• Principal's Memo

Principal’s Memo – December 4, 2020

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Many things going on within our high school and district regarding COVID-19. I have scheduled an OOBHS virtual parent forum for next Tuesday, December, 8, at 5 PM. I hope you can join.

• RSU 23 Virtual Parent Forum Meeting Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/210901373

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3412. Access Code: 210-901-373
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/210901373   

Here are this week’s communications:

GABRIEL LASALLE!
Congratulations to senior Gabriel LaSalle, who was named OOBHS Saco Bay Rotary Club November 2020 OOBHS Student of the Month!

DUFFY ROSE!
Congratulations to senior Duffy Rose for qualifying for consideration for the National Merit Scholarship Program! This is an incredibly high honor and one in which only a select few across the nation qualify for. To be considered for the National Merit Special Scholarship, students must meet high PSAT scoring criteria as well as maintain other high academic honors, character, and connections to sponsors and community organizations.  We are so proud of you, Duffy! 

2020-2021 QUARTER 1 HONOR ROLL
 2020-2021 Q1 Honor Roll

PLEASE READ MY HOLIDAY TRAVEL MEMO!
Holiday Travel Memo 2020

PLEASE READ MY SNOW/REMOTE DAY MEMO!
Snow/Remote Day Memo 2020-2021

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

YEARBOOKS!
Attention Senior Families!!!!  Senior portraits and baby pictures need to be submitted to Yearbook Staff by December 1st.  To purchase a yearbook go to jostensyearbooks.com. Please email the pictures, 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!

FRESHMAN GUIDANCE CONVERSATIONS
Ms. Nason and Ms. Hayes will be meeting 1-1 with 9th grade students during the month of December in order to continue working with students on building foundational skills, accessing resources, and learning additional success strategies that will help them continue their success in navigating “all things high school.”  These conversations will be brief, informal, and confidential.  They will not disrupt academic blocks, and they will include a focus on academics, extracurricular interests, as well as any personal issues students might wish to discuss. Ultimately, through these conversations, Ms. Nason and Ms. Hayes hope to get to know students better and to offer any additional academic, emotional, or social supports needed.  If you have questions about these, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the School Guidance Team directly.   

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:

1.  Watch the Senior Post-Secondary Planning Meeting Recording (if missed the meeting).
2.  Complete the Google Brag Form.
3.  Review and Begin Completing Tasks on the College Application Timeline & To do List.
4.  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).

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, December 8 – OOBHS Parent Forum
• Wednesday, December 23-Monday, January 4 – Holiday Break
• Monday, January 18 – MLK Day – No School

Have a great weekend!
-John