Oakdale High School
Weekly Bear News
Principal's Message
Greetings,
Congratulations on successfully navigating week two of distance learning! The week started a little bumpy with some tech issues, but each day is better than the previous one. I appreciate your patience as staff worked through the technical issues and adapted on the fly!
I have continued to pop in to classes and I very much enjoy watching the learning process in action. It’s wonderful to see our students engaged in their coursework and asking thoughtful questions. Remember that students should be completing work for each of their classes every day in Schoology. As teachers are delivering their content, some students may begin to struggle or have additional questions. Teachers are using the afternoon “Student Support” time to assist students. In addition, this week we launched The Virtual Bear Den tutoring for Math, Social Studies, Science and English. Be sure to check out the flier for tutoring times and codes.
In an effort to limit the number of Find Out Firsts you receive, we have combined the Weekly Bear News and the Weekly Counseling News. Both provide you a wealth of information, but they both were being sent on Friday afternoons. The Weekly Counseling News is now at the end of the Weekly Bear News. Please be sure to review the information provided in both.
As always, I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Sincerely,
Lisa Smith, Principal
School Calendar
9/9-9/18
Virtual Club Sign Ups
Virtual
10/14
PSAT/NSMQT Testing
OHS
News & Events
The Virtual Bear Den Is Now Open!
Could you use some extra support after school?
Would you like to be involved in group tutoring?
Then you are welcome to join our after school tutoring sessions!
ALL GRADES! ALL LEVELS! ALL SUBJECTS!
Click on the LINK to view The Virtual Bear Den schedule & Google Meet Codes.
Sign up for virtual clubs!
9/9 - 9/18
ATTENTION SENIORS
Make up senior portraits will be
Friday October 30th from 12:30-7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 11th from 2-9 PM
At Oakdale High School
Be on the lookout for information to come via mail (USPS) directly from Prestige Portraits / LifeTouch sometime in the beginning of October.
Should you prefer you are welcome to contact LifeTouch Customer Service to arrange your own portrait session.
LifeTouch Customer Service: 1-800-445-1189
If you do not receive appointment information please contact LifeTouch directly. All other questions can be addressed to bethany.dentes@fcps.org
Continue to be on the lookout for further information
Order your yearbook today to get the promotional price that ends October 23.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1977787/Oakdale-High-School/
Sienna Carey, currently a senior at Oakdale and in the leadership academy, is hosting a virtual 5K run/walk for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Join us in the fight against childhood cancer.
When: Anytime between September 26 & 27
Where: Run or walk anywhere
$20/person includes a t-shirt
Register now at: www.eventbrite.com/e/5k-your-way-tickets-116921783201
Exam Date: Wednesday, October 14
8 AM to approximately 12:15 PM - (Students report to the building by 7:30 AM)
Only students in grades 9, 10, 11 can register to take the PSAT
Use the following link to register: www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/210664. The site will be open on Thursday, August 27, at 7:00 AM and closes on Friday, September 11, at 11:59 PM. It is important to register and pay as soon as possible. When registering, be sure to indicate whether transportation (FCPS bus) will be needed.
The test fee is $18. Payments must be received via Total Registration by September 11. Those students whose payment is not received by September 14 will be removed from the test roster; their spot will be given to a student on the waitlist. Due to limited seating, late payments will not be accepted.
Questions - Contact Amy Pyles@ Amy.Pyles@fcps.org with questions regarding the PSAT.
Student Government Association Applications
All students interested in joining the OHS SGA must complete the following application (QR code) prior to 3:00 pm on Friday September 18th. The group will be capped at 75 members. Due to school closures in the spring there is NOT a requirement for previous service hours. Please email Elizabethm.mulcahy@fcps.org or Jessica.miller@fcps.org with additional questions.
OHS Library: We’re Virtually Open for Resources & Support
The OHS Bitmoji Library is ready for virtual visits! Come and explore our resources on the OHS Media Center webpage at http://bit.ly/OHSLIBRARY. All students should bookmark this page so that they can easily:
Link to the Library homepage
Find quick links to Databases, NoodleTools, LibGuides & Sora (digital books)
Get Librarian support via Google Meet
Contact the OHS User Support Specialist Larry Turner for Tech Support (click on computer image)
Put books on hold for curbside pickup
Join the OHS Library Schoology Group for continuous updates on all things library
Get book recommendations & more
Got questions for the Teacher Librarian? Email Renate.Owen@fcps.org
School Counseling
OHS Counseling Office: We're here for you during Virtual Learning!
Counselors are available for students' questions, concerns, and academic or mental health needs during this digital learning period. Students can contact their counselor via e-mail or Schoology message.
Nick DeWaal, Counselor Last names: A-D (grade 9) Last names: A-DAM (grades 10, 11, 12) Nick.DeWaal@fcps.org
Tara Ketteringham, Counselor Last names: E-KH (grade 9) Last names: DAN-HOT (grades 10, 11, 12) Tara.Ketteringham@fcps.org
Judy McGraw, Counselor Last names: Ki-O (grade 9) Last names: HOU-MILE (grade 10, 11, 12) Judith.Whims@fcps.org
Carleigh Rich, Counselor Last names: P-SO (grade 9) Last names: MILL-SIMP (grade 10, 11, 12) Carleigh.Rich@fcps.org
Christy Polce, Counselor Last names: SP-Z (grade 9) Last names: SM-Z (grade 10, 11, 12) Christy.Polce@fcps.org
Schoology Groups
In order to keep students up to date, OHS has created Schoology groups for students by graduation class year (ex: class of 2022). General reminders for students in all grades will be posted on Schoology in the class specific group.
During virtual learning at FCPS, students interested in the FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) are encouraged to sign up for a virtual Shadow Day, held once monthly on a Thursday from 12:30 - 1:30 PM. The first one will be Thursday Sept 24, 2020.
During the visit, students will get a virtual tour of the program and have the opportunity to meet staff and students while participating in a question-and-answer session.
Open to students countywide in FCPS grades 10-12, the AFA is a college and career pathway program that offers focus areas in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Based at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, the AFA meets during the first two instructional blocks only, permitting students to attend their neighborhood school programs for the afternoons. Transportation to and from TJ High is provided via FCPS Career and Technology Center shuttles.
The AFA provides an intense curriculum that challenges and engages serious high school students while fostering refinement of individual artistic styles, techniques and portfolio development through enrichment opportunities like field trips, concerts, plays, museums, workshops and interaction with professional artists and mentors.
Auditions for the AFA will take place on Saturdays, February 20 and 27.
To register for a virtual shadow day, visit the AFA Website. https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/afa-virtual-visit.html
What can you do now regarding college applications?
Take a moment to view the Counseling Office presentation regarding the college application process here: https://youtu.be/DVh-JXCCBeQ
Please complete your Senior Information Sheet survey on Naviance (required for transcripts and recommendation letter requests). It has been assigned to you as a task under "What's New" on your Naviance Student homepage.
Look on your college websites to determine what type of application they accept (Common App, the Coalition, or a school specific application), look at due dates, and determine what you need for a complete application (recommendation letters, essays, resumes, etc.).
Counselors will begin meeting with every individual student in the senior class beginning in September to review questions you may have as well as to review your graduation requirements. Students will be able to sign up for an appointment slot starting September 8.
Official transcripts will be uploaded to Naviance within the next few weeks for colleges - we want to be certain that they reflect your accurate GPA and class rank before sending them electronically to your colleges. We have uploaded unofficial transcripts for students' use now - they can be found under "About Me" < "Home" < "Documents Shared With Me"
If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, sign up athttps://sat.collegeboard.org/register or www.actstudent.org. OHS is planning to offer a school-day SAT for seniors on October 27 (details to follow and subject to change).
Sign up for College Events in Naviance. https://student.naviance.com/oakdalehs The link can be found on the home page or under the colleges tab and "find your fit" "college events."
If you have questions, email your counselor! :)
MVA form for Learner's Permit Applicants, please visit our website: https://education.fcps.org/ohs/. The form is located under the Quick Links section. This is a new version of the form that allows the parent/guardian to verify school attendance while schools were closed due to COVID-19.
Access Davidson, October 18-19, 2020, will provide students the opportunity to learn about what makes our community so special.
Access Davidson will feature a mix of required and optional interactive programming. To apply for this program, students must complete the following steps by Monday, September 28:
Submit a completed Access Davidson application
Upload a complete transcript (senior schedule must be included)
Priority will be given to students from traditionally underrepresented groups, those who are the first in their family to attend college, and students from rural or low-income backgrounds.
Decisions will be communicated in early October.
Please contact admission@davidson.edu with any questions.
VFW scholarship programs: the Scout of the Year program or National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year program to fall victim or get lost in the process. We would love to see your students recognized and awarded for their hard work during this unique and tough times.
Deadline: October 31, 2020 by midnight.
Information can be reviewed, filled and downloaded online at our website (https://www.mtairyvfw.com/community-programs).
VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION NIGHT
Oakdale Counselors are planning to hold a virtual financial aid information night on October 22nd. We will be joined by the Financial Aid office from Hood College. Keep an eye out for further information.
National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)
Coronavirus Update Information
NACAC's College Admission Status Update is a central resource of information about changes in college admission as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The website currently includes information provided to NACAC by colleges and universities worldwide. You'll find information on each institution's plans and policies for admission events; for consideration of high school transcripts and standardized test scores; for decision and deposit dates; for summer and fall semester plans; and more. NACAC
The Free HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Back to School College Fairs - July 2020 through March 2021
Students who are interested in attending an HBCU should consider filling out the Common Black College Application (CBCA), which for a limited time is only $20 to apply to 55 colleges and universities. There are virtual college fairs being held March 2021. To get more information about the college fairs and the CBCA please go to: HBCU College Fairs and CBCA Application
Selective Service Registration
This is a reminder that all males are required by law to register for the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Preregistration can be done at 17 years, 3 months and the registration held until the 18th birthday. Failure to register can create future issues: the inability to receive federally funded college loans and grants, to obtain federally funded training and certification programs and federal employment. To register, go to SSS.gov.
Serving in the Military and Military Careers
TODAYSMILITARY.COM
This site provides general information about serving in the military in general and each of the specific branches of the Armed Services. Useful information about eligibility requirements, the ASVAB test, enlisting in the military, and questions to ask a recruiter can be found at TODAYSMILITARY.COM under the JOINING & ELIGIBILITY tab.
CAREERSINTHEMILITARY.COM
Choosing GUIDED EXPLORATION, will provide students the opportunity to explore the types of military careers that match their career interest profile (RAISEC). Choosing ADVANCED SEARCH allows students to search military careers that match their aptitude strength (Math, Verbal, Science/Technology).
2020-2021 ONLINE Meal Benefits Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
or Click a PDF link below to print a paper version
2020-2021 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Application-ENGLISH.pdf
2020-2021 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Application-SPANISH.pdf
Need Help?
Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464
Help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Crisis Services: Dial 211
Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.
Maryland anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233
Report threats or situations that put your safety, or others' safety, at risk.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Help if you are thinking about suicide.
Thursday, September 24, 7 PM
Each year, the Maryland Public Television (MPT) hosts an informational financial aid segment, Ways to Pay for College. Here is the link from last year's program here. Participants of the program include representation from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and local college financial aid experts. The MPT will be hosting their 2020 financial aid program on Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm. The program will be replayed on Saturday, September 26 at 6 pm.
An email address, college@mpt.org, is being made available for students and parents to send their financial aid questions. Questions can be sent before the event. Some questions may be answered during the live broadcast. All submitted questions, whether included in the broadcast or not, will be answered via email by financial aid experts at Anne Arundel Community College, one of the partners in this event.
FCC Admissions Virtual General Information Sessions
Tuesday, September 15, 6 - 6:45 pm (Financial Aid Presentation)
https://fccVirtualSeptember15.eventbrite.com
Thursday, October 15, 6 - 6:45 pm (Counseling & Advising and Transfer Services Presentation)
https://fccVirtualOctober15.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2 - 2:45 pm (Multicultural Student Services Presentation)
https://fccVirtualOctober21.eventbrite.com
Monday, November 2, 6 - 6:45 pm (Adult Education and ESL Presentation)
https://fccVirtualNovember2.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, November 17, 6 - 6:45 pm (Academic Pathways and Course Formats Presentation)
https://fccVirtualnovember17.eventbrite.com
Admissions Virtual Open House
Saturday, September 26, 10 am- 12 pm
Virtual County Wide College Night
Tuesday, October 6, 6:30- 7:30 pm
FCC Testing Center – testingcenter@frederick.edu
This fall, Frederick Community College now offers 3 free options for students to complete placement testing online. Choose one of the options below to complete your testing free and online now. Your proctor will provide you with your next steps to proceed towards enrolling for fall classes.
**Photo ID is requires for ALL placement testing options**
Steps To Complete Free Online Placement Tests:
Option A: For Students with a Mac or PC testing virtually
1. Student who do not have a Mac or PC device and webcam with microphone, please use option B or C for your placement testing.
2. Students should check their email for an Examity® voucher, or request one using the Test Voucher Request Form.
3. Students should ensure the voucher lists all of the placement tests they need to take. Changes to the voucher can be requested by submitting the Test Voucher Request Form.
4. Students follow the instructions for creating an Examity® account and scheduling an appointment. Use the Quick Start guide for Examity (R) automated proctoring.
5. Students use Examity® software to complete a virtual online test. FCC covers this cost!
6. Students complete testing, results are sent to FCC automatically and make an appointment with an advisor.?
Option B: For Chromebook and all other device users testing virtually
Students review requirements for Virtual Proctoring for Placement (VPP).
1. Students schedule an ACCUPLACER test appointment for 13-week/September Start classes.
2. Students then receive a voucher code and Zoom meeting invitation with test appointment details at least 15 minutes before the appointment.
3. Students complete the test online with a FCC staff member through Zoom software.
Can’t test virtually? Come to campus for safe testing
NO WALK-INS, PLEASE!
Let’s keep our campus safe and healthy
Option C: *NEW* Placement testing is available on campus, Linganore Hall -104
1. Students make an appointment right away!
2. Students review the Guidelines for In-Person Testing Center Services During COVID-19 at www.frederick.edu/testing
3. Follow the Guidelines when you arrive on campus and please do not forget to bring your photo ID.
Learn more about what to do on test day
Please visit our website www.frederick.edu/testing for more information and to request a test voucher or schedule your appointment. For questions, email us at testingcenter@frederick.edu and we will respond within one business day.
Finally, if you know of any students interested in FCC, please have them fill out our prospect form online so we can contact them and market our events to them: https://app.perfectforms.com/PresentationServer/Form.aspx/Play/zETlAgcF?f=zETlAgcFhttps://app.perfectforms.com/player.htm?f=38FGggYn
8/20