February 20, 2009
Good Morning All,
I am so sorry that I haven't been giving you daily updates. the only excuse I can
give is that being the Outreach Consultant is never ending. I seem to go from 7
AM to 4 PM with little time to even eat lunch. You are probably asking yourselves
how can she be so busy every day? Are there really that many needy students in
Oroville? Well, let me tell you YES!!! And, I leave my office every day feeling
like I didn't accomplish half of what I should have. A big part of my job is to help
get kids to school and keep them there. I know, it doesn't sound like it would be
that hard, just make them come or give them detention or Saturday school right?
WRONG. Many of the students that I'm dealing with aren't staying home just
because their lazy. Many of these kids aren't coming because they may not have
clean clothes, any clothes, shoes... Many of them never went to sleep last night
because they didn't have anywhere to lay their heads. Some of them had parents
that were either fighting all night or strung out on drugs. Some aren't coming
because they have to stay home and babysit thier younger siblings. And yes,
there are those whose parents for whatever reason, can't or won't make their
children attend school. Some parents even go as far as writing excuses for their
children when they weren't sick instead of teaching their children that when they
make poor choices, they suffer the consequences. I have one young man that
hasn't been coming to school because he lives to far to walk but not far enough to
ride the bus. He family doesn't have a vehicle and as we all know it's been raining
the last few days. He's failing first period. Thanks to the fabulous bike program
through Prospect High School we were able to get him a bike. Now, I'm just as
curious as you are as to whether this will get him to school or not, but I will keep
you posted. Thats only one of many with circumstances that keep them from
getting up and attending school.
But, I'm here TODAY to give you all an update on life at OHS.
Now I know you have all been hearing about a couple of occurrences that have
been happening around Oroville High and Las Plumas. One being the young man
that went into a room at L.P. and struck another student. Yes, this young man
was a student of Oroville High's ED program but he wasn't attending school. The
ED program is sponsored by the County and paid for by the High School District.
He evidentally had problems with another young man over a girl and has since
been arrested and sent to juvenile hall. Until the young man was arrested ,both
campuses were instructed to keep the classroom doors locked each period to
ensure there would be no repercussions and to keep our students safe.
Another incident you have probably already heard about on the news was the
arrest of the ROTC instructor at L.P. He had been employed for 2 1/2 years and
although innocent until proven guilty, there was enough evidence to arrest him.
That's about all I know of this.
I talked with Mr. Tracy this morning for the scoop on whats happening in the
principals office and he says that he is working hard with the district on the
budget which is a long and ongoing process. Layoff notices to teachers need to
be given by March 15th. Now, this in no way means that they will be laid off but
by law the district has to cover itself. The District is in ongoing communication
with the union on ways to cut costs and keep employees. Every Thursday from
3:30 - 5:00 at the district office bus yard there are budget brainstorming sessions
which all are welcome to attend.
Mr. Tracy is also working with the School Site Counsel on the School Site plan
which needs to be finalized by March 2nd.
Our two Vice Principals have been staying busy. I personally don't think those two
men are paid enough for what they have to deal with each day. Mr. Spasbo tells
me that new laws regarding cyber bullying took effect January 1st.
This has become a nation wide problem with student texting inappropriate
pictures, comments... on My Space, Facebook, or just texting to one another.
This is very important for parents to understand and explain to their children
that even if they are participating in this kind of behavior off campus or on the
weekends, students can be held accountable on Monday for any inappropiate
behavior that may effect another student. The V.P.'s are constantly dealing with
stolen electronic devices and are encouraging students not to bring their cell
phones, I-Pods... to school.
Mr. Peek reports that the Exit Exams went very well. We met our goal for
participation and hopefully your child passed the exam if they took it. He is
gearing up for March exams that will be for Sophmores and Jr. who haven't passed
yet.
YEAHHHHHH, OHS has only had 2 fights in the last month.
Remember parents, we DO have your childrens best interests at heart and work as
hard at protecting them as we would our own children.
February 10, 2009
Sorry I didn't update you yesterday. Sometimes it gets so busy in my office that before I know it it's time to go home. We are working really hard on getting Diversity Day going. Karon Molchen, the ceramics and photo teacher and I are putting this thing together and it always seems that we never know how it's going to turn out until the last minute. We have had quite a few students turning out to meetings that want to preform. The hard part is getting parents and community members involved. We are always looking for parent involvement so please, if you have a specialty that you would like to share with students whether it be a dancing group, singing, ethnic food, arts or crafts please give me a call or e-mail because we NEED YOU. You can always reach me at 538-2320 (329) or e-mail me at jmccullo@ouhsd.org . Please parents, we need your help.
February 6, 2009
Well, another week down and the end of school day bell just rang. Your kids are on their way back to the loving arms of their parents and ready for the weekend. Today was very quiet. I'm not sure if it was from the rain or the kids are just tired from exit exams. Speaking of exit exams, you parents really need to pat your kids on the back. Mr. Peek, one of our V.P.'s who's in charge of exit exams said this was the best, most cooperative group of kids he has ever seen take these exams. Good work students!!! Mom and Dad, you should be very proud.
We have been having a small problem with some of our students and their cursing on campus. I know, there are alot of other things that are more important than potty mouths but as a faculty we need to help you prepare your kids for college, work and just life in general outside our school walls. It is getting to the point where some students don't care if there are adults around or not and will just let the vulgarity fly. I truly believe that most adults around here work hard at calling out a student when they hear it but we are going to work extra hard at stopping the student, and explaining to them how inappropiate their language is and that they need to have more respect for themselves and others while on campus. These kids are great and I really think that if we bring it to their attention enough, they will start correcting themselves.
Have a great weekend and check in on Monday for the latest scoop.