Oceanside High School Weekly Update
03/01/2024
The Pirate Way
Hello Pirates,
As we welcome the first day of March, it's hard to believe how swiftly time has flown by since the beginning of the school year. It feels like just yesterday we were sending our students off for the first day of classes, and here we are now, on the cusp of a new month filled with possibilities and opportunities.
March brings with it a sense of renewal and transition. It serves as a gentle reminder that growth is inevitable, and with each passing day, our students are progressing in their academic journeys. For our seniors, the countdown to graduation has begun, and the realization that their high school adventure is drawing to a close may be bittersweet. To our underclassmen, there's a wealth of experiences yet to be embraced and lessons to be learned in the coming months.
As caregivers, your support has been instrumental in the success of our students. Your encouragement, involvement, and commitment to their education have not gone unnoticed. Together, we've created a vibrant and nurturing community that fosters growth and academic achievement.
In the midst of busy schedules, it's essential to take a moment to appreciate the journey so far. March serves as a gentle nudge to reflect on the achievements, friendships, and memories that have been made. Let's continue to celebrate the small victories and cherish the moments, for before we know it, the school year will come to an end.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your students. We look forward to the exciting developments that March will bring and the continued collaboration between school and home. Wishing you and yours a fulfilling and successful month ahead.
Pirates you are a part of something big! You belong and will always belong in the Oceanside High School Pirate Community. What an amazing feeling to realize you belong to something bigger than the individual Pirate, but rather part of a 100 year plus Pirate Ship Community!
Regardless of where you may go and no matter what you end up accomplishing the one thing that you have to count on is that you will ALWAYS be a PIRATE!
Stay safe! Know you are loved and belong to the Pirate community - this is the Pirate Way!
Dr. Skyler M. Garrahy
Principal
760-901-8204
@skylergarrahy
COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR PIRATES
- OHS Boys soccer will play Lakewood in the CIF SoCal Regional Finals at 6 p.m. on Saturday at John Carroll Stadium.
- Gates will open at 5 p.m
- Tickets available online
- OHS Girls Basketball will play Fallbrook in the CIF SoCal Regional Finals at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Fallbrook.
- Tickets available online
NO SCHOOL MARCH 11
Tonight we will have FAFSA Night in the GEAR UP rooms after school - 7:00 pm.
Important Info About FAFSA:
FAFSA/CADAA is a graduation requirement!
The Priority Deadline for those who applied to 4-year universities is March 2nd.
The first three advisory classes with 100% completion get a party! (Advisory Battle 2024!)
We have Weekly Workshops in GEAR UP & CCC- bring parents!
CONGRATULATIONS MARCH PIRATES OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our March Pirates of the Month for earning this award based on academic and behavioral excellence.
Rowan S.
Isolde C.
Hayleigh W.
Lia N.
PROUD PIRATE STAFF - Randy Zubieta
Bountiful Pirate - Dana Jones
AP STUDENTS WE HAVE AP TUTORING TO SUPPORT YOU FOR YOUR AP TEST!!!
Congratulations to OHS Being Named a California Purple Star School!
SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at SDSU will host their 40th annual High School Conference on March 16 in Montezuma Hall. All high school students are invited to attend this free, all-day event where they can explore the field of engineering, network with professional engineers, and participate in fun challenges and giveaways. Access the student registration form. College students and professionals are invited to volunteer to lend their expertise and help make the event a success. Access the volunteer registration form and visit the SHPE SDSU website.
Summer Research Program at the Salk Institute
The Salk Institute gives high school students the opportunity to do hands-on experimental work, perform research, and gain real-life experience alongside Salk scientists. The eight-week summer program is open to students at least 16 years of age by June with at least one year of high school chemistry and biology. Learn More
Once again this year we are pleased to be offering free prom dresses to high school teens that may want a dress for prom! Come see the front office for more information.
OHS PANTRY NUMBERS ARE 143 SHOPPERS & SHARED WITH 76
Questions You Should Be Asking Your Student's Teachers And Counselor
When meeting with your student's high school teacher or counselor, it's essential to ask questions that can help you better understand your student's progress and address any concerns. Here are some questions you can ask:
- How is my student performing academically in your class?
- Can you provide specific examples of my student's strengths and areas where they may need improvement?
- Are there any upcoming assignments, projects, or exams that I should be aware of?
- How can I support my student's learning and academic success at home?
- What resources or strategies are available to help my student if they are struggling in your class?
- Are there any extracurricular activities or clubs that you recommend for my student?
- What is the best way for me to communicate with you if I have concerns or questions about my student's progress?
- Can you provide information about the college or career planning process and any upcoming milestones we should be aware of?
- Are there any advanced classes that my student might be eligible for in the future?
- What advice do you have for parents in terms of helping their high school students navigate the challenges of adolescence and high school life?
These questions can help you have a productive and informative discussion with your student's teacher or counselor and ensure that you are well-informed about your student's high school experience.
Check Your Student's Grades
Why Attendance Matters
A student who misses 10 days is 25% less likely to enroll in college. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate and find good jobs. Regular attendance fosters a classroom community between teachers and students. Students who attend school are more likely to succeed academically. Students gain background knowledge from discussions while learning in school. Attending school also provides time for social interactions with peers.
Who Is Your Student's Advisor? What Does That Mean?
Your student has an advisory teacher that they meet with every Wednesday. The advisory class is a time to build connections between students and staff. Having a strong advisory in school contributes to a positive school climate and culture. Ultimately, advisory is all about relationships. Engaging in school-wide community-building activities is a key component of student success. The activities in advisory are driven by the ideals of our Pirate Core Values.
Beyond the individual advisory classrooms, this time is also well-used by implementing occasional school-wide assemblies or programming, to give an entire campus the same shared experience. This shared experience in turn is what shapes the overall climate of the school.
Your student will have the same advisor for all four years. This is an additional point of contact for you to check on your student at OHS. The advisory teacher also has individual meetings and grade checks with your student. Please ask who your student's advisory teacher is.
What Is A-G? Why Does It Matter?
The A-G requirements are a set of courses that high school students in California need to complete in order to be eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) system. These requirements are designed to ensure that students have a strong academic foundation in a variety of subject areas. The A-G requirements matter because they play a crucial role in determining a student's eligibility for UC admissions.
The A-G requirements consist of 15 specific college-preparatory courses, which are divided into the following categories:
A. History/Social Science (2 years required)
B. English (4 years required)
C. Mathematics (3 years required, 4 years recommended)
D. Laboratory Science (2 years required, 3 years recommended)
E. Language Other Than English (2 years required, 3 years recommended)
F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)
G. College Preparatory Electives (1 year required)
In order to be eligible for admission to the UC system, high school students must complete these A-G courses with a grade of C or better.
Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and Articulated Courses
Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, and articulated classes are all options for high school students to earn college credit or gain advanced knowledge and skills while still in high school. Each of these programs has its own advantages and considerations:
Advanced Placement (AP):
- AP courses are high school classes that are designed to be more challenging and equivalent to college-level courses.
- These courses are standardized and developed by the College Board, and they culminate in a standardized AP exam at the end of the school year.
- Students who score well on the AP exams may earn college credit at many universities and colleges, potentially saving both time and money in college.
- AP courses are available in a wide range of subjects.
Dual Enrollment:
- Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses, often at a local college or at the high school, while still being enrolled in high school.
- The credits earned in dual enrollment courses are typically accepted at most colleges and universities, provided the student earns a passing grade.
Articulated Classes:
- Articulated classes are high school courses that are designed in collaboration with a local college or university to align with specific college courses.
- These classes are often meant to ensure a seamless transition from high school to college by teaching college-level material.
- Students may receive college credit if they demonstrate proficiency in the high school articulated course and meet certain requirements, such as a minimum grade or exam score.
Path To College And Career
A high school student's path to college and a successful career typically involves several key steps and considerations. Here's a general roadmap to help you plan your journey:
Set Clear Goals:
- Identify your interests, passions, and strengths. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? This will help you determine potential career paths.
Academic Preparation:
- Maintain a strong GPA. Good grades can open doors to more college options and scholarships.
- Take challenging courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment or articulated classes when available.
- Prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Consider taking test prep courses or using study resources.
Extracurricular Activities:
- Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time jobs. These activities help you develop skills, leadership, and character.
- Explore your interests and hobbies outside of the classroom.
College Research:
- Research colleges and universities that align with your academic and career goals. Consider factors like location, size, majors offered, and financial aid options.
- Visit campuses and attend college fairs to get a feel for the institutions you're interested in.
Financial Planning:
- Understand the costs of college, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Investigate scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.
- Create a budget and savings plan to cover college costs.
College Applications:
- Begin the application process during your senior year of high school.
- Prepare a strong college application, including your transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal essay.
- Meet application deadlines, and consider using platforms like the Common Application to apply to multiple schools simultaneously.
Financial Aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
- Search for and apply to scholarships, both from colleges and external organizations.
College Decision:
- Evaluate acceptance offers and financial aid packages to make an informed college choice.
- Consider factors like academic fit, financial affordability, and campus culture.
Remember that everyone's path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Be open to adapting your plan as you discover new interests and opportunities along the way. It's important to set and revisit your goals regularly to ensure you are on the right track to a successful college experience and career.
OHS BLOCK SCHEDULE FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Do you know you are a member of over 100 years of tradition? Join the OHS Foundation
OHS Athletic Booster Club
YES! I am interested in being part of the Pirate Sports Success!
OHS PTSO
For those new to OHS, PTSO includes Parents, Teachers and Students to support the school community. Some of our goals are to promote parent interaction, support the faculty and staff and promote student achievement. Each year is a bit different so we welcome your ideas on ways we can support the school. The donations we receive and the funds we raise go toward staff appreciation events, teacher and club grants, student events, and more. We work closely with our principal Mrs.Garrahy, the administrators and counseling team to be responsive to current needs. All members have a vote in how our funds are used and we have a few openings for leadership positions if you want to give some time.
If you would like to join us or renew your membership for the year, please fill out the form here: OHS PTSO Form 2023-24. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on the board, please indicate that on the form.
Whether you participate in meetings or not, you can support our efforts with a tax-deductible donation. Please go here: PTSO Donation Page (Paypal or CC) or use our new venmo @osideptso. And please join us for our restaurant nights throughout the year.
We typically meet monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm. Stay connected with us by joining our Facebook group @Oceanside High School PTSO Parents for Pirates or following us on Instagram @piratesptso. We also encourage you to choose Oceanside High School PTSO as your designated charity in your AmazonSmile account. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0684642
Please direct any questions to ohsptsomembership@gmail.com.