Worldclass Wildcats Review
January 2024
Welcome to the first edition of our monthly newsletter. We look forward to providing our community with monthly updates, event information, and sharing Wildcat achievements!
Vision: To create a world-class education today to shape tomorrow's leaders
Mission: To provide an education that challenges all students to achieve their maximum potential in academics, arts, and athletics and prepares them to succeed in a global society
Update from Dr. Vickie L. Markavitch
As we enter our second semester of the school year, we want to welcome you to Oxford Community School’s first monthly newsletter. In this edition, and those to come, we share engaging learning opportunities that are happening everyday throughout our schools and grade levels. You will note the creativity of our teaching staff as they provide lessons that capture the curiosity of our students. A variety of resources provided to complement these lessons will be very apparent. You will see and hear about students building proficiencies – gaining in what they know, understand, and are able to do. Significant learning accomplishments attained by many of our students are highlighted here and in issues to come. Oxford Schools provides rich learning environments, both seated and virtual, across the district and it is with pride that we bring them to you in this monthly newsletter, on our social media sites, and through our school building newsletters.
I would like to bring attention to one significant requirement for taking advantage of these learning opportunities. One requirement needed to attain those learning accomplishments like the ones noted in this newsletter. And that requirement is Attendance - with a capital ‘A’. Being in school is a very important variable between school success and school struggles. Research shows a strong correlation between good attendance and better academic performance. Being in school also strengthens social bonds with peers, and interactions with teachers. Each one of our students matters greatly to us and being in school matters to them. Thank you to parents, guardians, and grandparents for fostering good school attendance with your children.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vickie L. Markavitch
Superintendent
Oxford Community Schools is a PreK-12 IB Authorized World School District, offering the IB Diploma Programme. The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Daniel Axford Elementary & Oxford Elementary Students are Knowledgeable
Students at DA & OE focused on the learner profile trait, knowledgeable, during the month of December. Current Oxford Early College student, Aiden Bowyer, taught students about the elderly community at Independence Village. After learning about the community, students felt inspired to take action and use their social skills to craft Christmas cards for each resident. Along with the cards, students made handmade ornaments for all of the residents.
IB Diploma Programme Students Explore Language
In the Theory of Knowledge class at Oxford High School, students discussed how language is a "living thing" and is ever-changing. They looked beyond our culture and were internationally minded as they explored other languages. They focused on how languages are a product of culture and new words are always being created.
Special Guest at OHS
Students welcomed, Tim Betzler, who works in API Management from Comerica Bank to their computer science class. Tim offered valuable advice to CTE students and what they need to consider when building their own computer. Thank you Tim for guiding our students during their computer building journey!
Rolling Into the New Year
Third grade students at Lakeville Elementary, had the opportunity to apply what they have been learning about force and motion in the classroom at Rollhaven. The day started with a STEM lesson about motion, and then students got to show off their rollerskating skills. These Wildcats were quite the risk-takers on this field trip!
Clear Lake Elementary MLK Jr. Day of Service
The acts of kindness didn't stop at Clear Lake Elementary, staff and students spread kindness nation-wide! First and second graders ran a food drive to benefit the Oxford/Orion FISH food pantry. Teachers and staff dropped off a hefty amount of donations to FISH on MLK Jr. Day. Staff also wrote letters of encouragement to fellow educators in Perry, Iowa to let them know that they are not alone in the tragedy they just experienced.
A Week of Giving
Every year, Oxford Middle School has Giving Week, where the students and staff raise money for a non-profit organization.This year the OMS community voted to donate to the K-9 Stray Rescue League. Oxford Middle School students and staff raised a grand total of $3,546.19 to donate to the K-9 Stray Rescue League! Along with the monetary donation, students gathered dog collars, leashes, treats, and toys for the dogs at K-9 Stray Rescue League.
OMS celebrated their achievements at a school-wide assembly, where the student council presented a large check to Mark Piche from the K-9 Stray Rescue League. The assembly also included joyous performances from the choir, band, and orchestra. Students and staff showed one another and our community how to be a caring individual.
Beyond the Spanish Language
The Oxford Middle School Spanish department has worked incredibly hard to not only teach just Spanish, but life skills. Spanish students learned how to cook traditional Hispanic foods. The best part of the day was trying all of the different recipes together and being a risk-taker.
HOSA Students Advance to State Competition
The future health professionals of Oxford High School competed at the HOSA Regional Competition at Troy High School. A grand total of 54 students competed in several healthcare related events. More than half of our HOSA students will be advancing to the state competition in April! Congratulations to the following:
1st Place
Anastasia Boggess- Vet Science
Braydee Elling- Clinical Nursing
Christian Poosch & Reagan Wolf- EMT
Ean Tiffin, Eva Grondin, Holden Jones & Madison Mauser- HOSA Bowl
Nicholas Hatzigeorgiou- Medical Spelling
2nd Place
Sierra Musial- Clinical Lab
Alivia P'simer- Clinical nursing
Maggie Casper & Jenna Miller-EMT
Daphne Palmer- Medical Spelling
Brenna Tonkovich- Sports Medicine
3rd Place
Sarah Gibbons- Family Medicine Physician
Zoey Siglow- Sports Medicine
Top 7
Karol Tellez-Nuñez & Keegan McDonough - Biotechnology
Annabelle Meldrum- Clinical Nursing
Maia Brevik- Clinical Specialty
Parker Jones & Phebe Coffman - CPR & First Aid
Karsyn Malinich & Fiona Betzold- EMT
Sriya Joshi & Lillilon Carter - CERT
Mira Cline, Camryn Budzik, Charli Young- Public Health
Oxford Wildcat Pack Teddy the "GroundDog"
Punxsutawney Phil has nothing on Oxford Bridges High School OWP member, Teddy. Teddy was taken outside on Groundhog Day to determine if Spring was arriving early this year. We are happy to share he did not see his shadow, looks like Spring is just around the corner!
Brewing Up Kindness
Oxford High School students in Ms. Grey's class run the "Brew Crew" and sell hot or cold brew to OHS staff members. Students are able to practice their customer service skills and financial transaction skills in a practical way. All staff at OHS look forward to seeing the Brew Crew at their door every Friday.
OHS Alumni at Rose Bowl & College Football National Championship!
In case you missed it, the Wildcats were represented at the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship
Andrew Haselton ('22) repped the crimson tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California as a member of the marching band at the University of Alabama.
Nicholas Trush ('19), Troy Tanis ('22) and David Michael ('21) sported the classic maize and blue as members of the University of Michigan Marching Band, at the Rose Bowl and the College National Playoff Championship.
