Oak Leaflet, November 8, 2013

OLCHS adopted two new ways to share what's happening around the school: Facebook and Twitter. Student Activity Secretary Jill Malkowski enjoys updating the Facebook page with pictures, alumni events, athletic events, student achievements, and all things Spartan. Be sure to "Like" our page. Twitter is gaining popularity as well. "There are several sports, clubs, activities and groups, such as softball, girls' cross country, boys' basketball and the counselors, utilizing Twitter this year," said head softball coach Brian Frangella. "It's great because coaches and sponsors can pass along information to students regarding activities, coaches can praise players for solid efforts, and they can generally make the student body more aware of what is going on in the school. I really think it helps celebrate the successes of the students and allows coaches to interact with students on a level with which they are comfortable. We had to move into the 21st Century to keep up with these young people and their methods of communication."

According to Assistant Principal Joseph McCurdy, "Facebook (Oak Lawn Community High School or www.facebook.com/OLCHS.Spartans) and Twitter (@OLCHSNews) are just two of the upcoming technology tools designed to engage parents, students, staff and community members into the school's communication network. The school expects to release a mobile app by the first of the year. The app will provide easy access to school documents and event information from mobile devices such as iPhones and android devices. Additionally, the Skyward Family Access interface will soon be used to share more parent-related information and highlight upcoming school events." <<read more>>

Google "Drives" Creativity

Creating fairy tales has just become more enchanting at Oak Lawn Community High School. Four students in Jennifer Jepsen's Creative Writing class created a fragmented fairy tale simultaneously while using the magic of Google Drive. Google Drive allows these Grimm sisters to write collaboratively on one piece. Mariah Loomis sets the scene for a modern-day princess tale involving Mulan, Little Red Riding Hood, and Merida as Jasmin Pelaez adds dialogue. Anara Luna corrects a mistake while Flor Lara throws in some juicy plot twists. Flor Lara said, "Using Google Drive makes sure everyone is doing something rather than one person doing all the work." Jasmin added, "It's easier than using a flash drive." <<read more>>

Swimmers Make Splash With Conference Title

The girls swim team is young and athletic as can be seen by the number of freshmen and sophomores swimming on the varsity, but that does not mean they are inexperienced by any stretch of the imagination. If one adds in that this group of seniors has been together for their entire careers, it makes for something special. And last weekend, the Spartan swimmers proved all of that by winning the South Suburban Conference Red Championship.

"We went into the meet seeded 5th and we ended up winning the meet by 20 points," said girls head swim coach TJ Zuzga. "These girls swam out of their minds. What was most impressive with this win was that there were no individual winners, but we won two out of the three relays."

"The 200 Free Relay composed of Yara Ismail, Hannah Featherstone, Mary Kate Brennan, and Samantha Lopez broke the school record. This is a testament to the depth our team had and the competitive nature of these girls." <<read more>>

Secret No More, Fletcher Shines On Tennis Court

Going into this year's girls' tennis season, it's safe to say head coach Dan Doyle didn't exactly know what he had for the season ahead. However, that all changed virtually in the blink of an eye and the rest is history. Oak Lawn sophomore Alexis Fletcher came out of nowhere, moved up to varsity, played number-one singles, won conference, placed fourth at sectionals and advanced to the IHSA State Tournament all in her first year of playing high school tennis.

"I first met Alexis on Picture Day," Doyle said. "We take two team pictures, one for varsity and one for junior varsity. She is a sophomore, so she should have taken a picture with the JV. After she got her uniform on, I asked her if she could hit the ball as well as a varsity player that was warming up on the court. She looked at me kind of funny and said she didn't want to brag, but yes she could hit it better." <<read more>>

Google Workshops to be Offered During Access Period

Keeping pace with today's technology is a struggle. The ever-changing world of technology challenges educators and students alike. In order to help students stay on top of 21st century technology skills, the Media Center will host a three part Access Period Workshop entitled Become a Google Master. The workshop is optional for students and will take place during the "B" portion of the Access period. Students may attend all three workshops or choose whichever session interests them.

The first Google session, titled Explore Google Drive, will take place on Friday, November 8. Students will learn how to navigate the Google drive in order to store their work, collaborate with their peers, and share it with their teachers. The second workshop, titled Be a Google Search Star, will take place on Friday, November 15. Students will learn how to maximize their research process using Google by using the best search terms and advance search options. Students will also learn how to evaluate their results. The final workshop, titled Google Extras, will take place on Friday, November 22. During this session students will learn the bells and whistles of Google, such as Google Calendar and Scholar. <<read more>>

Get it in the Yearbook With the "ReplayIt" App

Got a great photograph? Now, you have the ability to get it in the yearbook with 'ReplayIt'. Jostens, the Oak Lawn Community High School yearbook publisher, has implemented a feature called Jostens ReplayIt. ReplayIt is an app available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and from the http://www.replayit.com/r/ website. The app allows anyone to upload pictures from sporting events, student activities, classroom projects, field trips, etc. Basically, all students, parents, community and staff members are able to assist the yearbook staff in getting the best photographs possible for the yearbook. The ReplayIt site is monitored by Josten's for school appropriate material and pictures are not posted for at least four hours. Yearbook Adviser Patrick DiFilippo encourages everyone to download the app today and begin uploading images. <<read more>>

Group of Students Organize a Candlelight Bowl to Raise Money for Bolivia

Ten members of the Cross Countries organization are hosting a Candlelight Bowl this month to benefit the people of Bolivia, South America. All proceeds from this event will go toward helping a group of students fund a service trip to Bolivia in June of 2015. This charity event is supported by family, friends, and OLCHS. "Bowling for Bolivia" 2013 will take place on Friday, November 22, 2013, from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn (4700 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn Illinois). The event includes dinner followed by a short program, bowling, raffles, and plenty of fun!

In order to reach the group's financial goal of $60,000, the ten students are continuing the legacy started by their teammates nearly eight years ago. The students have come together and have reformed a service group within the school known as "Cross Countries". The group will focus its efforts on supporting the people of Bolivia. With the support of the community, these students hope to raise over $12,000 from this event. The members of "Cross Countries" include Nick Minnella, Richard Willis, Nick Raymer, Enrique Miranda, Jake Kupres, Kamila Zaremba, Luis Garcia, Jake Blazina, Eric Sciaky, and Omar Abdelrahman. <<read more>>

Cinderella's Closet to Make Prom Wishes Come True

Prom is expensive, and many families have more pressing priorities in this economy. That's why Oak Lawn Community High School will offer Cinderella's Closet, a program designed to help our female students get prom gear at rock-bottom prices. All proceeds will help fund a bus for the SADD Post Prom party. So clean out those closets to help make a girl's wish come true.

Cinderella's Closet is a collection of lightly used formal dresses, shoes, accessories, and unopened make-up for girls in need. All styles, sizes, and colors are welcome. Donations can be dropped off in the OLCHS District Office 123 during business hours (7:30 - 3:30 p.m.) through January 17, 2014. If you are not able to drop off dresses during this timeframe, please contact Maria Vanderwarren to make other arrangements. A tax form is available for all donations. The boutique will be open to the public on Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. <<read more>>

Family Reading Night: November 21

The Media Center will host its first-ever Family Reading Night on November 21, 2013, 7:00-8:00pm. The event will be an evening book club for students, parents, staff, and the community (all members of the "Spartan Family!"). There will be discussion and activities based around the popular novel The Fault in Our Stars by award-winning author John Green. The book is an insightful, ambitious, and heartbreaking story which explores the funny/tragic business of being alive and in love. It's a rare bestseller aimed at teens and adults.

Family Reading Night is in conjunction with Illinois Reads, a new statewide campaign to promote reading for all Illinois citizens created under the auspices of the Illinois Reading Council. Illinois Reads focuses on reading at school, as well as at home. Residents across the state from Rockford to Carbondale will be partaking in upcoming family literacy nights. The culmination event is a statewide celebration of literacy on the same evening as the book club. All book club participants must register - click here. Click here for event flyer.

Helping Students Learn November Newsletter

In an effort to assist parents and students, the school subscribes to "The Parent Institute Helping Students Learn" monthly newsletter. The newsletters provide tips families can use to help students perform better in school. The November 2013 edition is now available. Topics include: Helping Teens Develop Criticial Thiniking Skills at Home; Time Management Skills for Teens; Boost Your Teen's Vocabulatry; Teaching Teens to Improve Note-Taking Skills, and Help Your Teen Get Organized. The November Daily Learning (ideas parents can use to help students do better in school -try a new idea every day) pages are also available. <<read more>>

Oak Lawn Community High School District 229, Oak Lawn, Illinois

Mission Statement. Oak Lawn Community High School exists to: inspire, challenge, and empower students and staff in a safe, supportive environment; maximize individual potential through academic and personal growth; and graduate students who attain the high standards set forth by our community.

Board of Education: Webpage-Spartan-Logo

Matthew Egan, President

Robert Loehr, Vice President
Kathleen Berry, Secretary
Timothy Burke, Member
Stephen Greene, Member

Michael McCarthy, Member

James Melnik, Member

Administration:
Dr. Michael Riordan, Superintendent/Principal
Richard Hendricks, Assistant Superintendent
Joseph McCurdy, Assistant Principal

Jeana Lietz, Assistant Principal