Oliver Ames High SchoolClass of 2019

Freshmen Orientation

PrincipalWes Paul –Entering 17th year as OAHS

Principalwespaul@easton.k12.ma.usTwitter Account @OAHSTigersPhone 508-230-3210 Ext. 3Secretary is Peggy Crowley

pcrowley@easton.k12.ma.usWebsite - Calendar

http://www.oliverames.org/

IntroductionsAssistant Principals – Cathy Queally and T.J. Flanagan

Director of Guidance – Susan Mancuso

Athletic Director – Bill Matthews

Director of Music – Charlene Dalrymple

AthleticsMr. Bill Matthews is the Athletic Director for OAHS

◦ Email is bmatthews@easton.k12.ma.us◦ Office Phone is 508-230-3210 ext. 1454◦ Twitter @OAHSTigersports ◦ Sports Pilot -

https://isis.sportspilot.com/register/Family/Default.asp?ASOID=106177

AthleticsImportant things to know:

We offer the following sports in the fall: boys & girls cross country, field hockey, golf, football, boys & girls soccer, and girls volleyball.

Football Starts 8/24 all other sports start 8/27

AthleticsTo participate all athletes must:Be registered by a parent or guardian through our

online registration process at oliverames.org/sports. Activity fees are $150 per athlete per sport. Family maximum is $600 per year for athletics.

Have a valid physical on file at the nurses office. Physicals expire 13 months to the day from the date they were conducted. New physicals can be turned in to the athletic director or school nurse.

Have taken the IMPACT concussion baseline test within the past 2 years if participating in football, field hockey or soccer

Athletics

Note: coaches have lists of valid physicals and IMPACT tests if you need to check the status of either for your child. 

Links to email addresses for coaches and me can be found on oliverames.org/sports. If you have any questions, please email

For real time sports updates, game cancellations, and scores, follow AD Matthews Twitter at @oahstigersports.

MusicCharlene Dalrymple is our Director of

MusicEmail is cdalrymple@easton.k12.ma.usPhone is 508-230-3210 ext. 1434http://www.oliverames.org/music.phpTEMPO

https://sites.google.com/site/oatemposite/

MusicMarching Band/Color GuardJazz EnsembleShow ChoirShow Choir PitChamber OrchestraConcert ChoirConcert BandOrchestra

IntroductionsSchool Nurse

◦ Lynne LeBlanc Department Heads

◦ Marie Whalen – Family Consumer Science◦ Kristyn Shea – Art◦ Jim Sullivan – Industrial Technologies◦ Joan Holt – Librarian◦ Cathy Harp – Business & Technology◦ Charlene Dalrymple – Music◦ Mary Romans – Math◦ Matt Auger – History◦ Joanne Coffman – English◦ Maria Annunziato and Nancy Donahue – Science◦ Maria Palma Foreign Language

OA Mission Statement

The Oliver Ames High School community of faculty, staff, students, parents, and residents believe that in order to fulfill its mission of excellence and equity in education, we must embody the ideals of a comprehensive high school. We will work together to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment. Students will become critical thinkers, problem solvers and independent learners who contribute in many ways to our ever changing world. We recognize the need for a variety of educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom and promote intellectual curiosity, individual responsibility and respectful interaction. By achieving goals and overcoming adversity, students will be encouraged to reach their potential and be prepared to assume meaningful roles in society.

Core Values

Learn collaboratively Express creativity Act with integrity Demonstrate responsibility Embrace curiosity Respect each other Strive for excellence

OAHS Learning Expectations21st CENTURY ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING

OA students will ACCESS information in a variety of ways, including: A1. Actively and critically reading, listening and observing A2. Initiating appropriate questions A3. Conducting independent and collaborative research A4. Using appropriate technologies and networks to locate and retrieve information A5. Demonstrating initiative while seeking information OA students will PROCESS information in a variety of ways, including: P1. Assimilating and organizing information P2. Recognizing patterns, evaluating trends, and making comparisons P3. Drawing inferences and making conclusions P4. Responding and adapting quickly to unexpected challenges P5. Creating and designing solutions to problems and challenges P6. Applying appropriate form and technique to performance tasks OA students will COMMUNICATE information in a variety of ways, including: C1. Writing and speaking clearly and purposefully for a variety of audiences C2. Presenting creative products in a variety of formats C3. Using technology to present information C4. Demonstrating leadership while promoting individual and collaborative activities OA students will DEVELOP themselves in a variety of ways, including: D1. Demonstrating a sense of curiosity by considering alternative perspectives D2. Gaining a better understanding of their learning process through consistent self – reflection

Social/Civic Expectation for Student Learning OA students will act responsibly for themselves and others in a variety of ways, including: SC1. Working cooperatively and collaboratively SC2. Respecting and understanding cultural differences SC3. Participating with a local/global perspectiveOA students will act respectfully to themselves and others in a variety of ways, including SC4. Interacting appropriately with all members of the community SC5. Honoring school policies and procedures SC6. Understanding and demonstrating academic integrity

OverviewOliver Ames High School is a comprehensive high school with an impressive and well deserved reputation in

academics and co-curricular activities.Niche Ratings of Best High Schools in MA 40/352

https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-high-schools/best-overall/s/massachusetts/

OverviewThe New England Association of Schools and Colleges Recent Accreditation Report and

Letter

http://www.oliverames.org/downloads/accreditation.pdf/

http://www.oliverames.org/downloads/accreditationcommendationletter.pdf

NEASC

Commendations from NEASC◦ The strong influence of core values and beliefs on the school

culture◦ The use of the school’s core values, beliefs and 21st Century

Learning Expectations to inform instructional practice◦ The instructional practices that are purposely designed to require

student engagement in higher order thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry

◦ The opportunity to create a customized high school experience through an extensive catalog of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams

◦ The shared sense of community among students, professional and support staff, and community stakeholders.

◦ The widely varied programs and courses offered which support the vision of a comprehensive high school

Video Introduction of OAHSThis video was produced by Ed Hands

and the OAHS Media Production Class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldHwi

S2a2uU

Shortcut to VTS_01_1.lnk

Overview

The Town of Easton Massachusetts -population 22,980 is a residential community 25 miles south of Boston.

Oliver Ames High School has a current enrollment of approximately 1178 students in grades 9-12.

The academic year consists of four terms of 45 days each.

OAHS is a comprehensive high school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Massachusetts Department of Education.

OverviewClass of 2015 Statistics

◦86% enrolled in a 4-year college or university

◦10% enrolled in a Junior College or 1 or 2 year program

◦3% employment◦1% entered Armed Services

OverviewClass of 2015 Sample College Destinations Harvard University, Princeton University, Brown University,

Cornell University, Middlebury College, Amherst College, Villanova, Tufts University, UMASS Amherst, Penn State, Boston College, UNH, Syracuse, Purdue University, Northeastern University, Quinnipiac University, Providence College, Merrimack College, Stonehill College, University of Vermont, Wake Forest University, Fordham University, Howard University, UCONN, Michigan State, Ithaca College, Bentley University, Arizona State, West Virginia University, University of Pittsburgh, DePaul University, London Metropolitan University, St. Anselms College, George Washington University, University of Maine, Boston University,

Keys to Success Take challenging and realistic courses. Always do your reading and homework – Survey-Then Read Treat high school as an important investment in your

future. Set goals to become the best you can be. Take responsibility for your grades Get involved but do not over extend. Remember that we live in a competitive world and

education is the key to success. Do not take your high school education for granted.

Get to know your guidance counselor

Keys to Success

Learn to be organized and a great communicator◦ Use a Student Planner – Buy one now before they run out◦ Break down assignments – Chunk work with end date in mind◦ Use three-ring notebooks for class notes – Insert handouts◦ Use folders for school work - Assignments◦ Keep your locker and backpack neat◦ Get organized for school the next day before you go to bed

Manage your time well◦ Create your own study plan – Sunday-Thursday night

Be in school every day on time

Keys to Success

Participate in classSit in the front of the class is possibleBe a good group memberTake good notes – life skill – be an active listener,

take notes to help pay attention, recognize important information, use symbols and abbreviations to help take notes faster

Go over your notes as soon as possibleStudy smart- Good place, develop a habit, make a

plan, note cards,

Keys to SuccessParents

Your child needs you to be interested and involved in his/her academic progress. ◦Show Interest◦Discuss classes and set goals◦Encourage school involvement◦Monitor Attendance◦Choose appropriate courses◦Talk about alcohol and drugs – Don’t ignore the

reality that some students are involved.

Student PerspectiveInterviews with Robert Capodilupo Senior Class President

and Chris Meissner Sophomore Class President

◦What makes OA special to you?◦What is your favorite memory at OA?◦How would you describe the culture of OA to

prospective students and parents?◦How can you maximize your educational

opportunities while still being involved in activities?

◦What advice do you have for students and parents?

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe next slides are composed of questions

asked by parents and students each year and I thought I would include the questions or issues in this program that will be placed on our website within the week for your reference.

What Type of Schedule Do We Run?

We run a schedule that is a modified block and drop schedule. Each student has 7 classes in their schedule but only 6 classes meet each day.

This schedule is fully rotating with two 65 min. classes and four 50 min. classes meeting each day. The next slide is not an eye exam chart but a template of the schedule.

Days 1 2 3 4 5 6 77:30-8:20

1st Block50 minutes A F D B G E C

8:24-9:292nd Block65 minutes

9:33--9:45Advisory12 minutes

B9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

G9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

E9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

C9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

A9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

F9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

D9:33--9:45

Student Advisory

9:49-10:543rd Block65 minutes C A F D B G E

10:58-11:204th Block22 Minutes

First LunchD

First Lunch

B First Lunch

GFirst Lunch

EFirst Lunch

CFirst Lunch

AFirst Lunch

FFirst Lunch

11:24-11:4622 Minutes

Second Lunch DSecond Lunch

B Second

Lunch

GSecond Lunch

ESecond Lunch

CSecond Lunch

ASecond Lunch

FSecond Lunch

11:50-12:1222 minutes

Third Lunch DThird Lunch

B

Third Lunch

GThird Lunch

EThird Lunch

CThird Lunch

AThird Lunch

FThird Lunch

12:16- 1:065th Block50 Minutes E C A F D B G

1:10-2:006th Block50 Minutes F D B G E C A

DROP G E C A F D B

What is Student Advisory?Within this schedule we carved out 12 minutes each day for Student Advisory

◦ There are about 14 students in each advisory class, and every teacher is assigned one.

◦ During this advisory period, the students may eat a snack they bring and read the morning announcements.

◦ Teachers meet individually with their advisory students to review their goals for the year ahead and to check on their progress.

◦ Teachers may take a few minutes with each student to make sure all is good or may sit around in a circle to check how their students are doing with picking classes or are aware of OA’s upcoming events.

When and What is Summer Orientation?

Freshmen Orientation is a half day August 26th 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

◦Team building activities◦Guest speaker Ed Gerety◦Teacher and student panel presentation◦Distribution of schedules◦Tours of the building◦Pizza lunch

What are the School Hours?

◦ First bell is 7:20 a.m. and that is the best time to plan on arriving at school so you have time to go to your locker. Students who walk to school at 7:25 do not have time to get to their lockers and first class by 7:30. You are late if you are not in your class at the 7:30 bell.

◦ School ends at 2:00 p.m., and teachers are available for some assistance until 2:20 p.m. Most teachers will make arrangements to stay later if necessary.

Where do buses drop off and pick up?

◦Drop off is in front of Auditorium/Gym Entrance◦Pick up is the same place for the Middle School

How do locks and lockers work at the H.S.?

Where are freshmen lockers and how do you get a lock?◦ Third floor and the number will be printed on their schedules. Locks are

issued first day during advisory period, and you keep the lock all four years so take it home at the end of the year. Replacement cost is $5.00.

What if your lock or locker does not work?◦ Come to the office with the number of the locker or the serial number

from the back of the lock. We will get a custodian to meet you at your locker if the problem is mechanical.

Why are student ID’s Important?When do you get a student ID?

◦ First week of school during PE class a student’s picture is taken for the ID. IDs must be worn on a lanyard at all times. Issued during Freshmen and Junior years - so hang on to them. Replacement cost is $5.00

What safety measures are in place? ◦ Doors lock at 7:30 am, and then everyone must enter via

main office buzzer system. Security cameras, School Resource Officer Pat Healey

What is the attendance policy?

◦ Students must be in school on time in order to be eligible to practice or play in any co-curricular activity.

◦ If they are late to school, they can’t practice. Exceptions are made for early morning doctor appointments but not for sleeping in so they can be rested for the day ahead. If they are too sick to be in school on time, then they should not be practicing after school.

How much are activity fees?

Activity fees pertain to all co-curricular activities, not just athletics. All co-curricular activity fees are subject to the Easton Public Schools Activity Fee Policy.

$150 per Sport and $150 for Show Choir, Marching Band and Jazz Band. Some sports have a slightly higher fee like Gymnastics $250 and Hockey $250.

There are separate family maximums pertaining to Music $600 and Athletics $600.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the big events in the Freshmen year?

◦Spirit Halls – November Tues. Night before Thanksgiving

◦Executive Board – All Welcome

◦Homecoming Semi Formal Dance – Nov/Dec

◦Freshmen Dinner Dance – Open to OA Freshmen Only - Spring

◦Sporting events as a spectator – 3 Seasons

◦Music Events – Show Choir, Drama,

◦Musical – March Show – Tryouts in Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the graduation requirements?GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 1. All students must carry seven courses each year. 2. Pass four (4) years of English grades 9-12. 3. Pass three (3) years of social studies grades 9-12. 4. Pass three (3) years of science grades 9-12. 5. Pass four (4) years of math grades 9-12. 6. Pass physical education for grades 9 and 10 five days a week 7. Pass one (1) year of one or combination of Music, Industrial Technology, Art, Family and Consumer

Sciences. 8. Pass one (1) year of business/technology education. 9. A total of 18 courses are required as part of the graduation requirements; students may choose 8

electives grades 9-12. 10. Successful completion of a total 130 credits. 11. A typical college bound graduate from Oliver Ames High School will have successfully completed a

minimum of two (2) years of lab science course work. 12. Students must either earn a scaled score of at least 240 on the grade 10 MCAS ELA and Mathematics

 tests, or earn a scaled score between 220 and 238 on these tests and fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP). Students must also earn a scaled score of at least 220 on one of the high school MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) tests: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering. If a student does not receive a passing grade in either Math, English, or Science, they are eligible to take MCAS retests.

13. Students may participate in graduation activities only when all credit requirements are fulfilled. 14. Under exceptional circumstances or situations, requests for waivers for exceptions to these graduation

requirements shall be addressed to the building principal. Determinations shall on a case–by–case basis with priority placed on scheduling conflicts with higher level course. The decision of the building principal shall be final.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are schedules delivered?◦ At the Summer Orientation or via mail the last week of summer.

How do mid-year and final exams work at the high school? ◦ Mid-year and Final Exams count for 10% of final grade. Term

grades account for 20% of final grade.◦ Exams Days are at end of 2nd and 4th marking period and last 4

days. M.Y. A&B, C&D, E&F, G & Make-up - Finals Inverted◦ Times of Exams 8:00-9:30 and 10-11:30◦ These days are half days of testing with teacher help and library

service offered until 2:00 p.m. after the second exam period. Students are free to leave after their second exam (11:30), but busses do not pick up until 2:00 p.m. Fitness room is open after exams.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is detention, and why is it issued?

◦Most common issue: tardiness

◦After six (6) excused tardies in a semester, all subsequent tardies must be cleared in advance with the school administration to be considered excused. Students who are tardy without an acceptable excuse may be assigned one office detention on the day they are tardy.

◦This detention will be served during the office detention period 2:05 to 2:35. Tuesday-Thursday.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the policy on dismissals?

◦ Students must bring dismissal note signed by their parent/guardian with their phone number and student ID to the main office before the 7:30 bell to get their dismissal pass. You cannot dismiss a child over the phone. The nurse makes the call on sickness dismissals.

When is back to school night?◦ Usually scheduled in mid to late September, and parents follow

child’s schedule reporting to each class in alphabetical order A-G for 10 min. This provides parents an opportunity to meet each teacher and hear the teacher’s orientation message.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen are Parent Conferences and how do they work for scheduling?

◦ Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 11:30 – 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Five minute conferences. There are not enough slots for all parents to meet with each teacher so we ask that you try to focus on the classes where your child is having a tough time. We will use online scheduling for the conferences.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow does a parent communicate with a

teacher?

◦Email – Remember how many students a teacher has. Addresses found on website

◦Phone - Extensions listed on website◦ X2 Aspen Parent Portal – provides parents with

weekly updated records on student progress and grade. Teachers upgrade on a weekly basis. This newer feature has cut down on many parents attending parent report card conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the curriculum levels at OAHS? Oliver Ames High School offers a choice of offerings to each

student. They include AP, honors, and college, and standard level courses Selection of a particular course should be weighed carefully with

a view toward ability, interest, and future plans. The selection should be made with the approval of parent(s)/guardian(s) and guidance counselors. It is recommended that students and parent(s)/guardian(s) familiarize themselves with the Program of Studies booklet. This booklet contains detailed information of the curricula offered and the courses offered in each program. The pupil’s teachers, guidance counselor and principal will be glad to advise and consult with parent(s)/guardian(s) and students. Appointments may be arranged by contacting the high school guidance office at 508-230-3213. All subject and/or course changes must be processed through the guidance office. A change slip listing those subjects to be dropped as well as those to be added will be issued to the student, who is required to obtain teachers’ , department head, and parent(s)/guardian(s)’ signatures indicating their approval. The change slip must be returned to the Guidance office. Only then will the student be permitted to start the new schedule.

A student may not change from a course after the first marking period has ended. A student may not change from a class that was a parent override.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) determined?◦ GPA is determined by the honor point value of each

grade multiplied by the number of credits assigned to the course. The total number of these weighted honor points is then divided by the total number of credits attempted to determine the GPA. Class Rank is determined by GPA.

Frequently Asked QuestionsThe scaling of honors to non-honors courses for figuring rank in class

and grade-point average is as follows:

REGULAR HONORS 4.0 A+ 5.0 3.8 A 4.5 3.5 A- 4.0 3.3 B+ 3.5 3.0 B 3.3 2.7 B- 3.0 2.4 C+ 2.4 2.0 C 2.0 1.7 C- 1.7 1.4 D+ 1.4 1.0 D 1.0 0.5 D- 0.5 0 F 0

Thank You for ComingDear Members of The Class of 2019,

Each new school year we find ourselves at a different point in our journey through life and for many of us, the start of school is an opportunity to begin fresh with a renewed commitment to improve ourselves. We desire that each student find success in all that they do, and our top priority is to make the learning experience at Oliver Ames High School exceptional. Oliver Ames High School has an outstanding faculty and supporting staff that are dedicated to helping each student grow academically and socially. The success each student achieves depends on the effort they expend and the decisions they make. Ultimately, they are responsible for their own accomplishments at Oliver Ames High School, and we are responsible to assist each student in this endeavor. I urge every student to use his or her time wisely to help prepare you for a rewarding future.

In conclusion, I encourage every student to get involved in the activities of our school. Don't sit back and watch, but rather get out and participate in the rich and varied co-curricular activities available to you at Oliver Ames High School. These activities will add immeasurably to your personal development, enrich your days at Oliver Ames High School, and further prepare you for future endeavors. Oliver Ames High School will always give you its very best, and we expect in return only the very best effort from you. Your high school years should be ones in which you grow intellectually, mature socially, develop and refine co-curricular skills, and in general, prepare yourself for life-long learning and active participation in future communities. Take pride in yourself, in your accomplishments, in our school and in our town. Make this your best year ever!

Wesley H. PaulPrincipal

Words to Live ByWe are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,

then, is not an act, but a habit.-Aristotle-

Successful people have learned to make themselves do the thing that has to be done when it has to be done, whether they like it or not.

-Aldous Huxley-

Where to now?At this point our formal program is over,

and you are invited to the cafeteria located behind where I am standing for some light refreshments and an opportunity to speak with department heads if you have a particular question they might be able to answer for you.