OHS Weekly Update (Late Edition)

Dear Oceanside High School Families and Students,

As we move into the second week of the term, I want to take a moment to commend everyone for the hard work, energy, and commitment you've shown so far. It's been an excellent start, and I have no doubt that we'll continue building on that momentum.

Remember, being at school every day and on time is crucial for your success. Every lesson and every opportunity counts, and by showing up and being engaged, you’re setting yourself up for growth and achievement.

Our school is a safe space for everyone—students, staff, and families alike. We all play a role in making this environment one where everyone feels valued and supported. Please continue to look out for one another and respect the diverse experiences that each of us brings to our school community.

I am truly honored to be a part of such a positive and dedicated group of individuals, and I look forward to seeing the incredible things we will accomplish together this term. Keep working hard, stay focused, and remember that every step forward is a step toward success.

Let’s make this term one to remember!

Warm regards,

Dr. Skyler M. Garrahy

Principal OHS

@skylergarrahy

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.

As we kick off the second semester, our counseling team is excited to begin academic planning with students in February. During this time, we’ll work with students to review their progress and prepare to select classes for the next school year.
If you have any questions or need additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor. We look forward to helping our students plan for a successful year ahead!

Below is the schedule of when counselors will meet with students:

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.

January Pirates of the Month:

McKenna Chluzinski Grade 9

Bella Crippen Grade 10

Daisy Reyes Barranco Grade 11

Emmanuel (Manny) Oliveira Grade 12

OHS Employee Recognition:

BOUNTIFUL PIRATE - Brandi Juncal

PROUD PIRATE - Evern Mosely

Quarter 2 Awards:

Perfect Attendance 316

Honor Roll 283

High Honor Roll 241

Principal's Honor Roll 393

OHS Color Guard At the Clippers Game & Sockers Game

Cedar Glen, CA — Nine students from Oceanside High School participated

recently in the 2024 San Bernardino Forestry Challenge, one group of a total of

102 high school students from 13 schools from the Southern California region.

The event was November 13 to 16 at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation in Cedar

Glen, California.

One of the highlights for the students this year was the opportunity to learn

about mixed conifer-oak woodland forest restoration. Students collected data at

the Big Horn Camp area to determine species composition and recommended

areas of the property to replicate this forest community. During the Challenge,

teams of students also completed a field test to assess their technical forestry

knowledge and data collecting skills.

“Forestry Challenge gives our students an opportunity to explore, investigate

and propose solutions for forests in the San Bernardino mountains. For four

days the forest becomes their classroom and they leave as informed and

excited stewards of the forest,” said Oceanside High School teacher Juan

Hernandez.

Sarah Anderson, a senior at Oceanside, summed it up as follows: “My

experience at Forestry Challenge has changed the way I think about my future,

my studies and, most importantly how important forest management is. I have

seriously considered a career in forestry and participating in the Challenge has

given me valuable experience in data collection, field work, presentation skills

and broader knowledge used in the industry.”

Group Photo Caption: Oceanside High School students learned about mixed

conifer-oak woodland forest restoration at Hubert Eaton Scout Reservation.

Front row, left to right: Bladimir Alatorre, Jazmine Shane Azcueta, Alejandra

Gomez, Angelo Alicea, Samantha Chen

Back row, left to right: Leila Kai Hernandez, Lila Jones, Taylor Galvan, Juan

Hernandez, Ambrie Anton, Sarah Anderson

Action Photo Caption: Oceanside High School student Lila Jones uses a uses a

clinometer to measure the height of a tree, one of the many skills learned at the

2024 San Bernardino Forestry Challenge near Cedar Glen.

A high school student's path to college and a successful career typically involves several key steps and considerations. Here's a general roadmap to help you plan your journey:

Set Clear Goals:

• Identify your interests, passions, and strengths. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? This will help you determine potential career paths.

Academic Preparation:

• Maintain a strong GPA. Good grades can open doors to more college options and scholarships.
• Take challenging courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment or articulated classes when available.
• Prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Consider taking test prep courses or using study resources.

Extracurricular Activities:

• Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time jobs. These activities help you develop skills, leadership, and character.
• Explore your interests and hobbies outside of the classroom.

College Research:

• Research colleges and universities that align with your academic and career goals. Consider factors like location, size, majors offered, and financial aid options.
• Visit campuses and attend college fairs to get a feel for the institutions you're interested in.

Financial Planning:

• Understand the costs of college, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Investigate scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.
• Create a budget and savings plan to cover college costs.

College Applications:

• Begin the application process during your senior year of high school.
• Prepare a strong college application, including your transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal essay.
• Meet application deadlines, and consider using platforms like the Common Application to apply to multiple schools simultaneously.

Financial Aid:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Search for and apply to scholarships, both from colleges and external organizations.

College Decision:

1. Evaluate acceptance offers and financial aid packages to make an informed college choice.
2. Consider factors like academic fit, financial affordability, and campus culture.

Remember that everyone's path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Be open to adapting your plan as you discover new interests and opportunities along the way. It's important to set and revisit your goals regularly to ensure you are on the right track to a successful college experience and career.

OUSD is making an important change in our student progress report/report card distribution process. Beginning this reporting period, progress reports/report cards will no longer be printed and mailed home. Instead, parents and guardians will access their child's progress reports/report cards electronically through the Aeries Parent Portal.

• How to print Secondary progress reports/report cards

We are in urgent need of parents to step into Board Positions for next year. Please contact us if you are interested. PTSO is volunteer run and needs new parents to step in as others "graduate". Our organization fills a lot of gaps in our community to support clubs, CTE pathways, students and our amazing teachers and staff.

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