Principal’s Memo October 23, 2020
Posted on
October 23, 2020
Hi Everyone,
We are just completing spirit week with high levels of participation during each of our special themed days. Thank you to Ms. Nason and the Student Council for organizing spirit week! Reminder, first quarter grades close Friday, November 6th. Here are this week’s communications:
GIFT CARD DRIVE!
Due to these unprecedented times, some students and families from Old Orchard Beach High School are experiencing increased food insecurities. We typically hold a food drive and donate Thanksgiving boxes. Because of COVID-19 we are unable to do this. We have decided to do a “gift card” drive instead. If you are able, Hannaford gift card donations would be greatly appreciated during these most challenging times. Please contact Erin Dupee edupee@rsu23.org if you are interested in donating.
GREETINGS FROM THE BOOSTER CLUB!
We hope this finds everyone in great health and spirits! Do to the nature of the year 2020 and the many cancellations we have not been able to utilize our fundraising opportunities. (Car Show, Concessions stand, 50/50 raffles) Luckily we are in good shape and were able to give out 3 scholarships for the class of 2020 and will be giving out scholarships for the Class of 2021. Scholarships are only a part of where the fundraising efforts are distributed to. We also have made considerable donations back to the school. Here is a small example: water fountains for refilling water bottles, bus trips, equipment (culinary and gym/weight room), field day, senior gifts. This is a small picture of how active Booster Club is for all students and faculty!
This is why we are making an appeal to everyone. At the end of this school year we will be losing a number of members of Booster Club being the natural progression. We are in need of all positions! President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Please contact us if you would like more information. oobhsboosters@gmail.com
Booster Club is a great opportunity for getting to know students, faculty, and the school community!
Sincerely,
Jenna Payea, President
Karin Lavigne, VP
Renee LaPlante, Treasurer
Kara Poulin, Secretary
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Reminder, Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on November 4, 1:00 – 7:00pm and November 10 from 3:30 – 7:30pm. Given our focus on health and safety and reducing public gatherings at our school these conferences will be virtual. Once scheduled, teachers will be communicating with parents the week of October 26th to provide you with links to your virtual conferences. To schedule your conferences using our digital scheduler, please click on the following link: OOB HS – Parent/Teacher Conference Reservation … – Virtual Paragon. The Link is also on our website under the “Parents and Students.” Click on Parent/Teacher Conferences. The password is seagull04064.
QUARTER 1 PROGRESS REPORTS
Quarter 1 progress report grades are available to view in powerschool. We do not mail out progress reports. To view your child’s grades please go to the Parent Portal in powerschool. If you do not have access to Parent Portal Powerschool, please contact Karen Murphy at ksmurphy@rsu23.org. If you have questions about your child’s grades please contact the teacher.
SENIOR CLASS RANK CHANGE INFORMATION
Please see attached letter that was sent out via SwiftReach yesterday regarding the change in how class rank is reported for seniors. Senior Class Rank Change Information Letter
PARENT POWERSCHOOL PORTAL
You can access your child’s grades, attendance, teacher comments, SwiftReachK12; view recent alerts that were sent out and change your Alert Preferences, missing assignments, student’s schedule, and account preferences. If you don’t already have an account or are having issues signing in to your account for a high school student, please contact Karen Murphy at ksmurphy@rsu23.org.
DEVICE AGREEMENT
All students have been issued technology to be used at school and for remote learning days. All parents/guardians must sign the Device Agreement for each student in their PowerTeacher Parent Portal. The Device Agreement details Old Orchard Beach High School’s device policies and procedures. Instructions were sent via SwiftK12 to your email account on file.
RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION
Every returning student’s parent/guardian was sent a “snapcode” to fill out the “Returning Student Registration”. (This was sent to the first contact we have on file for the student.) This process replaces the paperwork that is sent home every year to update your child’s information. Please take the time to complete this returning student registration. If you have misplaced this information, please contact Karen Murphy at ksmurphy@rsu23.org
If your child is a junior or a senior there is an “Military Opt Out” form that needs to be filled out with your response to either “Yes” or “No”. If we do not receive this document we must give out your child’s name, phone number, and address to the Military. The deadline for this form to be completed is October 9th.
YEARBOOKS!
Attention Senior Families!!!! Senior portraits and baby pictures need to be submitted to Yearbook Staff by December 1st. Please email them, and any Yearbook questions, to smoutsatsos@rsu23.org. Yearbook flyer
FAMILY VACATION FORMS
During the school year some families take vacations and ask that we excuse their children from school days. This is not a problem, however, we do have forms for the student, parents, teachers and administration to sign off on in order to help students understand the expectations of making up missed work. The forms can be found in the main office. Thanks for your help!
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
College Admissions Representatives are beginning to host Virtual Visits for OOBHS Students. Be sure to watch your email and listen for morning announcements as these come up each week. See Ms. Murphy, Ms. Nason, or Ms. Hayes in the Guidance Office for more information on upcoming visits.
SENIORS AND FINANCIAL AID
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. If you are a senior considering applying to trade schools, certificate programs, or 2 and 4 year colleges, you’ll want to be sure to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the higher your chances of getting FREE money that will help you pursue your post-secondary goals. To create your FSA ID and start this process, click HERE today. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the OOBHS Guidance team or the Finance Authority of Maine for assistance.
SENIORS AND POST-SECONDARY PLANNING
Thank you to the Seniors who were able to join us for the virtual Senior Post-Secondary Planning Meeting. If you were unable to join, please watch the recording by clicking HERE and review the presentation HERE in order to learn important information regarding college applications and financial aid.
Next Steps for Seniors Applying to College:
- Watch the Senior Post-Secondary Planning Meeting Recording (if missed the meeting).
- Complete the Google Brag Form.
- Review and Begin Completing Tasks on the College Application Timeline & To do List.
- Make a 1-1 Appointment with Your School Counselor for Assistance.
*For seniors interested in Non-College Related Post-Secondary Paths (i.e. Military, Workforce, Trade School, Gap Year), please still fill out the Google Brag Form and reach out for 1-1 appointments with your school counselors as well. Your school counselors will work 1-1 with each of you in order to personalize support and action steps in preparation for any and all post-secondary paths.
SENIOR INTERNSHIP
The Senior Internship and Career Preparation Workshop that normally takes place in October will take place in January this year in order to accommodate safety and CDC guidelines. Although seniors will still be expected to complete a career explorations and internship-type experience, it may or may not look a little different than it has in past years depending on what unfolds with regard to health considerations and the pandemic. More information to come. As a reminder, seniors currently participating in a vocational program through Biddeford-COT or Portland-ATHS are not required to complete an OOBHS internship experience since a similar experience is already included in their vocational programming. If you have pressing concerns or questions, please reach out to Jackie Hayes (jhayes@rsu23.org) or Stephanie Moutsatsos (smoutsatsos@rsu23.org).
PSATs AND SATS
To our 10th and 11th Grade Parents and Students: Typically in October our sophomores and juniors take the PSATs. The College Board has offered the opportunity to take these tests in January this year. In order to allow for students and faculty to adjust to our new school routine we are going to hold off and provide this testing opportunity to students in January.
To our Seniors: We do not offer a school based SAT opportunity this fall. You can register to take the SATs at other high schools in the area. Seniors should connect with colleges and universities they are considering applying to and confirm if SATs are required for admissions this year. Many institutions are waiving this requirement in light of the pandemic. Please see Mrs. Hayes or Ms. Nason if you have questions or concerns about this.
SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
As a reminder, breakfast and lunch are available daily at school. Until THE END OF THE YEAR breakfast and lunch will be FREE TO ALL STUDENTS. Please still fill out a Free and Reduced Lunch application to determine if your child qualifies for free or reduced price meals. Applications are available at the high school and on our website at: https://rsu23.org on the Food & Nutrition Services page. Menus are also posted to the website. Please feel free to contact Caroline Trinder, Food & Nutrition Services Director with any questions at ctrinder@rsu23.org or 934-4461 ext. 1239. We are looking forward to serving healthy and tasty meals all year!
STUDENT PARKING & EARLY RELEASE & LATE ARRIVAL
Students who would like to drive their car to school must register their car in the main office and acquire a parking permit. Cars without a parking permit or cars parked in the improper lot may be removed at the owner’s expense. There is no student parking in the front lot.
IMPORTANT & UPCOMING DATES
- Tuesday, November 3 – Election Day – White Day Remote Learning Day
- Wednesday, November 4 – Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences PreK-12 (evening)
- Tuesday, November 10 – Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences PreK-12 (evening)
- Wednesday November 25 – Thanksgiving Break
That’s all for this week. Have a great weekend!
-John