Echoes Is published four times during the school year by the Oakridge Public Schools as a means of keepingresidents of the district well informed of the operation of their schools.

DECEMBER 2015 QUARTERLY ISSUE

Vol. 15, Issue 4

Top 10 Education State in 10 Years

State Superintendent Brian Whiston has established a goal for Michigan to be a “Top 10 Education State in 10 Years”. I believe we can do it with a lot of focused hard work and investment! In fact, Oakridge has the potential to be a big contributor to this progress. First though, we need to know our starting point then focus on improving.

According to data released for the 2015 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), Michigan’s fourth-graders fell from 38th to 41st out of 50 states in reading proficiency scores. The NAEP is the only assessment in the nation that provides comparable state-to-state performance data. Clearly, we have work to do in Michigan to get to the “Top 10”. This includes Oakridge even though we have been acknowledged for showing some real progress in recent years on the MEAP and ACT. It is a new day for Michigan students as these tests will no longer be administered. Our kids will have to rise to a new level of expectations with Michigan adopting new, more rigorous and globally competitive state curriculum standards with a totally new computerized assessment called the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (MSTEP). In short, it is a harder test that moves beyond bubble sheets and solely multiple choice questions. Students will have to show their work. They will have to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and deeper knowledge through written response.

Below are Statewide average MSTEP English (reading and writing) and MSTEP Math percent proficient scores.

page 1

These proficiency scores look different than our test scores have in the past because the MEAP andthe MSTEP are totally different tests assessing different standards with different levels of rigor.These results are a wake-up call. Michigan can and will do better.

Teachers have accepted this challenge and we are eager to demonstrate progress. This will take time but know that Oakridge has already invested in research proven practices and resources. For example, we have sent teachers to Reading and Writing Workshop training at the Teachers College of Columbia University and brought back what they learned to train other teachers locally. We have purchased a new science program that kids experience more ‘hands on’ learning that is fun and engaging. We started a new STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) that has a focus on STEM career exploration. We’ve purchased digital English curriculum allowing kids to utilize technology as a learning tool in ways not available with only textbooks. And finally, we have a relatively new math program that aligns with the more rigorous math state standards. Yes, it is the math that teachers, parents, and students are adjusting to. It is true that we’re not solely focused on getting the correct answer. We are focused on teaching kids to think more deeply, applying skills to real life, and problem solving. We expect our efforts to produce results not only in test scores but in our students’ preparation for their chosen career path or education path after high school.

Our students’ future employers have communicated their need for a stronger pool of talent to draw from, talent that is ready to learn, work together, and create new businesses, services, and products. Our families need more support and our kids deserve a more robust education and supportive environment that prepares them for the realities of our changing world.

While schools cannot do this alone, Oakridge has pursued partnerships and grant funds to provide more support for our kids and families. Our new Teen Health Center, located in the south end of the middle school, will be opening soon which will provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services exclusively to kids during the day and eventually to families after hours. Right next door to the Teen Health Center is our Pathways to Potential office, formerly known as the Family Resource Center, which provides a variety of social services. Hackley Community Care (Teen Health Center) and Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (Pathways to Potential) are part of a Community Wellness Network of organizations that provide “wrap around services” to families through our Community Health Worker who works for Mercy Health – Community Health Project. We are truly blessed with these partnerships that support our kids and families at no cost to the district.

In closing, we continue to focus on our mission:

“The community of Oakridge Public Schools exists to prepare every student, within a safe and healthy environment, with a globally competitive education focused on college preparation, workplace success, and lifelong learning.”

I want our community to know that we appreciate your trust in us. We need your support. We can’t do this without you. We care about your children. We care about your whole child, not just their test scores. We will do all that we can to prepare them for their life’s next step.

Oakridge pride!

Tom LivezeySuperintendent

We are continuing to update our new website. Be sure to visit often as we are adding new items every

week. School newsletters, lunch menus, forms, sporting events, important updates, upcoming

events, photos and more can all be found here!

www.oakridgeschools.org

page 2

Board MembersSteve Roomsburg ............. PresidentBrent Hartman .......... Vice PresidentMary Ann Brodeur.............SecretaryPam Bryant .......................TreasurerSteve Crain .......................... TrusteeGerry Dibble ........................ TrusteeCraig Scott ........................... Trustee

Telephone numbersAdministration ....................788-7100Transportation ...................865-3196Lower Elementary..............788-7600Upper Elementary..............788-7500Middle School ....................788-7400High School .......................788-7300High School Counseling Center ...........788-7310Preschool and Community Education .....788-7150We’re on the Web!Website: www.oakridgeschools.org

Oakridge Board of Education

Mission Statement Our mission is to provide a voice for our children and create community responsibi l i ty to enhance education and leadership today and for the future.

School Board - All regularmeetings of the Oakridge Board of Education will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the boardroom in the administration building located at 275 S. Wolf Lake Rd. The next regular meeting will be August 26, 2015. Anyone wishing to place an item on the agenda should submit the item in writing to the Superintendent’s office by Monday of the prior week.

Deadlines for Articles for Echoes

Printed versions of the Echoes newsletter will be mailed 4 times this school year. Echoes will be reaching mailboxes at the beginning of months, September, December, March and June. The deadline for submitting material for publication is by the 10th of the month prior to the month’s issue that you would like your article to be published. If the 10th falls on a weekend, the material is due the Friday before. Please email to Sherry at swahr@oakridgeschools.org or fax to 231-788-7414.

School Cancellation Information

Whenever school officials decide to cancel school due to weather or other emergencies, it will be released immediately to the following radio and television stations: WMUS(106.9 FM), WLCS(98.3 FM), WSHZ(107.9 FM), WZZM-TV13, WOOD-TV8 and WWMT-TV3.

Parents are requested to not call school concerning a closing. Once a decision to call off school is made, phones are needed to make emergency calls. Parents are requested to instruct their children about emergency procedures in the event school is canceled, and should make arrangements for morning cancellation, delays or early dismissals. Whenever possible, decisions to cancel or delay the start of school will be made by 6:00 a.m.

Oakridge Public SchoolsNon-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Oakridge Public Schools that no person will, on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed or ancestry, political belief, sex, disability, handicap, religion, age, height, weight or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program or activity or in employment.

Any questions concerning Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, should be directed to Greg Bodrie, Eastern Service Unit, 3255 E. Pontaluna Road, Fruitport, MI 49415, 231-865-4055.

page 3

Building Schedules – 2015/2016 School Year

Building Full Days Half DaysHigh School 7:45 – 2:45 7:45 – 11:05Middle School 7:45 – 2:45 7:45 – 11:05Upper Elementary 8:25 – 3:20 8:25 – 11:40Lower Elementary 8:35 – 3:30 8:35 – 11:50Early Childhood Center 8:30 – 3:30 8:30 – 11:50& Community Education

Upcoming Events

DECEMBER3 7:00 pm4 7:00 pm 5 9:00-3:00 6 3:00 pm7 5:30-7:30 9 12 7:00-12:00 pm 13 4:00 pm14 8:30-2:3021

OHS Christmas Drama OHS Christmas Drama Senior Parents Craft Sale @ OMS Holiday Band Concert – OHS Gym Golden Eagles Dinner with Santa Late Start – Teacher in-serviceOHS Winter Formal Holiday Choir Concert NHS Blood Drive Christmas Break Starts

JANUARY4 Return from break13 Late Start - Teacher in-service20 MS & HS - Half Day for exams21 MS & HS - Half Day for exams22 MS & HS - Half Day for exams22 LE & UE - Half Day for records day (end of MP2)FEBRUARY3 Half Day - all students15 No School - Mid-Winter Break24 Late Start - Teacher in-serviceMARCH9 Late Start - Teacher in-service12 Spring Carnival @ OHS 1:00-5:00 pm13 Spring Festival Choir Concert 4:00 pm18 LE & UE Half Day for records day (end of MP3)24 LE & UE Half Day - Conferences 12:30-3:3025 No School - Good Friday28 MS & HS - Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30 pm29 LE & UE - Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30 pm30 MS & HS - Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30 pm31 LE & UE - Evening Conferences 4:30-7:30 pmAPRIL4-8 Spring Break24 Spring Band Concert 3:00 pm27 Late Start - Teacher in-service

page 4

Shop early and avoid the rush!You can enjoy one stop shopping this holiday season! The high school office has many items for sale. We have Oakridge car flags, sweatshirts (Oakridge football, soccer volleyball, basketball, and track), t-shirts, spirit towels, coats, static clings, discount cards, braided bracelets, football DVD’s, hats, and a large Oakridge blanket. Most items are in stock and can be purchased at the high school office, which is located on Hall Road. Gift certificates (in any amount) are available as well.

West Michigan Student ShowcaseThe Student Showcase is an annual celebration of excellence of the high school youth of West Michigan. Students are selected by their respective schools to represent in the areas of performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, academics and athletics. Each school determines their own criteria for selection. The OHS Showcase Coordinator is Rob Patton, High School Guidance Counselor. Students interested in representing OHS in the areas of performing, visual or literary arts are encouraged to begin planning their presentations. There will be auditions for those interested in the Performing Arts category in early January. All questions can be directed to Rob Patton at 788-7326.

Eagle Marching Band News The OHS marching band expanded its competition schedule this fall to not only attend the Rockford, Grand Haven, and Cedar Springs Invitationals as in the past two years, but also Grandville and East Kentwood this fall. According to band director, Mrs. Eldred, students have improved every week and have workedvery hard to earn the various awards they’ve received throughout the season. The marching band attended the District Marching Band Festival at Greenville High School on October 7th to earn a #2 division rating. Again Mrs. Eldred stated that students improved every week of school this fall to perform so well at the festival.

SAVE THE DATES!!!Oakridge Senior Parents Fundraiser

Every 2nd Thursday of the month, starting in November, if you

eat at Fazoli’s the senior parents earn 15% of all sales.

So, plan on dinner at Fazoli’s for these dates:

Dec. 10th, Jan. 14th, Feb. 11th, March 10th & April 14th

High School News JASON MCVOY, PRINCIPAL

788-7300

National Honors Society InductionA larger group of students were received into the National Honor Society this year than in most previous years. The induction ceremony welcomed seven seniors and 17 juniors on Thursday evening, October 15th in the middle school auditorium. A reception followed in the high school cafeteria. Students accepted into the NHS prove themselves worthy not just by outstanding grades, but by displaying other character traits such as being respectful, responsible, and participating in several extra-curricular activities inside and outside of school.

Our current NHS members: Xavier Craig, Ellis Derezinski, Davis Masterman, Riley McElfish, Tyler Thomas, Nathan Wahr, Brianna Waller, Georja Whipple, and McKenna Whipple helped congratulate and welcome the following students :

Homecoming 2015

ADVISORS KIM NELSKI & KELLY CARLSONIt truly felt like stepping back into time in the halls of Oakridge High School during Homecoming Week 2015 as students dressed “Through the Decades." Monday had students dressing like the 50’s. Students turned into hippies on Tuesday for 60’s day. Lots of big hair could be spotted around the school for Wednesday’s 90’s day! Of course Thursday & Friday were the traditional class color day and blue & white days respectively. The typical activities that accompany spirit week were present again this year: parade, bonfire, assembly, dance, competition between classes, and the "Eagles Got Talent" competition.

The following students participated in this year’s homecoming court: King: James Cooper III Queen: Hannah Jones

Court: Alex Higgs, Riley McElfish, Brendan Wall, Taylor Balcom, Julie Epplett and McKenna Whipple

Junior Representatives: Luke Six and Sarah Six

Sophomore Representatives: Kyle Messerschmidt and Megan Clarke

Freshmen Representatives: Cole Harger and Kennidie Streed

New NHS MembersSeniors: Alessa Baldwin-Buchner, Dorian Gutoski Skylar Bates, Simran Rai, Emily Buozis, MacKayla Zimmer & Cadence Chase Juniors: Nicholas Allsop, Randy Lewis, Hannah DeLora, Veronica Lamkin, William DePender, Brady Luttrull, Madison Dutton, Lanessa Myers, Alyssa Fessenden, Kyle Milliron, Antinia Garza, Sarah Six, Catherine Jenkins, Joe Walker, Brooklyn Jessen, Mariyah Wilcox & Samantha Kirschner

page 5

Oakridge Welcomes our 2015-2016 Exchange Students!

Many countries are represented within the walls of Oakridge High School as we host 18 international students this school year. Many of our exchange students were introduced to the board during the September school board meeting, but the following gives a little more information about each one. We welcome to OHS this year the following:

Luise Bliedung, 16, comes to us from Osterhagen-Hannover, Germany. She is staying in the home of Josh and Ann Grabe. Luise enjoys gymnastics and playing the clarinet. Back home in Germany, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, movies, going to the gym, eating out and shopping.

From Espoo, Finland, Ulla Enarvi is a 16 year old who loves cheerleading, hanging out with friends, shopping, and spending time with family. She is residing in the home of Jessica Norton and Adam DeWeerdt this school year

Stefania Garofolo is from Monjalcone (Venice), Italy, and staying in the home of Melissa Dutton. She enjoys volleyball and at home in Italy, this 15 year old plays a lot of it! She also likes to cook and spend time with friends.

Staying with Melanie and Phil Wymer is 17 year old Danuta Gruszka. She comes to OHS from Tychy, Poland where she enjoys taking photos, playing sports, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends. She is participating in cheerleading while she’s here, but loves volleyball and reading as well.

Aichi, Japan is the home of 17 year old Takumi Ito. Takumi is staying in the home of Angie Mahan this year. He enjoys playing basketball, video games, watching tv, and running cross country

Arriving in the states from Bodee, Norway is Aurora Kildedalen. She is staying with the Brad and Cathy Varney family. This 16 year old spends time running cross country, riding her bike, and playing guitar. Back home in Norway, she likes to walk her dog and be with her friends.

page 6

Hanna Lueders is excited to come to the United States from Germany! She is from the city of Schneverdingen. The Chris and Mindy Wierengo family are hosting her this year. At 16 years old, she loves hanging out with friends, gymnastics, dancing, cheerleading, and movies.

Hosting our very first exchange student from Chile, we are excited to welcome to OHS this year Diego Ormeno. He comes from the town of Chillan, and is spending this school year with the Michael and Denise Demond family. He is 17 years old and enjoys listening to music, go to parties, watching movies, and being with friends.

From the city of Tampere in Finland, Kristina Paavilainen comes to Oakridge for this school year. She loves soccer and enjoys street dancing, movies, baking and parties. This 16 year old is staying in the home of Kelly Oberlin-Butler.

Ieva Repkovaite arrived late for the start of school, but is excited to come to OHS from Vilnius, Lithuania. This is another new country represented at OHS, with two students coming from there to OHS for the 2015-16 school year! Ieva with spend this year in the home of Brandis Hendrickson. This 17 year old loves to draw and dance!

Another student proudly representing her country of Denmark, Maria Roenn comes from the city of Esbjerg. She is 15 years old and staying with Regan and Valeria Higgs. She spent a lot of years involved in gymnastics in her homeland, and is enjoying cheerleading and shopping for clothes here in her new country!

Germany is being well represented during this school year, with a total of five exchange students coming from various parts of the country. Maximilian Scholl is a 15 year old from the city of Viersen, and living with Chuck & Cherie Bates for this school year. He enjoys theme parks, band, movies and hanging out with friends.

Felicia Werner, 16 years old, is residing with the Chuck and Shannon DeLora family this year. She is from the big city of Hamburg, Germany, and enjoys soccer and hanging out with friends.

Acting, dancing, rollerskating, soccer and cross country are just some of the activities that 17 year old Ugne Zubaviciute from Klaipeda, Lithuania enjoys. She is spending her year at OHS residing with the Chris & Jennifer Lamkin family. She also enjoys cycling, movies, participating in sports, and hanging out with friends.

page 7

A 16 year old student from Naestved, Denmark, Caroline Kubel enjoys hanging out with friends and family. Back in Denmark, she danced ballet and worked out at the gym. She worked an after school job as well. Caroline resides with the Chris and Jennifer Lamkin family this year.

Jonna Lehmkuhl is a 16 year old from Lubeck, Germany. She is staying with John & Dawn Carroll for her year in this country. She participates in cheerleading, loves to play volleyball, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Capo d’Orlanolo, Sicily, Italy is where 15 year old Alessia Lucia comes from. She is residing with Bill and Honi Buchner this school year. She enjoys the ocean, going to movies, dancing, volleyball, and cooking.

Another student from Germany, Sanem Koenen is from the city of Bremen. She is 15 years old and staying with Heidi Neiser. She enjoys watching movies, taking photos, dancing, listening to music, eating out, hanging out with friends, and running cross country.

Exchange Students Continued...

page 8

Chef PrizeOAKRIDGE/MACTC STUDENTSCatering & Culinary Management students from the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center worked alongside talented chefs at Hampton Green Farm on Sunday, October 4th, during “Chef Prize”. The students hosted their own tasting table during the fundraiser to support Hackley Community Care’s campaign to establish a Teen Health Center in our own Oakridge School District. Oakridge students that participated were Justyce Clark, Brooklyn Jessen, Samantha Kirschner, Ken Seniuk, and Yonatan Perez.

2015 Fall Play It’s been a few years since Oakridge High School put on an actual fall play, but the wait was worth it! On Wednesday, October 14th, 22 talented students, under the direction of drama advisor Kim Nelski, performed the one act comedy “Talentless Talent Show” to a very large audience. Miss Nelski said it was a success all around!

High School Winter Sports

4 Girls' Basketball vs Whitehall H 6:00 pm8 Girls' Basketball vs Montague H 6:00 pm8 Boys' Basketball vs O.V. A 6:00 pm10 Girls' Basketball vs N Muskegon A 5:30 pm11 Boys' Basketball vs Whitehall H 6:00 pm12 Bowling - Mona Shores H 9:00 pm15 Bowling - Kent City H 3:00 pm15 Girls' Basketball vs Hart H 6:00 pm15 Boys' Basketball vs Cvnt Chrstn A TBA17 Girls' Basketball vs Muskegon TBA 7:30 pm17 Boys' Basketball vs N Musk A 5:30 pm18 Girls' Basketball vs RR TBA 7:30 pm29 Girls' Basketball vs O.V. H 1:00 pm29 Boy's Basketball vs O.V. H 2:30 pm

December

5 Boys' Basketball vs Hart H 6:00 pm7 Girls' Basketball vs Shelby H 6:00 pm8 Boys' Basketball vs Montague A 6:00 pm9 Bowling - Fruitport Invitational H 12:00 pm12 Girls' Basketball vs Mason Cnty A 6:00 pm12 Boys' Basketball vs Spring Lake H 6:00 pm14 Bowling - Ravenna A 3:15 pm14 Boys' Basketball vs Shelby H 6:00 pm15 Girls' Basketball vs Ravenna A 5:30 pm19 Bowling - West Mich Christian H 3:00 pm19 Boys' Basketball vs Mason Cnty H 6:00 pm21 Girls' Basketball vs Whitehall A 5:30 pm22 Boys' Basketball vs Ravenna A 5:30 pm26 Bowling - West Mich Christian A 3:00 pm26 Girls' Basketball vs N Muskegon H 6:00 pm28 Boys' Basketball vs Whitehall A 5:30 pm29 Girls' Basketball vs Hart A 6:00 pm

January

February 9 Girls' Basketball vs Shelby A 6:00 pm11 Boys' Basketball vs Montague H 5:30 pm11 Bowling vs Kent City A 3:00 pm12 Girls' Basketball vs Mason Cnty H 6:00 pm15 Girls' Basketball vs Ludington A TBA16 Boys' Basketball vs Shelby A 6:00 pm17 Bowling - GMAA H 2:00 pm18 Girls' Basketball vs Ravenna H 6:00 pm19 Boys' Basketball vs Mason Cnty A 6:00 pm23 Boys' Basketball vs Fruitport H 6:00 pm24 Girls' Basketball vs Cov Chrstn H 6:00 pm26 Boys' Basketball vs Ravenna H 6:00 pm 26-27 Bowling Regionals @ GR A TBA29 Girls' Basketball MHSAA Districts TBA

High SchoolStudents of the MonthOctober

9th: Kristine Mueller 10th: James Day

11th: Veronica Lamkin 12: Riley McElfish

November9th: Cole Harger

10th: Avery Wildig 11th: William DePender

12th: Nathan Wahr

Counseling Center News

The Oakridge High School Counseling Center staff works to update the Counseling Center website frequently to provide the best resources for our students and parents. When you visit you will find links

to information on graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Exam, college and scholarship information, career resources, and personal counseling links. To reach the website, go to www.oakridgeschools.org and select the High School. There is a "Counseling Center Quick Link" found on the home page.

Rob Patton, Counselor Erin Silva, Counselor

Brenda Scott, Registrar 788-7310

page 9

ScholarshipsApplications for several scholarships are now available online through the counseling office on the Oakridge Public Schools website. The current Scholarship Newsletter has over twenty different local, state and national scholarships. College Advisor, Mr. Frechenis also available to help with questions about scholarships. Students are also encouraged to search for them online. Some free scholarship search websites the OHS Counseling Center recommends are:

www.fastweb.com

www.cappex.com

www.finaid.org

www.scholarships.com

www.tuitionfundingsources.com

www.chegg.com/scholarships

bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

Financial Aid SeminarSENIOR PARENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS! A Financial Aid Seminar for you and your college-bound student will be held in the beginning of February in the high school cafeteria. Presenters will include your high school counselors and representatives from area colleges. The topic will be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A date and time will be announced and posted on the high school Counseling Center website just before Christmas break.

Class of 2015 Seniors Attention Parents of Seniors! As the Yearbook staff we would like to make a few of your obligations and deadlines for the year as painless as possible. We will set aside several pages specially designed for our seniors. In order to make these pages as spectacular as possible, it requires some help from you. We will be requiring some items from you and offering some additional opportunities to help celebrate this wonderful achievement by your senior. We appreciate your help and support in trying to make this year’s book the best ever.

Senior Recognition Ads Show how proud you are of your senior and help out the yearbook program by purchasing a recognition ad. Flyers will be available during conferences or anytime in the high school media center with details on how to order your ad. You will have the option to create it yourself online and pay with a credit/debit card or to mail in the photo(s) and message along with a check. These are due May 1st.

If you have any further questions please contact the Yearbook Adviser, Ms. Erica Trowbridge n the High School Media Center.

http:/goo.gl/HH394s

Also, we are accepting senior portraits now until Friday, April 1st, 2016. If you do not submit a photo of your child, we will use their school ID photo taken at the beginning of the school year. You may submit a hard copy in the library or electronically by emailing it to: yearbook@oakridgeschools.org

Teens United with Mrs. Silva“Teens United” is a new group started at OHS this fall. Counselor Erin Silva, new to Oakridge, is the advisor and very excited to head up this group that promotes kindness, acceptance, and inclusion by empowering bystanders to use their voice to make everyone feel welcome. Students and staff alike are wearing orange t-shirts or orange ribbons the first Wednesday of every month to show support.

Middle School NewsJASON MCVOY, PRINCIPAL

BRENT JANDRON, ASST PRINCIPAL788-7400

Middle School Winter Sports Schedule

page 10

Student CouncilMrs. Sheryl Luttrull is the advisor of student council here at the middle school this year. The group is off to a great start with many events taking place. The officer positions have been filled with the following students:

Co-President: Taryn ThompsonCo-President: Arin Wildig

Vice President: Serenity JohnsonSecretary: Celine Smith

Treasurer: Robert StamperHistorian: Keeley DeLora

Student Council News

* Student Council members hosted a Homecoming PepRally for all students

* Our Halloween Dance Party was hosted by the OMSStudent Council and was attended by over 150 students. They also held a sucker sale at the dance to help raise funds for their Holiday Helpers Program. Money collected from the dance and sale totaled over $600.00.

* They are teaming up with Oakridge staff and communityonce again for the Holiday Helpers Program. This program helps needy Oakridge families with holiday meals and gifts. They are also selling coupon books to help raise money for the Holiday Helpers Program.

* Our Student Council members are staying after school everyThursday to empty classroom and office recycling bins.

Patriot PenDuring the month of October, the Middle School Social Studies classes took part in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lt. Clement F. Derezinski Post 7779. All students were required to submit a rough draft of an essay based on the theme for the national contest.

The winners who will be moving on to districts are: Haley Snyder, Macy Whipple, Anna Barnes & Arin Wildig. The semi-finalists are: Camber Tanis, Angelica Morrow, Trinity Gonzalez, Alex Levandowski, Mackenna O’Bradovich and Justin Boes Congratulations to all participants and winners.

The staff and students of Oakridge Middle School are very proud of the efforts of these award-winning students. They certainly represent the best of Eagle Pride and patriotism towards the United States of America!

2015 Geography BeeThis year’s Geography Bee was held in the HS Media Center on Thursday, November 12. Thank you to all parents, teachers, staff and friends who came to support our students.

The finalists were 7th graders: Nathan Latsch, Manon Brott, Stephanie Mueller, Conner Joy, Seth Plumhoff & alternate Jacob Elizondo The 8th grade finalists were: Taryn Thompson, Tyler Engleman, Mikayla Cook, Jade Treptow, Alexis Tolar and alternate Serenity Johnson.

This years Geography Bee Champion is Nathan Latsch. Nathan will take the National Geographic competitive test to try to qualify for the competition for the State of Michigan. In March, we will hear if Nathan is one of the top 100 students in the State.

Staff, students, and the community are all cheering for Oakridge to move on to the State Finals

DECEMBER2 Boys’ B-Ball: Whitehall A 4:007 Boys’ B-Ball: Hart A 4:009 Boys’ B-Ball: Montague H 4:0014 Boys’ B-Ball: Mason County A 4:0016 Boys’ B-Ball: Shelby H 4:00

JANUARY6 Boys’ B-Ball: Whitehall H 4:007 Boys’ B-Ball: Ravenna A 4:0011 Boys’ B-Ball: WMC Tourney TBA 4:00

FEBRUARY9 Volleyball: Ravenna H 4:0011 Volleyball: Whitehall A 4:0016 Volleyball: N Muskegon A 4:0018 Volleyball: Shelby A 4:0023 Volleyball: Hart H 4:0025 Volleyball: Mason County H 4:00

MARCH1 Volleyball: Montague A 4:003 Volleyball: Ravenna A 4:008 Volleyball: Whitehall H 4:0010 Volleyball: N Muskegon H 4:0014 Volleyball: WMC Tourney TBA 4:0016 Volleyball: WMC Semi & Finals TBA 4:00

Be Nice NovemberThroughout the month of November, students in grades 7-12 celebrated Be Nice month. Each week students were encouraged to focus on a different way to be nice, including giving compliments, performing random acts of kindness, meeting someone new, and saying thank you. Inspiring quotes were read every morning with the daily announcements and posters with positive messages were displayed in hallways and classrooms around the buildings.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in activities related to being nice. One of the most popular activities encouraged students to perform random acts of kindness. Every morning for one week, counselors handed out RAK (random acts of kindness) cards to 20-30 students in each building. Those students were asked to do something nice for someone else, make a tally mark on the back of the card, and then pass it on.

By the end of the week, Oakridge students had performed hundreds of random acts of kindness

Students of the Month

October Students of the Month Jackson Grawbarger & Soley Seewald

November Students of the Month Hannah Morey & Noah Ferrier

Check the website for the MP1 Honor Roll list. 161 Middle School students made the honor roll with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Way to go students!

Cooking Matters Class Approximately 12 middle school students participated in Cooking Matters classes after school. These classes were offered by The Teen Health Center and continued once a week for six weeks. The students displayed a lot of interest, so the classes will be offered again in the spring.

Fall SportsAll fall sports have ended and all had a very successful, winning season. We had 97 middle school students participate in our fall sports: Cross Country, Cheerleading, Football and Girls’ Basketball.

Winter SportsBoys’ Basketball practice is underway and our first game will be held at home on Thursday, November 19th. Coach Russ Woodwyk has 15 players on the 7th grade team and coach Brad Smith, 16 on the 8th grade team. We are looking forward to a great season with both teams.

page 11

Upper Elementary News TROY MORAN, PRINCIPAL

788-7500

page 12

Dress for the weatherWith the cold temperatures upon us, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the winter before they leave for school in the morning. Children will go outside unless the temperature/wind chill is zero or below. A written statement from your doctor is necessary to keep a child in for recess.

Please make sure kids have hats, gloves, boots, snow pants and coats with working zippers. If you are in need of extra clothing, we have some used coats and snow pants that have been donated to us. Please contact the office if you need assistance. Additionally, with the colder temperatures, and with the safety of our students in mind, we would just like to remind everyone that our building does not open until 7:55 a.m.

Bullying PreventionBullying prevention takes a united effort from students and adults. It also takes an individual effort. OUE showed support, hope, and unity as they stood united against bullying, and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion! Thank you Mrs. Buldoc-Brown, part-time counselor at OUE, for your guidance with this united effort.

Art teacher, Melissa Olson, took charge of Pinwheels for Peace at our Upper Elementary!

Title I Parent NightMany Oakridge families joined our Title I staff and administrators for our annual Title I Parent Night! The event was very informative and a great success.

Parents attended the following sessions:* Using Positive Behavior Supports at Home* Using RAZ kids/Moby Max* Make It/Take It Math & Literacy Station* How to Teach your Child to Read* PowerSchool/ Parent Portal* Title One Presentation

OUE Millionaire Reading Club History in the Making! Our first OUE reading millionaire for the 2015-2016 school year! Way to go Jacelyn Leiter!!!

2010-20119 Millionaires; 0 Multi-millionaires2011-201218 Millionaires; 3 Multi-millionaires2012-2013 69 Millionaires; 13 Multi-millionaires2013-2014 65 Millionaires; 17 Multi-millionaires2014-201573 Millionaires; 16 Multi-millionaires2015-2016? Millionaires; ? Multi-millionaires

The 2015 Big CrunchThanks to the cooperation of OUE’s health teacher Heidi Reister, and Chartwell’s Food Service for another successful year participating in the “Big Crunch” contest. Staff and students enjoyed the delicious apples from Gavin Orchards in Coopersville.

Curriculum NewsDioramas5th Grade Social Studies classes learened about and created Native American Dioramas.These projects were amazing, creative, artistic and informative! Students learned a ton from these projects. Eagle Shout Out to our students and teachers on a job well done!

Connecting Kids, Our Community and Career Readiness: Jeff Cook, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at locally owned and operated Eagle Alloy LLC, came to OUE with his Foundry in a Box (FIB). During this FIB demonstration, the students get to make molds by packing sand into patterns, melt tin and then pour it into the molds to make "castings" (the melting unit is a water-cooled microwave oven). The students got to talk to Jeff and his team about various careers in engineering, metal-casting and related industries!

Thank you to Mr. Cook and Eagle Alloy for making this learning experience possible!

Lower Elementary news JOANNA BENNINK, PRINCIPAL

788-7600

page 13

Illness and SchoolWHEN SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME?

Family Christmas Night

Family Christmas Night at Oakridge Lower Elementary is devoted to family togetherness and fun. Families can enjoy cookies, cocoa, crafts and visit Santa. There is no cost to families and all OLE students and their families are invited. Join us for this fun-filled night!

DATE: Thursday, December 10TIME: 5:30-7:30 pm

Calling all Readers!!

The challenge is on! The following readers are working their way to becoming a MILLIONAIRE READER.

These 2nd and 3rd grade readers have reached 200,000 WORDS:• Amaya Anderson• Landon Veldman• Faith Meyers• Tayla McCollum• Leroy Thurman

These 2nd and 3rd grade readers have reached 100,000 WORDS:• Karanda Reed• Janiah Johnson• Rylee Vanderputte• Leah Houseman• Maycen Williamsen• P.J. Wymer• Peyton Loomis• Richard Kosheba• Bryson Stephenson• Cameron Hasse• Aubrey Murray• Brody Pertner• Quintin Tennant• Aubryn Downey• Kaylee Smith• Mylie Yonkers• Morgan Peterson• Evan Miller• Shera'Nia Briggs• Grace McCauley• Michael Wambaugh• Sarah Orcutt• Jordan Sutter• Travis Masterman• Kylee Jewett• Weston DeWeerdt• Joslyn Giddings

This time of the year, communicable diseases are spread easily through the school environment. We encourage frequent hand washing and ask that your keep your child home when he/she becomes ill. Werealize that working parents are not always free to stay home with sick children, but in the best interest ofall students and staff, we ask that the following guidelines are followed:

• Colds: hacking cough or runny nose he/she shouldstay home• Fever: must remain home until fever free for 24hours without the aid of medication• Vomiting: if a student vomits during the night theymust stay home the next day• Pink Eye: student must stay home for 24 hours aftertreatment has started• Diarrhea: a child with diarrhea must be kept home• Rash: check with your doctor before sending toschool. The office may request a note from the doctor• Strep Throat: must stay home for 24 hours afterstarting antibiotic and be fever free for 24 hourswithout the aid of medication.

Golden Eagles & Community News

Thank You Soccer ClubBig "THANK YOU" to the Oakridge Soccer Club for purchasing new nets for the frames on the turf field. The old ones were on their last leg and these new nets and the velcro to attach them will give us several years of use for both varsity soccer teams.

Support our Band using ScripThe Oakridge Band Boosters are raising money with the Scrip program to help support the band. Scrip is just another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards. Scrip has over 300 popular retailers. You can purchase gas, groceries, dine out, travel and much more using scrip. Stop by Wolfies on Wednesdays from 6-8 PM to find out more. We will have many popular cards on hand such as Wesco ($50), Subway ($10), Marathon(E&A) ($25), Burger King ($10), Taco Bell ($10), Arby’s ($10), Papa Johns ($10),, Buffalo Wild Wings ($10), Pizza Hut ($10) Meijer ($25, $50, $100), Wal-Mart ($25), Target ($25) and ( $10).

Many others can be ordered with about a week turn around. Stop by the school offices to pick up an order form. Our Band concert will be December 6 at 3 pm. We will have Scrip and a table with other items for sale. Come and hear some great music and get some of your shopping done. Thank you for supporting Oakridge Band.

"OHS Band Boosters is an independent district support organization. Board policy 9211 governs the working

relationships between the Board, Administration, and any District support organization."

Golden Eagles Dinner with Santa WHEN: Monday, December 7WHERE: Oakridge Middle School Cafeteria TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 pmCOST: $3.00 per person or $15.00 for your immediate family

Dinner to include hot dog, chips, pickle, cupcake, and drink.

Come have dinner with Santa! Open to all school age children and their families. Registration forms will come home soon!

Arts & Crafts FairThe Oakridge Senior Parents are hosting the 4th annual arts/crafts/vendor show. This event will take place December 5th at the Oakridge Middle School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are vendor interested in participating; please call Ann Morgan at 231-670-4006 for more information.

Oakridge Parent ClubThe Oakridge Parent Club exists to support Oakridge Public Schools by holding fundraisers and many other events. Much of the money raised at these events provides grants for teachers. This year the Parent Club has given away over $1,000 in grants which are used by teachers and staff members to purchase items to better the education of students.

The largest fundraiser is the upcoming Spring Carnival. This year’s Spring Carnival will take place on March 12th from 1:00-5:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering at the carnival please contact Alicia Parker at 788-7672.

The Parent Club will have more exciting fundraisers and events throughout the school year. Please support the Parent Club by volunteering your time. Meetings are held the first Sunday of the month at 4:30 pm at Wolfie’s Pizza and Subs. The Parent Club would like to say thank you to the community and local businesses for their continued support. Please visit our new website for more information: oakridgepc.weebly.com.

page 14

School Bus Safety

Kids are our future, help keep them safe!

When overhead lights are flashing yellow:

PREPARE TO STOP!

When overhead lights are flashing red: STOP!

When hazard warning lights are flashing: PROCEED WITH

CAUTION.

page 15

Winter School Bus & Walking Safety Tips Walking to the Bus Stop:• Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.• Wear bright clothing so the bus/cars can see you in the early morning and late evening.• Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.

Keep bus stop area clear of snow and ice at all times.• Dress properly. Winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.• Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road

surfaces.Waiting at the Bus Stop:• Don’t play in the snow while waiting for the bus. Don’t throw snowballs at the bus, cars or anyone

else.• Don’t slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street. You could slide into the street

in the path of oncoming traffic.• Don’t push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.• Students while riding on the bus should sit down, sit back, put their hands on their lap and use

inside voices at all times.• Students should arrive at the designated bus stop 5-7 minutes prior to bus arrival time. Students

should never run after the bus. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time to get to the bus stop. As theweather gets colder, many families will want to wait inside until the bus arrives at the bus stop.Please remember, however, that the bus will not be able to wait for students to run to the bus stopfrom inside the house, garage, or parked car. This causes the bus to fall behind on the route and itforces all of the other students on the route to have to wait in the cold.

On rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions, mechanical problems, or other traffic on the roadway. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:• When possible, wait with your child for the bus.• Make sure your child knows a phone number where he/she can reach you or another adult.

Eat Breakfast at SchoolMornings can be really crazy…the alarm doesn’t go off…the kids don’t want to get up…there’s no time to eat breakfast before the bus comes…or they’re just not ready to eat. Or maybe your teenager grabs a can of soda and a candy bar on the way to school. If this sounds like your house, we have good news for you.Breakfast is served at school! School breakfast will give your child a healthy start to the day. A nutritious breakfast helps students be more alert so they can learn more in class. Breakfast has vitamins and nutrients for a strong and healthy body. Breakfast at school is affordable, too. If you qualify for free and reduced price meals, you also qualify for the breakfast program, with no additional paperwork. You can’t find a healthy breakfast at such a low cost anywhere else. Help your child start the day right with school breakfast!

Oakridge Public Schools 275 South Wolf Lake Road Muskegon, MI 49442

Non-ProfitOrg. U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMuskegon, MIPermit No. 667

POSTAL PATRON

https://www.facebook.com/OakridgePS

Visit our new website @ www.oakridgeschools.org for more information. Each building posts newsletters, announcements,

updates on athletics, photos, upcoming events and more!

page 16