OHS Weekly Update

Dear Oceanside High School Families and Students,

As we wrap up the first week of March, it’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is progressing. With the end of the year on the horizon, it’s important to stay focused, especially as we approach some key events that will shape the remainder of our school year.

One of the most important upcoming events is the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) testing. These assessments provide valuable insights into student progress and growth, and we want all students to be well-prepared and confident as they take these tests. In the coming weeks, please help ensure your child is getting plenty of rest, eating healthy, and coming to school ready to do their best.

As we head toward the end of the year, the weeks will fly by, and it’s easy to get distracted with spring activities and the anticipation of summer break. But we want to remind everyone to stay on top of assignments, tests, and projects. Consistent effort now will pay off in the long run, both academically and personally.

Encourage your child to ask questions, seek help when needed, and stay organized as we move through these final months. We are all in this together, and with focus and determination, we can finish the year strong.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make this last stretch of the year count! As always go Pirates!

Warmly,

Dr. Skyler M. Garrahy

Principal OHS

@skylergarrahy

Every family should know that every child in the Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD) has the Constitutional right to attend school regardless of immigration status. OUSD does not request or record information about a student’s immigration status. Federal and state laws protect student information from disclosure to others, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). OUSD does not permit non-students, including ICE agents, access to OUSD facilities unless they can produce a warrant signed by a federal judge. School administrators will not permit the disclosure of confidential student information without first consulting their attorney to make sure that the information has been properly subject to a federal judge’s warrant.

Families should consult community resources to learn their rights and additional information will be provided to help families access these resources

Please see below for resources to support:

• Student/Family Rights Checklist

• Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan

• OUSD Board Policy & Administrative Regulations

• Community Resource Guide including immigration support services: English & Spanish

• OUSD Family & Community Page

• SDCOE Resource Page for educators, families and students

• MiraCosta College Resource Page

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) announced the extension of our state priority deadline to April 2, 2025. Students can complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by April 2 for consideration for Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship.

Free Cash for College Webinars
CSAC has four free webinars left before the extended deadline of April 2, 2025. Please tell your students, parents, and constituents about these free opportunities to complete their FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.

March 3, 2025 - 5:30p-6:45pm (English with Spanish translation)
March 11, 2025 - 6pm-7:15pm (English with Spanish translation)
March 25, 2025 - 6pm-7:15pm (English with Spanish translation)
April 2, 2025 - 5:30pm-6:45pm (English with Spanish translation)

Students and their families can register for these webinars at https://www.csac.ca.gov/c4c.

Cash for College webinars are staffed by financial aid experts who can answer questions for students and their families about how to complete FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. The presentation will walk through both applications and cover other aspects of financial aid.

Mixed-Status Families
We have two special guides for students who are eligible for FAFSA but may have a parent or spouse who is undocumented. These documents present information to help these families make decisions about how to apply for aid given unpredictable federal policies. Our guides are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, and can be found on our page for mixed-status families: https://www.csac.ca.gov/cadaa-msf.

When meeting with your student's high school teacher or counselor, it's essential to ask questions that can help you better understand your student's progress and address any concerns. Here are some questions you can ask:

1. How is my student performing academically in your class?
2. Can you provide specific examples of my student's strengths and areas where they may need improvement?
3. Are there any upcoming assignments, projects, or exams that I should be aware of?
4. How can I support my student's learning and academic success at home?
5. What resources or strategies are available to help my student if they are struggling in your class?
6. Are there any extracurricular activities or clubs that you recommend for my student?
7. What is the best way for me to communicate with you if I have concerns or questions about my student's progress?
8. Can you provide information about the college or career planning process and any upcoming milestones we should be aware of?
9. Are there any advanced classes that my student might be eligible for in the future?
10. What advice do you have for parents in terms of helping their high school students navigate the challenges of adolescence and high school life?

These questions can help you have a productive and informative discussion with your student's teacher or counselor and ensure that you are well-informed about your student's high school experience.

A student who misses 10 days is 25% less likely to enroll in college. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate and find good jobs. Regular attendance fosters a classroom community between teachers and students. Students who attend school are more likely to succeed academically. Students gain background knowledge from discussions while learning in school. Attending school also provides time for social interactions with peers.

The A-G requirements are a set of courses that high school students in California need to complete in order to be eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) system. These requirements are designed to ensure that students have a strong academic foundation in a variety of subject areas. The A-G requirements matter because they play a crucial role in determining a student's eligibility for UC admissions.

The A-G requirements consist of 15 specific college-preparatory courses, which are divided into the following categories:

A. History/Social Science (2 years required)

B. English (4 years required)

C. Mathematics (3 years required, 4 years recommended)

D. Laboratory Science (2 years required, 3 years recommended)

E. Language Other Than English (2 years required, 3 years recommended)

F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)

G. College Preparatory Electives (1 year required)

In order to be eligible for admission to the UC system, high school students must complete these A-G courses with a grade of C or better.

Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, and articulated classes are all options for high school students to earn college credit or gain advanced knowledge and skills while still in high school. Each of these programs has its own advantages and considerations:

Advanced Placement (AP):

• AP courses are high school classes that are designed to be more challenging and equivalent to college-level courses.
• These courses are standardized and developed by the College Board, and they culminate in a standardized AP exam at the end of the school year.
• Students who score well on the AP exams may earn college credit at many universities and colleges, potentially saving both time and money in college.
• AP courses are available in a wide range of subjects.

Dual Enrollment:

• Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses, often at a local college or at the high school, while still being enrolled in high school.
• The credits earned in dual enrollment courses are typically accepted at most colleges and universities, provided the student earns a passing grade.

Articulated Classes:

• Articulated classes are high school courses that are designed in collaboration with a local college or university to align with specific college courses.
• These classes are often meant to ensure a seamless transition from high school to college by teaching college-level material.
• Students may receive college credit if they demonstrate proficiency in the high school articulated course and meet certain requirements, such as a minimum grade or exam score.

For those new to OHS, PTSO includes Parents, Teachers and Students to support the school community. Some of our goals are to promote parent interaction, support the faculty and staff and promote student achievement. Each year is a bit different so we welcome your ideas on ways we can support the school. The donations we receive and the funds we raise go toward staff appreciation events, teacher and club grants, student events, and more. We work closely with our principal Mrs.Garrahy, the administrators and counseling team to be responsive to current needs. All members have a vote in how our funds are used and we have a few openings for leadership positions if you want to give some time.

If you would like to join us or renew your membership for the year, please fill out the form here: OHS PTSO Form . If you are interested in volunteering or serving on the board, please indicate that on the form.

Whether you participate in meetings or not, you can support our efforts with a tax-deductible donation. Please go here: PTSO Donation Page (Paypal or CC) or use our new venmo @osideptso. And please join us for our restaurant nights throughout the year.

We typically meet monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm. Stay connected with us by joining our Facebook group @Oceanside High School PTSO Parents for Pirates or following us on Instagram @piratesptso. We also encourage you to choose Oceanside High School PTSO as your designated charity in your AmazonSmile account. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0684642

Please direct any questions to ohsptsomembership@gmail.com.

The nonprofit Oceanside High School Foundation was originally founded in 1986. Left inactive after the Oceanside High School 90th reunion, this vital organization was re-established in 2005 to organize the school’s centennial celebration. Today, the Oceanside High School Foundation continues to serve the students, staff and alumni of OHS. Working on behalf of Oceanside High School, the Foundation helps provide funds for student programs, scholarships, faculty grant awards, campus improvement projects, the annual All-Class Reunion, Hall of Fame and other activities helping to lessen the disparity between student’s needs and state/district funding. We also serve as a liaison and database for alumni and their respective classes.

OHS Foundation Website