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OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL |
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9 Oakmont Drive |
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Ashburnham, MA 01430 |
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| William A. Waight II, Principal | ||
(978)827-5907 |
D. Jeff Lawrence, Vice Principal | |
(978)827-1413 Fax |
Linda DiGeronimo, Dean of Students |
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OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL |
|
9 Oakmont Drive |
||
Ashburnham, MA 01430 |
||
| William A. Waight II, Principal | ||
(978)827-5907 |
D. Jeff Lawrence, Vice Principal | |
(978)827-1413 Fax |
Linda DiGeronimo, Dean of Students |
March 2002
Dear Oakmont Parents/Guardians:
This newsletter finds the school well into Semester 2, with Term I student progress reports being issued on March 15. If you have any questions or concern, Parent Conferences scheduled for Thursday, April 4, will provide an opportunity for you to meet with each of your student's teachers.
The 2002-2003 course selection process is underway. Grade 8 and 11 students have already completed the process. Grade 10 and 9 students will follow with completion dates planned for March 15 and April 12, respectively. The course selection process is an opportunity for students and parents to work together, selecting the appropriate courses to meet their students educational goals. It is particularly important that the Four-year Planning Guide, which appears in the Program of Studies, be used in the planning process. Course selection forms are to be signed by parents and returned to guidance counselors at the time of their meeting with students. Changing student schedules once the year begins is problematic and in many cases leads to class size imbalances. I strongly encourage you to talk with your student's guidance counselor if you have any questions.
As you know, beginning with the Class of 2003 our present junior class, all students will have to pass both the English and Math sections of the MCAS in order to be eligible for a high school diploma. I am pleased to report that there are presently only six juniors who still need to pass with a score of 220. As a school this places us in the top 20% of high schools in Massachusetts with the fewest failures. Any parent of a Grade 9 or 10 student who feels their student needs additional academic support to prepare for the MCAS should contact their student's guidance counselor immediately.
Please review the Semester 1 student data that we have been tracking carefully since the implementation of the 4 X 4 block schedule in 1997-98. We continue to be pleased with student academic and behavioral outcomes since we restructured our school day.
As we move toward the 2002-2003 school year, the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District budget crisis continues to grow. Please review the budget document that lists Oakmont program cuts as well as district programs restored through a Proposition 2 ½ override in both towns. I urge you to attend your town meetings -- April 6 in Ashburnham and May 4 in Westminster -- to become better informed about next year's budget impact on our students, staff and programs. State budget cuts could also significantly impact us due to the fact that over 50% of our budget comes from the Commonwealth.
Finally, good luck to seniors and their parents as they move through their final semester at Oakmont and make plans for future schools and careers.
Sincerely,
William Waight, Principal
OAKMONT CALENDAR -- MARCH/APRIL 2002
March 13 Winter Sports Awards 7:00 P.M. Oakmont Auditorium March 15 Cafe Arte 7:00 P.M.
Semester II Term 1 Progress Reports Mailed March 18 Spring Sports begin March 19 Cheerleading Show Prepare for National Competition in Florida March 21 Juniors' college planning 7:00 P.M. Oakmont Library March 22 Battle of the Bands 7:00 P.M. Oakmont Auditorium April 1-5 Harmony Week Activities April 4 Parent Conferences Early Release Day April 6 Ashburnham Town Meeting April 9 MCAS Long Composition Grade 10 April 10 Term I ends April 11 District Jazz Concert April 15-19 Spring Vacation April 26 Cafe Arte 7:00 P.M.
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GUIDANCE NEWS VOLUME 7, NO. 3 (978) 827-1401 x126 |
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FAFSA AND PROFILE ALERT Many colleges have a March 1st recommended deadline for financial aid forms. This means you should mail them out by the middle of February whenever possible - even if this means using estimated figures. These dates vary from college to college so be sure to check with the college’s Financial Aid Office for those important deadlines! COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT FOR PARENTS OF JUNIORS On Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 P.M. there will be a College Planning Night program in the library for parents of Juniors; your involvement and support is essential during this process. Knowing what to expect in your student’s college planning process reduces everyone’s anxieties and makes for a more productive process. This will be a soup-to-nuts presentation on post-secondary planning. Don't miss it! CLASS OF 2003.......GEARING UP Whether it be preparing for on-the-job-training, a one-year post-secondary program, or a two or four-year college/university, it's time for the Juniors to "gear up". The guidance counselors have been meeting with Juniors to discuss: ways to zero in on possible career choices, how and when to register for taking the SAT I, II and ACT exams, effective ways to research colleges, when to visit colleges, upcoming college fairs, timelines for applying to post-secondary programs (college early decision included), and selecting the right courses for senior year. COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT FOR PARENTS -- THURSDAY MARCH 21ST 7:00P.M. |
ATTENTION JUNIORS!!! Juniors planning to apply to four-year colleges should take the SAT I: Reasoning Test in May or June and again in October, November, or December of their senior year. The SAT I: Reasoning Test measures Verbal and Math abilities. Please note: Students may be required by some of the colleges to take the SAT II: Subject Tests. The SAT II: Subject Tests are one-hour exams in specific subjects such as U.S. History, Physics, Foreign Language etc. It is highly recommended that a student take these SAT II subject tests right after completion of the related course. Usually 3 subject tests are required - one of which is usually Writing. The only way to ascertain whether SAT II's are necessary is to read the college literature regarding test requirements. |
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The ACT measures English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The ACT (American College Testing Program) is often required by colleges outside of New England - usually the Mid-West and western areas. Some colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT I. Check college catalogs, handbooks, or with your counselor as to which tests you may need. |
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HARD WORK PAYING OFF Over 300 applications have been mailed from the Guidance Department for the Class of 2002. Many seniors have heard from their colleges and are walking around with broad smiles while others are still waiting to hear. The final deadline for notification is April 1st. A list of acceptances will be published in the next issue of the Guidance News. RESOURCE LIBRARY OPEN TO ALL Visit our post-secondary resource library, located in the Guidance office, for updated information about colleges, universities, summer enrichment programs, scholarships, financial aid and much, much more. Our college video library is growing each year. These may be borrowed, FREE of charge. COLLEGE FAIRS Sophomores, Juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend College Fairs this spring. The next fair is: The Springfield National College Fair:
The Junior Class will have an opportunity to attend the Spring College Fair hosted by Keene State College in May. Colleges from throughout New England and beyond will be represented. This is a good time to learn about various college programs and bring home college material. It’s the beginning of the process which the seniors are now completing. More information to follow. COURSE SELECTION FOR 2002-03 Students have begun selecting courses for the 2002-2003 school year. The Program of Studies has been distributed to every student. We hope that you are discussing course choices with your son/daughter so the selection form can be signed and returned on the designated date below:
*PARENT SIGNED COURSE SELECTION SHEET DUE IN GUIDANCE |
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS Application forms are now available for seniors in the guidance office – the due date is Monday, April 22nd; see Mrs. Bonk. SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES Seniors, there are many scholarship opportunities posted on the guidance bulletin board and in the guidance office. Check for deadlines and to see if you qualify. New Scholarships are posted daily.
TECHNICAL CAREER FAIR – COMING IN MAY We are expecting representation from over 25 technical schools and colleges and the Armed Services to be present at the Fourth Annual Technical Career Fair. Students will have an opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways. ****************************** The Guidance Counselors welcome Mrs. Mary Ciuffetti as the Guidance Secretary, ext. 126, effective Monday April 1st…no fooling! Best wishes to Mrs. Judy Bonk in her retirement. |
