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This monthly school board agenda item provides our district an opportunity to celebrate the students, families, staff, and schools that are driving our organization’s pursuit of our vision - to become an unrivaled learning community, seeking wisdom, honoring the past, and shaping the future.
February 21, 2024
OHS College Readiness and Preparation Strategies
Presenters: Jason Curtis: OHS Principal, Jaime Regan: AVID District Director and Elective 11 and 12 Teacher, Jen Donovan: AVID Elective 9 and English Teacher, Paige Birkland: AVID Elective 10 Teacher, Barb Simpson: AVID Tutor and Administrator, Brandon Ostopowicz: AVID 9, Shea Ryan: AVID 12, McKayla Hahn: AVID 10, Michael Bohrman: AVID 11, Lia Nicholson: AVID 11, Owen Krueger: AVID 12, Benjamin Ireland: AVID 12
Background:
Hear about AVID and college readiness strategies that we're using in response to the data that we see every year when it comes to ACT scores and college readiness. We want to tell the story that exists behind the numbers and what we're doing in the classroom and through specific programs with specific students to help them increase their preparation for college and to be college ready. We are going to share the strategies we are using, the program AVID that is our intensive support of our preparation for college readiness, and how we are spreading these strategies across the entire high school community.
Presentation:
Organizational Skills: As an AVID freshman, Brandon talked about binder organization strategies, this is the most organized for school that he's ever been. He's been getting his homework done on time, more often, because of the organization skills. AVID has been a really great tool and a big help.
Critical Reading Process: Literacy has been a main focus for the OASD and the critical reading process has been used throughout our high school campus. Jaime talked about the need to ensure students can read a text with a critical lens to find the necessary information for essays and other future work. Shea spoke to the importance of this skill in her AP Lit classes where students are asked to dissect a prompt and then write an essay about the content. Being able to critically read and understand these works before having to write an in-depth essay, gives her a greater understanding and an easier time writing.
Focused Notes: McKayla spoke about how focused notes have improved her note-taking skills so her notes are more beneficial and useful for her. This especially helps in her AP Psych class where she receives essential questions and is able to use her AVID skills to organize her notes. Jaime finds that students are getting really good content because they're better at organizing the information into notes which in turn allows for better studying.
Critical Thinking & Higher Level Questioning: Michael is in Pre-Calc and is struggling with Trigonometry. When he has questions about the problems, AVID has given him strategies to be able to ask these questions and get the help he needs to be successful. He is learning how to step back and ask questions that will help him understand something more deeply. Jaime elaborated by talking about how AVID works with students in all different aspects, and how it emphasizes learning how to be an independent learner, which is important for the college path. OHS has created collaborative study groups in math to implement this strategy.
ACT: Lia took the ACT twice and is going to take it a third time. She credits the multiple different ACT style strategies she's learned in AVID for her increase in score by 9 points between the first and second test.
Onsite Admissions: Owen spoke about how participating in onsite admissions forced him not to procrastinate when it came to getting ready to apply to college and it also helped him decide which college he wanted to go to. Benjamin talked about how AVID is a full-spectrum help when it comes to college. He started working on his admissions essay his junior year, which gave him opportunities to get feedback and improve his essay. He was able to collaborate with his AVID teachers in designing his schedule so that his classes would be most beneficial for his college application, and they also helped him choose specific clubs and activities to help him stand out.
Jason stressed that AVID isn't only about helping students get into college, it's about helping them build skills, so they will be successful once they get to college. If we build these habits and dispositions starting freshman year in high school and support our students through this process, we can see a greater rate of success through their college years and beyond. He spoke about how these opportunities are growing each year to be available for all students by implementing strategies through all departments, and Jaime has done a ton of work to secure this. It's important at OHS that students own their learning and AVID is a phenomenal tool to reach this goal.
Our work revolving around college readiness and preparation strategies is supporting the Oconomowoc Area School District in Becoming Unrivaled.
January 17, 2024
How The OASD Uses Technology in our Specials Classrooms
Presenters: Michele Koper: Director of Instructional Technology & Innovation, Liz Schmocker: Instructional Technology Coordinator, Dee Price: Elementary Technology Coach, Robin Hankins: Summit Elementary Music Teacher, Jennifer Arpin: Summit Elementary Art Teacher, Mike Dirkmann: Summit Elementary Physical Education Teacher and Wendy Harrop: Summit Elementary STEM Teacher
Background:
Our Summit Elementary teachers provided great examples for us to see how teachers use technology to supplement, but also transform what they are doing in their classrooms. They do a great job of showcasing technology and curriculum and how they blend them. Every day in the classroom they incorporate tech in innovative ways to engage students and provide learning experiences that they might not be able to do without technology.
Click here to see an example of a video taken and sent to families on Seesaw of our students learning their pitches.
Presentation:
Instructional Technology Coordinator Liz Schmocker spoke about the benefits of having technology in the classroom, "Our OASD families get the unique opportunity to see into classes what their kids are learning. That's really awesome for them to see, instead of coming home with a completed project, they are watching their student progress throughout a unit. Technology also allows students to be creative and engage in curriculum in new ways and also teachers get to assess students and track progress across a year."
Robin Hankins spoke about the benefits of the Seesaw for Schools app. She uses it to give guardians a glimpse into the classroom, instead of families seeing their child perform only once at a concert, she wanted to give a more comprehensive look at all that the students were accomplishing throughout the year. In the example video, she explained that each video has a label with what curricular goal that the students are accomplishing, so that families can be well-informed. She also uses it for assessment for her fourth graders. In fourth grade, students in the OASD learn to use the recorder and have 10 songs that they need to learn. Instead of using instructional time to listen to each student, they record a video for Hankins that she can assess at a different time, provide feedback, and the student's guardian can watch as well.
Click here to see a stop-motion project made with WeVideo
Elementary Technology Coach, Dee Price spoke about a few different apps that our students and staff use to support technology learning in the classrooms. The first one is called Edpuzzle and it is an online platform for interactive video lessons. It allows teachers to embed customized checkpoints within videos to assess student understanding. These checkpoints offer multiple choice or open-ended questions and lets the students engage in instant feedback. Edpuzzle has been utilized in small group instruction with STEM, Physical Education and Independent Practice. A great feature of this app is that is allows students to go at their own pace. Teachers get valuable data from the app letting them know how many times a student had to rewatch a video or a sticking point for a question that was asked.
Peardeck is a Google slide add on and transforms presentations into interactive experiences. It is not just about showing slides anymore, its about engaging students through polls, drawing activities and open-ended questions. It is truly powerful for teachers to see responses in real time. Our staff can use the questions as a pre-assessment before starting a unit and then as a post-assessment to see progress.
WeVideo is an online video creation tool that empowers student creativity through video and podcast creation. The student friendly interface allows for real-time collaboration. Students can use this app to bring their art projects to life with a stop-motion video. During class time, students created video interviews, summarizing and demonstrating their comprehension from specific units.
Art Teacher, Jen Arpin spoke to how she uses iPads in the art classroom. Including drawing tutorials, visual reference, photography and drawing applications. The iPads also allow the students to have more voice and choice when it comes to art projects. For example, Arpin wanted them to create an animal mask and instead of only being able to pick one or two animals from pre-created forms, the kids were able to research and find their own animals on the iPad and each child picked something different. With the online Artsonia Portfolios, 3rd and 4th graders are learning about how to take the photographs of their work on their own, which is an additional way that the OASD can use the iPad and the online portfolio. They now can learn about photography, taking pictures of their work and keeping good record of their work which is important for artists.
Physical Education Teacher, Mike Dirkmann explained that his philosophy with technology is that a lot needs to happen behind the scenes. Whether technology is going to enhance his curriculum, his lesson, if it will help with time management, decreasing sitting time and increasing participation time, there are great tech tools to make his goals happen. Using a Gif tool, Dirkmann is able to create 3-4 second looping videos of skills that he needs to students to achieve. Then students are allowed to start working on the skill ladder at their own pace. It allows him to circulate through the students, helping those who need it without eating up valuable class time with having to demonstrate each skill many times.
Our work revolving around technology in specials classes is supporting the Oconomowoc Area School District in Becoming Unrivaled.
November 15, 2023
Celebrating Fall Athletic Programs
Presenters: Athletic Director: Kevin Flegner
Girls Golf - Jason Dahl: Girls Varsity Golf Coach, Lauren Lupinek, Laci Griswold, Aubrey Westerman, Ella Tower, Maria Jorgensen
Boys Cross Country - Joel Heroux: Boys Varsity Cross Country Coach, Jayden Sales, Bryce Faith, James Lennington, Mason Paar, James Belus, Max Meissner
Girls Volleyball - Caitlin Crouse: Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach, Anna Bjork, Olivia Kwiatkowski
Background:
This month we celebrated accomplishments of our fall student-athletes, including our OHS Girls Golf, Boys Cross Country, and Girls Volleyball teams, each of whom achieved significant success at their respective state tournaments.
Significant Fall Sports Achievements
3 teams qualify for State, Girls Golf finished 9th, Boys Cross Country finished 3rd and Girls Volleyball finished in 2nd place
44 student athletes receive 1st, 2nd, Team or Honorable Mention Award within the Classic 8 Conference
3 Conference Championships - Girls Golf, Boys Cross Country and Girls Volleyball
2 Regional Championships - Girls Golf and Girls Volleyball
2 Sectional Championships - Boys Cross Country and Girls Volleyball
3 Classic 8 Conference Sportsmanship Awards - Boys Soccer, Girls Cross Country and Girls Golf
12 student-athletes sign letters of intent for college athletics
440 fall student-athletes participate
Girls student-athlete GPA average of 3.63 and Boys student-athlete GPA average of 3.09 and 3.0 and above GPA for all of our student-athletes
Presentation:
Jason Dahl, Girls Varsity Golf Coach spoke on behalf of Girls Golf and had five of the six Conference Championship student-athletes with him. He shared that it was the first time in 15 years and the first time in the Classic 8 Conference that OHS has been Conference Champions. Dahl spoke about wanting to recognize the effort and work that his student-athletes had put in this season. Lauren Lupinek received Conference Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Laci Griswold was 13th in All-Conference this year in the Classic 8. Aubrey Westerman was named First Team All-Conference. Program numbers continue to be strong and Coach Dahl is appreciative of the support from the Board and the community and for following along on their journey.
Joel Heroux, Boys Varsity Cross Country Coach spoke on behalf of the Boys Cross Country team and had six of the seven State student-athletes with him. He shared some background information on how the conference competition works for the sport of cross-country. All teams compete on one day instead of their scores being tallied along the way during the season. If a team receives less than 27 points, they have an automatic bid to State and our team received 23 points at the conference meet. The student-athletes had put in a lot of hard work which continued on to a Sectional Championship and then to 3rd place at State. Jayden Sayles, Bryce Faith, Mason Paar were First Team All-Conference, James Lennington was First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State, James Belus and Max Meissner received Second Team All-Conference. Coach Heroux spoke about how lucky he and his staff were to work with such awesome student-athletes who put in the quiet work behind-the-scenes by committing to themselves and committing to their team.
Caitlin Crouse, Girls Volleyball Varsity Assistant Coach spoke on behalf of the Girls Volleyball team and had two of the student-athletes who went to State with her. Olivia Kwiatkowski and Anna Bjork have been on Varsity for four years and have gone to State three times. She wanted to thank the Board and the Oconomowoc community for their support every year that they have the opportunity to go to State.
Board President James Woods remarked, "I'm just really proud of everybody, setting the standard, raising the bar year-over-year, it's just really exciting play. I follow all three teams, really exciting to watch you guys grow. Showing the next grade where you're leaving the bar at, and they will reach for that. That's how we get to unrivaled."
Board member Neal Ninmann said, "Really impressive too with grade point average and success that you are having in the classroom. We know it's not easy, I've had my kids come through and one still going through and it's hard being an athlete. The late nights that you guys put in, the extra hours you put in, and still being able to perform in the classroom at the level that you do as a collective group - that's amazing. So congrats to you and your coaches and everybody involved in the program on still making the classroom number one, thanks."
"I would just like to add my own congratulations to all these athletes," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Sereno. "I just think in each of these three sports that are represented tonight, there has just been some incredible work... Kudos to all three of these teams and really to all of our athletes who put time and effort in and represent us really well, so thank you."
Our work revolving around athletics is supporting the Oconomowoc Area School District in Becoming Unrivaled.
October 18, 2023
Mastering A New Approach To Teaching Literacy
Presenters: Lisa Gohlke: Literacy Coach at Greenland Elementary School, Leah Laufenberg: 5K Teacher at Ixonia Elementary School, Shannon McCaffery: Principal at Greenland Elementary School
Background:
There is a lot of change happening across the country and across the state in regard to literacy. In regard to these changes for literacy instruction, the OASD has made a commitment in learning about these literacy mandates at an early stage, which sets us apart from our peers. About 18 months ago a group of leaders including, principals, literacy coaches and teachers began to meet with CESA 6 to establish the Early Literacy Academy. This team began to learn about The Science of Reading and have been hosting districts across the state in our board room to teach them about this research as well. Our kindergarten through second grade teachers at the OASD started receiving training during June of 2023 and onwards and have been implementing these practices in their classrooms.
Presentation:
“There are many things that science and research tells us that happen in the brain when students learn to read. We used to think that if they were just immersed in books, that they would learn and pick it up. But we know that is not true because learning to read is not a natural process," said Lisa Gohlke.
Lisa goes on to present that education institutions used to think that children immersed in books would pick up how to read, but they now know that we actually have to explicitly teach reading by breaking down words and focusing on the letter-sound relationships or phonics. Teachers put this into practice by doing read alouds, and focusing on a few subjects with deep knowledge about them.
Shannon McCaffery said, "Principals have been learning about the Science of Reading and high-leverage instructional practices alongside teachers, learning strategists, literacy coaches, speech pathologists, and paraprofessionals. There is an energy that has accompanied the learning. Staff are sharing podcasts they have heard or articles they have read with each other to deepen their learning."
Shannon goes on to explain that most energizing piece about this process has been the collaboration and the excitement in our district staff as they come together to share what they're learning and how they are applying this knowledge in their classrooms. It's been a transforming experience from a principal and teacher perspective to bring in additional staff to receive this knowledge as well.
What does teaching reading look like now?
Language Comprehension - We're building background knowledge and language with integrating science and social studies standards. Our teaching practices involve using read alouds, shared reading and exposure to new vocabulary.
Word Recognition - We're teaching phonological awareness skills that include teaching syllables, letter sounds, decoding, phonics and sigh word recognition through newly learned high leverage practices.
Science of Reading Practices - These practices are explicit and direct instruction, we are teaching subjects to mastery and student responses are provided with immediate feedback.
Watch as you see Ms. Laufenberg apply the tactics and modeling techniques she's learned through the Science of Reading to her 5K Ixonia classroom.
As a classroom teacher, Leah Laufenberg is thinking about the knowledge and the skills that students need for reading. Staff are using an inquiry model where they are building the background knowledge with some of the high leverage practices that they are using in their classroom. As compared to teaching practices before where educational professionals would be much more focused on the demonstration of reading, where students would go and practice, and the teacher would meet with them afterwards. Now it is an immediate response and teachers are holding students to subject mastery.
"I feel super fortunate that I was a part of the CESA 6 Literacy Academy because it is giving teachers the tools to make successful readers. It is invaluable," said Leah.
Behind the scenes you will find our teachers practicing modeling and mirroring these new instructions together, to make sure that it matches the Science of Reading.
Our work revolving around the Science of Reading is supporting the Oconomowoc Area School District in Becoming Unrivaled.