Great Oak - Newsletter Volume 10.2

This week marks the end of our first Grading Period. The 9-Week Progress Report Grade will be in the Infinite Campus Portal for viewing on Friday, October 17th. The 17th is also an important date for our student athletes whose athletic eligibility will be impacted for not meeting the appropriate academic criteria.

This is the perfect opportunity for student/parent REFLECTION on their academic performance. Families should consider the following questions:

• Have I accessed INTERVENTION for classes that I am not achieving in?
  
• Have a spoken with my TEACHER about my progress and what they think I should do to improve?
  

• Do I have a system where I track my grades each week through INFINITE CAMPUS?

• Are my parents CANVAS OBSERVERS so they can help me track my progress?

https://secure.smore.com/n/kwtsr

Your voice matters to us. As we continue to grow and improve, we’d love to hear your thoughts about our annual College and Career Kick-Off Day! Parent feedback helps us celebrate what’s working well and identify areas where we can do even better. Please take a few minutes to share your input—together, we can make sure every event on campus benefits students!

A huge thank you to our incredible community partners—like Jersey Mike’s—for their generous support of Great Oak programs, from athletics to activities. Your contributions help our students shine in the classroom, on the field, and beyond. We truly could not do it without you—thank you for being such an important part of the Wolfpack family!

Participating in the PTSA Reflections program provides students with a low-pressure opportunity to explore their creativity, express themselves, and build confidence. Rather than focusing solely on competition, the program prioritizes celebrating artistic expression and recognizing achievement at local, state, and national levels.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

We are looking to recognize students who are doing great things inside or outside of school. Do you have a child who volunteers for a group? Do you know a student that has overcome an obstacle or challenge? Do you have a student who has done something to make our community a better place?

We want to recognize THEM!

Please follow this link to nominate them.Parent Winter Wish Form

The deadline to take your senior photo with Studio-94 is October 31st. Please schedule your appointment today! Students must take their photo with Studio-94 to be included in the yearbook.

On behalf of the GOHS staff, it’s my honor to introduce our October Student of the Month, Sophia Shams!

Sophia truly exemplifies every part of Wolfpack SPIRIT — scholarship, passion, integrity, reflection, involvement, and teamwork. She maintains an impressive 4.2 GPA as a full IB Diploma candidate and shows her passion for Great Oak through her leadership as Student Body President and Academic Decathlon Team Captain, where she personally recruited and trained fifteen new teammates.

Sophia leads with integrity, always standing up for others, and models reflection by constantly striving to improve. Beyond campus, she supports refugee families while courageously managing her own health challenges — never using them as an excuse.

I’ll leave you with her advice for all of us: Be uniquely you. Follow your passions, and others will want to follow you. I’m proud to lead the Pack alongside her — she truly inspires us all. Congratulations, Sophia, on this tremendous honor!

Monday, October 6th marks the next increase in fee for taking an AP Exam.

There are many benefits of taking not only an AP course, but also the AP exam. The biggest benefit for students is that preparing for and taking the exam allows students to build skills and confidence that they will carry throughout high school and into college. Students learn what methods will help them study - from flashcards and games to collaborative study groups. They learn what note-taking structures will help them with complex text. They learn how to apply test-taking strategies in a timed environment. When GOHS students come back to visit from college they ALL share that being in the class AND taking the exam help prepare them for classes and make college EASIER for them! For families, there is the benefit that your student can earn college credit, reducing not only the cost of tuition, but also waiving of introductory classes.

We highly encourage our students to not only take AP exams, but also to sit for the test. If you have any additional questions or need help with registration, please reach out to Mrs. Casady (mcasady@tvusd.us).

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At Great Oak High School, we know that strong attendance habits are essential for student success—not just in high school, but in college and future careers. Each day that students are present, they are building the skills, knowledge, and perseverance needed to prepare for life after graduation.

Why Attendance Matters in High School:

• Colleges and employers look at attendance and punctuality as signs of responsibility and reliability.
  
  

• Regular attendance ensures students don’t miss critical lessons, discussions, or opportunities to prepare for college and career pathways.
  
  

• Developing positive attendance habits now sets the foundation for success in higher education and the workplace.

This month, our focus is “Attendance links to college/career success.” By working together, we can help every student stay on track, achieve their goals, and be ready for the opportunities ahead.

Thank you for supporting your student in being present and prepared every day!

Sincerely,

GOHS Attendance Team

If your student has accumulated 8 or more hours of detention due to issues such as tardies, single period truancies, and/or disciplinary actions they are on the school's NO GO List. This designation means they are currently ineligible to make purchases from the school bookstore, including tickets to dances and parking permits. It will also deny students entry into WSB and other school events such as athletic contests. For athletes, this also includes being unable to leave school early for away game transportation or contests.

To be removed from the NO GO List, students must reduce their total detention time to below 8 hours. Detention can be served during the following times:

• Before school: 7:50 AM – 8:20 AM room 306

• During lunch: Room 306

• Saturday School: Counts for 4 hours

We encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to clear their hours and regain eligibility for school activities.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact Mr. Morton, PBIS Coordinator, if you have any questions.

There's a lot in store for you and we don't want you to miss out on all the fun things we're planning.

For those of you who are new to Great Oak High School, WSB sends you a newsletter each week that features events, activities, and news.

We'll see you at this week's events!

What's in this Newsletter:

1. Jersey Day For Jersey Mikes School Fundraiser

2. October Blood Drive

3. Peer Leaders FMP Newsletter - October Edition

4. Academic Letter Ceremony

5. Senior Synergy

6. Lunchtime Activities

7. Athletic Events This Week

8. Club News

9. Other GOHS News and Information

10. Social Media and WSB Card

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.