| INSPIRING IDEAS |
Make sure to check this section each week for a story or video that serves to inspire and provoke thought.
Dare to disagree...
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| Greetings!
 Bishop O'Dowd High School focuses on excellence in Catholic education, preparing tomorrow's leaders for lives of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth. We invite you to read about our efforts to promote critical thinking, teamwork and creativity for lifelong learning, leadership and service. |
Calling All Freshmen!
Bishop O'Dowd Week of Welcome (BOWOW) is Ahead
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Student Orientation Schedule
A welcome pep rally for freshman students on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the large gymnasium, kicks off the 2012-2013 school year.
Check the orientation schedule for details about freshman orientation sessions/activities, set for Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 20 and 21, sophomore and junior orientation, scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 22, and senior orientation, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 23.
Remember, all students must be in dress code beginning with class orientation days.
Please contact Assistant Principal Kevin Cushing at (510) 577-9100, ext.109, if you have questions regarding orientation days.
All classes resume on Friday, Aug. 24, with a Dragon Day.
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O'Dowd Truly a Global Community
A new school year always brings great optimism and excitement. Those feelings are heightened for O'Dowd's international students, who are enthusiastically embracing the fabric of a new culture as well as a new school.
O'Dowd latest cohort of international students - 20 new and 17 returning students - hail from China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and Vietnam.
The students recently participated in a two-week orientation session that included cross-cultural exchange about language and customs as well as an introduction to O'Dowd, including computer training, class scheduling, dress code policies, the library, student government and much more. Read more...
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Summer Mailing Documents Online
Important information pertaining to the start of school was recently sent to parents in the summer mailing. You can find this information and additional documents on the school website.
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Welcome Events for Freshman Parents
Freshman parents are invited for coffee on Monday, Aug. 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m., in the Living Lab. The event provides a great opportunity to meet other parents, Dragon Parent board members and school administrators.
Freshman parents and their students are also invited to a welcome barbecue, set for Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 5 p.m to 6:15 p.m. Plan to join in the fun!
Note: Transfer student parents are welcome to attend these events, too.
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Nate Moore '14 Wins Two Gold Medals at Junior Olympics
Nate Moore '14 was tops in both the long jump and triple jump at the AAU Junior Olympics held in Houston, Tex., this month. Read more...
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O'Dowd Debate Summers at Stanford
Thirteen members of the Bishop O'Dowd High School Debate Team, in addition to 125 parliamentary debaters drawn from across North America and as far as London and Seoul, elected to spend up to two weeks of their precious summer vacation at the Stanford National Forensic Institute at Stanford University, honing their craft under the direction of division director and O'Dowd faculty member Jon Thorpe and his staff of six extraordinarily gifted instructors. Read more...
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Dragons Compete at Cheerleading Camp
 O'Dowd's junior varsity and varsity cheerleading teams attended the Universal Cheerleading Association Camp, held July 25-28 at UC Berkeley.
Team members learned new techniques, improved their cheer and dance skills, competed with other schools from throughout Northern California, and brought home five trophies, numerous ribbons and the camp Tradition Award for exemplifying true Dragon Pride. Congratulations cheerleaders!
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Junior Dragon Cheer Camp Fun
 In their continuing efforts at outreach to young girls in the Oakland community, members of the O'Dowd cheerleading squad held two very successful Junior Dragon cheer camps this summer. Check out the fun...
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Get O'Dowd Mobile App
O'Dowd First Private High School in U.S. to Offer App
Keep Bishop O'Dowd High School in the palm of your hand with O'Dowd Mobile, for Apple iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, now available for free in iTunes. An Android version will be released soon.
O'Dowd Mobile allows you to check your grades and assignments, stay up-to-date with the latest campus news, keep tabs on Dragon athletics, find your way around campus using "augmented reality" technology, and more.
O'Dowd is the first private high school in the United States to offer a Blackboard Mobile Central App, so stay tuned for more news! Download the app...
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Dragon Den Store Grand Opening
The Dragon Den online store is now up and running! You can now purchase outerwear, as well as sweatshirts and accessories. New items will be added throughout the school year, so check the site often.
You can also shop in the Dragon Den store, located on the second floor of Hurley Hall, when you are on campus. Den hours will be posted on the website soon. Items purchases online must be picked up at the Dragon Den store on campus. There are no charges for shipping. Please contact Cindy Conley, Dragon Den store manager, for more information.
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O'Dowd Parent Stars in Woodminster Production
O'Dowd parent Rebecca Faiola, mom of Lana and Leo in the Class of 2013, is starring in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," being presented at the Woodminster Amphitheater through Aug. 19. Read more...
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Dragon Golf Classic Set for Oct. 8
Register Now!
 Register now for the Dragon Golf Classic, set for Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at Sequoyah Country Club.
Enjoy a day on the links with your O'Dowd friends, alumni, and favorite foursome while helping to raise funds for Transforming Lives - O'Dowd's Scholarship Program. It's a "win-win" for everyone. Get additional details...
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Mandatory Teen Challenge Sessions for All Parents
One parent or guardian for each student is required to attend one Teen Challenge session held at the beginning of the school year. Each meeting will be oriented towards a specific grade level. However, parents/guardians can choose any session based on interest or scheduling needs.
A parent or guardian needs to attend a meeting so that their student can participate in any school sponsored activities that take place outside of regular school hours (dances, formals, retreats, sports, field trips, etc.). Get more information...
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Back to School Night Coming Up
Parents are encouraged to attend Back to School Night, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to meet your student's teachers and see the improvements that have been made to the campus over the summer.
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Have You Got an Hour for College Power?
The Counseling Department is seeking volunteers to work one hour shifts at a college speaker session this coming fall. This event is a great opportunity to get "up front and personal" with admissions counselors, and find out the latest details about applying to colleges, costs, housing, and financial aid. The list of over 65 colleges and universities participating in the event includes California publics, privates and out of state publics. Contact Janet Huff at jhuff@bishopodowd.org or (510) 553-8602 to volunteer or for more information.
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Academic Support News
O'Dowd's academic support services will begin the week of Sept. 4. This will include SMART sessions, Dragon Success, Support for Student Athletes (SSA), Blackboard Online Live Tutoring (BOLT), and the Tutoring Center. Contact Jase Turner for additional information. Back to Top
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National Honor Society News
Activity forms to present to the faculty council for juniors and seniors interested in being inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) are due to Mrs. Counts in the library by Friday, Sept. 7. Additional information about the National Honor Society is on the Academics page of the website. Back to Top
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California Scholarship Federation News
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) applications for this past spring semester are due to Mrs. Promes in Room 11 by Friday, Sept. 14. Four semesters of membership, one being in the senior year, are required for Life Membership status. Students need a completed application, a copy of their report card and $5 for the membership fee. Students without a copy of their report card must pay an additional $2. Additional information about the California Scholarship Federation is on the Academics page of the website. Back to Top
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Fund a Dream Luncheon Set for November
Join us in launching the first annual Fund a Dream luncheon, set for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. Get more information...
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Meeting for Parents of Prospective Freshman Baseball Players
There will be a meeting for parents of prospective freshman baseball players on Tuesday, Aug. 21, beginning at 8 p.m., in Dominican Hall Lounge.
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Physics, Robotics and Makers Clubs Needs
The Physics, Robotics, and Makers clubs are in need of used parts and materials, including K'Nex, Legos, NEX robotics parts, Vex robotics parts, hardware, used tools, etc., as well as recyclables such as yogurt cups, paper towel rolls, aluminum pans, etc. Please contact Dr. Dave Hodul if you can donate any of these items.
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Parents in Prayer
Are you interested in getting together once a week in the fall to pray for the students and community of Bishop O'Dowd High School? If so, please send an e-mail to prayers@bishopodowd.org. We would love to hear from you!
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San Leandro BART Shuttle Service Offered
 Bishop O'Dowd High School offers morning and afternoon shuttle service to and from the San Leandro BART station. Get details...
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About Bishop O'Dowd High School
Bishop O'Dowd High School believes that innovative curriculum, cutting-edge technology and leadership development are essential elements for student success in the 21st century. Every day we engage our students in programs and activities that foster their academic and spiritual growth because we believe our graduates will be leaders who transform the world.
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