We would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing campus construction. On Monday, August 25, the shipping containers will be re-installed in their final location in the Lisa Argyros Commons construction area. This means that a crane and tow trucks will be utilized to move the containers (currently located in Lot D, near our Business Office and on 10th Street) to their new location.  

Important Updates Regarding this Phase of Construction:

• There will be potential limitations to parking and drop-off in and around Lot D on Monday, August 25, but the other morning drop-off and parking locations will continue to be accessible. Please click here to review the Parking & Drop-Off/Pick-Up Guidelines Map. If you typically park in Lot D in the morning, please plan to park in Lot D2. Lot D will be cleared prior to conservatory instruction.

• On Monday, August 25, we will ensure that there is no movement of the containers during student transition times, Lunch, or Office Hours.

• Throughout this phase of construction, the current pathways built around campus will remain unchanged so that all campus locations will be available.

• Tin Can Cafe will be moved on Monday, August 25, but food services will continue to be offered on 10th Street each day.  

Additionally, the Sycamore Street pavement and sidewalk will be fully operational by 5 a.m. on Monday, August 25. Please consider utilizing this drop-off zone as it is often faster moving than the one on Main Street.

We have spent the past two weeks monitoring student foot traffic during drop-off and passing periods – knowing that everyone was learning how to navigate their optimal routes around campus in the midst of the construction. During this time, we have provided grace to students who arrive late to their classes. We must now refocus on encouraging students to get to classes on time to ensure they are getting the most out of their instructional experience. Please expect on Monday, September, that staff members will begin issuing tardies to hold students accountable for arriving on time to class.

Thank you for making the necessary adjustments to your morning drop-off routine to support your student getting to their first class on time.

Today, Friday, August 22, is the last day to order new OCSA gear through our Back-to-School Apparel Sale! This year’s sale has an unprecedented number of new designs and items, including a butterfly t-shirt, pennant windbreaker jacket, and more! PLUS, there are a variety of all-black apparel items available, perfect for wearing to your P.E. or Dance classes.

Visit www.ocsarts.net/FlashSale to browse and shop now. Be sure to place your order by tonight at 11:59 p.m. Your order will be shipped directly to you in late September.

Don’t miss out on yearbook savings! Today, Friday, August 22, is your last opportunity to take advantage of the back-to-school discount price of $135. Prices will increase starting tomorrow. OCSA yearbooks typically sell out, so plan ahead and SAVE when you purchase your 2025-2026 yearbook now through MySchoolBucks.

We are trying to finalize mentorship pairings for this year’s Professional Mentorship Program. There are students interested in a variety of fields who are still in need of a professional mentor. To view the list of all needed fields, please click here.

If you or someone you know might be willing to support one of our OCSA students this school year, please complete this Professional Mentor Interest Form. Professional mentors will be paired with interested juniors to help them explore career options and receive guidance about post-secondary opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact CTE & Dual Enrollment Coordinator Karen Rymar at karen.rymar@ocsarts.net.

Have you heard about Actors Showcase? The cast of Actors Showcase, composed of students from all conservatories and grade levels, performs for casting directors, agents, and managers with the hope of garnering industry representation and professional bookings in film and television. 

To learn more about this opportunity, join us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, August 27 at 6 p.m. Please click here to RSVP. For more information on Actors Showcase and upcoming auditions, visit www.ocsarts.net/ActorsShowcase.

If you are ordering school pictures, please note that pictures will be shipped directly to the student’s home. If you haven’t already ordered your pictures, click here for more information. Orders must be made through www.mylifetouch.com. Use Picture Day ID code EVTWDQHTV or your student’s ID number to order your package. Additionally, Photo Make-Up Day will be on Wednesday, September 24.

Encore is a fun, social membership group for current and alumni OCSA families to meet, socialize, and receive exclusive benefits designed to deliver the ultimate OCSA experience. To learn more about Encore or join today, visit www.ocsarts.net/JoinEncore.

Senior families: There are special Encore perks specifically designed for the Class of 2026, including reserved seats up front for the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony!

To better support our increasing English Learner (EL) population, OCSA is launching an English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). The ELAC is composed of OCSA parents/guardians (especially parents/guardians of English Learners), faculty, and staff who are committed to understanding, serving, and empowering our English Learners and their families. Interested in learning more? Please click here to fill out our interest form, or contact Learning Specialist Shelley Stanphill at shelley.stanphill@ocsarts.net or 714.560.0900 ext. 6701.

The OCSA Foundation is pleased to invite you to an elegant evening by the bay as we kick off OCSA’s 2025-2026 season with the very special 10th Anniversary Season Premiere! Join us on Saturday, September 20 for a stunning waterfront concert featuring guest artist and OCSA alumnus Matthew Morrison. As the guest artist of our very first Season Premiere, Matthew Morrison has graciously agreed to return in honor of this milestone year to perform alongside the talented OCSA students of MONTAGE! Reserve your spot soon, as this event WILL sell out! To purchase tickets, reserve a table, or for more information, please visit www.ocsarts.net/SeasonPremiere. 

NEW: Opportunity Drawing

We are pleased to share that Season Premiere also has an accompanying Opportunity Drawing, open for all to participate. Click here to purchase tickets for your chance to win the Ultimate OCSA Experience, which includes tickets to some of OCSA’s most popular events. All proceeds will go directly towards funding OCSA’s 17 arts conservatories.

All middle school students remaining on campus after their last class must report to Rooms 108 and 110 (Room 106 on Tuesdays) of the Humanities Tower for the After-School Student Program (ASP), also known as Homework Club. Homework Club provides supervision for students that need to stay on campus for late pick-up. Please note, there is a $10 fee to attend Homework Club, and all students must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. For more information, please click here to visit the Homework Club webpage. 

Financial assistance for Homework Club is available for families who qualify and have an approved Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRLP) application on file for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information, visit www.ocsarts.net/FRLP, or contact Becky Parsons at becky.parsons@ocsarts.net or 714.560.0900 ext. 5535.

Did you know that OCSA has a student newsletter? It’s called Art Attack, and it’s the best way for students to stay up to date with campus events, schoolwide announcements, and deadlines for opportunities inside and outside of OCSA. 

Art Attack is updated on Blue Days and can be accessed at www.ocsarts.net/ArtAttack. The link is also available through Aeries Communications. Select highlights from the newsletter are shared during Art Attack Live, a short broadcast shown in classrooms at the beginning of Block 3 on Blue Days. Students can revisit details, access forms, and find links that were mentioned during Art Attack Live directly through the Art Attack webpage.

Here’s a partial list of items that are regularly announced in the Art Attack newsletter:

• Administration Announcements and Events

• Honors Societies Membership Deadlines 

• Daily Free Lunch Specials

• Student Council Elections

• Student Services Announcements, Events, and Workshops

• Events Planned by Student Leadership, Student Council, and PAL 

• Spirit Days and Dances

• Club Information

• Senior Class Events and Deadlines

• And Much More!

We encourage families to check out Art Attack to stay connected with what’s happening on campus. Questions regarding Art Attack can be emailed to student.services@ocsarts.net.

We would like to remind families that OCSA has partnered with the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a program that supports the whole child by addressing the many factors that impact a student’s mental health and well-being.

Through this partnership, OCSA is now able to bill health insurance for mental health services provided to students during the school day. This reimbursement will be reinvested directly into expanding and improving our on-campus mental health programs. If you have yet to provide this information through your Aeries account, please support our school by going back in under “Student Info” and clicking on “Data Confirmation” to add your information. 

Important notes for families:

• No cost to you: Providing this information will not result in any charges to your family.

• No impact on coverage: School-based services will not affect your child's health plan or coverage, and is not shared with your insurance company.

• Confidentiality assured: All insurance information submitted through the data confirmation process will be kept private and secure per federal law.

Thank you for your support in helping us expand these vital services for our students.

The OCSA Foundation raises funds each year to support talented students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program and are living below the national poverty line. Donations to the Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program help to ensure that these students receive the full OCSA experience – from their arts training to school essentials like supplies, yearbooks, dance tickets, and transportation. Gifts of any amount make a difference!

This year, approximately 100 families have identified that they are in need of full financial support. Click here to support a family in your conservatory today!

Bundle and Save with Senior Packages

Save yourself time and money when you get all your important senior purchases with a senior package! These packages include everything your senior will need for a great year, including a yearbook, cap and gown, grad night ticket, senior t-shirt, and panoramic class photo, plus you can even add a class ring. Set your senior up for success and purchase through MySchoolBucks by Monday, October 6. Please click here for more information. 

Discount Prices on Senior Yearbook Ads

Want to celebrate your graduating senior? A senior ad in the yearbook is a great way to congratulate your student on their final year of high school and a special way for seniors to celebrate their years at OCSA with friends and peers! Now is the time to purchase your ad as prices are at their LOWEST! Discount pricing ends Monday, October 6! For more information, click here. Please go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and use OCSA’s order number 40412 to create your senior ad and lock in the current discount pricing.

Labor Day (School Closed): Monday, September 1

Academic Back-to-School Night (No Conservatory): Thursday, September 11

Staff Professional Development Day (No School): Friday, September 12

Season Premiere: Saturday, September 22

Homecoming Dance, Grades 9-12: Saturday, October 18

For more information, please visit www.ocsarts.net/BoxOffice.