STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Our Mission Statement ends with the promise that we will prepare students “for life-long participation in a global society.” We are actually working to prepare our students not just for participation in a global society, but to be competitive in global economics. Our students will be competing with students all over the world for high paying jobs that will shape their future and the future of our community and country.

One of the things we focus on is what is now being called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education. Our curriculum is designed to offer students opportunities to learn about and excel in these fields of study. The 83-minute block allows students opportunities to experience authentic, hands-on situations which will guide their learning.

To be awarded a diploma, Oakmont students are required to earn three credits in math and three credits in science. Students are also required to earn one half credit in Computers and Careers (or pass the Technology Competency Examination.) These requirements are in line with the recommended requirements in these fields in 38 states. Additionally students have a number of electives in the STEM disciplines that include advanced Mathematics and challenging Technology Education courses, as well as state-of-the-art computer design courses. We are also planning to modify existing courses and add new courses to continue to prepare our students for global competition.

According to “The Push to Improve STEM Education” in the March 27, 2008, issue of Education Week, “Educators at the grassroots are also working to ramp up competency by taking advantage of the ever-growing supply of STEM-related competitions. Such contests often give students and teachers the chance to experience the STEM disciplines as a whole, with the real-world applications of academic subjects front and center.” In this spirit the Technology Education Department and the Robotics Club will host a Robotics Competition at the Crocker Pond Recreational Area in Westminster on Thursday, May 29, 2008. Oakmont students will be competing with other area high schools to test their skills in the application of advanced technology.

Not to be lost in the focus on STEM are interpersonal and advanced literacy skills. This past summer, we met with local high-tech business leaders. They emphasized the importance of “soft skills” in today’s workplace. These skills include written and verbal communication and the ability to solve problems as a member of a team. The best trained technicians lose their value if they are unable to work with co-workers and customers. To prepare our students to be globally competitive will require a school-wide, cross discipline effort.

To learn more about globalization and the importance of preparing students to be competitive in a global society we recommend Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat, and the documentary “Two Million Minutes” by Broken Pencil Productions. Our young people will need a wide variety of social and academic skills to succeed in tomorrow’s global economy.

Mr. Uminski                                  Mr. Smith
(978) 827-5907 x2157                    (978) 827-5907 x2155

STUDENT HANDBOOK FOCUS

Personal Electronics in School

No personal electronics are to be used during the school day. This includes radios, portable disc players, Walk-Man type radios, boom boxes, pagers, beepers, MP3 or cellular phones. Picture or video capable cell phones are prohibited from use anywhere in the school building, the use of this technology for purposes that violate school procedures or personal freedom will result in suspension or more serious disciplinary action. All personal electronics are to be stored in lockers during the school day. Personal electronics in student possession during the school day will be confiscated and returned to parents after school. Subsequent offenses will produce further disciplinary action. These devices are often the target of theft; it is recommended that they are not brought to school at all.

*NOTE TO PARENTS
Please refrain from calling or texting students on their cell phones during the school day. This causes a distraction to your son or daughter, and students around them. It is a violation of school policy for students to have their cell phones on during the school day.

If you must contact your son or daughter please do so through the main office.

OAKMONT ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH KAPLAN

Oakmont Regional High School recently signed a contract with Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, a nationwide test preparation service, to provide its students with SAT preparation courses at significantly reduced prices. Oakmont Regional High School students will receive a $400 discount and pay $599 for the classroom course (private tutoring and online programs are also available at different prices). Additionally, scholarships will be available for qualifying students on a limited basis. The agreement is part of the nationwide Kaplan at School partnership program, which brings Kaplan’s college prep services directly to schools across the country.

“Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions is excited about expanding its SAT prep services to students in north central Massachusetts,” said Catherine Yates, Boston-area manager for pre-college programs, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. “With the college admissions process more competitive than ever, more and more students and their families are recognizing the importance of scoring well on this exam, a critical piece of the admissions puzzle. Through our courses, students will go into test day both prepared and confident.”

“Success on the SAT is a critical requirement for many colleges and universities,” said David Uminski, Principal of Oakmont Regional High School. “We want to offer our students every advantage when it comes to competing for admission to the colleges and universities of their choice. Therefore, we’re pleased to partner with Kaplan for their high quality SAT test preparation services.”
For more information about all of Kaplan’s services for prospective college students, please visit this Web site.

ALLISON ROCHELEAU: OAKMONT’S CENTRAL MASS HERO

Oakmont Senior, Allison Rocheleau was awarded FIRST PLACE in the Central Mass Hero competition at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Wednesday, March 18. Allison was given a $1000 scholarship and was afforded the privilege of choosing a charity the proceeds of the competition would go to. She chose Habitat for Humanity.

Allison also was selected to participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) choral workshop in Boston on March 28 and 29. The workshop culminates with a performance at Symphony Hall on Saturday, March 29.

Oakmont Spartists Excellence Recognized

Gardner News Original Art Contest
(Published March 28, 2008)
1st place: Jocelyn Baril
2nd place: Julie Barrows
Honorable Mentions:
Kim Maguy, Katie Fortier, Linsay Laserte

New Hampshire Institute of Art

National Juried High School Exhibition (Manchester, NH)
Jocelyn Baril , Chris Fuller, Rachel Tamas, Ashley Ruel, Erica Schlier, Jessica Daigle, Ethan Berube

Cushing Academy Summer Studio Art Contest
(Summer 2008)
Morgan Mitchell - winner - awarded full scholarship based upon her portfolio of high standards and artistic excellence

CHEERLEADERS
PLACE 5^th in
NATIONAL COMPETITION

The Oakmont Cheerleaders traveled to Florida to compete in the National Americheer Competition and brought home a huge 5th Place Trophy

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

INCOMING PHONE CALLS

We would like to be able to have a human voice answer all incoming calls to Oakmont Regional High School. However, there are only two lines that accept incoming calls in the main office of the school.

Our two Administrative Assistants and Student Office Assistants do their best to answer all calls. However, if they are on a call, the new incoming call goes directly to voicemail.

The Administrative Assistants regularly check voicemail. Sometimes, due to the volume of calls, the voicemail may not reach them immediately. However as soon as the message is received the assistants will return your call in the order the calls arrived.

If your call is truly an emergency, please dial one of the following extensions: 2151, 2153, 2155, 2156 or 2157.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

	Dodging Destructive Decisions
Prevention of Underage Drinking April 3, 2008 6:00 PM Oakmont Auditorium
In 15 powerful minutes the video presents up-to-date information regarding our nation’s alcohol problems among youth, how we got to “this place” and what individuals are doing in their communities to address this issue.
Followed by a 5 on 5 Dodgeball Tournament Featuring Faculty, Administration, Police, Fire, Town Officials, SADD Students, and Local Merchants
Sponsored by LUK, Inc. Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA)

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The Oakmont School Council normally meets the first Wednesday of every month in the Nims Library at
6:30 p.m.

Parent Representatives are:
Cindy Gallagher (Co-Chair)
Eva Sibley
Denise Noseworthy
Brenda Ruffiange
Dianne Fichtel
Paula Magee
Eileen Aldrich

All parents are welcome to attend.

Community Representatives are
Dottie Munroe and Joe Macchia

Agenda Items include Budget Q and A with Dr. Michael Zapantis and/or School Committee Members.

Oakmont PTO has been invited to attend this meeting.

Get Your Golf Game Ready for Spring

Come learn Golf Fundamentals and have some fun with Kevin Descarreaux, Golf Instructor at Gardner Golf Course at Oakmont Regional High School.

Bring your favorite Fairway wood and Iron.

Starting Thursday March 6^th and every Thursday until April 17^th

6:30 to 7:30 pm

$80.00

For more information or to register please contact Kevin Descarreaux

MISSION STATEMENT

Oakmont Regional High School provides an inclusive, nurturing environment where students pursue academic excellence, practice respect, and prepare for life-long participation in a global society.

PARENT FEEDBACK

We want to hear from you.

Please contact us if you have a question or comment about this newsletter or anything regarding your child’s education at Oakmont Regional High School.

Mr. Uminski                          Mr. Smith
(978) 827-5907 x2157         (978) 827-5907 x2155

VIDEOS USA DISCOUNT !!!

Students who present their Oakmont I.D. card at VIDEOS USA in Westminster will receive a special discount - Rent one video, get one of equal or lesser value for free!

VIDEOS USA is located at the junction of 2A and Depot Street

Thank you to Allan Maccarone, owner of VIDEOS USA for his support.

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM

Saturday, May 17

Devens Common Center
Devens, MA

6 pm – 11 pm

PARTICIPATION FEE PAYMENT

Fees can be paid by check at the Oakmont Main Office or mailed to AWRSD at 11 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430 Attn: Sherry Kersey

PLEASE NO CASH

NICK CARTER HONORED Oakmont sophomore Nick Carter was honored Thursday, March 27 by the Boston Bruins and the MIAA as a recipient of the Boston Bruins Ice Hockey Sportsmanship Award. This award is given annually to one individual from every league in the state who best exemplifies what fair play and sportsmanship in high school hockey are all about. The MIAA, Boston Bruins and Oakmont Regional High School commend Nick for his commitment to sportsmanship. His values and conduct provide an exemplary model for others to follow.

Calendar

Monday	March 31	Winter Athletic Awards	6 pm	Auditorium
Mon-Fri	Mar 31-Apr 4	Spirit Week
Tuesday	April 1	Interclass Basketball Competition	6 pm	New Gym
Thursday	April 3	Dodging Destructive Decisions	5:30 pm	Auditorium/Gym
Friday	April 4	Independent Film Night	7 pm	Auditorium
Saturday	April 5	OBC Dinner and Comedy Night	5 pm	Cafeteria/Auditorium
Tuesday	April 8	Red Cross Blood Drive	8 am-1 pm	W-T Gym
Wednesday	April 9	Interclass Broom Hockey Competition	6 pm	New Gym
Fri/Sat	April 11-12	Spring Musical “Anything Goes”	7 pm	Auditorium
Sunday	April 13	Spring Musical “Anything Goes”	2 pm	Auditorium
Wednesday	April 16	District Band Night	6:30 pm	Auditorium
Thursday	April 17	Battle of the Bands	7 pm	Auditorium
Mon-Fri	April 21-25	April Vacation
Wed & Thurs	Apr 30 & May 1	Grade 8 Tours
Friday	May 2	Evening With the Arts	6 pm

OAKMONT BOOSTER CLUB NEWS

Upcoming Events:

Winter Sports Awards Night Monday, March 31, 2008, 6:30 pm at ORHS Auditorium Family Comedy Night and Illusionist Saturday, April 5, 2008, 7:00 pm at ORHS Auditorium, $10.00 per ticket Annual Golf Tournament Monday, June 23, 2008 at the Westminster Country Club Important Reminders: Scholarship Applications will be available in the Guidance Office. The OBC gives out 4 scholarships annually. All graduating athletes are eligible to apply. Oakmont Apparel is available for sale. Show your Oakmont pride! Please contact Joanne Blood for more information. Next Meeting April 7 at 7:00 pm. All meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month in the Kiuru Health Room located next to the gym. OBC MISSION To foster interest in and support the interscholastic sports teams at Oakmont To promote, recognize, and reward excellence in athletics To assist in the financial support of Oakmont Athletics outside of the normal budgeting process

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

SPIRIT WEEK
Monday 3/31: Stripes Day
Tuesday 4/1: Green and White Day
Wednesday 4/2: PJ Day
Thursday 4/3: College/Sports Day
Friday 4/4: Class Colors Day

CLASS COMPETITION WEEK EVENTS

Points will be accumulated by each class during the tournaments, spirit day participation, and ongoing Penny Wars during the week. The class with the most points on Friday will win $200!

Tuesday, 4/1 @ 6 PM- March Madness Basketball Tournament

Wednesday, 4/9 @ 6 PM- Broom Hockey Tournament

Signups will be during lunches until the events.
$2 to play with ID, $3 without
FREE to come watch

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Wide Student Government Elections Campaign Week/Speeches/Elections
April 28-May 1

Service, Community and Caring Week
May 4-May 10

Mr. Oakmont
May 6

Teacher Appreciation Week
May 4-May 10

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Do you want to receive the Oakmont Newsletter via email?

Send your email address to Mr. Uminski

Looking for a club or community service opportunity?

The Ashburnham and Westminster Lions Clubs are interested in starting a Leo Club at Oakmont Regional High School. The Leo Club is a student service organization advised by and affiliated with the local Lion’s Clubs.

If your son or daughter may be interested in joining the club or for more information
please contact Mr. Uminski.

               

Leadership
Experience
Opportunity

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

To join the Oakmont Alumni Association please contact Mr. Uminski at (978) 827-5907 or email

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Seniors do not forget to apply for the many scholarships available to you.

Go to the Guidance Office Scholarship Applications and Information.

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Because Oakmont “Runs on Dunkin”
SHOW YOUR OAKMONT SCHOOL ID
AND RECEIVE A
FREE DONUT
WITH PURCHASE OF ANY SIZE BEVERAGE

6 Gardner Road
Ashburnham, MA

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES – CLASS OF 2008
As of March 26, 2008

Jocelyn Baril              Franklin Pierce University
Julie Barrows             Fitchburg State College
Amanda Becker         Franklin Pierce University
Kelsea Bilodeau        University of Central Florida
Daniel Boucher          Fitchburg State College
Curtis Burrowes         Kettering University
                                Lawrence Technological Univ.
                                UMASS Lowell
Alyssa Christianson   Boston College
                                Emerson College
Ross Cormier            Fitchburg State College
Kelsey Curran           Endicott College
                                Roanoke College
                                Worcester State College
Jillian Davis               UMASS Amherst
                                Syracuse University
Derek DeMarco         Fitchburg State College
Desiree Hamelin        Mount Holyoke College
Michael Donovan       Fitchburg State College
David Fournier           N.H. Institute of Art
Stephanie Gagnon     Fitchburg State College
                               Keene State College
                               UMASS Dartmouth
                               Worcester State College
Michael Gosselin      Bentley College
                               Bryant University
                               UMASS Amherst
Joanna Gustafson     Wentworth Inst. Technology
Nathan Hawkins       Westfield State College
                               Worcester State College
Jesse Iacabone        Fisher College
Kelsey Imig             Ohio State University
Brianna Jamieson    Emmanuel College
                              Suffolk University
Caitlin Kalagher       Worcester State College
Samantha Kane      Westfield State College
Brandi Kennelly       Fitchburg State College
Jonathan King         Daniel Webster College
                             UMASS Lowell
                             Quinsigamond Comm. College
Seth Knihtila           Fitchburg State College
                             Norwich University
Rachael Kulik         Bridgewater State College
                             Massachusetts College of Art
                             UMASS Dartmouth
Sarah Landry          Fitchburg State College
Seth Lavenski         UMASS Dartmouth
Jenna LeBlanc        Johnson & Wales University
                              Lasell College
                              Nichols College
                              Plymouth State College
Christopher Louney  Bentley College
                              UMASS Amherst
                              New York University
Robert Lowe            United States Army
Kimberly Maguy      University of Findlay
                             William Woods University
Alan Mann              University of Connecticut
                             University of New Hampshire
                             University of Rhode Island

MASSACHUSETTS History Day

Congratulations to Elizabeth Brannon and Karl Wing for their winning entry in the Massachusetts History Day District Competition held recently at Quabbin Regional High School. The entry “Space Race: Conflict and Compromise" was a website in the Senior Division dealing with the Space race. For the past four months, Elizabeth and Karl have been doing research on the Space Race and how it relates to this year’s National History Day theme: “Conflict and Compromise in History.” All student topics must connect with this theme for 2008.

Other Oakmont entries were from Brian Sumner, a paper entitled “Causes of the Sioux Uprising of 1860” and a group performance by Kylie Brough, Joe DiVito, Emily Estelle and Stacey Lavenski entitled “The Women’s March on Versailles.”

Massachusetts History Day is the state program for National History Day. The mission of National History Day is to improve the teaching and learning of history in elementary and secondary schools so that students become better prepared, knowledgeable citizens. National History Day is a yearlong non-profit program in which young people in grades 6-12 research and create historical projects related to a broad national theme, culminating in an annual national contest on the campus of the University of Maryland at College Park.

All seven students will compete in the state finals on April 5, 2008, at Clark University. Students who are successful at the State Competition will represent Massachusetts at the National History Day Finals, June 15-19, at College Park.

PTO NEWS Upcoming PTO activities will include staff appreciation and planning for next year's Johnny Appleseed event. If you have any "gently used" stuffed animals that can be used for prizes at our booth, contact one of the officers listed below to arrange for pick up of your donation. In addition, two current board members will be "retiring" at the end of this school year. If you are interested in helping out for next year in one of the vacant positions or have questions about involvement, contact one of the officers. Nancy Kochan 874-6294 Ellen Sheehan 874-2986 Karen Quinones 252-5052 Nancy Knihtila 874-1662 Ruth Murphy 874-6388

February Spartan of the Month: Jillian D’Onfro
Passion and Commitment

The Oakmont Peer Leaders are a group of compassionate, concerned young adults who donate countless hours of service to their school and community. Already this year they’ve hosted orientation for new transfer students, coordinated a clothing collection for Our Father’s House, organized the Valentine’s Day Dance to benefit St Jude’s Hospital, helped out with Family Fun Night at Westminster Elementary, and participated in all sorts of other projects that help enrich the lives others.

At the center of all this activity is our February Spartan of the Month, Jillian D’Onfro. Currently in her junior year, Jillian has been a Peer Leader ever since she arrived at Oakmont. “I wanted to become more involved in our group,” she says, “so I ran for president.” Jillian describes Peer Leaders as, “kind of like a community-based volunteer organization made up of passionate and committed people. Anyone can call us to help out with a project and we’ll rally a group of Peer Leaders to get it done.”

Jillian has found a role model and mentor in Mrs. Bonnie Leary, Oakmont Peer Leader advisor. “Mrs. Leary has helped me through some difficult times,” Jillian recalls. “I look up to her as someone who really cares about her students and who is truly committed to helping others.”

Besides her leadership ability and service to the community, Jillian is also a talented writer. She’s created several remarkable short stories, poems, and sketches this year in Mr. Mark Nevard’s Creative Writing class.

“Jillian is an amazing writer,” Mr. Nevard states with enthusiasm. “Her work is dynamic and fluid – it moves. Jillian works hard at her writing and she pushes her limits. She’s willing to learn and eager to grow.” Jillian also has high praise for her Creative Writing teacher; “Mr. Nevard is awesome. His class is really inspiring.”

Jillian, who is the daughter of Beth and Stephen D’Onfro of Westminster, also finds time for sports. She’s a member of the varsity cross-country and indoor track teams. This spring, she’ll also participate in the new lacrosse program. As if she isn’t busy enough, Jillian also has a part-time job at the Westminster Pharmacy on weekends. She hopes to pursue a career in writing, communications, or possibly, teaching. Although she’s not entirely sure about where she’d like to go to college, she’s interested in Middlebury, Kenyon, or, perhaps, McGill in Montreal.

Jillian describes Oakmont as, “a nice community, where you can get to know people. There are so many things to be involved in.” In both her community leadership and her writing, Jillian maintains a focus on people. “I love to listen to dialogue, to explore people’s interactions and reactions.” But perhaps Jillian’s greatest strengths are her passion for helping others and her commitment to making the world a better place.

9th Annual North Central Massachusetts
Youth Leadership Summit
April 25, 2008, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
At Monty Tech

Leadership Awards, Workshops, Keynote Speaker, Information fair, Lunch, Entertainment, Fun, Dance with “DJ MAVERICK” of JAM’N 94.5s

For More Information or to pre-register contact LUK at 978-345-0685 or 978-345-3602

Sponsored in part by:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School
WIB Jr. Youth Council
Luk, Inc.

Donate Them!

Oakmont Regional High School

is now accepting book, video, DVD, CD, and audio book donations. Drop off your contributions to help raise money for the school’s Business Education Department and put books in the hands of people who will treasure them as you once did!
For more information:
Contact Wendy LeBlanc
(978) 827-5907 x2174