Newsletter Week of August 27, 2021

Oshkosh West High School does not have a school-wide school supply list.  Students may purchase their own supplies based on their needs and preferences.  At minimum, we recommend:

• A backpack
• A notebook and folder for each class
• Pens and pencils

Individual teachers will communicate with students if specific supplies are needed for a class.

Students will have their pictures taken and will get their ID cards the first two days of school. This will be done during students’ English classes. 

September 1 - All juniors and seniors will have pictures taken

September 2 - All freshmen and sophomores will have pictures taken

Please order your student's pictures and pre-pay online for them using Oshkosh West HS Prepay Link.

If you need to print a physical copy of the order form, click here. Please send it with payment when your child has their picture taken.  Copies of the order form will be available with the photographers also.

***  Students in Riverside, eAcademy and Second Chance can arrive at West between 7:30 - 8:00 on either day to have their picture taken. Please report to Door 29 by the Auditorium.  Students in New Start and School2Work programs will receive their assigned time from their teacher.  ***

Student parking permits are available for purchase at the School Bank for $45. You must be a student in good standing, meaning no fees, fines or detentions. Any vehicles parked in the lot without a parking permit after Thursday, September 9th will be ticketed. 

2021-2022 AP Students and Parents/Guardians:

AP test fees are due by September 30, 2021 for the May 2021 AP exams. The College Board made some significant changes for Advanced Placement courses and testing starting with the 2019-2020 school year. One important change that started last year was that students now register and pay for their AP tests in the beginning of the school year instead of mid-year. The cost for each AP test is $96, with the test fee waived for students who qualify for free/reduced meals. The deadline for test registration and payment is September 30, 2021. Students will complete an online registration process in their AP classes. You will be able to make test fee payments through Infinite Campus, just as you can for other school fees. The AP test fee can be added to your cart by going to fees/my account/optional payments. Most tests are listed separately; if the test is not listed, select other AP exam. The other payment option is to bring cash or a check made out to Oshkosh West to the school bank. If your student qualifies for free/reduced lunch, your student will still need to go to the school bank to confirm his/her intention to take the exam and to be added to the test roster. Please contact West AP Coordinator Alex Piester at Alexandra.Piester@oshkosh.k12.wi.us  if you have any questions.

Yearbooks are on sale until December 22nd. They can be purchased at the school bank or ordered online (go to Yearbookforever.com). They are $55 until Christmas. We only pre order what has been paid for. If there are extras at the end of the year, they will be $60. Pre order early, because we’re never sure how many extras we’ll have!!

Senior pictures are due October 22nd. We are looking for a head and shoulders, vertical pose; it’s okay if the pose is outdoors, or the student is wearing a hat, or holding a cat, just so it’s a head and shoulders, vertical pose. Those can be emailed to amy.karoses@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or a wallet sized photo can be brought to the yearbook office (W10). Email Amy Karoses with any questions.

Senior tributes: Wish your graduating student well with a special, heartfelt message in this year’s yearbook. “Baby Ads” are due to the yearbook office by Winter Break, Dec. 22nd. Please use the attached form to submit your ad request, and email pictures to Amy.karoses@oshkosh.k12.wi.us. 

Senior ad form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qRceFZFjaH18X0fbcmuh_yot-KXuTQHLpv9h1ZJg1cE/edit

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES 

Appointments/leaving building options:

Send note with student - should be brought to Student Services before appointment to get a pass.

Call in advance -  If leaving voicemail, please let us know student’s name, reason for leaving and from which door you will pick student up.  Call (920) 424-4090 x4 or (920) 424-4070.

Email - you are welcome to email us for excused absences.  Please email Amy.Phillips@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or Trinton.Gess@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.  Note - we are often busy on phones or helping students, so if it’s a last minute request, a call is probably the best option.  We check voicemails often.

Student Services will write a pass for the student to leave and will have it delivered to the student during one of the classes before the time they are to leave.  Students can leave out of Door 38 (in front by flagpole) or Door 24 (gym doors) ONLY, please let us know which door to mark on the pass. The student must sign out on the Chromebook at the specified door and can leave the building.  

If your student is returning from an appointment, or arriving late, they MUST sign in at either door on the Chromebook so we can update attendance.  They can return through either Door 24 and Door 38.

If there is an appointment that comes up with short notice, please let us know ASAP, it sometimes takes a bit to locate students and get them a pass to leave.

Welcome to High School and the 2021-2022 School Year! Just a few reminders from your school nurse:

• If your child requires medication to be given at school, please complete a medication request and have your health care provider sign it.  School staff cannot administer medications without your consent, the provider’s signature, and appropriately labeled medication bottles.  The direction on the medication bottle must match the directions on the doctor’s orders.  If medications need to be cut in half, parents must do that prior to sending the medication to school.
  • Medication Treatment/Request Form
• Please report any changes in your child’s health to school as soon as possible. Your school nurse will contact you regarding school interventions. If your child has a health plan in place, please contact the school nurse with any updates. With your permission, the school nurse can confidentially communicate any medical concerns with your child’s teachers; otherwise, all medical information is kept confidential.
• If your child has a serious allergy requiring antihistamines or an epipen at school, please provide that by the first day of school, with signed authorization to use as directed. If your child is carrying these medications, let the school nurse know where they are kept in case of an emergency. 
  • Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan 
• Students with asthma are allowed to carry their rescue inhaler at school –please remind them to do so!  We must have a signed medication request form on file.
  • Asthma Action Plan for Home and School
• All diabetic students must have emergency supplies and testing equipment provided by parents. The school nurse will also need to get updated diabetic plans in place prior to the start of school.
• High school students are allowed to carry over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, allergy medication, or cold medications. Antibiotics, migraine medication, and inhalers may also be carried by students. However, students are NOT permitted to share medication with others and all medications must be in the original bottles.
• Finally, please encourage your student to start the day off right with a healthy breakfast and a good night’s sleep. Studies show that this has a great impact on academic achievement. Thanks for your support, and have a wonderful school year!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Stefanie Rebholz, RN 

stefanie.rebholz@oshkosh.k12.wi.us 

Parent and Student Newsletter - August 27, 2021

• In order to ensure the safety of our students and staff, all guests at Oshkosh West High School need to have an appointment to enter the building. Guests must bring a photo ID which will be scanned upon entrance. Guests are encouraged to park in the street parking on Eagle Street across from the school and enter Door 38. If parking is full, guests may park in the visitor spaces in the large lot at the corner of Taft and Eagle Streets and enter Door 24. 

• Did you know...West has over 100 cameras inside and outside of our school, so most of the time, if we get a report about something taking place, we are able to use the camera video recordings to get to the bottom of things. The cameras inside the building are located in halls and common areas like the cafeterias and gyms. We encourage students and parents to report anything that might be concerning. We do take anonymous reports as well, so if you don't feel comfortable leaving your name, that is fine. We always investigate tips and reports that come to us. 

• Speak Up, Speak Out Tipline: Created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin is a one-stop place to turn with school safety concerns. Students, parents, school staff, or community members can anonymously submit a school safety concern or threat via the Speak Up Speak Out WI website, mobile phone app, or toll-free number.  Resource Center staff work 24/7 to respond to tips and to deploy a response locally by communicating directly with school administrators, counselors, and law enforcement.  To submit a tip, call 1-800-MY-SUSO-1, go to speakup.widoj.gov, or download the "Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin" mobile app.

• Students will participate in emergency preparedness training and drills during homeroom early in the school year. 

• Principal: Erin Kohl, erin.kohl@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3015
   
• Assistant Principal - Grades 9 & 11: Aaron Herm, aaron.herm@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3013
   
• Assistant Principal - Grades 10 & 12: Cory Beaulieu, cory.beaulieu@oshkosh.k12.wi.us (920) 424-4090 x3014
   
• Dean of Students: Shayna Reynard, shayna.reynard@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3011
   
• Activities Coordinator: Brad Jodarski, brad.jodarski@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3020
   
• School Resource Officer: Heather Brickham, heather.brickham@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3021

School Counselors

• Class of 2022 (Seniors): Lynn Swoverland, lynn.swoverland@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3005
• Class of 2023 (Juniors): Heidi Wheaton, heidi.wheaton@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3006
• Class of 2024 (Sophomores): Alex Corrado, alex.corrado@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3010
• Class of 2025 (Freshmen): Maci Wallace, maci.wallace@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3009
• Grades 9-12: Rob Kerl, rob.kerl@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3007
• Encompass Program Counselor: Neil Wallace, neil.wallace@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3078

School Social Worker: Courtney Wagner, courtney.wagner@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3008

School Psychologist: Katie Schmitz, katie.schmitz@oshkosh.k12.wi.us, (920) 424-4090 x3083

We love to showcase and celebrate student success on our social media accounts!  Do you have a story that we can share on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts?  Fill out this form!

Visit the Wildcat Wearhouse Online Store! Check out the awesome Wildcat gear with the brands you love!

2-minute video from NFHS Executive Director, Dr. Karissa Niehoff, encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you are the parent of a student that is involved in activities and/or athletics, please make sure you read each newsletter carefully as important information is included in each and every issue. If at any time you have a question concerning your child’s sport or other activity please contact me at 420-6131, 424-0143, OR by email at brad.jodarski@oshkosh.k12.wi.us. Thank you for your support of Oshkosh West Activities and Athletics. GO WILDCATS!

NEW for the 2021-2022 School Year:  The OASD is going to an on-line registration process for participation in athletics.  Parents can upload forms and complete all necessary paperwork by following the instructions at this link.

Finally, all information regarding athletics and other co-curriculars can be found on the OWHS Athletics and Activities webpage.

Sincerely,
Brad Jodarski
Activities Coordinator

It is the philosophy of this Association that a student owes loyalty and allegiance to the school and team of which he/she is a member during the season of a given sport. Athletes may compete in not more than two non-school competitions with school approval during each regular sport season. The contest(s) will not count against the individual maximum for the athlete in that sport. Non-school competition will not be allowed during the respective WIAA tournament series in a sport. Administrative approval is required BEFORE any non-school competition.

A student becomes ineligible in a sport for the remainder of the season for competing in more than two non-school games, meets, or contests in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school. The penalty may be reduced upon request of a school on the basis of documented extenuating circumstances.

Note: With the approval of school administration, a student may be allowed to participate as an individual (not part of a team) in contests which isolate separate sport skills outside the traditional competition setting, e.g., shooting, passing, kicking contests. Such skill contests/events may not include physical contact with another participant or contain similar risks for serious injury or extreme fatigue as the actual sport competition. There can be no school coach involvement. The approval of the school may be granted on the basis that such participation will not impair or alter the student's eligibility (ie: Amateur status) or other membership rules.

Important WIAA Updates (please read this information if you are the parents of a student-athlete).  If you have any questions about the information below please contact Brad Jodarski at brad.jodarski@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or 424-0143.  Thanks.

NEW WIAA INFORMATION:  *NCAA Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) - recent changes which allow NCAA athletes to profit from NIL do NOT apply to WIAA student athletes.  As we begin the school year, our office will provide further guidance for schools to share with students.  Student athletes have already begun to receive DM’s on their social media accounts from those looking to solicit their business.  For now, the most important piece of information for member schools to have is that this is NOT allowed in education-based athletics and would result in a CAREER-ending violation for a WIAA high school student athlete. 

Training and Competing

The WIAA recognizes a distinction between training and competing. Students must pay 100% of their own expenses, including transportation, to any non-school (out-of-season) camps, clinics, or specialized training. Schools may pay expenses and provide transportation to similar in season activities in that sport and during the five unrestricted contact days in the summer.  

** Students may not fundraise in order to cover the cost of these activities – use of GoFundMe pages, for example, to cover non-school camp or clinic fees would violate this rule.

A student may be reimbursed actual and necessary costs associated with competing. This may include transportation, food, lodging and entry fees.
 

Amateur status rule.  The amateur status lists of acceptable and unacceptable items has been updated.  School mementos (i.e.: rings, sweatshirts, t-shirts, event hats, etc. ) are allowed if not more than $200 and awards valued at less than $100 retail value are allowed in school and non-school competition.  In addition, athletes may receive and retain items of apparel that are worn as part of a team uniform in non-school athletic competitions. Notice, apparel doesn’t include backpacks, duffel bags, equipment (helmets, shin guards, gloves, mitts, etc.), and implements (bats, poles, hockey sticks, etc.).

To be eligible to compete in an OASD co-curricular offering a student must meet school and DPI requirements defining a full-time student and have received no failing grades (including incompletes) in the most recent grade-reporting period (the second grade-reporting period of first semester, first semester, the second grade-reporting period of second semester, and second semester grades are used).

Failure to be a “Student in Good Standing”

A student must be a “Student in Good Standing” at each school year checkpoint in order to compete in any co-curricular event.

“Student in Good Standing” is defined as follows:

1. You adhere to your high school Code of Student Conduct.
2. You adhere to your high school attendance and tardiness policies.
3. You have no unserved detentions.

Again this year, the OASD will be collecting fees for participating in athletics. The fee can be paid on-line on the parent portal and at the school bank. The fee should be paid before the first competition in each respective sport. Those qualifying for free and reduced lunch are not required to pay the fee. See fee amounts below:

$50 per sport; $100 individual maximum/school year

$175 family maximum/school year

According to WIAA guidelines, ALL STUDENTS participating in interscholastic sports must have a WIAA medical examination every 2 years—students cannot practice or tryout without proof of a valid physical. If the exam is completed on or after April 1st of a given year it is good for the following two school years. If a physical is completed prior to April 1st of a given year it is only good for the remainder of that school year and the following school year. Therefore, we strongly encourage all athletes to get a physical on or after April 1st of any year.

In order to participate in athletics for the 2021-2022 school year, your child must have received a physical on or after April 1, 2020. Any physical before that date is no longer valid. If you are unsure whether your child needs an exam this year, please contact Brad Jodarski, activities coordinator, at 424-0143 or by email at brad.jodarski@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.. Do not wait until the first day of practice to find out your child does not have a valid physical. If your child needs to get a new physical, we strongly encourage you to schedule the appointment as soon as possible. You can download the WIAA physical form here. The form is four pages long but only page four (medical eligibility form) needs to be turned into the school.

If your child’s last physical was between April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021, it is still valid for sports participation during the 2021-2022 school year. However, we need you to fill out the WIAA Alternate Year Card (parent permission) for your child before they can start practice. You can download the WIAA Alternate Year form here.   If you are unsure whether your child needs to turn this form in, please contact Brad Jodarski.

Dear Parents of Oshkosh West Student-Athletes:

In order to help you avoid scheduling conflicts, practice dates for the 2021-2022 school year are being provided at this time.  Please keep in mind that some sports conduct tryouts due to large numbers.  Failure to be at tryouts can or will result in your child being unable to participate on a team.

No athlete may start practice until the following are on file with the school:

1) his/her physical card and/or athletic permit card; acknowledgment of receiving 2) the school athletic code, 3) WIAA Rules of Eligibility, 4) a concussion information sheet signed by both the student-athlete and his or her parent or legal guardian, 5) a signed agreement of parents and athlete form and insurance waiver form; and an athletic emergency form, 6) signed COVID activity liability release form and 7) signed OASD COVID acknowledgment form.  

Also, the appropriate athletic fee should be paid (if it has not been waived) before the first contest in each sport or payment arrangements must be made with the activities coordinator.

Please keep in mind that if your child’s last physical was earlier than April 1, 2020 an updated physical is required for your child to begin practicing in a high school sport during the 2021-2022 school year.  If you are unsure of the date of your child’s last physical please call or e-mail me.   

WIAA physical and alternate year forms are available online at:  Oshkosh West Athletics Link

Get ready for the 2021-22 school year!

The Oshkosh Area School District’s Annual Student Update (Enrollment) for returning K-12 students and for new 4K students will take place April 1 - September 1, 2021. Students must be enrolled by September 1. However, the sooner you complete this process, the better!

This annual enrollment process is required and secures a student’s place at school for the next school year. The process is done through the Infinite Campus (IC) Parent Portal and includes updating demographic and contact information. NOTE: Fees and payments for the 2021-2022 school year cannot be paid until mid-August, additional information will be provided at that time.

• Instructions: CLICK HERE for step-by-Step Instructions 

  • NOTE: This process should be completed on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. It is not recommended to use a cell phone.

• Link: CLICK HERE to log in to your Infinite Campus (IC) Parent Portal and click on the “Online Registration” link (located on the bottom left side of the home screen)

  • NOTE: This link will be active/available as of 8 a.m. on April 1, 2021.

  • HELP: If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account OR need your password reset complete the following form: https://forms.gle/bEXT8Wd8t5c2dcTC8 

• Contact: If you have any questions or need assistance during the online annual enrollment process you can contact your child’s school office OR the OASD Administration Office at 920.424.0395.

• In-person Support: If you need in-person assistance / access to a device or internet, a Central Registration Day will be held at Oshkosh North High School on August 10, 2021. 

Additional information regarding the 2021-2022 school year, including important dates, will be provided to families by their child(ren)’s school. 

Thank you for choosing the Oshkosh Area School District for your student’s educational experience. We look forward to continuing to work with your family to meet your student’s individual needs and provide them with the best education possible.

Please click on this link to view community events shared by the Oshkosh Area School District. 

High School Meal Services 2021-22

Please click here to view the online reservation system to reserve facilities through the ORD.