Oak Leaflet Newsletter, February 19, 2016

As articulated in the Spartan Compact, parent-teacher conferences are an extremely important part of the two-way communication between parents and teachers. Parents interested in checking on their student's progress are asked to take advantage of this day. Conferences are also a place for parents to tell teachers things about their child: How he likes to learn. What she says about the class at home. How he enjoys spending free time. What she says about other students in class.

Teachers will be alphabetically located in the Spartan Gym, Auditorium Gym, and the Dance Studio. No appointment is necessary. Please take the opportunity to meet your son or daughter's teachers, guidance counselor, dean, activity sponsor, or coach. The school will have Arabic, Polish, and Spanish interpreters available to assist parents during both evenings.

Again this year, staff will be on-hand to assist parents in updating their SchoolMessenger, enrolling to receive the weekly electronic Oak Leaflet Newsletter, and creating a Family Access account for gradebook access. Representatives from Herff Jones will be in the Spartan Lobby for underclassmen ring orders and graduation materials. The Athletic Booster Club will also be selling Spartanwear and related merchandise. The PTSA will also have membership and scholarship information available.

Staff will also be on hand to answer any questions about residency validation for the 2016-17 school year. Parents should refer to the email from earlier in the week in regards to the residency validation process.

Back by popular demand, OLCHS is hosting Smilin' Clyde's Hotdogs in the Spartan Lobby during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Don't worry about rushing home to eat. Come visit teachers and purchase one of Clyde's famous hotdogs. <<read more>>

Comprehensive School Client Survey

OLCHS has partnered with the National School Climate Center (NSCC) to conduct a comprehensive school climate survey. The Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) seeks input from our constituents. Different versions of the survey will be given to students, parents, and staff members.

Students and staff members will complete the survey during the Stop, Drop, & Read session on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. The online survey window for parents will open on Monday, February 22 and will remain open through Monday, March 7, 2016. A link on our website will allow parents to begin the survey. Parents needing access to a computer can complete the survey during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, or during the school day by scheduling an appointment with Guidance Secretary Jeanne Horacek at 708/741-5632.

The CSCI is designed to assess perceptions of the school environment, including safety, relationships, support for learning, and the environment within the school. The survey should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Your feedback is important to assist OLCHS understand and improve specific climate issues. All responses are anonymous. There are no names or identifying information attached to the survey, and all data will be reported in terms of the way groups of people have responded. <<read more>>

Residency Validation for 2016-2017

OLCHS wi

ll collect residency documentation beginning in February for the 2016-17 school year. In past years, the documents were collected in the summer as part of the back-to-school registration process. The intent of the change is to speed up the summer registration process and to reduce the need for parents to visit campus during the August iPad/textbook pick-up days. Families are expected to have their residency documentation submitted by June 30, 2016.

On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, each family was emailed information on the 2016-17 Residency Validation process. Within the email there was a hyperlink to InfoSnap to allow families to upload their residency documentation. Although an email was sent for each student enrolled, a family only needs to complete the InfoSnap process once. Please use InfoSnap to complete your Residency Validation process. If you did not receive the email or have other residence questions, please contact Maria Vanderwarren at 708/741-5602 or mvanderwarren@olchs.org.

Although families are encouraged to submit their documentation electronically via InfoSnap, families do have the option of submitting the required residency documentation via email, fax, U.S. Mail, or by dropping off copies of the required paperwork at the school. Families that prefer to submit the documentation by hardcopy must print the Residency Validation Form and submit copies of all the required paperwork. The school will not make copies. Additionally, staff members are not available during the school day without an appointment. Residency questions and requests for appointments should be directed to Maria Vanderwarren at 708/741-5602 or mvanderwarren@olchs.org.

Families needing assistance can visit campus on: 1) Wednesday, February 24, from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m., during Parent-Teacher Conferences; 2) Monday, March 14, 2016, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.; or 3) Wednesday, April 13, 2016, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. <<read more>>

Speech Team Captures Sectional Title, Heads to State

The Speech Team competed at the IHSA Sectional Tournament this weekend at Reavis High School and earned the Sectional Championship Title! They had an incredible outing, making 8 of the 15 events to state. These events include:

In 3rd place heading to state: Performance in the Round performing "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"; Julian Camacho in Oratorical Declamation; and Jacob Montesano and Megan Baker in Humorous Duet Acting.

The Sectional Champions include: Vaughn Smith in Prose Reading; Kaeley Clark and Vaughn Smith in Dramatic Duet Acting; Stephanie McFann in Special Occasion Speaking; Carl Seibel in Original Oratory; and Cameron DeLaMora in Informative Speaking. The team travels this weekend to the IHSA State Tournament in Peoria. Good luck Spartans! <<read more>>

Spartan Cheerleaders Jump to the Top

The cheerleaders have much to cheer about. The Junior Varsity squad, made up of 21 girls, and the Varsity squad, with 20 girls, is led by head coach Jenna Cunningham and assisted by Maria Vanderwarren and Shannon Price.

The squads have competed in five competitions, with Junior Varsity placing in the top 10 and Varsity placing in the top 15. At the SSC Conference Tournament, the Junior Varsity squad placed first and the Varsity squad placed third. The team's motto is "building a legacy one step at a time!" Way to go, cheerleaders! <<read more>>

Clark Makes Speedy Debut For Track

Each week the Athletic Department and the Spartan Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) selects a Spartan Athlete of the Week. The recipient for the week of February 8 is junior Jabari Clark of Boys Track and Field. In the first meet of the season, he raced in four events and did not disappoint.

He had one of the top-three varsity times for the team in the 55-meter dash, came back with a solid exchange in the 400 relay, broke one minute in the 400-meter dash for the first time running a 58.14, and knocked off a great 200-meter dash time of 24.9.

"He held on to his speed throughout the whole meet when many athletes began to dwindle," said head coach Jeremey Cryan. "It was a great start for Jabari, and we are looking for more great things to come." <<read more>>

JCAB to Host Gatsby Winter Formal Dance

What better way to throw a party than the most famous party host of all time, Jay Gatsby? That's right, the Junior Class Advisory Board of Oak Lawn Community High School will host its winter dance Gatsby style. As guest Nick Carraway said, "I believe on the first night I went to Gatsby's house I was one of the few guests who had actually been invited. People weren't invited - they went there." Well, all Spartans are invited to this party. So put your dancing shoes on for Saturday, February 27, 2016. The dance is from 7-10 pm and tickets are $10. Tickets will be on sale in the cafeteria February 22 through February 26.

Also, scan the QR codes throughout the building to make song requests! Take part in the anticipation of this gala affair during the week of the dance! Wear your comfiest pajamas on Monday, support your favorite college on Tuesday, make your presence known with neon clothes on Wednesday, sport your Disney apparel on Thursday, and bust out the puka shells on Friday for Hawaiian Day.

PTSA Scholarships

Attention Seniors! Looking for a little extra money for College, the Military or Trade School? The PTSA will award three $750.00 scholarship to graduating seniors that are continuing their education after high school.

Applications are available from Mrs. Kenny in the Guidance office. The scholarship application deadline is March 17, 2016. Students are required to be members of the PTSA to be eligible for the scholarship. PTSA memberships are still available for $8.00 from the OLCHS WebStore.

Attendance Office Reminder

During the cold, winter months, please remember to give yourself enough time to get to school safely, and with time to spare. Weather and car problems are not excused reasons to be tardy. Please set your alarm clock for an earlier time when adverse weather conditions are likely. Attendance . . . Every Day Matters!

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
Daniel Janik, Member
Margaret Nugent, Member

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

Dr. Jeana Lietz, Assistant Principal