community 25 miles south of
Boston.
 Oliver Ames High School has a current enrollment of
approximately 1199 students in grades 9-12.
 The academic year consists of four terms of 45 days
each.
 OAHS is a comprehensive high school accredited by
the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
and the Massachusetts Department of Education.
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Overview
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Class of 2016 Statistics
◦ 81% enrolled in a 4-year college or
university
◦ 12% enrolled in a Junior College or
1 or 2 year program
◦ 6% employment
◦ 1% entered Armed Services
Overview
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Classes of 2015/2016 Sample College
Destinations
Harvard University, Dartmouth College,Princeton University,
Brown University, Cornell University, Middlebury College,
Amherst College, Villanova, Tufts University, UMASS Amherst,
Penn State, Boston College, UNH, Syracuse, Purdue
University, Northeastern University, Quinnipiac University,
Providence College, Merrimack College, Stonehill College,
University of Vermont, Wake Forest University, Fordham
University, Howard University, UCONN, Michigan State, Ithaca
College, Bentley University, Arizona State, West Virginia
University, University of Pittsburgh, DePaul University, London
Metropolitan University, St. Anselms College, George
Washington University, University of Maine, Boston University
Keys to Success
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Take challenging and realistic courses.
Always do your reading and homework – Survey-Then
Read
Treat high school as an important investment in your
future.
Set goals to become the best you can be.
Take responsibility for your grades
Get involved but do not over extend.
Remember that we live in a competitive world and
education is the key to success. Do not take your high
school education for granted.
Get to know your guidance counselor
Keys to Success
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Learn to be organized and a great communicator
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Manage your time well
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Be in school every day on time
◦ Use a Student Planner – Buy one now before they run out
◦ Break down assignments – Chunk work with end date in
mind
◦ Use three-ring notebooks for class notes – Insert handouts
◦ Use folders for school work - Assignments
◦ Keep your locker and backpack neat
◦ Get organized for school the next day before you go to bed
◦ Create your own study plan – Sunday-Thursday night
Keys to Success
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Participate in class
Sit in the front of the class is possible
Be a good group member
Take good notes – life skill – be an active
listener, take notes to help pay attention,
recognize important information, use symbols
and abbreviations to help take notes faster
Go over your notes as soon as possible
Study smart- Good place, develop a habit,
make a plan, note cards,
Keys to Student Success
for Parents
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Your child needs you to be interested and
involved in his/her academic progress.
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Show Interest
Discuss classes and set goals
Encourage school involvement
Monitor Attendance
Choose appropriate courses
Talk about alcohol and drugs – Don’t ignore the
reality that some students are involved.
Student Perspective
Interview with Chris Meissner Junior Class
President and Catherine Murphy Student Council
President
◦ What makes OA special to you?
◦ What is your favorite memory at OA?
◦ How would you describe the culture of OA to
prospective students and parents?
◦ How can you maximize your educational
opportunities while still being involved in
activities?
◦ What advice do you have for students and
parents?
Frequently Asked Questions
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The next slides are composed of questions
asked by parents and students each year
and I thought I would include the
questions or issues in this program that
will be placed on our website within the
week for your reference.
What Type of Schedule Do We
Run?
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We run a schedule that is a modified block and
drop schedule. Each student has 7 classes in
their schedule but only 6 classes meet each
day.
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This schedule is fully rotating with two 65
min. classes and four 50 min. classes meeting
each day. The next slide is not an eye exam
chart but a template of the schedule.
Days
7:55-8:45
1st Block
50 minutes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
A
F
D
B
G
E
C
8:49-9:54
2nd Block
65 minutes
9:58-10:10
B
9:33--9:45
12 minutes Student Advisory
Advisory
G
E
C
A
F
D
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
9:33--9:45
Student Advisory
A
F
D
B
G
E
10:14-11:19
3rd Block
65 minutes
11:23-11:45
4th Block
22 Minutes
First Lunch
11:49-12:11
22 Minutes
Second Lunch
C
D
B
G
E
C
A
F
First Lunch
First Lunch
First Lunch
First Lunch
First Lunch
First Lunch
First Lunch
D
Second Lunch
12:15-12:37
22 minutes
Third Lunch
12:41-1:31
5th Block
50 Minutes
1:35-2:25
6th Block
50 Minutes
DROP
B
Second
Lunch
G
E
C
A
F
Second Lunch
Second Lunch
Second Lunch
Second Lunch
Second Lunch
D
B
G
E
C
A
F
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
Third Lunch
E
C
A
F
D
B
G
F
D
B
G
E
C
A
G
E
C
A
F
D
B
What is Student Advisory?
Within this schedule we carved out 12
minutes each day for Student Advisory
◦ There are about 14 students in each advisory class, and
every teacher is assigned one.
◦ During this advisory period, the students may eat a snack
they bring and read the morning announcements.
◦ Teachers meet individually with their advisory students to
review their goals for the year ahead and to check on their
progress.
◦ Teachers may take a few minutes with each student to
make sure all is good or may sit around in a circle to check
how their students are doing with picking classes or are
aware of OA’s upcoming events.
When and What is Summer
Orientation?
Freshmen Orientation is a half day
August 24th 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Team building activities
Guest speaker Ed Gerety
Teacher and student panel presentation
Distribution of schedules
Tours of the building
Pizza lunch
What are the School Hours?
◦ First bell is 7:45 a.m. and that is the best time to plan
on arriving at school so you have time to go to your
locker. Students who walk into school at 7:50 do not
have time to get to their lockers and first class by 7:55.
You are late if you are not in your class at the 7:55 bell.
◦ School ends at 2:25 p.m., and teachers are available
for some assistance until 2:45 p.m. Most teachers will
make arrangements to stay later if necessary.
Where do buses drop off and pick
up?
◦ Drop off is in front of Auditorium/Gym Entrance
◦ Pick up is the same place for the Middle School
How do locks and lockers work at
the H.S.?
Where are freshmen lockers and how do you get a lock?
◦ Third floor and the number will be printed on their schedules. Locks
are issued first day during advisory period, and you keep the lock all
four years so take it home at the end of the year. Replacement cost is
$5.00.
What if your lock or locker does not work?
◦ Come to the office with the number of the locker or the serial number
from the back of the lock. We will get a custodian to meet you at your
locker if the problem is mechanical.
How do lunches work?
Very simply stated, the fourth block of the day is lunch block. Classes on
the first floor eat first lunch, classes second floor eat second lunch and
classes on the third floor eat third lunch. Our rotating schedule means
each of the seven days you have a different class in the lunch block. The
exception to this is Physical Education which eats third lunch despite
classes being held on the first floor. Students are encouraged to find
classmates who they are comfortable with to eat lunch. Students can
also eat their lunch in the front area of the Library and then find a place
to read or use a computer.
Why are student ID’s Important?
When do you get a student ID?
◦ First week of school during PE class a student’s picture is
taken for the ID. IDs must be worn on a lanyard at all
times. Issued during Freshmen and Junior years - so
hang on to them. Replacement cost is $5.00
What safety measures are in place?
◦ Doors lock at 7:55 am, and then everyone must enter
via main office buzzer system. Security cameras, School
Resource Officer Pat Healey
What is the attendance policy?
◦ Students must be in school on time in order to be eligible to
practice or play in any co-curricular activity.
◦ If they are late to school, they can’t practice. Exceptions are
made for early morning doctor appointments but not for
sleeping in so they can be rested for the day ahead. If they
are too sick to be in school on time, then they should not be
practicing after school.
How much are activity fees?
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Activity fees pertain to all co-curricular activities, not just
athletics. All co-curricular activity fees are subject to the Easton
Public Schools Activity Fee Policy.
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$150 per Sport and $150 for Show Choir, Marching Band and Jazz
Band. Some sports have a slightly higher fee like Gymnastics
$250 and Hockey $250.
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There are separate family maximums pertaining to Music $600
and Athletics $600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the big events in the Freshmen year?
◦ Spirit Halls –
Thanksgiving
November Tues. Night before
◦ Executive Board – All Welcome
◦ Homecoming Semi Formal Dance –
Nov/Dec
◦ Freshmen Dinner Dance –
Only - Spring
Open to OA Freshmen
◦ Sporting events as a spectator –
◦ Music Events – Show Choir, Drama,
◦ Musical – March Show – Tryouts in Dec
3 Seasons
What are the graduation requirements?
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
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1. All students must carry seven courses each year.
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2. Pass four (4) years of English grades 9-12.
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3. Pass three (3) years of social studies grades 9-12.
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4. Pass three (3) years of science grades 9-12.
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5. Pass four (4) years of math grades 9-12.
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6. Pass physical education for grades 9 and 10
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7. Pass one (1) year of one or combination of Music, Industrial Technology, Art, Family and Consumer
Sciences.
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8. Pass one (1) year of business/technology education.
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9. A total of 18 courses are required as part of the graduation requirements; students may choose 8
electives grades 9-12.
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10. Successful completion of a total 130 credits.
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11. A typical college bound graduate from Oliver Ames High School will have successfully completed a
minimum of two (2) years of lab science course work.
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12. Students must either earn a scaled score of at least 240 on the grade 10
MCAS ELA and Mathematics tests, or earn a scaled score between 220 and 238 on these tests and fulfill the
requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP). Students must also earn a scaled score of at least
220 on one of the high school MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) tests: Biology, Chemistry,
Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering. If a student does not receive a passing grade in either
Math, English, or Science, they are eligible to take MCAS retests.
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13. Students may participate in graduation activities only when all credit requirements are fulfilled.
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14. Under exceptional circumstances or situations, requests for waivers for exceptions to these graduation
requirements shall be addressed to the building principal. Determinations shall on a case–by–case basis with
priority placed on scheduling conflicts with higher level course. The decision of the building principal shall be
final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When are schedules delivered?
◦ At the Summer Orientation or via mail the last week of summer.
How do mid-year and final exams work at the high school?
◦ Mid-year and Final Exams count for 10% of final grade. Term
grades account for 20% of final grade.
◦ Exams Days are at end of 2nd and 4th marking period and last 4
days. M.Y. A&B, C&D, E&F, G & Make-up - Finals Inverted
◦ Times of Exams 8:25-9:55 and 10:25-11:55
◦ These days are half days of testing with teacher help and library
service offered until 2:25 p.m. after the second exam period.
Students are free to leave after their second exam (11:55), but
busses do not pick up until 2:25 p.m. Fitness room is open after
exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is detention, and why is it issued?
◦ Most common issue: tardiness
◦ After six (6) excused tardies in a semester, all
subsequent tardies must be cleared in advance with
the school administration to be considered excused.
Students who are tardy without an acceptable excuse
may be assigned one office detention on the day
they are tardy.
◦ This detention will be served during the office
detention period 3:00 to 3:30. Tuesday-Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the policy on dismissals?
◦ Students must bring dismissal note signed by their
parent/guardian with their phone number and student ID to
the main office before the 7:55 bell to get their dismissal pass.
You cannot dismiss a child over the phone. The nurse makes
the call on sickness dismissals.
When is back to school night?
◦ Usually scheduled in mid to late September, and parents follow
child’s schedule reporting to each class in alphabetical order AG for 10 min. This provides parents an opportunity to meet
each teacher and hear the teacher’s orientation message.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Parent Conferences and
how do they work for scheduling?
◦ Thursday, December 8, 2016, from 11:30 – 2:00 p.m.
and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Five minute conferences. There
are not enough slots for all parents to meet with each
teacher so we ask that you try to focus on the classes
where your child is having a tough time. We will use
online scheduling for the conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a parent communicate with a
teacher?
◦ Email – Remember how many students a teacher
has. Addresses found on website
◦ Phone - Extensions listed on website
◦ X2 Aspen Parent Portal – provides parents with
weekly updated records on student progress and
grade. Teachers upgrade on a weekly basis. This
newer feature has cut down on many parents
attending parent report card conferences.
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What are the curriculum levels at OAHS?
Oliver Ames High School offers a choice of offerings to each
student. They include AP, honors, and college, and standard level
courses
Selection of a particular course should be weighed carefully
with a view toward ability, interest, and future plans. The selection
should be made with the approval of parent(s)/guardian(s) and
guidance counselors. It is recommended that students and
parent(s)/guardian(s) familiarize themselves with the Program of
Studies booklet. This booklet contains detailed information of the
curricula offered and the courses offered in each program. The
pupil’s teachers, guidance counselor and principal will be glad to
advise and consult with parent(s)/guardian(s) and students.
Appointments may be arranged by contacting the high school
guidance office at 508-230-3213. All subject and/or course changes
must be processed through the guidance office. A change slip listing
those subjects to be dropped as well as those to be added will be
issued to the student, who is required to obtain teachers’ ,
department head, and parent(s)/guardian(s)’ signatures indicating
their approval. The change slip must be returned to the Guidance
office. Only then will the student be permitted to start the new
schedule.
A student may not change from a course after the first marking
period has ended. A student may not change from a class that was a
parent override.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) determined?
◦ GPA is determined by the honor point value of each
grade multiplied by the number of credits assigned to the
course. The total number of these weighted honor
points is then divided by the total number of credits
attempted to determine the GPA. Class Rank is
determined by GPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scaling of honors to non-honors courses for figuring rank in
class and grade-point average is as follows:
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REGULAR
4.0
3.8
3.5
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.4
2.0
1.7
1.4
1.0
0.5
0
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
HONORS
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.3
3.0
2.4
2.0
1.7
1.4
1.0
0.5
0
Thank You for Coming
Dear Members of The Class of 2020,
Each new school year we find ourselves at a different point in our journey through life and
for many of us, the start of school is an opportunity to begin fresh with a renewed
commitment to improve ourselves. We desire that each student find success in all that they
do, and our top priority is to make the learning experience at Oliver Ames High School
exceptional. Oliver Ames High School has an outstanding faculty and supporting staff that
are dedicated to helping each student grow academically and socially. The success each
student achieves depends on the effort they expend and the decisions they make.
Ultimately, they are responsible for their own accomplishments at Oliver Ames High School,
and we are responsible to assist each student in this endeavor. I urge every student to use
his or her time wisely to help prepare you for a rewarding future.
In conclusion, I encourage every student to get involved in the activities of our school. Don't
sit back and watch, but rather get out and participate in the rich and varied co-curricular
activities available to you at Oliver Ames High School. These activities will add immeasurably
to your personal development, enrich your days at Oliver Ames High School, and further
prepare you for future endeavors. Oliver Ames High School will always give you its very
best, and we expect in return only the very best effort from you. Your high school years
should be ones in which you grow intellectually, mature socially, develop and refine cocurricular skills, and in general, prepare yourself for life-long learning and active
participation in future communities. Take pride in yourself, in your accomplishments, in our
school and in our town. Make this your best year ever!
Wesley H. Paul
Principal
Words to Live By
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
then, is not an act, but a habit.
-AristotleSuccessful people have learned to make
themselves do the thing that has to be
done when it has to be done, whether they
like it or not.
-Aldous Huxley-
Where to now?
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At this point our formal program is over,
and you are invited to the cafeteria
located behind where I am standing for
some
light
refreshments
and
an
opportunity to speak with department
heads if you have a particular question
they might be able to answer for you.