Principal Updates - Week of May 11

Be sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/OaktonHS), Twitter (@OaktonHS), and Instagram @oaktonhs!  Visit our Oakton Accolades page to see our latest student accomplishments.  

Important Dates 

May 25: Memorial Day 

May 29: Last Day for Seniors 

June 12: Last Day for Underclassmen 

Renovation Update

Work continues daily at Oakton High School.  Our main office furniture continues to be installed this week.  I hope to send out pictures by the end of this week!  The preparation for the second addition continues in Parking Lot 1.  Additionally, work is going along well in the auxiliary gym and is almost ready to get underway in the theatre. 

Please visit our website for more information on the scope of the renovation and the renderings of what the building will look like when completed. 

Distance Learning Schedule

General Information  

Distance Learning Updates/Resources

We have fielded some questions from parents about how you could check on your student’s overall engagement during distance learning.  We wanted to share a few things that teachers have reported that are important to note.  

  • Teachers are taking attendance for their virtual sessions.  If you see a VSN code (Virtual Synchronous Nonparticipant), that indicates that your child was not in their session(s).  However, we are getting reports that some students are logging in and then seemingly walking away from their computers.  They are not responding at any point throughout the lesson, despite direct prompts for even nonverbal responses.  Teachers are trying to make communication with families in these instances.  We are following up first with students that have not logged into class sessions to date.  
  • The gradebook can now be viewed in ParentVue and StudentVue for distance learning feedback. Teachers will be entering in feedback marks of Proficient, Attempted, and Not Attempted.  This will help you stay connected and see what work your students are turning in.  
  • If you would like additional information on your child’s participation since distance learning began, please reach out to the teachers for more feedback.  
  • Important resources regarding the distance learning plan can be found here.   
  • All school closure resources for Oakton High School can be found here.  
  • All school closure updates and resources for FCPS can be found here.  
  • To better keep in touch with students during this time, information will routinely be posted on the Class level google classrooms.  

Student Item Pick-up

Late last week we were provided with guidelines for us to begin preparing for student item pick-up, recognizing that students left some of their personal belongings in the building prior to the closure.  We will start with organizing a pick-up for student medications.  Families who have student medications in the clinic will be contacted directly to arrange a pick-up of medication.  Then, we will move into student item pick-up, detailed information will be provided in the coming weeks.  All student item pick-up opportunities will be curbside only, and will be planned for towards the end of May and early June.  

AP Testing Updates

Monday, May 11 was the start of AP testing. We want to make sure all students are ready for their exams and are prepared to be successful. Our website has been updated to ensure that everyone is ready for their exams.  

We have prepared an FAQ slide show to answer questions you might have about testing this year. All of this information can also be found on Oakton’s AP testing page. If you are not able to attend your scheduled exam, please contact Ms. Warehime at kjwarehime@fcps.edu.

Spring Cougar Commendations

It’s time for Spring Cougar Commendations. Teachers are in the process of nominating students to be recognized for their achievements in one of the five Fairfax County Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Nominated students will be recognized at a virtual ceremony later this month. In addition, we also have Faculty Cougar Commendations to recognize OHS faculty/staff for their hard work, passion, and innovation. Parents are invited to use this nomination form to recognize a faculty/staff member for their dedication. All nominations are due by Friday, May 15. Faculty members will be recognized at a virtual staff meeting. It means so much to our faculty and staff to know that you notice their efforts. Please contact Margaret Moran (memoran@fcps.edu) or Sara Dornauer (sadornauer@fcps.edu) with questions.

Yearbook Sales

Yes, we will still have our yearbooks this year!  Our printing was slightly delayed due to the printer being closed.  However, we are on track to have our yearbooks delivered middle to late June.  The yearbook is still on sale for $82! This is a year you won't want to miss, so get your copy now! Visit our website to get yours today! Please purchase a yearbook to remember how the Oakton community came together as a community during this time of need. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at OHSParagon@gmail.com.

 

Interdisciplinary Program Updates (Presentations or Learning) 

The 2019-2020 has been an unprecedented experience for Oakton students and teachers encompassing both a traditional classroom setting, as well as, distance learning during the second semester. This year, instead of our traditional end of year “Presentations of Learning,” we are asking students to complete a Reflection on Learning. These Reflections on Learning will be personalized, reflective virtual presentations through which students will utilize their skills of self-awareness, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and citizenship. 

These will be optional activities that students can use to receive feedback on their expression of these reflections and skills. Oakton students and teachers value end of the year reflection and this project is a way to preserve this important aspect of Oakton’s culture during the 2019-2020 school year.

Oakton students will be given the opportunity to answer a question that is designed to promote thoughtful reflection. Seniors will reflect on how their learning has developed throughout their High School experience. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will reflect on their learning specifically in the 2019-2020 school year.

More information about Reflections on Learning can be found on our website

Underclassmen RoLSenior RoL

Class of 2020 Information 

Senior Survey

SENIORS – Each year, FCPS seniors complete a brief, 8-question survey at the end of their Senior year. The survey is online in Naviance Student and usually takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. This is how Student Services sends the final transcript to the college you are attending.  If you are pursuing employment, military service, career education, a year off, etc., this is how we celebrate you! 

Class of 2020 Teacher Award 

The Class of 2019 began the tradition of awarding a class award to one teacher that made the greatest impact on members of the senior class. Seniors are asked to answer the following question:  Which teacher has had the greatest impact on your life and your experience at Oakton High School over the past four years?  

Seniors can nominate a teacher by logging into the Class of 2020 Google Classroom.  

Yearbook Teacher Shout Out 

Seniors! Do you want to get the chance to say goodbye to some of your teachers? It’s important to show appreciation to your teachers for adapting their curriculum to online learning. Send one of your teachers a shout out in the Yearbook to say "thanks" for the last four years. Go to https://forms.gle/iypa11z2qBYjhamu9 to submit your message today! Submissions will close on Thursday, May 14. 

The Center - Student Tutors

The Center is open for business!  Our student tutors are ready to help any student in any subject.  Students who would like to schedule a tutoring session should scan the QR code below.  This flyer will also be posted in grade level google classrooms for students to access.  

 

The Center

PTSA News and Information

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.  It was a beautiful day and it's so nice to see the flowers blooming, even though the pollen count is making everyone sneeze!! 

  • May PTSA Meeting - Our next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday, May 19 at 7pm online LIVE! Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a PTSA member to join us. We will have election results and another great speaker for that night! Details will be mailed out later this week.
  • Exec Board for 2020-21 - We have a slate of officers (minus a treasurer) and electronic voting details will be sent out later this week.  Here are your nominated officers:
    • President:  Monique Roberts-Rabil
    • Vice President:  Afrika Bell Kathuria 
    • Secretary:  Kumar Pappu
    • Treasurer:  -- OPEN --
  • We need a Treasurer - We cannot have a PTSA without a treasurer.  Read about the responsibilities HERE.  Nominations accepted through Wednesday, May 13th for a Treasurer. Please fill out this form with your interest.
  • Return to Learn Questionnaire Results - FCCPTA sent out a questionnaire for planning “back to school” during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The final results can be found HERE!

Be safe everyone and see you for our last PTSA meeting of the year!!

 

Parent Resources

FCPS has compiled a list of mental health resources that you may find beneficial.  Each week I will highlight a few of the opportunities available. However all of the resources can be accessed here at any time.  Mental health resources and emergency services information can be found here.  

FCPS Cares

Do you know an Oakton High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected?  If so, then click here to share with everyone. 

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