Please be reminded that the school will be closed next Friday, February 17, in observance of Presidents’ Day. The school will also be closed the following Monday, February 20. We hope you enjoy the upcoming long weekend! 

Additionally, there will be no conservatory this coming Thursday, February 16 for a Conservatory Professional Development Day. School will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. on this day.

Juniors and sophomores: Are you worried about college? Are you planning on majoring in an artistic or creative field and don’t know where to start your research? OCSA alum and former Musical Theatre Conservatory Director Mr. Scott Barnhardt is coming to Michael F. Harrah Symphony Hall on Monday, March 6 at 6 p.m. as an Artist In Residence through the Master Artist Series to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges faced by creative college applicants. Please click here to RSVP for this informative workshop. Both students and their parents/guardians are welcome. 

Mr. Barnhardt has developed his business, The Creative College Journey, specifically to help families with arts applicants walk through the college admissions process with more clarity, enjoyment, and knowledge. This workshop is geared towards students who plan on applying for any creative arts major, such as acting, musical theatre, music, film, dance, and creative writing, as well as students hoping to bridge their artistic interests with their academic pursuits.

Topics will include:

• Goal setting
• Building YOUR college “wish list”
• How to specify and diversify your college list 
• Application timelines
• Family tactics on how to discuss post-high school plans
• Ways to lower stress and raise enjoyment of your senior year
• Q&A to answer your burning questions!

Attention students in all conservatories and grade levels: Are you interested in having your design skills showcased on a limited-edition OCSA apparel item? We are currently accepting student design submissions to be featured on the front of a t-shirt or sweatshirt in an upcoming schoolwide sale. Don’t miss your chance to create a new spirit look that all your peers can be proud of, including our newest group of OCSA students being admitted this spring!

To be considered, please be sure to submit your design through this form by Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. Be sure to review and follow all design guidelines listed on the Google form.

Design finalists will be shared on the @WeAreOCSA Instagram account so our OCSA community can vote and determine the winning design! Stay tuned for information on how and when to vote. If you have any questions about this student design contest, please email communications@ocsarts.net. Good luck and happy designing!

PSO is currently running their annual student planner design contest! All OCSA students are invited to submit a design for the front and back cover of the 2023-2024 Student Planner. Submissions will be accepted until Friday, February 24, and the winning cover will be selected by vote of the OCSA student body in March. The winner will receive a $300 cash award and be featured on the 2023-2024 Student Planner debuting next fall during On-Campus Registration.

For more details and to enter, students should visit this form. Be sure to review and follow all design guidelines listed on the Google form.

If you have not yet registered for AP exams, late AP exam registration will continue to be available until Tuesday, February 28. There will be an additional $40 fee for late registration. Click here to register and pay for AP exams. When ordering, we highly encourage both student and parent to be present to ensure that the correct exams are ordered. Please print and save your emailed receipt of payment for your records, as students may need it for future reference. All students currently enrolled in an AP class at OCSA are eligible to take the corresponding AP exam. Students are encouraged to register and pay only for those exams they are committed to taking.

2023 AP exams are scheduled to be administered over two weeks in May: Monday, May 1 - Friday, May 5 and Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12. You may find the full AP testing schedule here. More information about AP exams can be found on our website at www.ocsarts.net/APHonors.

Seal of Biliteracy

Applications are now open for seniors for the California State Seal of Biliteracy. Seniors who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more world languages (in addition to English) have the opportunity to have the Seal of Biliteracy affixed to their diploma. Please be sure to click here to view the requirements and complete the application by Friday, February 24 at 11:59 p.m. in order to be considered for this recognition. No late applications will be accepted. Please direct any questions to student.services@ocsarts.net.

FAFSA Priority Deadline

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for the state of California is Thursday, March 2. As of this school year, all seniors are mandated by the state of California to complete the FAFSA, unless they complete an opt-out form. To complete your application, please click here. For more information about the opt-out form, please see your counselor in The Dhanidina Family Student Services Office.

Transcripts

Need to order transcripts for scholarships or summer programs? Order on MySchoolBucks and indicate where it should be sent or if you would like to pick up a sealed copy in The Dhanidina Family Student Services Office.

Senior Class Panoramic Picture

The senior class panoramic picture will be taken on Wednesday, March 22 at 10:45 a.m. on the Annex blacktop.

Please note that more detailed graduation information will be emailed soon. Please refer to the Senior Bulletin or the senior page on our website at www.ocsarts.net/12thGrade for senior information and links.