Mrs. Maria Osborne
Principal, Cosumnes Oaks High School
Hello Wolfpack Community and welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! With classes beginning on Thursday August 16th you will find some helpful information in this year’s Summer newsletter you received that will keep you connected to the Wolfpack.
For the second time since opening in 2008, Cosumnes Oaks High School experienced its second Western Asso ciation of Schools and Colleges (WASC) review. WASC is a self-study, which must be completed successfully in order for the school to retain accreditation. The philosophy of the self-study centers on the following beliefs: a school’s goal is successful student learning; each school has a clear purpose and school wide student goals; and each school engages in external and internal evaluations as part of continued school improvement to support student learning. This year long process of reviewing our systems, policies, and procedures, led us to a consensus: our mission statement must be revised to reflect the changing needs of our students. Our revised mission statement is as follows: The mission of COHS is to develop individuals who demonstrate integrity in personal and civic responsibilities, think creatively and critically, and exhibit the collaborative and communicative skills necessary for success in college, career, and life. The visiting committee’s findings after their visit in March resulted in COHS earning one of the highest scores for a WASC self-study: a six-year accreditation with a mid-cycle review. Way to go CO!
Life readiness is about problem solving, navigating tough decision making, and practicing sound judgement in a world that demands strength and perseverance. In response to growing interest and career industry demands, COHS has expanded the Academy and Pathway programs (again!) to include the following: Medic al Careers, Enterprising Entrepreneurship, and AP Capstone. These Pathways will join other programs already in place: Architectural Design & Engineering, Coding & Robotics, Video Production & Broadcasting, Culinary Arts, and Graphic Design. These Career Technic al Education opportunities reinforce the importance of Career Connected Learning and reflect the changing landscape of education. As a result of our efforts, the Ford Next Generation Learning Assessment Team selected
COHS for a site visit. They interviewed students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community business leaders. As a result of their visit and findings, they have invited COHS to partner with them and work on their recommendations to further strengthen our resolve that career connected learning is a pathway to success. Students who are connected to their school community, to interest-themed learning, to real world challenges…graduate at a higher rate, are successful in post- secondary opportunities, possess the skills to apply meaningful learning experiences, and achieve sustainable success. A friend shared a quote with me that exemplifies why we are compelled to offer so many options and supports for our students: “There are only two steps to success; discover your natural talents and then perfect them.” (Mark Victor Hanson, 2016)
On the horizon… In 2018-2019 much of our focus will be on Culture and Community. This past year, we, as well as the district, have sent out surveys, which provided information for pursuing change in our greatest areas of need. A survey in early August will be coming to you regarding topics for parent forums. Although phone calls, e-mails, and survey responses are ok…nothing takes the place of fa ce-to-fa ce conversa tion and discussion. More on this to come as the school year approaches. We look forward to seeing you at one of them!
In closing…thank you for all you do to support our school community. If you are the parent of a 9 th grade student, welcome! Watch for information regarding the Freshman Parent Orientation on August 10 th. As I say every year – we are the Wolfpack. As an extension of your family, we must stay connected and grounded in our mutual commitment to the success of every member of our community: students, staff, parents, guardians, and our community at large. Get ready for an exciting 2018-2019 school year! From all of us to all of you: GO WOLFPACK!
Sincerely,