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  • Oak Park Weekly May 30 2023 - Reminders, Message fr...

    Oak Park Unified School District Newsletter   | May 30, 2023       In this issue  Reminder today, May 30 - Law enforcement training at OPHS - Campus closed Reminder to take the LCAP Follow-up survey  End-of-year message from the Superintendent May Board Meeting Summary  Math Olympiad - OHES and BES Teams Shine  Summer Enrichment Resources Summer Reading with LA and Ventura County Libraries  Class of 2023 Acceptances  End-of-Year Culminations and Graduations Luc Bodden Day and Luc Strong Foundation This is the last issue of this school year. Please look out for updates for the upcoming school year during the summer. The first day of the  2023-2024 school year  is August 8th.   REMINDER LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING AT OPHS TODAY, MAY 30, FROM 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM As part of the ongoing training for the case of an active assailant or other emergencies in our community or at one of our schools, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department is holding a multi-agency training at OPHS today, Tuesday, May 30 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  There will be a significant presence of emergency personnel and vehicles on and around the site.  OPHS Campus is closed to visitors today (Tuesday, May 30). Please help us spread the word.  Between 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm, "live" drills will take place that will have simulated gunfire (these will be paintball-type weapons). There will certainly be sounds such as "gunfire," shouting, and possibly sirens, which will all be part of the "live" simulation.  For more details, read the  full notice here.   LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LCAP AND TAKE THE FOLLOW-UP SURVEY   The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is critical to California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). It is a three-year, district-level plan that is updated annually. 2023-2024 is the third and final year of the 2021-2024 OPUSD LCAP. The plan describes the school district's key goals for all students, the specific actions (with expenditures) the District will take to achieve the goals, and the means (metrics) used to measure progress. The actions and services must be aligned with the district's spending plan and address state and local priorities. Learn more about the LCAP and view the educational partners' survey results  here.   We are looking for follow-up information on priorities identified by the educational partners in the LCAP survey. Please take a few minutes to respond to these follow-up questions in this short  follow-up survey . The survey will close on May 31, 2023.    END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Dear OPUSD Staff, Students, and Families, With the 2022-2023 academic year coming to a close, I'm filled with deep gratitude and pride. This year, more than ever, has demonstrated the resilience, spirit, and determination that define the Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD). Our students shone brightly, leveraging opportunities to amplify their growth. The vibrancy of classroom activities, the victories in many competitions, the brilliant displays of art, the perseverance shown in sports, and the harmony in our musical performances encapsulate the OPUSD spirit. We stood strong amidst adversity, particularly in the painful loss of a cherished staff member. We held each other up, adapted, and created safer routines, ensuring our district remained a thriving environment for our students. A special congratulations to the Class of 2023. Your accomplishments stand as a testament to our district's strength. Carry the lessons and experiences you've gained here into your future, and continue to nurture your passion for learning. The dedication of our teachers and staff, along with the bright minds of our students, are the engines of OPUSD's excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent, and I appreciate the commitment and hard work shown by our students and staff.  Our heartfelt thanks go to the OPUSD families. Your steadfast support and trust are foundational to our success. We are privileged to join you in guiding your children on their educational journey, who inspire us daily with their intelligence, talent, and kindness. Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 school year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing student safety, achievement, and relationships. We will work to broaden and enhance learning opportunities, continue to provide exemplary co-curricular and extracurricular programs for our students, champion educational equity, and cultivate an inclusive culture. Our continued efforts will center around fostering social-emotional learning and delivering high-quality instruction, thus preparing our students for a successful future. On behalf of the OPUSD Board of Education, thank you for your unwavering support throughout this challenging yet rewarding year. We are grateful for your partnership and eagerly anticipate the promising journey and opportunities it will bring. I wish you a peaceful and refreshing summer.  With gratitude,  Dr. Jeff Davis Superintendent, OPUSD MAY BOARD EDUCATION MEETING SUMMARY The Board of Education held its regular meeting on May 16, 2023. Here are the key highlights from our recent board meeting: Partners in Education Award:  We celebrated the outstanding volunteer contributions of Amy Theaker, outgoing Brookside PTA President, and Amanda Fox, outgoing Oak Hills PTA President, by presenting them with the Partners in Education Award. Their dedication and support have made a significant impact on our district. New Principal Announcement:  Dr. Davis introduced Heather Sloan as the new Principal of Oak Hills Elementary School. With 26 years of teaching experience at Oak Hills, Heather's appointment as Principal was unanimously approved at the April 25th meeting. Recognition for Erik Warren:  The Board and Dr. Davis acknowledged Erik Warren for his 13 years of exceptional service as Principal of Oak Hills. Heather Sloan and Stewart McGugan also appreciated and thanked Erik for his dedication and commitment. Annual Report from Diversity and Equity Task Force:  Brad Benioff, Director of Student Support and School Safety, along with DETF Coordinators Michelle Cass, Vanessa Heller, and Susan Allen, presented the end-of-year update on the collaborative work of the Diversity and Equity Task Force (DETF), as required by Board Policy 0415. Consent Agenda:  The Board approved various items on the consent agenda, including minutes of previous meetings, personnel changes, purchase orders, attendance reports, out-of-state trips, disposal of obsolete materials, and calendar revisions. The instructional Calendar for the upcoming school year was revised for the fall elementary teacher prep and conference days to move closer to the first trimester reporting period. You can access the revised Calendar on the district website and at this  link.   Action Items:  Several action items were approved, including School Plans for Student Achievement, updates to the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan, instructional materials for health and chemistry courses, and agreements for extended care staffing services and technology equipment. New Positions Established:  The Board approved the establishment of new positions, including Lead Nutrition Services Assistant, Math Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), and Career Technical Education/Categorical Programs TOSA, with associated job descriptions. Policy Amendment:  Board Policy 0460 was amended to establish a Student Advisory Committee (SAC) to augment the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) public review and input process. These are just some of the highlights from our recent board meeting. You can read the meeting notes for more details at this  LINK .   The Board will hold a special meeting on June 13 for the LCAP and Budget Public Hearings. At the June 20th regular meeting, the Board is expected to adopt the LCAP and Budget for the 2023-2024 school year. Both meetings will begin at 6:00 pm and will be held at Oak Park High School, Room G9, and the agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance  HERE .    MATH OLYMPIAD - OHES AND BES TEAMS SHINE   We are excited to announce the outstanding achievements of our Oak Hills and Brookside students in this year's Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMSⓇ). Since 1979, MOEMSⓇ has been challenging and inspiring students with thought-provoking mathematical problems to strengthen their skills. This year, participants worldwide, including Oak Hills and Brookside students, showcased their mathematical prowess. Let's start by recognizing the exceptional performance of Brookside's participants. The following students from Brookside were recognized for their remarkable achievement in scoring in the top 10% of the contest: Sashreek Das Alisha Korada Advhik Venkat Aman Patil Jake Graves In addition, we are thrilled to announce that Charlie Huang from Brookside achieved an outstanding score in the top 2% and secured first place! Our students' dedication and mathematical talent are truly commendable. The Brookside team also received two honors for being in the Top 20% of all participating schools. What a fantastic accomplishment! Moving on to Oak Hills, we proudly acknowledge the following students for their remarkable performance in scoring in the top 10% of the contest: Ayan Agarwal Umesh Chappidi Ayush Ghosh Anisha Jena Lucas Li Bryan Wat But the achievements don't stop there! Smrithi Vinod from Oak Hills demonstrated exceptional mathematical skills, scoring within the top 2% and earning a gold pin. The Oak Hills team achieved great success, earning a spot on the MOEMSⓇ Honor Roll by scoring within the top 10% of all participating schools.  The Oak Hills fifth-grade team also received the prestigious Meritorious Achievement Award for scoring in the top 20% of all participating fifth-grade level teams. Their dedication and teamwork are truly admirable. Mrs. Jessica Jimenez, Sara Rosenblum, and Lisa Baker, we cannot thank you enough for your invaluable contributions to our students' mathematical journey. Your passion for teaching, mentorship, and belief in our students have left an indelible mark on their lives. Congratulations to all the Math Olympians for their remarkable achievements! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, perseverance, and passion for mathematics.  VENTURA AND LA COUNTY LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM Ventura County Library's "Find your voice!" summer reading challenge is officially underway! Starting from May 15 to August 4, children, teens, and adults can participate in this exciting challenge. The library has organized a range of free activities to inspire and support a love for reading. As you embark on this reading adventure, you can log the minutes you read to earn badges. For every 100 minutes logged, you will also have the chance to enter their prize drawing. The more minutes you read, the more chances you have to win! Register yourself or a family member and dive into the joy of reading. Discover more about the challenge at:   Ventura County Library Summer Reading Challenge or  visit   https://www.vencolibrary.org/   (Note: The website appears to be down this morning; please check again later.). In LA County, get ready for the upcoming Summer Reading Challenge launching on June 5! Earn badges for reading and completing fun, learning-based activities. Register online or in person and collect participation prizes. For every hour of reading, you'll earn one badge. Additionally, completing an activity will earn you another badge. Reach a milestone of 15 badges, and you'll be entered into both branch and grand prize drawings! Track your progress conveniently online at   lapl.org/summer  or using the Beanstack Tracker mobile app. You can even download and print a gameboard to keep track of your accomplishments. Remember, the library is an incredible place to explore and enjoy, particularly during the summer months when children are on break. It offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, reading, and fun, catering to the entire family. Studies consistently demonstrate that the amount of time children spend reading outside of school directly correlates with improved reading achievement. Access to books and reading materials is closely linked to higher reading proficiency. So, don't miss out on the excitement and benefits of the summer reading challenges at Ventura County Library and LA County Library! Dive into captivating stories, explore new worlds, and make reading an enriching part of your summer. Happy reading! SUMMER ENRICHMENT RESOURCES   As the summer break begins, we want to remind our students and families about the importance of balancing outdoor activities and quality time together while nurturing continued learning. To support your child's educational growth and preparation for the upcoming school year, we are excited to introduce the  OPUSD Summer Enrichment Resources . Our dedicated Educational Services team has carefully curated a collection of resources designed to engage and enrich Elementary, Middle, and High School students. These resources can be accessed through the links provided on our District and school websites or the link above. We encourage you to explore the Elementary and Secondary Enrichment Resources for diverse programs and opportunities. Within this collection, you will find various free enrichment learning resources catering to various subjects and interests. Whether your child is eager to indulge in the joy of reading, explore fascinating topics they are curious about, or strengthen their understanding in specific areas, these resources support their learning journey. Most of these resources do not require a login, ensuring easy access for all. We are committed to continuously updating this list as we discover additional valuable resources throughout the summer. We aim to provide ongoing support to students and families, helping them make the most of this season of growth and exploration. We hope you and your family thoroughly enjoy exploring these enriching resources and have a fantastic summer! Let the journey of discovery and learning begin! SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPASSIONATE AND CREATIVE CITIZENS AWARDS 2023 We are thrilled to announce the introduction of the Superintendent's Compassionate and Creative Citizens Awards, a new tradition to formally recognize and celebrate the exceptional students who have made a significant difference in their school, local community, and beyond. These awards highlight our students' incredible impact on their fellow students, staff, and the world around them. This year, we presented these prestigious awards to outstanding students across different grade levels. One student from each 5th-grade class at our elementary schools was honored, and four students from MCMS and OPHS at the 8th and 12th-grade levels. Additionally, one award was given to an 8th-grade and 12th-grade OPIS student and another to a 12th-grade OVHS student. These remarkable students were nominated by staff and administrators and were selected by the Superintendent. The students were nominated based on a wide range of criteria, including their advocacy for student voices, contributions to the OPUSD community through collaboration, compassion, and support, outstanding leadership qualities, and impactful volunteer work, projects, or scholarly research. These students have also championed inclusivity, diversity, and environmental stewardship and have inspired others through their achievements, resilience, and positive impact on others. On May 17th, a special board meeting was held on the Great Lawn at OPHS, where the 2023 student awards were presented. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following remarkable students who have been recognized as Compassionate and Creative Citizens: Their exemplary character, leadership, integrity, responsibility, and dedication to kindness, inclusion, and compassion have set them apart. They have become beacons of inspiration for their peers and have made a lasting impact on our community. We are immensely proud of these outstanding students and commend them for their exceptional achievements. Their compassion, creativity, and dedication to making a positive difference testify to the values we uphold in our district. Congratulations again to all the Superintendent's Compassionate and Creative Citizens Awards recipients. Your contributions and impact will continue to inspire and uplift others. COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR OPUSD CLASS OF 2023 CONGRATULATIONS, OPUSD CLASS OF 2023 LUC BODDEN DAY AND LUC STRONG FOUNDATION Every year on September 14th, the community of Oak Park celebrates and honors the legacy of Luc Bodden with Luc Bodden Day as designated by the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council. Luc was born with sickle cell disease and fought valiantly with his family by his side for ten years. Luc was a student at Red Oak Elementary School.   On September 14, 2016, Luc passed, leaving a legacy of hope behind. If you knew Luc, you couldn't help but be impressed by his strength of spirit and faith, infectious smile and attitude, and love of people, sports, and the world around him. Learn more about Luc and the Luc Strong Foundation at  https://www.lucstrong.org/ . Please see the information below about Luc Strong Foundation's Annual Kickball fundraiser.   Oak Park Weekly is a newsletter that helps connect families, staff, students, and the community to our schools. We will share information on events, successes, reminders, and content to help keep you in the loop and excited about what's to come. We hope you enjoy exploring the information and links below, and we look forward to staying connected with you.  The Communications Coordinator, Ragini Aggarwal, is a trusted resource for schools, students, families, staff, and community members. If you want to share a story of interest or have a question or suggestion, we want to hear from you! Please contact our Communication Coordinator for questions and information at raggarwal@opusd.org. In case you missed any of the previous editions of the Oak Park Weekly, you can find them on this  page on our website : Follow us on social media @OakParkUSD          

    Tuesday, May 30 2023

  • Notice of Multi-agency Law Enforcement Training at O...

    Notice of Law Enforcement Training Event:  A multi-agency training for emergency response for first responders  Date:   Tuesday, May 30, 2023 Time:  Approximately 8:30 am - 5:00 pm   Location:  Oak Park High School, 899 Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377 As part of the ongoing training for the case of an active assailant or other emergencies in our community or at one of our schools, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department is coordinating a multi-agency (adjacent County law enforcement, fire, paramedics, and school district) event that will take place at Oak Park High School on Tuesday, May 30. The training exercise is designed to gather first responders from different agencies to deliberate their role and response before, during, and after an emergency. This multi-agency exercise will simulate an active assailant incident, aiming to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response and recovery in the event of a major incident.  Invited agencies will audit this event, but it is  not open to the public .  We are notifying the Oak Park and OPUSD community to prevent any concerns arising from the law enforcement presence and training drills on Tuesday.  Please note the following: Oak Park High School will be closed off to all visitors and staff from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, including all fields, unless specifically arranged with the school. Signs will be posted around the school on May 30 (training day) to inform and remind members of the public that the campus is closed for law enforcement training. There will be a significant presence of emergency personnel and vehicles on and around the site. Between  12:30 pm and 5:00 pm , “live” drills will take place that will have simulated gunfire (these will be paintball-type weapons). There will certainly be sounds such as “gunfire, " shouting, and possibly sirens, which will all be part of the “live” simulation.   If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Brad Benioff, Oak Park Unified School District Director of Student Support and School Safety, at:  bbenioff@opusd.org  or 818-735-3283. 

    Thursday, May 25 2023

  • OPUSD Educational Partner LCAP Survey Results and Fo...

    The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is critical to California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). It is a three-year, district-level plan that is updated annually. 2023-2024 is the third and final year of the 2021-2024 OPUSD LCAP. The plan describes the school district's key goals for all students, the specific actions (with expenditures) the District will take to achieve the goals, and the means (metrics) used to measure progress. The actions and services must be aligned with the district's spending plan and address state and local priorities.  The LCAP must identify annual goals and specific actions and measure progress for student groups across multiple performance indicators, including student academic achievement, school climate, access to a broad curriculum, and parent engagement.  This infographic helps explain the LCAP process.   EDUCATIONAL PARTNER ENGAGEMENT One key aspect of the LCAP process is the engagement of all educational partners, including staff, parents/guardians, and students. While the OPUSD LCAP is written to support all students, the State requires that the actions and services are principally directed to meet the needs of English Learners, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students, and Foster Youth. As such, parents representing these student groups are included in the LCAP Parent Advisory Committee to provide ongoing input into the development of the LCAP.  LCAP SURVEY RESULTS The district sent out a survey to all educational partners in February, and the  survey results   were shared at the April 25, 2023, Board meeting.  Altogether 2,837 members of the OPUSD community (787 parents/guardians, 1794 students, and 256 staff) responded to questions in this year's survey.       LCAP GOALS AND FOCUS AREAS   The survey requested feedback on  Programs/services of the greatest importance School Climate  Preferred means of communication (family survey only)  Parents/guardians identified STEAM, academic support, and access to rigorous courses as their top priorities. Students' top priorities included extracurricular activities, access to rigorous courses, and STEAM. The staff's top priorities were the Climate of Care, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and School Safety.  District staff is using the priorities identified by our educational partners to create the 2023-2024 draft OPUSD LCAP.  In the school climate responses, there was a strong emphasis on increasing school connectedness, upgrading school facilities, and increasing cleanliness and upkeep of student restrooms. The goals, actions, and services outlined in the proposed 2023-2024 LCAP will be closely aligned with the priorities of these educational partner groups.  The Board of Education will hold a public hearing at a special meeting on June 13th at 6:00 pm at Oak Park High School, Presentation Room G9, to review the draft LCAP and proposed Budget. At the June 20th regular Board meeting at OPHS in Room G9 at 6:00 pm, the Board will be requested to approve the LCAP and Budget for the 2023-2024 school year. FOLLOW-UP SURVEY  We are looking for follow-up information on priorities identified by the educational partners in the LCAP survey. Please take a few minutes to respond to these follow-up questions in this short  follow-up survey . The survey will close on May 31, 2023.   The infographic below highlights the 2021-2024 OPUSD LCAP goals and continuing actions.  LINKS IN THIS MESSAGE LCAP SURVEY RESULTS PRESENTATION LCAP FOLLOW-UP SURVEY  - Closes May 31, 2023 [Wednesday, May 31 at 8:43 AM] Good morning. This is a friendly reminder that the LCAP Follow-up survey closes today. It takes less than a minute to complete. We value and appreciate your feedback!

    Wednesday, May 24 2023

  • Oak Park Weekly May 14, 2023 - Board Meeting Summar...

    Oak Park Unified School District Newsletter   | May 14, 2023          In this Issue   Board Meeting Summary  VC AT Plan Demonstration Project  OPIS Student Service Project Help Us Rename Our Preschool  OPHS Athletics Year in Review  Music Program at MCMS and OPHS Honoring our Retirees Commemorations -  Diversity, Heritage, & Mental Health Art Calendar Contest IMPORTANT DATES 5/16 - Board Meeting, OPHS G9 at 6:00 pm  5/17 - Special Board Meeting - Superintendent’s Awards and Retirement Reception 5/18 - OPIS 8th Grade Culmination at 10:00 am  5/24 - MCMS 8th Grade Culmination begins at 6:00 pm (OPHS Stadium)  5/25 - OPHS/OPIS Graduation begins at 6:00 pm (OPHS Stadium)  5/26 - BES 5th Grade Culmination at 8:30 am  5/26 - ROES 5th Grade Culmination at 8:45 am 5/26 - OHES 5th Grade Culmination at 8:45 am 5.26 - OVHS 12th Grade Graduation at 5:00 pm  BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING NOTES AND UPCOMING MEETING The Board of Education held its regular meeting on April 25, 2023. You can read the meeting notes for more details at this  LINK . Board Meeting Agendas, Minutes, Summaries, and Live Stream links (only regular meetings are live streamed) for the 2022-2023 school year are posted on our website at  www.opusd.org/Page/10981 . The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Oak Park High School, Room G9, and the agenda is posted  HERE .   ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT IN OUR COMMUNITY! The County of Ventura is developing an Active Transportation Plan (AT Plan) that will serve as a roadmap for implementing pedestrian and bicyclist facilities within the County’s unincorporated communities. The AT Plan builds upon existing planning efforts to create a safe and convenient active transportation network that connects more people with jobs, goods, services, and public transit networks without the use of a car. Ventura County’s 2040 General Plan highlighted the need for the Ventura County AT Plan to help achieve larger Countywide goals of improving public health and reducing environmental impacts from vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Beginning tomorrow, Monday, May 15, the County will be demonstrating pedestrian and bicycle improvements based on recommendations in the Active Transportation Plan at the intersection of Kanan Road and Doubletree Road in front of Oak Park High School. This demonstration is to show the community how these improvements may enhance walking and biking in your community and to spread the word about the Active Transportation Plan’s other recommendations throughout the County. The demonstration will include curb extensions at the intersection of Doubletree Road and Kanan Road and painted bike lane buffers on the existing bike lanes on the north side of Kanan Road. This demonstration will remove two parking spaces on Kanan Road and should have minimal impact on school traffic since the demonstrations will begin after 8:30 am and will end before 2:30 pm.  The demonstrations will be installed the week of May 15, 2023 and will remain for about 1 month. During this time, the county wants to hear from you! What is working and what is not? Would you like to see more of these improvements in the County? You can provide your input by visiting their website. There will also be a pop-up event at the demonstration site where you can provide your feedback.   To learn more about the project and to provide your input, go to  atplan.vcpublicworks.org/input . The map below shows the impacted areas.  Although we do not anticipate a significant impact on the traffic, we request that you please plan and leave a little early for drop off and pick up at Medea and Oak Park High School from tomorrow until June 15th. OPIS STUDENTS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY On May 9th, OPIS OSB and National Honor Society student members hosted the annual service learning event at Casa Pacifica.  They planned an event filled with arts and crafts, sweet treats, and lots of laughs. This annual tradition at OPIS is a great way of giving back to the community and is enjoyed by all.  Here are some photos from the event.   HELP US RENAME OUR PRESCHOOL   For more than twenty years, Oak Park Neighborhood School (OPNS) has served preschoolers in a high-quality, Reggio-inspired preschool program. OPNS was established in August 2002 through a joint collaboration between Oak Park Neighborhood for Learning and Oak Park Unified School District through subsidy funding from Ventura County Children and Families First Commission (First 5.) The district was notified in March 2019 that the First 5 Ventura County funding would end on June 30, 2021.   Because OPNS no longer receives funding from First 5, the “neighborhood” aspect of the name is no longer relevant. We are proposing changing the name of the school so that it is easy for prospective families to know that it is a preschool. Additionally, with the expansion of Transition Kindergarten (TK)-eligible students, staff feels it is more important than ever to differentiate that the District also offers a high-quality preschool program.   At its April 25, 2023 meeting, the renaming request was presented to the OPUSD Board of Education, who recommended that we seek input pursuant to our  Board Policy 7310 Naming of School or Facility . The OPUSD Preschool Naming Committee is seeking input for potential names for the preschool.    Please provide your input by completing  this survey  by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023. This is an anonymous voluntary survey, and your responses will be kept confidential.  The committee will review the input and present the results and recommendations to the Board of Education at the June 20, 2023 meeting.  Thank you so much for providing input to our renaming process! Survey Link -  Help us rename our preschoo l   A YEAR IN REVIEW: CELEBRATING OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS As we reflect on the past school year at Oak Park High School, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to our outstanding student-athletes and coaches for their exceptional performance, unwavering dedication, and unmatched commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship. Our Boys' Soccer team, under the exceptional leadership of Coach Heidt, had a phenomenal year. Not only did they become undefeated league champions, but they also reached the ultra-elite open division for playoffs, valiantly competing until the very end. The team's success, fostered by Coach Heidt's winning and positive culture, is indeed commendable. The Girls' Golf team shined equally, becoming undefeated league champions. Beyond their athletic prowess, these athletes have maintained an impressive team GPA, reflecting their dedication to academics and sports. Our Girls' Basketball team had a stellar season, they were undefeated in the league and were crowned CIF Division 5A CIF champions. The team advanced all the way to the CIF State regional semifinals before losing to Redondo Union HS. Our gratitude extends to Coach Burr, who has demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities in guiding our girls to such remarkable heights. The Girls' Lacrosse team had an excellent season with a 17-2 league showing. With Coach Ross confirmed to return next year, we eagerly anticipate continued success. Our Boys' Tennis team, undefeated league champions, showcased their athletic skills and intellectual capabilities. Congratulations to Coach Nielson on securing back-to-back league titles in his first two years as head coach - a truly impressive achievement. We also celebrate our CIF-SS D3 Boys 200 IM champion, OPHS Eagle, junior March Yuan, who has brought immense pride to our Boys' Swimming team and the swimming program overall.  The award-winning Oak Park High School Marching band had an amazing season with a first-place performance at Royal High School Invitational, a first-place finish at Simi Valley High School, and finally, with the school's highest score in the competition, the first-place performance at Moorpark High School's Battle of the Bands. These high scores allowed them to compete in championships for only the second time in school history. Our Fall, Winter, and Spring sports teams made impressive strides this year, with all sports making CIF playoffs in fall and winter.  In the Spring, 9 out of 11 sports made CIF playoffs.   Fall: Football (7-5), Cross Country (Boys 3-5, Girls 6-2), Girls Volleyball (8-14), Girls Golf (9-2), Girls Tennis (13-5), all made playoffs and Girls Gold and Boys Beach Volleyball were League Champions.  Winter: Girls Basketball (21-11), Boys Basketball (18-11), Girls Soccer (10-7-2), and Boys Soccer (16-2-1) all made playoffs, with the Girls and Boys Basketball and Boys Soccer crowned league champ. The girls' basketball team emerged as the CIF Division 5A champions. Spring: Boys Lacrosse (10-8), Girls Lacrosse (17-2), Softball (11-9), Boys Golf (5-5), Boys Tennis (13-2), Boys Volleyball (17-6), Girls Beach Volleyball (7-6), Swimming (Boys 5-7, Girls 4-8). Boys Lacrosse, Boys Tennis, and Boys Boys Volleyball emerged as league champions.  These achievements reflect the hard work of our student-athletes, the unwavering dedication of our coaches, and the continuous support from the families of our athletes. To our OPHS families, we express our deepest gratitude. Your support and encouragement have been integral to our athletes' success and our athletic program's strength. As we look ahead, we are filled with anticipation for another year of remarkable achievements, building on the legacy that this year's athletes and coaches have established. To all our OPHS athletes, coaches, and families, thank you for making this year extraordinary. Let's soar even higher next year. Go Eagles! MUSIC PROGRAM SHINES AT MCMS AND OPHS   We are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the noteworthy accomplishments of our student musicians, the unwavering dedication of our music teachers and coaches, and the invaluable support from our families. Our 2023 Music Fest, held at Oak Park High School, was a resounding success. This event was a harmonious collaboration between Medea Creek Middle School and Oak Park High School music students. The day was filled with small group rehearsals and collaborative activities and culminated in a grand finale with over 420 musicians performing Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." The event drew an audience of over 600 incredibly impressed supporters. Our deepest thanks go to the OPUSD Music Directors and OPHS music student leaders for making this event possible. Throughout the spring, our instrumental and choral ensembles from both Oak Park High School and Medea Creek Middle School have been attending adjudicated festivals, with many of our groups returning for the first time since 2019. These festivals, sponsored by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association or the Southern California Vocal Association, allowed our students to perform in new environments, receive feedback from expert judges, and hear ensembles from other schools. The evaluations have acknowledged students' accomplishments and motivated and focused their future musical progression. We are thrilled to share our outstanding results: OPHS String Orchestra: Excellent Performance and Superior Sight-reading at the La Cañada HS Band & Orchestra Festival OPHS Jazz A Band: Excellent at the Newbury Park HS Jazz Festival and Superior at the Canyon HS Jazz Festival OPHS Jazz B Band: Excellent at both Newbury Park and Canyon Jazz Festivals OPHS Treble Choir: Excellent at the SCVA Festival at Cal Lu OPHS Mixed Choir: Excellent at the SCVA Festival at Cal Lu OPHS Concert Band: Superior Performance and Sight-reading at the West Ranch Band HS & Orchestra Festival OPHS Wind Symphony: Excellent Performance and Superior Sight-reading at the West Ranch HS Band & Orchestra Festival OPHS Wind Ensemble: Superior Performance and Sight-reading at the West Ranch HS Band & Orchestra Festival MCMS Combined Choirs: Excellent at the Knotts’s Berry Farm Festival of Music MCMS Combined Intermediate & Advanced Bands: Superior at Music in the Parks MCMS Advanced Strings: Excellent at Music in the Parks To our talented student musicians, we express our heartfelt congratulations. Your exceptional skills, creativity, and dedication have created a wave of melodious triumphs that have echoed throughout our community. To our music mentors, your unwavering dedication, guidance, and passion have been instrumental in shaping our students' musical journeys. Your commitment has led to these impressive achievements and cultivated an enduring love for music in our students. Lastly, to our supportive families, thank you for your constant encouragement and for fostering an environment where our young musicians can thrive. Your belief in our students and our music program plays a vital role in the success we enjoy today. We look forward to seeing our music program reach even greater heights in the future.  HONORING OUR RETIREES We will hold a reception for our retirees on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Oak Park High School, Great Lawn. Please see below for the staff members who have retired or will be retiring at the end of this school year. These dedicated individuals have spent their careers devoted to the education and well-being of our students, and we are grateful for the profound impact they have made on our school community. We invite you to join us in a retirement reception in honor of our colleagues, where we can express our deepest gratitude for their years of service and celebrate their many accomplishments. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their tireless dedication to our students have left an indelible mark on our school community, and we are grateful for the legacy they leave behind. Please join us in congratulating our retiring staff members and wishing them all the best in their well-deserved retirement.  We will also live stream the event at  www.opusd.org/RetirementReception , beginning at 6:15 pm.   CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, HERITAGE, MENTAL HEALTH, STAFF, AND SPECIAL DAYS IN MAY May is a vibrant month with a rich mosaic of cultural heritage, historical remembrance, mental health awareness, and heartfelt appreciation for our dedicated staff, all intertwined with special days of celebration. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month . This celebration honors the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whose contributions have significantly enriched America's history and will continue to shape its future. AAPI is a rather broad term encompassing all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Easter Island). To learn more about this rich heritage, we invite you to visit  https://asianpacificheritage.gov . In May, we also commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month , a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions and influence of the American Jewish community on our nation's history, culture, and society. Three-hundred and sixty-nine years after 23 brave Jewish refugees arrived in America, Jewish Americans continue to help our country thrive and prosper.  This month, we honor the timeless traditions, heritage, and contributions of Jewish Americans that drive our progress as a nation each and every day. Learn more at:  https://jewishamericanheritage.org/ On May 5, we observed Cinco De Mayo , a Mexican culture and heritage celebration. This day marks the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, a significant event in Mexico's pursuit of sovereignty. Learn more at:  https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo May is also Mental Health Awareness Month , an essential time to focus on mental health, educate ourselves, and dispel the stigma associated with mental health care. This year's theme, "More than Enough," reminds us that all people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, deserve support, resources, fulfillment, and a community that cares. At OPUSD, we are committed to supporting our students and their families with resources and information made available throughout the month. Children's Mental Health Awareness Week was May 1–7. It reminds us to reflect on the importance of caring for youth mental health, reinforcing that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development, academic success, and ability to thrive in life. Learn more at  https://www.nami.org/home Today we celebrate Mother's Day, a special time to express our appreciation and love for all the mothers and mother figures in our lives. Their nurturing love, patience, and support are the backbone of our families and communities. Did you know? More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year. These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37 percent. Learn more at:  https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day . National Military Appreciation Month is also observed in May. This is a time for all to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving our country and their families.  National Military Appreciation Month includes Loyalty Day on May 1st, Public Service Recognition Week (May 7-13), Victory in Europe Day on May 8th, commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 12th, Armed Forces Day on May 20th, and Memorial Day on May 29th. May is also Gold Star Awareness Month and provides us the opportunity to pay tribute to the families of our fallen heroes. May is also the Month of the Military Caregiver, which honors those who care for wounded, ill, and injured service members.  Learn more at:  https://veteran.com/national-military-appreciation-month/ Finally, May is Staff Appreciation Month at OPUSD . This is a time when we take a step back to salute, honor, and celebrate our staff for their passion, commitment, service, creativity, and support of students throughout OPUSD. Our students will all help change the world by pursuing and fulfilling their dreams, and our staff help our students thrive and grow in the direction of their dreams. As we recognize and appreciate their contributions throughout May, we also want to express our gratitude for their efforts all year. The end of the school year is a fitting time to honor our staff who make our schools great. It takes adults with a wide variety of skills and passion for ensuring our young people's safety in and out of the classroom, caring for their physical and mental wellness, and working each day to prepare every child for ample choices in life.    At OPUSD, we believe in honoring the diverse cultural heritages that enrich our community, prioritizing the mental well-being of our students, and expressing our gratitude to our hardworking staff. May offers us a wealth of opportunities to learn, understand, and appreciate the unique threads that contribute to our shared tapestry. This month with open hearts and minds, let's make a commitment to understanding, appreciation, and celebration. Here's to a meaningful and joyous May for all!  "BEING WATER WISE" ART CALENDAR CONTEST -  SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK BY MAY 22 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies the potable water used by Triunfo Water & Sanitation District customers, invites Oak Park Unified School District students (K-12) to participate in the 2024 Student Art Calendar contest. This annual program offers students the opportunity to submit original water-related artwork for publication in a widely distributed, professionally printed calendar, along with a digital library. Submission Instructions You can view the submission forms and artwork scanning guidelines at this  link . Artwork must be submitted to Triunfo Water & Sanitation District by May 22, 2023. For questions, please contact Becky Haycox at  beckyhaycox@triunfowsd.com .  Oak Park Weekly is a newsletter that helps connect families, staff, students, and the community to our schools. We will share information on events, successes, reminders, and content to help keep you in the loop and excited about what's to come. We hope you enjoy exploring the information and links below, and we look forward to staying connected with you.  The Communications Coordinator, Ragini Aggarwal, is a trusted resource for schools, students, families, staff, and community members. If you want to share a story of interest or have a question or suggestion, we want to hear from you! Please contact our Communication Coordinator for questions and information at raggarwal@opusd.org. In case you missed any of the previous editions of the Oak Park Weekly, you can find them on this  page on our website : Follow us on social media @OakParkUSD          

    Monday, May 15 2023

  • Oak Hills Elementary School Principal Announcement

    Heather Sloan It is with immense pleasure that I announce the appointment of Heather Sloan as the new Principal of Oak Hills Elementary School for the upcoming school year, effective July 1, 2023. At last night's board meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved Heather's appointment on my recommendation.   With 26 years of unwavering service at Oak Hills and OPUSD, Heather has touched the lives of countless students and families and played a pivotal role in shaping the school's culture and values.  Mrs. Sloan has held various roles within our school community over the years. She has taught multiple grade levels and held various leadership positions, including Summer School Principal, Learning Support Teacher, Administrative Designee, Teacher on Special Assignment, Teacher in Charge, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and Student Study Team Coordinator. She has consistently proven her commitment to fostering strong relationships and supporting student success. She has always been a passionate advocate for our students and an inspiring role model for our staff. Her wealth of experience, coupled with her deep understanding of the unique needs of our community, make her the ideal candidate to lead Oak Hills Elementary School into the future. Along with her extensive teaching experience, Heather is a technology asset for the campus, guiding staff through implementing new information systems and helping students navigate one-to-one tools. At the district level, she is respected for her contributions as a Technology Learning Coach, Instructional Technology Specialist, and SMART Exemplary Educator, including support and transition to online learning at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Heather continues to be sought out for districtwide initiatives.  The overwhelming recommendations and feedback from our valued staff members and Oak Hills families greatly influenced the decision to appoint Heather as principal. Her unwavering commitment to the school and strong relationships with students, staff, and families make her a perfect fit for this new leadership role. People who have worked closely with Heather have confidence in her ability to do the job. We are fortunate to have someone with Heather's experience, passion, and genuine care for our community at the helm.  Heather has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University Northridge, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Educational Technology, and an administrative credential from California Lutheran University. Heather is an instruction leader who sets high expectations and promotes a culture of shared knowledge. She believes in helping teachers and students reach their fullest potential through continuous learning opportunities. Heather aims to foster an inclusive and supportive school environment that prepares students for success.  Heather shares, " Oak Hills has been home to my husband, Aaron, and me since before we were married. In 2007, our oldest son started kindergarten in Room 2, and this year I am proud to see our youngest son graduate from Oak Park High School. I am honored to embrace this leadership role for our Oak Hills family and look forward to all we can accomplish together.   I am excited to be the principal of Oak Hills Elementary. I am committed to developing a shared vision for our school community while building strong relationships and fostering open communication among all educational partners. I am committed to promoting a culture of safety and well-being while establishing high standards for behavior and academic growth."  When Heather's not in a classroom or on the playground at Oak Hills or reading, she can be found baking new recipes, digging in her garden, trekking the deserts of Southern California, visiting friends across the United States, and most especially, supporting her sons as they forge their ways in the world. On behalf of the Board of Education and my Leadership team, please join me in celebrating this exciting milestone and welcoming Heather Sloan into her new role as the Principal of Oak Hills Elementary School. We wholeheartedly believe that Oak Hills Elementary School will continue flourishing under Principal Sloan's visionary leadership and reach even greater heights. Dr. Jeff Davis  Superintendent 

    Wednesday, Apr 26 2023