Week of 10.28.24

October 30- Wear Red to Support Red Ribbon Week

November 1- Senior Class Meeting (Cap & Gown Info distributed)

November 6 and 7- Graduation Cap & Gown Orders (more information below)

November 13- FCC Night for Seniors

December 4- Financial Aid Information Session (details below)

January 13- FAFSA Finish Event (details below)

RED RIBBON WEEK is Celebrated Annually October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week highlights the importance of living a drug-free life. It presents an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to reinforce the drug-free messages they share with their children throughout the year.

Dear Parents and Guardians of OHS students,

We would like to thank those families that have already taken the time to complete and review their student’s Information Card.

Please take a few moments to complete this card using the link that was provided in the reminder email, sent from FCPSStudentInformationForm<noreplyregistration@powerschool.com>. It is important to complete this process every school year for your student to ensure that information is up to date and accurate.

Why do you need to complete this:

• Many families have changes in their emergency contacts, address, phone number, or student’s medical information. This annual review and update keeps all of this up to date to avoid miscommunication in the case of an emergency or the need to contact parents or guardians.
• FCPS clears out your students' previous year’s annual agreements. These agreements let us know if you would like your student's photo to appear in the yearbook, their name on the honor roll rosters, or their image or name to appear in publications like the newspaper.

Please check your email, review, update, and submit your card by Monday, October 28, 2024. Please disregard this email if you have already submitted your card.

At this time, were missing 520 forms out of 1697 families. Help us make it to 100% by taking a few moments to complete this important review.

For questions, please contact our the OHS Registrar: Kelli.Connolly@fcps.org.

Thank you for your assistance.

SHADOWING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR IS OPEN!

(Shadowing runs Nov. 12, 2024-Feb. 27, 2025)

Last day to request a shadow is February 20, 2025

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A SHADOW

Application deadline is March 7th 2025

NOVEMBER 1 Senior Class Meeting (Cap & Gown Info distributed)

NOVEMBER 6 and 7 Graduation Cap & Gown Orders

(A Jostens Representative will be available at OHS on

all lunch shifts to take orders and answer questions)

DECEMBER 4 Financial Aid Information Session – Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 6pm in the OHS Auditorium

o Financial Aid Information will be presented to families by a college financial aid advisor

JANUARY 13- FAFSA Finish Event – Monday, January 13, 2025 6-8pm in the OHS Auditorium

o Parents/students can sign up for help with completing the FAFSA (Sign up to be provided)

o Financial aid advisors will be present to assist parents through the process.

MARCH 7 Senior Class Meeting (Graduation Ceremony Information)

MARCH 10 Senior Parent Meeting

6:00 P.M. in the OHS Auditorium

APRIL 25 Prom @Clarion Inn Frederick Event Center 7-10 p.m.

TBD Seniors’ Last Day of Instruction

MAY 28 DAY 1 – GRADUATION PRACTICE (8-11:00 AM-OHS)

MAY 29 DAY 2 – GRADUATION PRACTICE (8-9:30 AM-OHS)

MAY 29 SALUTE TO SENIORS PROGRAM (10 AM – OHS)

MAY 30 GRADUATION -ON THE CAMPUS OF

MT. ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY, KNOTT ARENA

1:30 PM

Students can apply for federal student aid (grants, loans, and work-study) using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Student aid covers post-secondary education costs — making career school, community college, or a four-year university more affordable.

States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities. Completing the FAFSA can help demonstrate financial need.

Here are three (3) ways students and families can prepare now for the 2025-26 FAFSA, which will become available in December 2024.

1. Create Your StudentAid.gov Account (aka FSA ID) to access the upcoming FAFSA form.

2. Create Your MDCAPS Account to access the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS). Within MDCAPS, (1) students can apply for multiple state financial aid programs using a single application, and (2) undocumented residents and those otherwise ineligible to complete the FAFSA can submit the MHEC One-App to be considered for state financial aid.

3. Learn what documents are needed to complete the FAFSA form.

FCPS high school counselors, in collaboration with community agencies and higher education partners, provide guidance and support for families of current seniors who are navigating the college application and financial aid process. Multiple events are being offered to provide you the opportunity to learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA), deadlines, college costs and scholarship opportunities. For more information regarding FCPS and video resources visit: https://www.fcps.org/student-svcs/fafsa-finish-information

There are two types of events that will be held this year:

• Financial Aid Information Presentation – Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6 pm, at OHS - a Financial Aid representative from a higher education partner will share Financial Aid information/advice - registration is not required.
• FAFSA Finish Events - Monday, January 13, 2025, 6-8 pm, at OHS - provide students and families the opportunity to work directly with a Financial Aid expert to complete the FAFSA. - registration is required. (See link below.)

The Financial Aid Information Presentations do not require pre-registration. Families must register if they would like a time slot for the FAFSA Finish Events, which can be done using the following link: https://outlook.office365.com/book/FAFSAFinishNights@uwfrederick.onmicrosoft.com/

Scholarship Opportunity!

Families who attend one of these events, and submit a FAFSA, will have their student entered into a drawing to win a scholarship provided by our community and higher education partners!

2024/2025 Events

*Families are welcome to sign up for any of the events below, regardless of whether they attend the hosting school or not:

Register for a FAFSA Finish Workshop here:

https://outlook.office365.com/book/FAFSAFinishNights@uwfrederick.onmicrosoft.com/

Before the FAFSA Finish event, a FSA ID will need to be created. The FSA ID is the username needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

All contributors (ex: student, student's biological parent and step-parent as applicable if the student is dependent, student's spouse as applicable if student is independent, etc.) are required to create a FSA ID. Please note that parent or spouse contributors are not responsible for paying the student's invoice. Instead, contributors are required to include their FAFSA on a student's FAFSA to determine the student's eligibility for financial aid, which includes federal aid, state aid, and scholarships. Learn more about contributors by watching this short video.

Creation of the FSA ID and password is a fairly straightforward process, so contributors are encouraged to create their FSA ID and password at home before the 2025-2026 FAFSA becomes available on or before December 1, 2024.

Students and parents can create an FSA ID here. Please have your Social Security card available. You will need to have access to your mobile phone and/or email address in order to complete this process. Please keep your FSA ID in safe place because you will need to access this information every year for the FAFSA! More information about the FSA ID is available here.

Please reach out to the school if an interpreter (sign-language or Spanish, etc.) is needed. Interpreter requests must be made 10 days in advance.

CLASS OF 2025: COMMON APPLICATION PROMPTS ARE AVAILABLE
While some schools are beginning discussions with juniors and transfer students about college options, it's important to clarify that this doesn't mean students need to start writing their essays right away. By releasing the prompts early, Common App hopes to give students ample time for reflection and brainstorming. Feel free to use our Common App Ready essay writing resource, available in both English and Spanish.

For students who wish to start exploring the application process, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that all their responses, including their personal essays, will be retained through account rollover.

Michelle Printz is Oakdale's Career Coach. If you have any questions please feel free to email her at Michelle.Printz@fcps.org

Be sure to check on Naviance to sign up for College visits. Visits are scheduled by Ms. Printz and held during all lunches in the Counseling Office.

Frederick County Public Schools offers many opportunities for students to explore career pathways, increase the rigor and value of their high school education, and prepare for college. These programs are open to all FCPS high school students. Some require shadowing for a day prior to applying and being accepted into the program.

• The Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) (see below)
• Career & Technology Center (CTC) (see below)
• Frederick Community College Dual Enrollment program (DE)
• International Baccalaureate program (IB)
• Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC)

For more information, see link below:

FCPS College & Career Programs

All SAT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more, register and get free practice at College Board.

These tests are digital. Students taking the digital SAT who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline - at least 30 days before test day.

CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210664

All ACT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more and register at ACT.

Note that there is a photo upload requirement to the ACT - deadline is approximately 8 days prior to the test date.

CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210664

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 • 6-7:30pm STUDENT CENTER (H BUILDING)

Designed for high school seniors and parents, FCC Night provides valuable information and insights into higher education and career training at Frederick Community College.

• Learn about Steps to Enroll, Advising, and Financial Aid

• Engage with faculty and staff at an Academic and Resource Information Fair

• Apply to the College for Fall 2025

• Ask questions and gather important information

During the Academic and Resource Information Fair, swing by the FCC Bookstore to receive a free giveaway! Register early as this event has limited capacity available. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office. We look forward to meeting you!

Register for the event here:

https://enroll.frederick.edu/register/FCCNightFall2024

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and Frederick Community College (FCC) invite you to attend one of our Early College Information Nights to learn about the FCPS-FCC Early College program:

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (in-person, at FCC)

Thursday, January 9, 2025 (virtual)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (in-person, at FCC)

Monday, March 10, 2025 (virtual)

All times 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Early College program allows high school students to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during their junior and senior years. The program was created to increase participation and completion for students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students.

FCPS students apply to Early College during their sophomore year of high school.

At the Information Nights, members of the Dual Enrollment Team will go through the details of the Early College program and acceptance process, and they will answer questions from interested students and families.

Register to attend one of these sessions at tiny.cc/earlycollegenight.

A confirmation email will be sent with further information regarding the location and/or meeting link.

Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, or visit www.frederick.edu/de for more information!

If you need log in or password help for your Frederick Community College (FCC) Dual Enrollment Course

FCC Website: https://www.frederick.edu/
MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

1) Find and know your FCC Student User ID#:
-Students should have received an admissions letter with a Student User ID number.

-Your HS based instructor has access to your ID# in Blackboard and PeopleSoft.

-You can contact DualEnrollment@frederick.edu to receive your ID number.

2) Create or Reset your FCC Password:
-.pdf instructions here

-IT Help Desk: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/it-services.aspx

3) Log on to Blackboard

-Your username for Blackboard and Outlook email will be W + ID#@myfcc.frederick.edu

(ex. W1234567@myfcc.frederick.edu)

-Video instructions here

4) Understand the basics of Blackboard

-Overview here

5) Know the FCC Resources available to you as a college student

-MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

-Student Resources: https://frederick.edu/student-resources/student-resources.aspx

-Student Handbook: https://www.frederick.edu/handbook.aspx

-Gladhill Learning Commons: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons.aspx

-Learning Centers and Tutoring Services: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons/learning-centers-tutoring-services.aspx

-Know your instructor’s “Office Hours.” This is a time to seek help, ask questions, and get tutoring. You are not bothering your instructor during this time. It is set up for you.

6) Log on to Outlook email

-Instructions here

7) Contact and Request Disability Access Services, if applicable
-High School Special Education accommodations (extended time, IEP, 504, etc.) do not automatically transfer to college. YOU must request them and meet with your instructor.

-Disability Access Services DAS: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/das.aspx

To Access All Scholarships On Naviance, use the following Tabs: Colleges Tab > Scholarships and Money > Scholarship List Go to Naviance to access this information.

If so, please request it through Naviance using the simple steps below.

Log on to Naviance https://student.naviance.com/oakdalehs

Click on the Colleges Tab (at the top)

Apply to College Column

Click on Manage Transcripts

Click on the Plus Sign (+)

Select “Other Transcript”

Please allow 1-2 business days to receive your transcript. A PDF copy will be sent to your FCPS email, not mailed. The email will come from Ms. Harding.

To have your transcript uploaded to the NAIA site, please fill out the form below and drop off to Ms. Harding in the Counseling Office or email it to diane.harding@fcps.org

Planning on playing sports in college? Have you created an account with the NCAA?

Click the link below for more information about NCAA

NCAA - Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete

To have your transcript uploaded to the NCAA site, please fill out the form below and drop off to Ms. Harding in the Counseling Office or email it to diane.harding@fcps.org

As an element of the Annual International Achievement Week Observance, we invite high school seniors to participate in our annual High School Essay Scholarship contest.

Three Essay Awards: 1st Place: $500.00 2nd Place: $250.00 3rd Place: $125.00.

Essay due to local Chapter: October 31, 2024

Essay Topic:

"What impact do you believe that Social Media is having On

Mental Health and Why is it Important to Address this issue?"

Eligibility & Rules:

The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity. The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay may be submitted via postal service or email in Microsoft Word.

See attached for more information.

Walentas Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship. Nominees for the Walentas must be first-generation, college-bound students. The Walentas Scholarship defines first-generation as neither parent/primary guardian having earned a bachelor’s degree or the international equivalent by the start of a student’s final year of high school. Recipients receive the entire cost of attendance at UVA and many supplemental enrichment experiences—a value of more than $345,000.

If you are interested in being considered for this scholarship: In 300 words or less please describe why you should be chosen as the Oakdale High School nominee. Areas should focus on your leadership, academic achievements and citizenship in your senior class. Include volunteer work, community services and any other accomplishments that you feel would make you the best candidate. Please email or drop off essays to Ms. Harding in the Counseling Office or email her at diane.harding@fcps.org by November 1st 2024. (2:30pm)

SENIORS APPLYING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

The Jefferson Scholars Program provides full tuition, fees, and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study at UVA, plus a number of generous enrichment benefits including a study abroad experience. Learn more about the scholarship, the selection criteria, and the multi-stage selection process by visiting the Foundation's website at: http://www.jeffersonscholars.org/

If you are interested in being nominated for this scholarship:

• In 300 words or less please describe why you should be chosen as the Oakdale High School nominee for the Jefferson Scholars Program.

• Please include specific information regarding humanitarian qualities demonstrated in school and the community through volunteer work and/or community service and leadership.

• Only one student from Oakdale High School may be nominated for the program.

Send completed submissions to ilana.blum@fcps.org or drop off to Ms. Harding in the Guidance Office by NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Qualifications:

• Must be in grade 9, 10, or 11

• You can only be nominated if you have not been awarded a Carson Scholar Fund Award.

• Required GPA: School year (24-25) Term 1 – 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language

• All nominees must demonstrate humanitarian qualities in their schools and communities through volunteer work and/or community service above and beyond what is required. Volunteer hours are only accepted from the current year. (January 1 through now) Please DO NOT contact Ms. McGrew for a list of service hours.

• Complete required volunteer activities form.

Volunteer Activities Form

(Service hour examples are scout activities, fundraisers, non profit work, hospital volunteer, science fair judge, place of worship activities. This list is not inclusive)

• Essay Question – Please choose one of the questions below and write a (650 word minimum, 750 word maximum) essay.

Choose one:

1. What is the most difficult aspect of personal growth? What can you do to overcome that obstacle and reach your growth goals?

OR

2. Imagine that you are talking to your younger self. What accomplishment would your younger self be most proud to see that you have achieved? Tell your younger self the story of how you accomplished it, the steps you took to do so and the most valuable lesson you learned in the process.

Oakdale HS can only nominate ONE student. Your essay and volunteer hour form should be submitted to Ms. Blum or Ms. Harding in the Guidance Office. The deadline is November 4, 2024 by 2:15 pm.

Partial applications will NOT be accepted. You need to turn in BOTH the essay and the volunteer hour form/chart to be considered.

For more information about the Carson Scholar please visit the links below:

• https://carsonscholars.org/gpa-calculation-rules-and-policies/

• 24-25 Carson Scholar Information

Scholarships/Financial Aid

FCPS provides scholarship and financial aid information as a resource only and does not endorse any sponsor of any particular

scholarship program.

Resources:

● Naviance – Scholarships can be found on the Colleges page under “Scholarship Search”

● www.fastweb.com

● https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

● https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships

● http://www.mhec.state.md.us/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.asp

● https://www.raise.me/ https://

• www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Grants-Scholarships

Oakdale High School is looking for 10th grade leaders to represent OHS at the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference in June 2025. The leadership conference is designed to help high school sophomores recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, and community. HOBY applications can be submitted to the OHS Counseling Office. The deadline to submit the application is 2:15 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Please email Ms. Whims-McGraw at Judith.Whims@fcps.org if you have questions.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FREDERICK COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL COURSES DURING 2024-2025?

Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) offers supplemental online courses for high school credit through

various school-year programs that allow students to take additional courses while enrolled at their home school.

To pre-register, students:

Must be enrolled in FCPS
Need reliable and consistent access to a device and high-speed internet
Must commit to 5-8 hours/week to be successful

FCVS School Year Programs:

Virtual Outside of School

Virtual In School

Virtual During School Credit Recovery

Virtual After School Credit Recovery

FALL DEADLINE TO REGISTER:

Turn in your completed registration form to the Counseling Office by the deadline

December 2, 2024 (VOS Advanced Placement)

Click here for more information and pre-registration information.

Pre-registration forms are also available in the Counseling Office.

See your School Counselor if you have questions.

The Service Academy Process:

1. Open Applicant File

Request Pre-Candidate Questionnaire from the Admissions Office of the applicable Academy.

• United States Military Academy - apply online at admissions.usma.edu.
• United States Air Force Academy - (800) 443-9266; apply online at academyadmissions.com.
• United States Naval Academy - (410) 293-4361; apply online at usna.edu/Admissions
• United States Coast Guard Academy - (800) 883-8724; apply online at uscga.edu/admissions/
• United States Merchant Marine Academy - (866) 546-4778; apply online at usmma.edu/admissions

2. Request Nominations (see more information below)

3. Complete Testing

• Take ACT or SAT tests, schedule Physical Aptitude Exam & Medical Exam.
• Complete Forms
• Complete all forms and return to academy or academies by their deadline.

4. Visit Service Academies: Call Admissions Office to set up a tour of academies.

Nominations:
If you are interested in applying to a service academy, you must obtain a nomination as part of the very competitive application process for most of those academies. Nominations may be requested from multiple sources including but not limited to your US Congressman or either of your state's US Senators, and the Vice President of the United States. Congressmen and Senators sometimes have information sessions about how their offices handle the process.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: USMA, West Point, NY; USNA, Annapolis, MD; USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO; and USMMA, Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO ALL FAMILIES
The Frederick County Health Department encourages all Frederick County residents to get an influenza vaccination this season. Flu vaccine is readily available in our community, and the health department will continue to prioritize children who are uninsured or who do not have a medical home. The Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations at no cost to children 6 months through 18 years of age who do not have health insurance, have health insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations or who are unable to get vaccinated by their healthcare provider.

The holidays can be a difficult time for families. Below are some of the resources available to families.

The Frederick County Library has an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse HelpNow. This service can be used with a Frederick County Public Library Card Number. HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2:00-11:00 p.m. to provide homework help for core subjects, including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces. More information is available at the FCPL website, https://www.fcpl.org/learn/brainfuse-helpnow.

School Bus Stop Information

Have your child’s student ID and birthdate available to find bus information.

FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Electronic Meal Benefits Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now active at LINQ Connect. Families can apply for free or reduced price meal benefits all year long. All students at all Frederick County Public Schools can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits.

Before the start of each school year, we remind families that they can apply for free or reduced-priced meal benefits. We encourage families who feel they qualify, or if they are not sure they qualify, to fill out an online free and reduced meal benefit application. Families can access the confidential application at LINQ Connect. For any questions, email FNS at food.service@fcps.org, call 240-586-8152 or visit the Free and Reduced Meals FAQs.

Mental Health Resources

The Maryland Department of Health released a “Student and Young Adult Resource Guide for Coping During COVID-19”. Click here to see it. It’s a handy, comprehensive guide created for secondary and college students to spotlight issues and find resources on how to help themselves and each other through the continued adjustment to pandemic-created changes. Many of the resources also support elementary students. The FCPS Mental Health Matters page can be found here. Students and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association (MHA).

Walk-In Behavioral Health Services
The Walk-in Service has resumed seeing clients in person at their office located at 226 South Jefferson Street in Frederick for those who prefer to see someone face to face. They are also continuing to offer their Virtual Walk-In platform for those who feel more comfortable with that.

The MHA's call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting to resources and information, dial 211.

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.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have a new way to get immediate help. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov.

Not My Kid: Our dynamic team offers trauma-informed prevention programs using best-practice strategies including:

• The IMBR model focuses on Information, Motivation, Behavior skills, and Resources.

• A peer-to-peer model with an emphasis on how to make healthy choices rather than on scare tactics.
• The parent-child relationship is an important focus to address risk and protective factors.
• A strength-based approach with caring adults, family support, and access to care. https://notmykid.org/

erin.pierorazio@fcps.org

Kelli Connolly- Registrar

kelli.connolly@fcps.org

Diane Harding- Secretary

diane.harding@fcps.org

Debbie Nester-Secretary

debra.nester@fcps.org

Counseling Office Fax: 227-203-3447

Nick DeWaal

Tara Ketteringham

Judy Whims McGraw

Ilana Blum

Christy Polce