DolphinWatch

On May 23, 2013 Dr. James Merrill, Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, made a surprise visit to Mrs. Kathy Turner, Academy Chemistry class!  Dr. Merrill arrived to announce and celebrate Mrs. Turner’s selection as a Superintendent’s Spotlight Award recipient.  Dr. Merrill shared with Mrs. Turner’s class some of the attributes that resulted in her selection for this special recognition and presented her with a mounted certificate. Congratulations, Mrs. Turner and thank you for your contributions to the Mathematics & Science Academy, Ocean Lakes High School and to VBCPS! We are very proud of you!!

Only 9 more school days until our whole-school Academic Awards Celebration assembly! This is such a wonderful annual event, so its details are worth sharing one more time.

We are proud that Ocean Lakes High School is the only school in the city that celebrates academic scholarships and awards at a whole school assembly rather than at an isolated seniors’ night. This allows our underclassmen to witness the possibilities that lie ahead for those that live by the Dolphin philosophy to “Strive- Persevere-Win.” Although seniors are a main focus of this celebration, we are dedicated to recognizing both student and teacher behaviors and successes that support academic achievement throughout the year. Both students and teachers are awarded door prize drawing tickets throughout the school year. For example, drawing tickets are attached to honor roll reports cords and teachers are encouraged to award tickets to students for a variety of other demonstrated academic efforts and successes. It could be for simply going to a needed tutoring session or having a great performance on a test or project.

OLHS teachers have long been dedicated to success for all students. Besides creating daily lessons that focus upon the prescribed curricular objects, they seek new ways to engage students. They provide extra assistance, after and during school, often giving up a lunch period. They create special spaces such as the Literacy Center and Math Center to provide needed focused help. They create special events such as Work Wednesdays or Algebra Boot Camp for extra test preparation. They are the best and should be recognized and celebrated as well.

This year’s celebration is scheduled for June 7, 2013. We continue to be so very thankful for the tremendous generosity of our extended Dolphin Community. 

Heartfelt thanks go to the OLHS PTSA for a bag of goodies including: several, thick and thirsty beach towels, 2 very cool, bluetooth mini-speakers, a LED color-changing mini-speaker and 4 Skullcandy earbud sets!

Many thanks also go to the Harrell Family for their contribution of four Jungle Golf Tickets!!! Summer fun is definitely on the way!!

The Virginia Aquarium has partnered with Wild River Outfitters to pilot an exciting new program for the Summer of 2013 called Marsh Ambassadors!  This program is a FREE, 3-day, grant-funded program sponsored by Columbia Sportswear to bring awareness about salt marsh ecology to local students ages 13-18.

 They will select a total of 40 students through a written application and verbal interview process to participate in this program.  Students chosen to participate will be taken kayaking in Owls Creek, participate in hands-on watershed experiments, go exploring in the Owls Creek salt marsh, and tour the Virginia Aquarium’s Marsh Pavilion.  Upon conclusion of the program, students will create displays about their experience, and spend one day educating Aquarium guests about being Marsh Ambassadors! DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2013

 Marsh Ambassadors Student Info Flyer And Application 2013

Many thanks to the OLHS Guidance Department which just donated TEN iTunes gift cards for our Academy Awards Celebration! You are the BEST in the BEACH!!!

Warm appreciation goes to the Horth Family for their Regal Cinema gift cards which will be used as door prizes during the June 7 Academic Awards Celebration. It is going to be a great event thanks to the generosity of so many parents, clubs, departments and community members!

Ocean Lakes High School – Activity Bus Schedule for June
for BOTH in-zone students and out-of-zone Academy students.  

Beginning Monday, June 3rd- we will have only one Activity Bus run at 4:30 p.m. with the exception of Friday, June 7th when the Activity Buses will run at 5:40 p.m. due to Fin Fest.
The last day any Activity Buses will run will be Monday, June 10th.

     Due to the approaching retirement of our beloved Mrs. Nancy Moskway-Vadersen, a new Senior Project Advisor had to be found. Applications were received and interviews completed. We thank all those that considered and applied for this very demanding and multidimensional job.

    At this time it is my pleasure to announce that Mrs. Allison Graves has accepted the position of MSA Project Advisor. As a member of the Ocean Lakes faculty, Mrs. Graves has served as an AP Language and Composition Teacher and more recently as our Gifted Resource Teacher. Her experience as an award-winning educator, grant writer, teacher leader, curriculum writer, and seasoned presenter equips her well for this dynamic position.

     Mrs. Graves will work closely with Mrs. Moskway-Vadersen to ensure a smooth transition. This will be of particular importance to our current juniors, who are about to embark on their own senior project journey. Current freshmen worked with Mrs. Graves this year through their English classes. As rising sophomores they will again work with Mrs. Graves in the new research course. We look forward to Mrs. Graves’ insights and contributions as we continue moving toward our program’s vision.

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Allison Graves to the MSA staff !

Vision Statement of the Mathematics & Science Academy

Through the integration of 21st century skills, current technologies and authentic applications that inspire and engage students, the Mathematics & Science Academy exemplifies the best in mathematics and science education, realized in the innovative achievements, leadership and service of its graduates in associated professions throughout the global community.

Thursday, May 30
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Summer Assignments will be distributed.

See room assignments located in the Guidance Office for your AP course.

Many thanks to Mrs. Allison Graves who has donated gift cards to two All -American favorites (ice cream and books) Barnes & Nobles and Cold Stone Creamery! The June 7 Academic Awards Celebration is going to be awesome!!! 

Special appreciation goes to the Finocchio family for their donation of 2-Panera gift cards and to the Mathematics Department for several fun items including: a mini speaker system, shirt, stuffed animal and several gift cards!