OCSA Weekly Wrap - December 9, 2022

December 9, 2022

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE REMINDERS

Please be reminded that the last day of conservatory instruction for the fall semester is this coming Thursday, December 15. There will be no conservatory instruction during the last week of the fall semester, Monday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 21. See below for the bell schedule that will be in effect on these dates. On Thursday, December 22, there will be no school for students due to a Teacher Planning Day.

Bell schedule for Monday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 21:

OFFICES CLOSED DURING WINTER BREAK

Please be reminded that the Administrative and Student Services Offices will be closed during Winter Break, from Friday, December 23 to Friday, January 6.

Additionally, during Winter Break, staff and counselors will not be available to process Entertainment Work Permits, Employment Work Permits, or transcripts. The last day these items can be processed prior to break is next Friday, December 16.

ELECTIVE STEP INTO THE CLASSROOM DAY

Parents/guardians: Want to see what your student has been up to in their elective classes this fall semester? You are invited to "step into the classroom" on Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16 to view a presentation during your student’s elective block showcasing all they have learned.

Please plan to report to the Dance, Music, and Science Center (DMS) Lobby to receive your visitor badge and be given directions to the classroom.

We hope you will make arrangements to attend. The students are very excited to perform for you! Thank you for your support of the elective program at OCSA. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s elective teacher.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Hey students, get ready to jingle bell rock on 10th Street! The Winter Wonderland celebration will be held next Friday, December 16 during the long Lunch (no Office Hours will be held that day). Come on down in your ugliest holiday sweaters to enjoy the winter festivities, including face painting, hot cocoa, and cookies. We hope to see you there to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

CANDY CANE GRAMS

Students: Want to surprise your friends, teachers, or staff members with a sweet treat during the last week before Winter Break? The Arts & Enterprise Conservatory will be selling Candy Cane Grams for $2 (cash only) on Monday, December 19 and Tuesday, December 20 during Lunch on 10th Street. You pick the card and candy cane and customize the message, then the Arts & Enterprise students will do the rest! Candy Cane Grams will be delivered on Tuesday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 21 during class. They might even get delivered by our special guest, Candy Cane Carl – what better way to spread holiday cheer!

HOLIDAY CONSERVATORY CHALLENGE

Have you participated in the Holiday Conservatory Challenge yet? Our 17 incredible arts conservatories need your help to reach their funding goals for the 2022-2023 school year. All pledges and donations to the Holiday Conservatory Challenge received by Saturday, December 31 will be MATCHED, up to $500,000! Both your donation and the matching gift can be allocated to the conservatory of your choice, or to the area of greatest need.

As a bonus, the conservatory with the highest percentage of current families who contribute to the Holiday Conservatory Challenge will win an additional $10,000 from the OCSA Foundation! So far it has been a very close race between conservatories. Every gift, large or small, will make a difference, so we encourage you to give today in support of your conservatory!

Please note that contributions made to this campaign and the allocated matching dollars cannot be applied to pre-existing Conservatory Funding Agreement (CFA) pledges. For any questions, please contact Family Liaison Becky Parsons at becky.parsons@ocsarts.net or 714.560.0900 ext. 5535.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITION

Calling all eco-explorers and science fans! The science department is hosting a two-week environmental expedition to the Caribbean island of Dominica from Saturday, June 17 to Sunday, July 2. While exploring jungles and coral reefs, students will learn research techniques and collect data used to protect the island. The expedition will include camping, hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, along with a stay in an 18th century fort! While earning college credit, students will get the opportunity to study birds, butterflies, bats, lizards, volcanoes, frogs, fish, and whales. The deadline to join the trip is Friday, December 23. Click here to join today!

For more information, please visit this link or email Biology Teacher Chris Chong at chris.chong@ocsarts.net with any questions.

GALA 2023 AUDITIONS FOR SPECIALTY ACTS

Calling students from all grades and conservatories: Gala auditions for specialty acts will be held on Thursday, January 12! This year’s Gala will include roller skaters and a DJ/host. If you are interested in auditioning for one of these special roles, please be sure to sign up for an audition time by Wednesday, January 11 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to complete your application. For more information, please visit www.ocsarts.net/GalaAudition.

Gala 2023 will take place on Saturday, April 29 at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. Gala is the school's largest fundraising event of the year – don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this spectacular show!

For any questions, please contact MONTAGE! Dance Captains/Facilitators Jacob Piattoni at jacob.piattoni@ocsarts.net and Julia Rudge at julia.rudge@ocsarts.net.

DRAGON KIM FELLOWSHIP

High school students: Applications are currently open for the Dragon Kim Fellowship, an exciting program that provides up to $5,000 in grant funding for service projects! Apply for the chance to gain leadership experience, network with high school students across the Southwest, and launch your own project.

You’re invited to attend virtual Inspiration Sessions to learn more about the Fellowship Program and work in small groups with Fellowship alumni. Click here to register for an Inspiration Session. Attendance at an Inspiration Session is not required to apply, so if you’re ready, click here to submit your application! The deadline to apply for a Dragon Kim Fellowship is Monday, January 9.

PRE-ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY

If you have not done so already, be sure to purchase your yearbook by Friday, January 13! After this deadline, prices will go up and limited copies will be available. We have sold out of yearbooks in the past, and it's very likely we will again. Order through MySchoolBucks today to guarantee your copy! If your family qualifies for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP), a discount is available.

SENIOR YEARBOOK INFORMATION

The deadline for seniors to submit their required yearbook information is fast approaching! Please submit all senior portraits, baby photos, and quotes through the Google Form by Friday, January 13. This information is being collected for yearbook and graduation slideshow purposes. No submissions will be accepted after the deadline. If you have any questions, please refer to the Senior Yearbook Information flyer.

Additionally, senior ads in the yearbook are a special way to congratulate your child on their final year of high school or for seniors to celebrate their years at OCSA with friends and peers! Full page, half page, and quarter page ads are available for purchase until Friday, January 13. Please click here to design and purchase a senior ad on the Yearbook Order Center website (use order number 40412). As these ads are accepted on a space-available basis, plan ahead to make sure your student is included! If you have any questions, please review the Senior Ad Information flyer.

HEALTH & SAFETY REMINDERS

The health and safety of our students, staff, and community remain at the forefront of our efforts. OCSA will continue to follow all guidance set by the California Department of Public Health. At this time, mask wearing on the OCSA campus is optional. Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are exhibiting symptoms should remain at home and fill out the COVID-19 Reporting Form. For more information on OCSA’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, please click here.