Great Oak - Newsletter Volume 5.4

There is no prouder moment for a school than watching students take the pen to paper to claim their futures. This week, we hosted our annual Academic Signing Day, a tradition that honors seniors who have committed to colleges and universities across the nation, vocational schools and the military.

This event is more than just a ceremony; it is the culmination of years of late-night studying, resilience, and unwavering focus. Each signature represents a personal milestone and a shared victory for the Great Oak family. Whether staying close to home or heading across the country, our seniors are ready to lead!

Congratulations to our Scholars! We can’t wait to see the impact you make.

Our vibrant student life wouldn’t exist without the dedicated staff members who serve as Club Advisers.

This week, we took a moment to honor these mentors who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From guiding leadership skills to providing a safe space for students to explore new interests, our advisers are the backbone of our extracurricular culture. Thank you for your passion and for empowering our students to lead.

The GOHS pool made a splash this week as our annual Physics Boat Show took over! Students traded their calculators for oars, putting their knowledge of buoyancy, force, and motion to the ultimate test.

• The Engineering: Students designed and built vessels using a variety of materials from cardboard to duct tape.

• The Race: With peers and staff cheering them on, teams paddled across the pool, proving that scientific concepts are best learned through hands-on adventure.

• The Result: A few soggy shoes, but a lot of brilliant applications of physics!

The Diversity Showcase was a vibrant, unforgettable evening that highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of our campus. It was a moving display of identity and expression that reminded us all of the beauty in our differences.

• Performances: Students shared their heritage through powerful singing, dancing, poetry, and art.

• A Global Feast: The night featured delicious food representing traditions from around the world, bringing the community together over shared flavors and stories. It was truly a night where creativity and unity took center stage.

While every event this spring has been special, Asian Culture Night was a true masterclass in community and collaboration. This year, we were thrilled to welcome students and families from all three local high schools for a night of celebration that exceeded all expectations.

With over 400 people in attendance, the energy in the air was electric as we honored the traditions, history, and vibrant futures of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

The evening was a multi-sensory experience that brought our local community closer together:

• The Marketplace of Ideas: The cultural booths were the heart of the event, offering interactive displays and educational insights into various heritages.

• A Taste of Tradition: No celebration is complete without food! Attendees enjoyed a wide array of authentic dishes that sparked conversation and connection.

• Center Stage: The performances were nothing short of breathtaking. From traditional dances to modern musical interpretations, students from all three schools showcased incredible talent and pride.

  
  

What made this night truly stand out was the spirit of Teamwork. Seeing the "Wolfpack" join forces with our neighboring schools reminded us that our community is stronger when we celebrate together.

A huge thank you to the student organizers, staff advisers, and local families who made this massive undertaking a soaring success. We are already looking forward to next year!

It is my absolute honor to introduce our 2026 Student of the Year, Rameen Vahdat. Rameen is a young man who doesn't just meet our standards; he elevates them. He fully embodies the SPIRIT of Great Oak High School in everything he does.

Rameen’s journey at Great Oak has been defined by his commitment to our core values:

• Scholarship: An IB student and AP Scholar with Distinction, Rameen’s love for discovery is legendary. Whether competing as a Science Olympiad state medalist or diving into complex research, he views learning as a lifelong adventure.

• Passion: From the tennis courts and the piano bench to paleontology labs and human rights advocacy with UNICEF, Rameen says "yes" to life with infectious enthusiasm.

• Integrity: He leads quietly and selflessly, mentoring peers and honoring first responders through his nonprofit work without ever seeking the spotlight.

• Reflection: Rameen attributes his success to his "IB family" and his teachers, emphasizing that the joy of the journey matters far more than the medals collected along the way.

• Involvement: Looking at his resume, we’ve joked that Rameen must have discovered how to add a 25th hour to the day. His reach extends from museum internships to cultural leadership.

• Teamwork: Rameen understands that individual achievement is hollow without camaraderie. He values the people beside him as much as the goals ahead of him.

"Rameen, your scholarship, your heart, your humility, and your joy for life make you truly extraordinary. We are so proud to have you represent the Class of 2026!" — Dr. Amber Lane, Principal

Yearbooks will be here next week. Check this list to see if you purchased a yearbook. If you are on this list, you purchased a yearbook. If you have not purchased one yet, you can buy yours at the bookkeeper or online at the webstore.

When can I get my yearbook?

Seniors, you can pick up your book on Tuesday, May 19th during lunch in room 306.

9th-12th grade, you can pick up your book after school on Tuesday, May 19th in room 306.

If you are unable to pick up your book at the times listed above, we will distribute them before school, at lunch, and after school in room 306 every day until June 5th.

You may not have anyone else pick up your yearbook and you must have your five-star or ID to pick it up.

Great Oak High School is committed to supporting positive student behavior and accountability. As part of our PBIS system, we want to remind families about the expectations surrounding detention hours and the NO GO List.

Students who accumulate 8 or more hours of detention—due to tardies, single-period truancies, and/or disciplinary actions—are placed on the NO GO List. When a student is on this list, their school account is locked, which restricts them from making purchases at bookkeeping and on the webstore. This includes items such as dance tickets, parking permits and GRADUATION TICKETS! Additionally, students on the NO GO List are not permitted to attend school events, including WSB activities and athletic contests. For student-athletes, this also means they cannot leave school early for away games!

Students can be removed from the NO GO List by reducing their detention hours to below 8 hours. Opportunities to serve detention include:

• Before School: 7:50–8:20 AM (Room 306)

• Lunch: Room 306

• Saturday School: Counts for 4 hours

We encourage families to partner with us in helping students take advantage of these opportunities to clear their hours, regain privileges, and stay engaged in the full school experience.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our PBIS Coordinator, Mr. Morton.

It is now time to complete your Annual Family Update in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. This update is REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS RETURNING TO TVUSD FOR THE 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR.

Any student who does not have a completed Annual Update:

• may not be enrolled in a class for the 26/27 school year
  
• may not receive a schedule
  
• and may not be able to participate in school business days in August.
  

It is imperative that all families complete the Annual Family Update as soon as possible to prevent any delay in your child's enrollment for the next school year.

Click the links below for RETURNING STUDENT ANNUAL UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS:

• ENGLISH
  
• SPANISH
  

Please note, this process is for RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY. If you have a child in your family who will be new to TVUSD for the 26/27 school year, you must complete the New Student Enrollment process. Click HERE for New Student Enrollment instructions.

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

The TVUSD Community High Five Program is designed to empower and encourage the community to acknowledge and appreciate the dedicated employees of the district. This program serves as a platform for parents, students, and local residents, to recognize and celebrate the relentless commitment and hard work put forth by district employees.

Whether it's the passionate educators who shape the future of our children, the diligent administrative staff who keep the educational machinery running smoothly, or the unsung heroes who contribute to the district in various ways, the TVUSD Community High Five Program provides a means to express gratitude and support for their unwavering dedication to the educational well-being of the community. Through this program, TVUSD fosters a sense of unity and appreciation, strengthening the bond between the district and the community it serves.

All children are offered a breakfast AND a lunch every school day for FREE! Most of our school sites operate under the community eligibility provision and do not require meal applications. However, if you have a student that attends any of the schools listed above, and you think you may qualify for free or reduced price meals submit an application today! Having an approved application on file may qualify you for utility discounts, testing waivers (including AP exams!), and earn money for your school/district.

Care Solace can quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance.

Care Solace's care navigation services are confidential and complimentary to TVUSD students, staff, and their families. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in any language.

• Call 888-515-0595
• Visit www.caresolace.com/tvusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

How can Care Solace help you?

• Mental Health & Substance Abuse: Find community-based providers & secure appointments.
  
• Food Assistance: Access food pantries, home delivery meal programs, and government/non-profit programs.
  
• Shelter Support: Find transitional housing, shelters, and housing programs.
  
• Community Health Services: Connect with low-cost or free medical and dental care, female health services, and preventative care.
  

Please be aware that these are the only approved GOHS social media handles:

GOHSFacebook

GOHSTwitter

GOHSInstagram

*GOHS does NOT endorse or support the messaging of any other social media platform claiming connection to our site.