Thank you to all who joined us yesterday for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Nights like these are an important reminder that success comes from partnership. Many good things can happen when students, families, and teachers communicate openly and work together.

Today, our entire school came together for the AI Summit, a first-of-its-kind event at OAHS.

With nationally recognized speakers Dr. Sabba Quidwai, Joe Marquez, and Katie McNamara, students and teachers learned side by side about the opportunities—and challenges—that Artificial Intelligence brings to education and the world around us.

It was powerful to see our students engaged in a conversation that is shaping the present and the future. Thank you, Spartans, for representing our school so well in front of community leaders, district staff, and local media.

Today's AI Summit was about preparing Spartans for the future, but it also connects directly to opportunities that are already here at OAHS. Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in Computer Science offers students hands-on experience in programming and cybersecurity, with the chance to earn industry-level certifications and a CTE medal at graduation.

Check out the teacher spotlight below highlighting the program and the incredible work students are already doing in these courses.

Just as today reminded us of the importance of preparing for the future, September is also a reminder of the importance of caring for the present. Suicide Prevention Month is a time to remind each other that no one is alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a counselor, a trusted adult, or visit our Campus Supports page. Asking for help is strength, not weakness—and it’s part of how we live here at OAHS.

Bre has been in Band for 4 years and was the captain of the Swim Team. She has also competed in SkillsUSA, is an FCA leader, and serves as an FCC mentor. On top of that, she does Ballet, is the CSF Publicity Director, and has received the Spartan Achievement Award in Computer Science and Cybersecurity.

Ms. Penk teaches Introduction to Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, Cybersecurity, and Concurrent Enrollment Statistics here at OA. Her computer science courses are considered part of Career and Technical Education (CTE), meaning students can earn a CTE medal at graduation by completing two of the three courses.

In her classes, advanced students take on individual projects and may even have the opportunity to intern. In Cybersecurity, students can earn industry-level certifications in various fields. Day to day, students spend time doing labs, learning software, and exploring technology in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Sincerely,

Rhett Carter