OHS Announces Kate Hardt as New Director of Bands
The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) and Oconomowoc High School (OHS) are excited to announce
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The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) and Oconomowoc High School (OHS) are excited to announce that Mrs. Kate Hartdt will assume the role of OHS Director of Bands for the 2024-25 school year. Hardt will replace Jason Gillette who is moving on to seek different opportunities. Hardt joined the Oconomowoc Area School District for the 2023-24 school year as Assistant Director of Bands at OHS and to assist the band program at Nature Hill Intermediate School. In those roles, she directed the OHS Concert Band and taught lessons to students in the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. She also directed Jazz Ensemble 2 and organized the spring solo and ensemble festival held at both Nature Hill Intermediate School and Oconomowoc High School. “Over the past year, Kate’s high energy, enthusiasm, clear communication, and positive attitude have helped to build community within our band program and to earn the trust of our students and families. Her experience with our community provides the stability needed to continue the success of our prestigious program. I can’t think of a better person to build on the incredible legacy of our band program and lead us into the future,” said OHS Principal Jason Curtis of Hardt’s promotion to Director of Bands. Hardt came to the OASD after serving as the Band Director at Grafton High School in Appleton where she successfully increased student participation in the band program, led multiple bands, taught advanced music classes, and developed new jazz ensemble opportunities. Hardt holds a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and trombone performance from Lawrence University and a Master of Music degree in music education with an emphasis in wind band conducting from Northwestern University. Prior to her time at Grafton High School, Hardt held the Band Director title at Xavier High School in Appleton and Muskego High School. Hardt also taught band and orchestra at both the high school and middle school levels and served as an adjunct professor in trombone studio instruction at Ripon College and Lawrence University. “There is no band program in the state of Wisconsin which sits in front of the Oconomowoc band program. The legacy that has been established in our community for instrumental music education deserves to be upheld. Getting to work with our amazing administrative leadership and getting to know the incredible students, parents, and faculty in the Oconomowoc School District this past year has been a joy, and being given the opportunity to lead this band program beginning this year is an honor that is humbling beyond measure,” said Hardt of her new role. She added, “It is my goal to build upon the legacy that has been established in our town and bring the Oconomowoc Bands the national and international recognition they deserve.” Mrs. Hardt has already begun her new position and will lead the summer OHS Pep Band rehearsals and OHS band camps in preparation for the 2024-25 school year. ![Photo of school band and their director playing a concert](https://www.oasd.k12.wi.us/2024_25/Kate%20Hardt%20Directs%20OHS%20Bands.JPG) Kate Hardt directs the OHS bands during the 2024 commencement ceremony.
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OHS Announces New Head Girls Volleyball Coach
The Oconomowoc High School Athletics Department and Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) are
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The Oconomowoc High School Athletics Department and Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) are excited to announce that Darin Danelski has been selected as the new Head Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach. Danelski has served as the Head JV Girls Volleyball Coach at Oconomowoc High School (OHS) since 2018. He has coached at the club level for grades 5-12 since 2017 in both the Oconomowoc area and in Florida. Danelski has held the interim head coaching position since Michelle Bruss stepped down as Head Volleyball Coach. In addition to his coaching experience, Danelski has worked as a substitute teacher in the OASD for the last four years. Danelski is a mechanical and electrical engineer by training and owned and operated his own business for almost 25 years before leaving corporate life to focus on coaching volleyball. In announcing Danelski’s selection as head coach, OHS Principal Jason Curtis said, “I can’t think of a better person to continue to build on the tremendous legacy and reputation of our volleyball program. Over the years our volleyball program has become the premier athletic program in our school community not only because of our success on the court but because of the character of our players and coaches. There is no doubt that Darin will continue to set those high expectations and help our players continue to achieve at a high level. Darin’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious and I can’t wait to see what’s next for our program!” Oconomowoc High School’s new Athletic Director, Jon Lyon, shared, “ It was clear through the interview process that Darin is the absolute perfect fit to continue to build upon the success of our prestigious volleyball program. With his love of the game, passion, and intensity at the helm, there is no doubt that our program is in good hands for many years to come. I look forward to what our scholar-athletes will achieve both on and off the court with his leadership, guidance, and unwavering support!” Of his selection as the next head coach, Danelski said, “I am so appreciative of the opportunity to continue the mission of fostering learning and leadership in this program.” He added, “I hope to continue the winning legacy of Michelle Bruss and maintain the competitive culture within the program. I look forward to working with the school administration and our new Athletic Director, Jon Lyon, to elevate performance, confidence, and team synergy for the entire team, at all levels.” Danelski will begin his new role immediately, in preparation for the 2024-25 season.
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OASD Schools Earn Heart Safe School Recognition From Project ADAM
In March, all nine Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) school buildings received formal
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In March, all nine Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) school buildings received formal designation as Heart Safe Schools from Project ADAM. Project ADAM is a nationwide organization, committed to empowering schools and communities to prepare for and respond to sudden cardiac arrest. The Heart Safe School Program strives to assist schools in establishing a practiced plan to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest, by helping schools develop and sustain their program. The Heart Safe Schools designation process is incredibly in-depth and includes requirements such as: - Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are present at all school facilities in locations that make it possible to retrieve and administer within three minutes.
- There is a designated CPR-AED coordinator to oversee all program activities and training.
- There is a designated cardiac emergency response team at each building that receives regular training and participates in regular emergency response drills.
- There is a formal cardiac emergency response plan with notification protocols in the event of an emergency.
- Partnership with local emergency response services on training and the emergency response plan.
- All staff receive regular training in sudden cardiac arrest awareness and response.
- Access to AEDs and emergency response plans are available to community organizations who utilize our facilities.
The Heart Safe School designation was led by the OASD Health Services Team who worked with Project ADAM to implement all the program requirements and create a plan to sustain the program going forward. OASD Director of Nursing Services, Christy Deal, said, “The Heart Safe School Program recognition through Project ADAM demonstrates that our schools have successfully achieved & implemented comprehensive criteria to address sudden cardiac arrest to not only increase the chance of survival in this event but also to promote a safe and prepared environment for students, staff, and visitors.” The OASD Health Services Team has utilized the Heart Safe Schools best practices and trained district staff in those practices for many years. Grants from Project ADAM and a generous donation from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation made it possible for the OASD to purchase the additional AED devices needed to complete the program requirements and receive formal designation. Learn more about Project ADAM and the Heart Safe Schools Program at https://www.projectadam.com/Heartsafeschools. Photo: OASD Health Services Team Members (left to right), Christy Deal, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Services, Jodi Ernser, Health Services Administrative Assistant, Lindsey Wojtasiak, RN, District Nurse
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Oconomowoc High School Welcomes Jon Lyon as New Athletic Director
The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) and Oconomowoc High School (OHS) are excited to announce
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The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) and Oconomowoc High School (OHS) are excited to announce that Jon Lyon has been selected as the new OHS Athletic Director and Associate Principal. The OASD School Board will formally review his contract in April and pending approval, his first day at OHS will be on Monday, July 1, 2024. Lyon will replace Kevin Flegner who has served as the OHS Athletic Director and Associate Principal since 2016. Lyon currently serves as the principal of Northside Intermediate School in Milton, a position he’s held since 2017. Prior to his current role, Lyon served the School District of Milton as principal of Harmony Elementary and Consolidated Elementary Schools and associate principal of Northside Intermediate School. Before his leadership roles, Lyon was a social studies teacher and coach at Parkview Jr./Sr. High School and social studies teacher and coach at Rantoul Township High School. In addition to Jon’s classroom and school administration experience, he holds a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lyon earned an athletic scholarship to Illinois State University and played football there for four years. During his time as a Redbird, he also achieved scholar-athlete distinction each year. He began coaching football and basketball at the start of his teaching career at Rantoul Township High School in 2007. At Parkview Jr./Sr, High School, Lyon was the head football coach and head golf coach and developed a strength, conditioning, and powerlifting program to encourage the holistic development of student-athletes. In addition to his leadership role in the Milton School District, he also acts as an assistant varsity football coach for Milton High School and coaches at the youth level. “During the interview process, it became clear that Jon is a proven leader who has a passion for helping our student-athletes develop and grow not only athletically, but as individuals who are confident in their beliefs, can problem-solve through challenges, and have the skills and disposition to tackle any challenge they face in life,” said Jason Curtis, OHS Principal, about Lyon. “In addition, his experience coaching will help to support and empower our current coaches as they continue to build programs that will compete at a high level in the Classic 8 conference and across the state,” he added. In addition to Lyon’s role as OHS Athletic Director, he will assume some Associate Principal responsibilities at OHS. Those include overseeing study halls, facilitating student leadership development groups, supporting the physical education department, and monitoring intramural programming. “Jon’s experiences and philosophy will enhance our vision of helping each graduate become career, college, and life-ready. I have no doubt that the future of Oconomowoc High School Athletics is bright under his leadership,” shared Principal Curtis. “I am so excited to join the team at Oconomowoc High School and am looking forward to supporting students, staff, and families to continue to build upon the tradition, success, and pride in our athletic programs! I am 100% invested in helping our scholar-athletes, coaches, and staff compete at the highest level, and look forward to building meaningful partnerships in our community. It was clear through the interview process that we have great coaches, scholar athletes, and families who care deeply about education-based athletics and the value they provide our students in their overall development. Go Raccoons! Lyon will join the OASD on July 1, 2024, in preparation for the 2024-25 school year and fall athletics season.
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Connect with us on LinkedIn!
Find the OASD on LinkedIn! We believe LinkedIn is an excellent social media channel to not only
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Find the OASD on LinkedIn! We believe LinkedIn is an excellent social media channel to not only showcase the incredible work and positive impact of our staff, but also to attract top talent for our district. Join us on LinkedIn and see how you could become part of the OASD! www.oasd.org/company/oasd
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The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released results from the Wisconsin Student
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The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released results from the Wisconsin Student Assessment System exams given to students during the spring of 2023 and Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) students continued to make gains. The spring 2023 assessments included the Forward Exam, PreACT Secure, and ACT with writing. OASD students made the most significant improvements on the Forward Exam, with these noteworthy accomplishments: - OASD English language arts (ELA) scores have increased by 9.6% since 2019.
- OASD math scores have increased by 9.7% since 2019.
- OASD students achieved improvements in both ELA and math scores for 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Please note that Forward Exams were not administered in 2020.
- OASD students outperformed the state proficiency rates by 17.6% in ELA and 24.4% in Math.
>> Read more on our Awards and Recognitions Page
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OHS Players present THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL
7 p.m. Friday & Saturday, November 15-16 & 22-23, 4 p.m. *Thursday, November
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7 p.m. Friday & Saturday, November 15-16 & 22-23, 4 p.m. *Thursday, November 21 (student/staff show) and 2 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2024 The Oconomowoc High School Players present the ghoulish musical comedy The Addams Family: A New Musical with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The show is based upon The Addams Family cartoons created by Charles Addams, which depict a quirky family with an affinity for all things macabre. Don’t miss this off-beat take on 19th century gothic featuring all of our beloved characters, including Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch, and more. TICKETS: $18 Regular (20 & Older) | $15 Group (10 or More) | $15 Youth (19 & Younger)
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OHS Players Student Directed Play: TBD
7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, January 23-25, 3:30 p.m. *Friday, January
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7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, January 23-25, 3:30 p.m. *Friday, January 26 (student/staff show) and 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 Two OHS Players, Isabella Albano and Sam Le Page, take over the directorial reigns to select, cast, design, publicize, and ultimately direct their own theatrical production! Over the course of the summer, fall, and winter of 2024 – these two talented seniors prepare by pouring over hundreds of plays in order to find the title that is a perfect fit for this traditional mid-winter favorite! BUY TICKETS HERE: $18 Regular (20 & Older) | $15 Group (10 or More) | $15 Youth (19 & Younger) *The public is welcome to attend the Student/Staff show Friday, January 26, 2024 at regular pricing.
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OASD/NHI: ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA JR.
Nature Hill Intermediate Musical 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 6-8 and 2 p.m.
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Nature Hill Intermediate Musical 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 6-8 and 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 Roald Dahl’s Matilda JR. is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, Matilda finds refuge in library books. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes “Children are Maggots.” Discovering her own remarkable powers, brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world. She also learns an important lesson -- that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.” Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Roald Dahl’s Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. TICKETS: $12 Regular (20 & Older) | $10 Group (10 or More) | $10 Youth (19 & Younger) Everyone Must Have a Ticket including Infants & Toddlers
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OASD/SLI: DISNEY'S THE LION KING JR
Silver Lake Intermediate Musical 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 20-22 and 2 p.m.
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Silver Lake Intermediate Musical 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, February 20-22 and 2 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2025 Disney’s The Lion King JR. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pride Lands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar. The musical features classic songs from the 1994 film such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award®-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production. TICKETS: $12 Regular (20 & Older) | $10 Group (10 or More) | $10 Youth (19 & Younger) Everyone Must Have a Ticket including Infants & Toddlers
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OHS Players present RADIUM GIRLS
7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, April 10-12; 3:30 p.m. *Friday, April 11
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7 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, April 10-12; 3:30 p.m. *Friday, April 11 (student/staff show); 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage - until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace, Irene, and Kathryn as they fight for their day in court against the U.S. Radium Corporation. Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama by critics, the play offers an unflinching look at the American obsessions with health and wealth, the power of the underdog, and the fierce injustice laborers in America have faced. TICKETS: $18 Regular (20 & Older) | $15 Group (10 or More) | $15 Youth (19 & Younger)
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