Great Oak - Newsletter Volume 2.1

This week, the GOHS Administrative Team presented to the TVUSD Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Support Services the work that we have done over the first part of the 2025-2026 school year to improve student outcomes for our Students with Disabilities, to improve student sense of belonging, to decrease vaping on campus and lastly to decrease student single period truancies. We have linked the presentation below so that we can share with our community the work that we are doing as a school to help ALL students achieve academic and behavioral success.

We know that we continue to have work to do, but are committed to working together as a school and with our parents in support of our Wolfpack Student Body. Should you have any questions about what we are doing at GOHS we encourage you to come to our Community Action Partnership meetings where we discuss school related data, issues on campus and solutions to help ALL members of our student body find success. Our next meeting will be in March (please see this newsletter, email and text message for invitations) and we hope to see you there!

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the culture, history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. The origins of Black History Month began in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland founded what is known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which was dedicated to promoting achievements of Black Americans and other people of African descent. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Black History is American History and should be taught year round. February is another opportunity to highlight African Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our Nation and society. Please be on the lookout for events throughout the month of February that celebrate and recognize our Black American students on campus.

Dear Wolfpack Students and Families,

As we move into the second semester, the finish line for the school year starts to come into view. Whether you are a freshman building your foundation or a senior preparing for graduation, our theme for February is clear:

"Show Up for You: Every Credit Gets You Closer!"

In high school, attendance is about more than just being present in a seat; it’s the primary way you advocate for your future. Every day you are in class is an investment in your long-term goals.

Why Attendance Matters Right Now:

• Own Your Education (Self-Advocacy): Being here allows you to ask the questions, get the feedback, and build the relationships with teachers that lead to success. You are the driver of your own academic journey.

• The Credit Connection: Every class period is a step toward the credits you need to graduate. Missing school makes it harder to stay caught up, and we want to see every student cross that stage on time.

• Senior Planning & FAFSA: For our seniors, this month is pivotal. Staying on top of attendance ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines for senior projects, college applications, and FAFSA (Financial Aid) completion. Your future self will thank you for the work you do today.

Family Support: The Final Push Families, we know the "senioritis" or mid-year fatigue can be real. Your encouragement at home, checking in on credits and prioritizing morning routines, is the support system our students need to stay focused on their long-term goals.

Let’s make this February the month we commit to showing up for ourselves and for our futures.

If there are obstacles making it difficult to get to school, please reach out to your counselor or our front office. Let’s work together to get you across that finish line.

In Partnership,

GOHS Staff

We are proud to share some exciting news regarding Great Oak High School Theatre and our recent participation in the California Educational Theatre Association (CETA) Festival.

This year, Great Oak High School Theatre enrolled and competed in CETA with our fall production, The Crucible. This marked our first time entering the festival, which serves schools across Southern California, with 73 schools enrolled for this year's competition. The production was exceptionally well received, and we were honored to place in the Excellent category and to take home a commemorative plaque recognizing this achievement.

In addition, a strong majority of our cast and crew earned Certificates of Merit for outstanding acting and technical work on The Crucible. We are especially proud to share that junior Eden Wagner received an Adjudicator Award, the highest individual honor given at the festival, an extraordinary accomplishment and a significant recognition for our school.

Great Oak Theatre students also participated in the festival’s Scene Competition, where Brady Bravo earned Best Supporting Actor for the festival. Furthermore, Kristina Mathis and Katie Kinsella were both recognized with Director Awards, highlighting the depth of student leadership and artistry within our program.

These accomplishments reflect the scholarship, passion, integrity, and reflection our students bring to their work, as well as their involvement and teamwork throughout the creative process, honoring everything we strive to instill in our students here at Great Oak High School. They speak to the continued growth of the theatre community on our campus, and we are incredibly proud of the direction our program is heading and grateful for the ongoing support from our school and district.

Love is in the air! Our Valentine's Concert (Love Through the Decades) is coming up Thursday, 2/12/26 @7pm. Doors open at 6:30. This concert is a little different from our Fall Semester concerts, as this concert is student-led and requires students to create their own groups. They have taken time to choose their own song and decide how they are performing it on stage.

Make sure to come out and see this unique concert! You can purchase tickets here: https://gofan.co/event/4392943?schoolId=CA18845. Tickets are $7 (+$1 processing fee). Children 3 and younger get in for free!

Important AP exam information:

If your student dropped an AP course, make sure they request to cancel the exam if they ordered one. They may do so in Total Registration. There is a $40 cancellation fee.

The last day to order or cancel an AP exam is March 6th. Not sure if you ordered an exam? Visit https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/53880 to order, cancel, or check the status of AP exams.

Important AP exam information:

If your student dropped an AP course, make sure they request to cancel the exam if they ordered one. They may do so in Total Registration. There is a $40 cancellation fee.

The last day to order or cancel an AP exam is March 6th. Not sure if you ordered an exam? Visit https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/53880 to order, cancel, or check the status of AP exams.

To maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment, student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during instructional time is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes.

All phones and personal electronic devices must be silenced and out of sight during class. Teachers may implement a variety of classroom management systems to ensure compliance with this expectation. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Placement in designated cell phone pockets or wall organizers

• Storage in classroom cell phone lockers

• Keeping devices secured in student backpacks

• Other teacher-directed procedures aligned to site expectations

Students are expected to follow the specific process established by each teacher at the beginning of the term. Refusal to comply with classroom cell phone procedures may result in progressive disciplinary action in accordance with school policy.

If a cell phone or personal device is out during an assessment without teacher consent, this will constitute a violation of our GOHS Academic Integrity policy and is subject to Academic Integrity Progressive Discipline as outlined on page 31.

These expectations are designed to support student learning, minimize distractions, and protect the instructional environment for all students. We appreciate your support of these expectations.

If you know your student(s) will be returning to the Temecula Valley Unified School District for the 2026-2027 school year, then you do NOT need to complete this form.

However, if you know that your student(s) will not be returning to the District next year, please take a moment to share some important information with us to help us plan for the transition. PLEASE SUBMIT ONE FORM PER STUDENT.

The Spirit of Great Oak Band and Color Guard kicked off second semester in outstanding fashion this weekend at the Preview of Champions event. This annual showcase marks the start of the competitive season and offers the community an exciting first look at the band and color guard’s competitive routines.

Great Oak delivered impressive performances that highlighted the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students, directors, and support staff. Their energy, precision, and artistry set a strong tone for the season ahead and reflected the countless hours of preparation behind the scenes.

We are incredibly proud of the Spirit of Great Oak and look forward to cheering them on throughout what promises to be a successful and memorable competitive season. 🎶🏆

"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:

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GOHSTwitter

GOHSInstagram

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