OHS Newsletter
by Jill Ahrens
August 21, 2008
Ogden Community High School's
B U L L D O G N E W S L E T T E R
Vol. 39, No. 1 - September 2008
275-4034
THE MISSION OF OUR SCHOOL IS TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN A POSITIVE, CARING ATMOSPHERE WHERE EVERYONE WILL BECOME A CONTRIBUTING
MEMBER OF SOCIETY AS A LIFE-LONG LEARNER
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
The 2008-09 school year has gotten off to a great start thanks to the quality of the student body we have at OHS and the dedicated staff. The district is fortunate to employ adults who are concerned and dedicated to the academic and activity successes of all students..
It is important to have a strong connection between school and parents where adults continually stress to students the concept of hard work and the need to strive for future goals. Character education is becoming an important part of our educational program. It becomes a shared responsibility between home and school to help students obtain skills and tools necessary to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in our changing world. Young adults today face more challenges and choices than ever before, and need a good foundation anchored in components of responsibility and respect from which to operate.
At mid-term and end of the each quarter, we will be mailing Academic Progress Reports for students who are failing a course, near failing, or performing significantly below their capability. These reports are a warning of low academic performance.
I would also like to introduce you to our new student management system, Infinite Campus. We are very excited about the possibilities for better communication this system will allow. Parents will be able to access the student management system at any time (24-7) and actually “see” their student's attendance, academic progress to date, future assignments, and grades in the instructor's grade book. The viewable grades are “working” grades and should not be considered to be final until the grading period is over and the office identifies them as “official.” We will be deactivating access to the grade book portion of our management system during our grade finalization and submission process. These “black-outs” will be at the end of each quarter and semester. Anyone having difficulty accessing this program should contact Susan Casey, our District Technology Coordinator, at the high school (275-4034).
(Parents of Freshman and students new to OHS will have an additional page in this mailing outlining how to access Infinite Campus).
Thank you for your working with the OHS Learning Team for the benefit of all students.
Jerry D. Wilson, Principal
SHORT BULLDOG "BARKS".....
OHS TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Principal and attendance 275-4034; Guidance and Counseling 275-2289; Athletic Director 275-2289; Media Center (Library) 275-4975; Music Department 275-4986; Kitchen 275-2909
We would like to introduce our new staff at OHS
Mrs. Teresa Kemp is our new language arts instructor. She teaches Freshmen English and Communication Classes. Mr. Jason Noble is our new Spanish I instructor.
Mr. Nate Newhard is our new instrumental music instructor, as well as marching/concert/jazz and Pep Bands.
Mrs. Vicki Anderson (hired in Jan.'08) is the high school records secretary
From the Guidance Office
Traditionally, the senior year has always been the time to plan for postsecondary courses. Like everything else, times have changed. Postsecondary planning can even be traced to the freshman year. This doesn't mean everyone has to know what profession they want to choose. What it means is students have to take classes seriously. Colleges, employers, and scholarship committees look at classes taken as well as how well students performed as far back as freshman year. Attendance is also an important reflection of student performance.
OHS encourages students to get college visits scheduled early in the fall and their ACT tests taken as early as possible. The sooner these steps are taken, the more it helps the application process and overall transition process. Please contact our guidance department at any time with questions.
Take advantage of resources on our school website. ACT, college visits, and outside scholarship information can be accessed. Be sure to regularly check the guidance tab for updated scholarship links as well as downloadable applications. Paper based scholarships are in a file in the guidance office and should be checked regularly as well. The website is www.odenschools.org. Choose the “Guidance” link.
Senior parents should plan on putting the following date on your calendars:
Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7:00 - financial aid information session in the high school media center. This covers various forms of financial aid and the process to apply (FAFSA).
For all students early morning quiet study will be offered 7:30 AM Tuesday and Thursday in the ICN room beginning September 25.
From the Desk of Mr. Rick Hamilton - Teacher and Coach
Coach Hamilton's Website (Mr. Hamilton's Website)
Dear Parents of students and athletes involved with my classes and/or my sports,
I have put together a website to help show case what my students and athletes accomplish through articles, pictures, and short videos.
I am constantly updating my website so if you would like a notice of when I have updated it via email, send me an email with your name and email address and I will add it to my list.
The url for my website is: http://www.coachhamilton.com
Have a great day and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Rick Hamilton rhamilton@ogden.k12.ia.us School Phone: 275-4034 Home Phone: 275-3089
From the Desk of Mrs. Jan Froning - Large Group Speech and Class Sponsor
All high school students who wish to participate in large group speech activities (drama competitions in January and February) need to talk to Mrs. Froning at the high school immediately. All groups will be formed and rehearsal will begin by the end of October.
Sophomore Class parents, the sophomore fundraiser to raise funds for the senior trip comes early this year, starting September 11 when the students get their information and ending September 23 (two weekends for selling). Please encourage your son/daughter to make phone calls and sell as much as possible to lower the cost of their trip and to earn individual credit for their own payments. We will be selling frozen pies and desserts, to be delivered November 12, in time for Thanksgiving. Questions may be directed to Jan Froning.
OGDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL'S
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
THE SCHOOL CALENDAR IS ON THE OGDEN SCHOOLS' WEB SITE
www.ogdenschools.org
THIS IS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE WAY TO FIND OUT INFORMATION FOR ACTIVITIES, TIMES AND PLACES.
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS:
EFFECTIVE LIFELONG RESPONSIBLE COOPERATIVE PROBLEM KNOWLEDGEABLE
COMMUNICATORS LEARNERS CITIZENS CONTRIBUTORS SOLVERS PEOPLE
