OCSA Weekly Wrap - September 15, 2023

September 15, 2023

CONSERVATORY EMERGENCY DRILL

Please be aware that we will be holding the fall semester conservatory emergency drill this coming Tuesday, September 19, during Block 8. At the conclusion of the drill, students will return to class for continued arts instruction.

MAKE-UP PICTURE DAY

As a reminder, Make-up Picture Day is next week, Wednesday, September 20, on the Michael F. Harrah Symphony Hall stage. Students who did not take pictures at On-Campus Registration will take their photos and receive their ID cards. Students will receive call slips during class to take pictures according to the following schedule:

Grade 7: Block 4 at 8:35 a.m.

Grade 9: Block 4 at 9 a.m.

Grade 8: Block 5 at 10:10 a.m.

Grade 10: Block 5 at 10:40 a.m.

Grade 11: Block 6 at 12:15 p.m.

Grade 12: Block 6 at 12:55 p.m.

If you would like to pre-order pictures, please use the event code EVTWR4JCF on the Lifetouch website on or before Make-up Picture Day (use code F202310OFF for 10% off). You may also use your student’s school ID number. Retakes will be during Lunch and Office Hours only on Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 21. Students must bring their ID cards and original portrait packet (if purchased) to return to the photographer for retakes.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With this in mind, we want to take this opportunity to provide parents/guardians with resources to help support their student, if needed, and also provide families with additional information in regards to mental health support and suicide prevention. Please see the links below for helpful information:

In addition, our community partner Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) is offering FREE Parent Education opportunities regarding mental health. Please check out their website above for the various webinars offered this year, starting next Tuesday, September 19.

If you have any concerns about your student or have any specific questions, please reach out directly to their counselor at OCSA for additional support:

Vanessa Musso: Middle School

Ashley Talbert: High School (A-Do)

Kara McCann: High School (Dr-Kh)

Paige Acuna: High School (Ki-Me)

Sarah Kause: High School (Mi-Sh)

Becky Vance-Freeland: High School (Si-Z)

SAVE THE DATE: COLLEGE FAIR

Attention high school families: We are delighted to announce the dates for College Fair 2023! We hope you will plan to join us on Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20 for a full lineup of master classes, workshops, panels, booths with college representatives, and more, designed to help our high school students find the right postsecondary fit. Stay tuned for information on how to register and for the schedule of events for this informative multi-day event.

LAST CHANCE FOR FUN FALL CLASSES

Registration for CSArts Academy’s fall session is closing this coming Monday, September 18! Register now for classes that start next Saturday, September 23. CSArts Academy offers courses in a variety of arts disciplines on the OCSA campus for students ages 5-15 from throughout the community. Click here to browse the impressive offering of courses. Spread the word to family and friends who may be interested in this unique and educational arts experience!

CASTING CALL: HALLOWEEN MAZE

Get into the Halloween spirit by auditioning for the world-famous OCSA Halloween Maze, co-produced by the Production & Design and Arts & Enterprise Conservatories! The Halloween Maze is casting actors for multiple roles such as hosts/tour guides with strong improv skills, as well as scare actors with great physicality. Auditions will be held next Friday, September 22 at 3 p.m. in T205. Click here to sign up to audition, as well as for rehearsal dates and more information.

TEDXOCSA SUBMISSIONS

Are you passionate about a specific topic? Are you interested in honing your presentation skills? The Creative Writing Conservatory is hosting OCSA’s second annual TEDx event, open to all grades and conservatories! TEDxOCSA will be recorded live at the Margaret A. Webb Theatre and posted on the official TEDxOCSA website. Apply to be a speaker here before the deadline on Friday, October 6, and please email [email protected] with any questions.

ENCORE CONSERVATORY CHALLENGE WINNER

We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Encore Conservatory Challenge is (drum roll please) The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program! Congratulations to Jazz Studies for having the highest percentage of families join Encore this year. To reward their enthusiasm and support, $2,500 will be awarded to Jazz Studies to support a master artist or other arts enrichment initiative of the conservatory director’s choice. Thank you to every family who generously offered their support by joining Encore this year!

SENIOR INFORMATION

Senior Bulletin and Presentation

As a reminder, senior parents/guardians should read through the Senior Bulletin thoroughly for Class of 2024 information, resources, handouts, and helpful links. The Senior Bulletin contains all the information needed for navigating this culminating year and will answer many questions you may have. Additional resources, including the senior presentation, can be found at www.ocsarts.net/12thGrade. If you have any questions after reviewing the above, please feel free to contact your student’s counselor or email [email protected].

Bundle and Save with Senior Packages

Time is running out to save big on all senior items for graduation! We have made it really easy to purchase these important items with one of our senior packages, which include a yearbook, cap and gown, grad night ticket, senior t-shirt, panoramic class photo, and the option of adding a class ring. Purchase through www.myschoolbucks.com by Monday, October 2 to take advantage of the discounted bundle pricing. Please click here for more information.

Discount Prices on Senior Yearbook Ads

Don’t miss the opportunity to save when celebrating your senior! Senior ads in the OCSA yearbook are currently at their LOWEST price of the year! Discount pricing ends Monday, October 2. For more information click here. Then go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use OCSA’s order number 40412 to create your senior ad and lock in the discount pricing.

FALL SEMESTER SUCCESS STORIES

We want to celebrate your off-campus successes! Publications, castings, certifications, awards, scholarships, jobs, special performances, and more – send them our way to be featured in State of the Art, OCSA’s special webpage that features the large and small successes of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. State of the Art is updated biannually at the end of the fall and spring semester; however, you can submit your accomplishments and successes year-round at www.ocsarts.net/StateoftheArt.

All accomplishments will be posted at the conclusion of the semester in which they were submitted. An email will also be sent out once accomplishments for the semester are available for viewing. We can’t wait to see all the exciting things you have been up to! Past State of the Art accomplishments are always available to view at www.ocsarts.net/Accomplishments.

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 quarantine 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.