OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
November 2007

 

 Administration   Main Office Staff
David Uminski, Principal Gin Koski, Registrar
Greg Smith, Assistant Principal Pegi Deshayes, Administrative Assistant
Brian Sargent, Dean of Students Sharon Olson, Administrative Assistant

PRINCIPAL’S NEWS
Co-Curricular Student Successes

It has been a great fall. Oakmont seems to be mirroring the success the teams of Boston are having. Boston is the city of champions; Oakmont is a community of champions.

The Marching Band won the USSBA Group 3 State and New England Championship. And on the next day they were awarded a Gold Medal at the MICCA State Championship with a nearly perfect score.

The boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, and field hockey teams all qualified for the District tournament. This is the first time that all three teams qualified in the same season.

Bob McGowan is concluding his field hockey coaching career at Oakmont. His career has spanned four decades and includes a District Championship and trip to the State Finals in 1984 and numerous league championships. Mr. McGowan is one of the premier coaches in the area.

The golf team was awarded the Midland-Wachusett League Sportsmanship Award. This is an award of which we are most proud; the goal of any athletic program is to teacher the student-athletes life-long lessons of team work, discipline and sportsmanship. Congratulations to Coach Phil Hanno and all of the players!

The boys cross country team had three top finishers in the League Meet last week and the girls had two top twenty finishers. They will compete in the District Meet November 10 in Gardner.

The cheerleaders were awarded first place and named grand champion at the Gael Invitational, and also won first place at the Leominster Invitational, and Champions Division C at the Mid-Wach League Tournament.

Our current students are continuing the Oakmont tradition of excellence in many areas. We are truly proud of what they do.

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

REMINDERS FROM THE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Incomplete Course Work

In case of incomplete course work the following will apply:

  1. An INC will be recorded on a report card when a student has not completed any part of the required term course work.
  2. The incomplete student will be given two weeks (10 school days) after report cards are issued to make up the missing work. If the work is not made up within the two-week time frame the course grade will be changed from incomplete to F (failure). For percentage grading, missing work will be zeros.
  3. In extraordinary circumstances the teacher, guidance counselor and student will design a makeup contract. All work must be made up and completed by this schedule, or the course grade will be changed from incomplete to F (failure).
  4. Under special circumstances, a student may make arrangements with his/her teachers along with guidance and administrative approval to complete work during the summer vacation or to attend summer school.
  5. All senior work is to be completed and submitted to senior teachers by the end of the last day of final exams. No Incompletes will be issued except for special circumstances approved in writing by the Principal.

Ineligibility for Co-curricular Activities

A student is ineligible to participate in athletics and other co-curricular activities (e.g., athletic practices, games, clubs, aides, musicals, dramas, club field trips, social functions, etc.) if he/she does not secure a passing grade in three (3) out of four (4) blocks in a term. Eligibility will be determined by the previous final average TERM grade before the season of activity. For example, fall eligibility is based on the Semester II Term 2 grade, NOT the final course grade.

Ineligibility will take effect at the end of the second full school day after the report cards are sent to the post office. This will allow time for correcting any grading errors that may occur.

Unless the grade status has changed (i.e., an incomplete grade changed to a passing grade), the student will remain ineligible until the next report card is issued. Provisions for review of eligibility may be made at Progress Report or Warning time which may result in a changing a student’s eligibility to practice only.

  

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.

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST

Thursday, November 22
7:00 am top 9:30 am
Oakmont Cafeteria

Sponsored by the Ashburnham-Westminster Rotary Club

100% of Proceeds go to Oakmont Clubs

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The Oakmont School Council meets the first Wednesday of every month in the Nims Library at 7 p.m. All parents are welcome to attend. The agenda the November meeting included discussions about and the School Improvement Plan and School Safety Day.
Next meeting is December 5, 2007

"ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER?"

November 29, 2007 7:00 – 8:30 pm

$5.00
$3.00 for students with ID
Kids under 12-FREE

Benefits the Freshmen Class

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

SEPTEMBER SPARTAN OF THE MONTH-SARAH RHEAULT

"I really enjoy helping people," says Sarah Rheault, Oakmont's Spartan of the Month for September 2007. Last year Sarah spent many hours tutoring a special needs student after the end of the school day. "I helped him with math and history," she explains. "It made me feel good when he got it."

But Sarah gained as much as she gave during her tutoring experience. "He opened up to me and helped me understand how it felt to live with a disability," she says. "I felt good about myself that I helped someone and made a difference."

Sarah took the lesson she learned from tutoring and incorporated it into her career goals. Next year she hopes to study Physical Therapy at the University of Hartford or Westfield State College. Sarah's interest in health careers also grew out of her experience in Mrs. Roy's Exercise Physiology class. "Mrs. Roy really inspired me to look into careers that involve sports and athletics," she explains.

It's no surprise that Sarah is looking ahead to a career in sports – she's a three season athlete at Oakmont. Sarah has played varsity soccer for all four years and currently is one of the co-captains. She is also co-captain of the varsity basketball team. Sarah says that she plans to take it easy a bit this year in spring track. "I'll run the 400-meter and throw the javelin," she explains, "but I think I'll retire from the long jump."

Sarah has served on Student Council for the past two years and played an important role in this year's opening activities, such as Freshman Orientation, Welcome Back Dance, and Student Leadership Day. However, when it came to Homecoming, Sarah took the lead. She was one of the emcees at the rally and took on the responsibility of planning the Homecoming Dance for more than 300 students. "I really wanted everyone to have a good time," she explains. "It was stressful, but I enjoyed every second of it. I guess I like being in charge."

Sarah, who is the daughter of Jamie and Laurie Rheault of Westminster, sees Oakmont as a great school and a positive place for young adults. "People can be themselves here. Everyone pretty much gets along with each other and their teachers."

Our positive school climate is due, in large part, to the positive qualities and contributions of students like our September Spartan of the Month - Sarah Rheault.

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

OAKMONT PTO NEWS

The PTO continues to be active at Oakmont, finding ways to be supportive as a result of our Johnny Appleseed Fair booth. In order to continue our participation in the September fair, we welcome donations all during the year of gently used stuffed animals, or toys that can be used as prizes for our game. Please call Ruth Murphy (978) 874-6388 or email us at Oakmont PTO to arrange pickup. Thank you.

If you have questions, contact one of the following:

  • Nancy Kochan 874-6294
  • Nancy Knihtila 874-1662
  • Karen Quinones 874-1610
  • Ruth Murphy 874-6388
  • Ellen Sheehan 874-2986

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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

YEARBOOK NEWS

Yearbooks are currently on sale -- please go to Jostens Online.

All yearbooks must be ordered on line, please visit our school web page for additional information.

Early Bird Special until November 9th only $50.00

After that date cost is $60.00

GUIDANCE NEWS

PSAT RESULTS
A record number of Oakmont students (164) took the PSAT’s this year. Results will be distributed in mid-December.

ATTENTION SENIORS
College applications are due in the Guidance Office on or before Monday, December 3.  Remember: The yellow college application cover sheet plus $4.00 (postage) is due for each college.

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
Thursday, December 6, 2007
7:00 p.m.
All seniors and their parents
are invited to attend.

PEER LEADERS

The Peer Leaders have also been involved in other community-based activities this fall, including the St. Denis Fair, Coat Drive, yard work, volunteered as ushers and concessions at the Ashburnham Conservation Commission’s Livingston Taylor Benefit Concert, painted fence at Forbush Library, and worked at the Brian Simmons Road Race.

“Family Fun Night”

On Friday, November 2, 2007, the Oakmont Peer Leaders went to Westminster Elementary to help conduct “Family Fun Night.” The Peer Leaders made signs, set up craft stations and worked with the elementary school students. There were crafts, snacks, dancing and fun for everyone in attendance.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS ABOUT Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. About 25-30% of the U.S. population carries staph on their bodies at any time. MRSA is a kind of staph that is resistant to some kinds of antibiotics.

How is MRSA spread?
Staph, including MRSA, are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, such as shaking hands, wrestling, or other direct contact with the skin of another person. Staph are also spread by contact with items that have been touched by people with staph, like towels shared after bathing and drying off, or shared athletic equipment in the gym or on the field.
Most people who have staph or MRSA on their skin do not have infections or illness caused by staph. These people are “colonized” with staph. Staph infections start when staph get into a cut, scrape or other break in the skin. People who have skin infections should be very careful to avoid spreading their infection to others.

What are the symptoms of an infection caused by MRSA?
MRSA is a type of staph, so the symptoms of a MRSA infection and the symptoms of an infection due to other staph are the same. Pimples, rashes, pus-filled boils especially when warm, painful, red or swollen can indicate a staph skin infection. Impetigo is one example of a skin infection that can be caused by staph, including MRSA. Staph, including MRSA, can also cause more serious infection, such as severe skin infection, surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Symptoms could include high fever, swelling, heat and pain around a wound, headache, and fatigue.

How are MRSA infections treated?
Most MRSA infections are treated by good wound and skin care: keeping the area clean and dry, washing hands after caring for the area, carefully disposing of any bandages, and allowing the body to heal. Sometimes treatment requires the use of antibiotics. If antibiotics are needed, it is important to use the medication as directed unless a healthcare provider says to stop. If the infection has not improved within a few days after seeing the healthcare provider, the athlete should contact the provider again.

Why is MRSA a problem for school athletes?
In Massachusetts and elsewhere throughout the country, MRSA infections are becoming more common in community settings, including schools and among athletes. Since staph (including MRSA) are spread by direct contact (and on athletic teams), there are many opportunities for direct contact among athletes. Since 2002, school athletic teams in several states, including Massachusetts, have reported MRSA infections among wrestling, volleyball, and most frequently, football teams. Some colleges have reported MRSA infection cases in residential dormitories. Massachusetts Department of Public Health November 2007.

How can MRSA infection among school athletes be prevented?
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent getting and spreading MRSA infections and many other infections. Encourage athletes to:

Can students and staff with MRSA attend school?
Yes. Students and staff with a MRSA infection can attend school regularly as long as the wound is covered and they are receiving proper treatment. Students and staff do not need to be isolated or sent home in the middle of the day if a suspected staph or MRSA infection is noticed. Wash the area with soap and water and cover it lightly. Those who touch the wound should wash their hands immediately. The student should be encouraged to have the wound looked at by their healthcare provider as soon as possible to confirm a MRSA infection and determine the best course of treatment. The wound should be kept lightly covered until it has dried completely.

Should parents and staff be notified if a student has a MRSA infection?
Typically, it is not necessary to inform the entire school community about a MRSA infection. When MRSA occurs within the school population, the school nurse and school physician will determine, based on their medical judgment, whether some or all parents and staff should be notified.

Should schools be closed if students or staff have MRSA?
It is not necessary to close schools in response to cases of MRSA in students or staff. Almost all transmission of the bacteria from person to person is through skin to skin contact, such as occurs among sports teams, not among students in classrooms. Sanitizing shared exercise and other equipment with skin contact is a good practice, but other environmental surfaces in community settings do not need to be disinfected.

For more information about MRSA, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website or call the Division of Epidemiology & Immunization at 617-983-6800 or your local health department.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Congratulations to the following seniors who were inducted into the National Honor Society on November 8 in a ceremony at Monty Tech:

Joanna Gustafson
Nathan Hawkins
Ashley Nutting
Allison Rocheleau
Ethan Taylor

They will join the other 28 seniors who were inducted last spring

OAKMONT–OVERLOOK
MARCHING SPARTANS

Fall Competition Season

United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA)
Putnam CT – 69.5
Group 3 – Third Place Finish

United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA)
Blackstone-Millville Competition –77.15
Group 3A – First Place Finish

  • Best Music
  • Best Colorguard
  • Best Percussion
  • Best Effect
  • Best Visual

United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA)
Dartmouth Competition – 84.8
Group 3A – First Place Finish

  • Best Music
  • Best Colorguard
  • Best Percussion
  • Best Effect
  • Best Visual

United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) & New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA)
New England Regionals– 84.1
Group 3A – First Place Finish

  • Best Music
  • Best Colorguard
  • Best Percussion
  • Best Effect
  • Best Visual

Massachusetts Instrumental Choral Conductors Association MICCA
State Championship in Lowell
"Gold Medal Recients"

  • 5 Stars Percussion
  • 4 Stars Colorguard
  • 5 Stars Visual
  • 5 Stars Music
  • 5 Stars Effect

United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA)
New England State Championships–87.71
New England &
Massachusetts State Champions
Group 3A
*Best Music               *Best Effect

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. DeMOURA, THE STAFF, AND THE STUDENTS!
Oakmont Students Interview United States War Veterans

By Christopher Louney

Today's generation rarely gets an opportunity to hear first hand the events of the past. We are often shielded by the pages of our books, and the pixels of our computer screens, from the violence of days gone by. We somehow are left exposed because of this isolation, making it important for everyone of us to seize the opportunity to learn from our forefathers.

With the help of the Westminster Library and Oakmont history teacher, Dr. Kevin Hart, they were given the opportunity to interview a group of veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. Five students interviewed a total of seven veterans. The students, Kelsey Imig, Caeli Scotland, Dan McDonald, Paul Wetzonis, and Chris Louney, prepared themselves for and interviewed their respective veterans.

Imig and Scotland who worked together to interview four World War II servicemen, stated that they were “able to hear the stories” and “watch the tears run down the mens' faces.” Their first interview was with Mr. George Engman a radio operator on the USS Cincinnati. Joining the Navy in 1940 and entering active duty less than a year later he patrolled the seas from Africa and Brazil to the U.S. and England for five years. Kelsey and Caeli's next interview was with Mr. Richard Altobelli. He was part of E Company 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment 102nd Infantry Division. Drafted in 1944, he fought in battles throughout France and Germany. Although having lost many comrades, he told his story utilizing humor in the process. This exposed the differences in how people deal with certain situations.

Their third interview was with an Army Medic, Mr. Roy Hurd. His “short, and matter-of-fact” answers attested to the theme of quick action at the front. Men died at a rapid pace and there seemed to be an endless flow of carnage. Mr. Sidney Walker was present on Omaha Beach, at the Battle of the Bulge, building bridges across the Rhine River, and entering Buchenwald concentration camp just days after it was liberated, Mr. Walker brought the monstrosity of the war into scope. An army engineer, he still witnessed the carnage of war. He told an especially memorable story. Overseas, an American flag was not being flown in order to keep from offending the native people. This angered him

   because the American flag represented so much more. “If anyone ever tells you that the Holocaust didn't exist, you tell them you know someone who saw it.”

McDonald and Wetzonis interviewed veterans from both the the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Mr. Daniel “Gunner” Kuehl served in the Marines during Desert Storm in 1991. Desert Storm was meant to expel the Iraqis who had invaded Kuwait. He “did not delight in tales of battle or gore, but rather dwelt on the men he served with and the pride they had in their units.” Mr. Kuehl felt that Desert Storm left the door open for many future problems in the region.

Dennis Driscoll is a former Oakmont and Overlook teacher and one of the most remarkable people living in either Ashburnham or Westminster. Driscoll spoke with a light tone, contrasting with the heavy content of the interview. A member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division in 1967 and 1968, he spent most of his time in and around the city of Hue in the Northern part of Southern Vietnam. He hoped that we could “learn that war isn't necessary.” One part neither Dan nor Paul will ever forget is when Driscoll spoke of “being carried off the plane freshly arrived from Vietnam on a stretcher and people were spitting at him and calling him “baby killer.” Such a story evoked emotions “far beyond” any history project.

Christopher Louney interviewed a Korean War veteran named Stanley Skamarycz. He was deeply affected by how the battle against the elements was as much a part of the war as the actual enemy. Stories of defective gear, accidental deaths, and being constantly surrounded by enemy soldiers for days and hearing them in the night encircling the camp were mind blowing, fighting both the North Koreans and the Chinese, created a conflict in an unknown territory with unknown complications. One of the most taxing stories was of a man getting killed at the hand of his own faulty weapon.
While most of the Oakmont students seemed to face fears of being unable to truly capture the greatness of these men and the true value of their sacrifice for their country in the interviews, they did so successfully.

Collectively each of the students gained much knowledge from their interviews. They were exposed to the emotional effect, and the feelings of war itself. Rather than just numerous facts and dates, they all learned about war, not just the history of it. They learned about how it affected the people who carried it out, and the implications it could have on the rest of their lives. The interviews were far more than a project, they were an experience.

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Posted November 9, 2007