OASD eNews - November 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
- Referendum 2020
- eAcademy Mid-Year Transition Period
- Veterans Day
- Free School Meals
CONTACT
Oshkosh Area School District
215 S Eagle Street
Oshkosh, WI 54935
920.424.0395
We are continuing to plan and prepare for the future, while also addressing the real-time needs of our students, families, and staff members. I want to thank everyone who continues to reach out to share their feedback and concerns, ask questions, and also bring attention to the incredible efforts of our school staff. Your input continues to be critical to our success and your partnership and support are most appreciated.
I understand that the uncertainty and anxiety resulting from this pandemic is real for everyone. While these continue to be challenging times, I encourage you to stay focused on the good in every day and remember that gratitude has the power to turn what we have into enough. Additionally, please stay in touch with us and with each other. For our OASD families, please continue to lean on us and remember that we are always here to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact our school counselors to request any assistance you and your family may need. If we cannot help you directly, we will connect you with an appropriate resource.
I have never been more proud of our students, staff and school community. Our response during these trying times is a reminder that no matter the distance we are stronger together.
Thank you,
Vickie L. Cartwright, Ph.D.,
Superintendent of Schools
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Your vote matters! Our Community. Our Schools. Our Future.
Tomorrow, November 3, 2020, is Election Day! If you have not yet voted, please be sure to vote. Not only will this election determine our next President, but it will determine how much funding our school and school district receives. On the back of the ballot are two questions for the OASD:
- Question 1 requests a renewal of operating funds to support our academic programs, technology for learning and student support services. If approved, there will be no tax increase.
- Question 2 requests capital funds to improve our schools. If approved, taxes would increase $4 per month for each $100,000 of home value in 2021, and phase-in to $7 per month in 2023. Funds would invest in our long-range facilities plan and would impact all schools in the district except our newest school, Oaklawn Elementary. Specifically, funds would be used to:
- build a new middle school and a new elementary school
- close three aging/outdated facilities that house five schools
- enhance school safety and security
- address deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs
If you need more information, please visit our referendum website or leave a message on our referendum hotline at 920.966.0343. Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools!
OASD eAcademy Mid-year Enrollment and Unenrollment Period
The Oshkosh Area School District is pleased to announce a mid-year enrollment period for the District’s eAcademy, a fully online school for grades K-12. The mid-year enrollment period will take place November 9 through December 4, 2020 at 3 p.m., and will allow students to enroll IN or OUT of eAcademy for the 2020-21 second semester. Additionally, the District is also accepting second-semester enrollments into the Oshkosh Online Early Learning program, a fully online program for pre-kindergarten children. This is a fully virtual option available to PK families who do not want in-person instruction but do want to provide their pre-kindergarten child with access to virtual learning this year.
The mid-year enrollment period was established based on stakeholder feedback and with the understanding that family preferences may have changed after understanding and learning what is best for individual students. The OASD remains committed to ensuring that all students continue to have access to the learning environment that is best for them.
Additional information was shared with OASD families on November 2, 2020. Families are encouraged to learn more about the eAcademy Mid-year Enrollment Period online at www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/district/school-curriculum/oasd-eacademy. (NOTE: The required Mid-year Enrollment and Unenrollment electronic forms (for eAcademy and Oshkosh Online Early Learning) will be available online on November 9, 2020 at 8 a.m.))
Veterans Day
Americans everywhere will be honoring members of the Armed Forces as we celebrate Veterans Day. November 11 of each year is the day set aside that we ensure our veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country free and safe. The Oshkosh Area School District honors those that served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces on this Veteran’s Day. We stand in respect of you. Your service to country and sacrifice for the common good of the freedoms we share is a debt we can never repay.
Additionally, the Oshkosh Area School District is grateful to be able to recognize the veterans who have attended and/or have been employed by the District.
Oshkosh High/West Alumni
Veterans Honor Hall
In 2017, Oshkosh West High School developed the Oshkosh High/West Alumni Veterans Honor Hall to recognize those who graduated from Oshkosh High School or Oshkosh West High School who served our country in one of the branches of the armed services. Located between the two cafeterias at Oshkosh West High School, the Honor Hall pays tribute to those who sacrificed their time and life to protect the freedoms we have here in Oshkosh, WI as well as the United States of America. Each veterans name is engraved on a plate and attached to the wall that memorializes their service. To learn more about the Oshkosh High/West Veterans Honor Hall visit oshkosh-west-high.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/about-us/veterans-honor-hall.
Oshkosh North
Veteran's Courtyard
In 2020, Oshkosh North High School developed the Oshkosh North Veteran's Courtyard to honor Oshkosh North alumni and staff who have served in the military. Developed as a project of the Communities at Oshkosh North program, the Veteran’s Courtyard is located on the grounds of Oshkosh North High School. The names of veterans will be engraved with their name, year of graduation from high school or staff identification, and the specific branch of service emblem. The first installation of bricks will be engraved and set in the courtyard by Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. To learn more about the Oshkosh North Veteran’s Courtyard visit www.communitiesonhs.org/onhs-veterans-courtyard.html.
Free Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Thanks to funding from the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant Program, the OASD is able to offer fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children visiting the OASD grab-and-go meal distribution sites during Model 4: Virtual Learning. The District’s local partner, Apple Blossom Orchard, will be sanitizing and individually wrapping their local apples to ensure safety; additionally, the vegetable selections will be washed, cut and individually packaged by the District’s produce supplier, Marchese. The OASD is excited to have the opportunity to bring these items to students and children in need. The District is also grateful for its incredible vendor partners who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure the products will be safe and ready to eat.
The OASD is providing FREE school meals (and now free fresh fruits and vegetables) to ALL children age 18 and younger. This is made possible by federal funding. Children do not need to be present to receive these meals and snacks, parents/guardians or siblings may pick up snacks for children at home.
Reminder: Free School Meals
During District-wide Model 4: Virtual Learning, free school meals will be provided in a grab-and-go format at four OASD school sites within the District. The meals will be distributed on Mondays and Thursdays at the locations and times listed below.
- Jefferson Elementary (in front of main entrance) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Webster Stanley Elementary (in front of main entrance) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- West High School (in front of door 24) from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
- North High School (circle drive in front of school) from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.