pfc newsletter O A K
P A R K
H I G H
June 2012
The Principal’s Message What a Year! Despite the State budget woes, OPHS began this current school year with all programs intact and a record high of 1,400 students who arrived back to a new athletic field, new science labs, fire and life safety system, landscaping, and security cameras. September saw the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and a commemorative service at the Wolverton Memorial. Bullying hit the national news highlighting the year’s focus for OPHS Safe School Ambassadors and Peer Counselors. The first semester started quickly and OPHS test scores again rank OPHS as one of the highest academically achieving schools in the State, and SAT scores jump 47 points. The OPHS website gets a big upgrade and the PFC refresh and replenish the emergency supplies in all classrooms and emergency duffels. Seven OPHS students are named National Merit semi-finalists. October marks the passing of Steve Jobs, and revolution in Libya brings about the death of deposed dictator Muammar Gaddafi November and Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors lights up the Pavilion stage with a colorful circus theme. The OPHS Military club begins a Halloween candy and supplies drive for the U.S troops in Afghanistan. Students and staff collect DVDs and video games to help burn victims of the Grossman Burn Center. In a remarkable demonstration of generosity, students and staff collect an enormous amount for both causes and the gifts get shipped off to the troops and Grossman patients. In December, the Oak Park and Agoura communities are stunned by the untimely and tragic deaths of local students. Teen depression and teen suicide become the topic of daily conversation and OPHS counseling groups respond with assemblies, parent evenings, and crisis interventions. OPHS Peer Counseling students hold “I’ve Got Your Back” in-class
S C H O O L www.oakparkusd.org/ophs presentations and crisis awareness program. Yet OPHS students continue to shine. In a terrific display of grit and determination, the girls’ basketball team beats St. Bonaventure after five overtimes! January brings the first semester to an end, and finals become the students’ focus. An OPHS student builds the raised planter beds and irrigation system for an organic garden for his Eagle Scout project. OPHS students mourn the death of classmate John Albrigo and over 100 students attend his funeral service. February begins the second semester and The Odd Couple, male and female versions, sell out all performances in the Pavilion. ASB plans the Blood Drive, Winter sports rally, and Winter Dance “Paradise on Ice”. Shark Week and the Sustainability Showcase Week come to OPHS with Great Whites and Teslas. Popular former student Chris Meyers dies in local car crash and OPHS students and staff mourn again. March brings Awareness Week to OPHS and this year’s “Behind the Mask” theme addresses student stress and teen depression with student-made films and activities. For the first time in school history, both Boys and girls basketball teams advance all the way to CIF finals. All seven OPHS National Merit semi-finalists
Inside This Issue P Textbook return information P Registration volunteers needed P New locker assignment procedure P “Walk of Pride” — Brick Dedication P Plus, all the regular news, ‘save-the-dates’ & notices to keep you IN THE KNOW!
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