June 2016 Principal`s Newsletter

OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
June 2015
Administration
David Uminski, Principal
Greg Smith, Assistant Principal
Brian Sargent, Dean of Students
Main Office Staff
Cathy Stangroom, Registrar
Pegi Deshayes, Administrative Assistant
Inga Morin, Administrative Assistant
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016
GRADUATION: SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1 PM
PRINCIPAL’S NEWS: THANK YOU MR. SMITH AND MR. SARGENT
The Administrative Team at Oakmont will look a lot different next year. Our Assistant Principal, Greg Smith, and Dean of Students,
Brian Sargent have announced their retirements effective at the end of the school year. I am extremely grateful to both of these
men for their service to our students, school community and me these last nine years.
Mr. Smith came to Oakmont as the Assistant Principal in 2007 after serving in the same role
at Wachusett and Lunenburg. This was a homecoming for him as he started his career as a
special education teacher at Oakmont in the early 1980s. When he was hired he was a
colonel in the Massachusetts National Guard, he indicated that he was going to retire from
the military in a few years and would seek a principalship at another high school. However,
he was soon promoted to general, delayed his retirement and finished his educational
career at Oakmont.
He has been a trusted advisor and friend. He was responsible for substitute coverage,
parking lot management, MCAS and PARCC administration, 504 Plans, school safety and
security, public relations, scheduling, on-line learning and curriculum modifications, in
addition to assisting with student discipline and teacher evaluation. He worked with
individual students on independent studies and facilitated weekly Political Discussion Club
meetings. Despite his messy desk, he is the most organized and detailed professional with
whom I have worked.
Mr. Sargent is also a trusted advisor and friend. He began teaching Business at Oakmont
in 1998 after a career in the private sector as a buyer and manger for CVS. He was
appointed Dean of Students in 2004 and the “veteran” of the administrative team. As
Dean of Students he is responsible for student attendance and student discipline. He
tracks every student’s attendance to ensure that they meet state regulations and
determines if they have earned credits for their academic work. He was also our de facto
“tech guy,” as teachers and staff relied on him to correct technology issues, supporting
our district IT staff. In addition to his Dean duties, Mr. Sargent also taught a Business class
each semester, advised the Yearbook, managed the school store and coached the Girls
Tennis team.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Sargent often were required to have difficult conversations with
students, parents and staff. They were always respectful, treating each situation with the
attention and individualism required to make fair and just decisions. They rarely allowed
emotion to enter into their decision making and were always honest with me and others
about their assessment of each situation. I especially appreciated the times they
disagreed with me with frank conversations, which ultimately led to the best decision for
students and others involved. They have earned the respect of everyone in our school community.
Their professionalism, honesty, work ethic and sense of humor will be greatly missed!
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STUDENT HANDBOOK FOCUS
THANK YOU
Mr. DeCicco!!
Summer School Eligibility
Students who have failed a course and want to
retake it in summer school must have a semester
average of 50-59% in order to be eligible. Only
summer school classes that meet for a minimum
of forty (40) hours may be approved by the
Oakmont Guidance Department to replace a
failure. Summer school enrollment must be
approved by the Guidance Department before a
student begins classes.
Technology Education Teacher
(1981-2016)
OTV Advisor
Photo-Media Advisor
Prom Chaperone (32 Years)
BBQ Chief Chef
Oakmont Golf Team
Benefit Tournament
Florida Scramble Format
August 19, 2016
8 am Registrationj
Westminster Country Club
$100 Per Player
$35 Dinner Only
GOOD LUCK IN
RETIREMENT!
Registration Form at End of
Newsletter
Purchase Oakmont Golf Apparel at:
https://oakmont golf.itemorder.com
The Oakmont-Overlook Marching Spartans are holding
the first meeting for the 2016-2017 school year
on Tuesday June 14, 2016 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Any
student interested in joining the award winning
ensemble should plan on attending. Contact Mr.
DeMoura (kdemoura@awrsd.org) if you have any
questions.
NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Ms. Kristina Bogosh, the current Assistant
Principal at Overlook Middle School, will
become our new A.P. on July 1. She has
previous experience as a teacher at King Phillip
RHS.
PARENTS
Please remember to update your contact
information if it changes especially email
addresses.
WELCOME MS. BOGOSH!!
We want to keep our
Rediker information current.
Thank you.
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JUNE CALENDAR
June 1-2
June 2
June 3
June 3
June 5
June 11
June 12
June 15
June 16
June 17
Biology MCAS
Evening of Reflection
Half Day
Junior-Senior Relays
Senior Academic Awards
Class Night
Graduation
Overlook Spring Concert
AWFAE Movie Night
A & B Block Final Exams
C & D Block Final Exams
LAST DAY
(Freshmen who have Biology S2)
7 pm
Academy Hill, Westminster
Dismissal at 11:05 am
10 am
Hurd Field
11 am
Alumni Auditorium
7 pm
Alumni Auditorium
1 pm
Hurd Field
7 pm
Alumni Auditorium
Overlook Middle School
Dismissal at 11:30 am
Dismissal at 11:30 am
Dismissal at 11:05 am
HAVE BREAKFAST AT OAKMONT
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students with unpaid school bills are ineligible
for participation until obligations are met, ie: lost
books, lost uniforms, class dues, cafeteria, etc.
Ten school days after Report Cards are received
financial ineligibility list will be published. At
that point students on that list may not be
eligible to participate in co-curricular activities.
BREAKFAST IS SERVED DAILY
7:00 -7:25 AM
MILK, JUICE, AND EITHER AN EGG SANDWICH, BAGEL, OR
MUFFIN
$1.50
(REDUCED PRICE IS $ .30, MILK $.50)
Parents will receive bills from our office 4 times a
year around report card time.
CONGRATULATIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
REDIKER PARENT GRADING
PORTAL?
CONTACT:
support@awrsd.org
CENTRAL MASS.
PENTATHALON
CHAMPION!!!
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
REMINDER: ALL CHECKS WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE
MADE PAYABLE TO THE OAKMONT STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
THIS WOULD BE FOR CLASS DUES, LOST BOOKS, DANCES,
FUNDRAISERS, AND CLASS FEES
ATHLETIC AND MARCHING BAND FEES SHOULD BE PAYABLE TO
AWRSD
THANK YOU
TESS REMBETSY-BROWN
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STUDYING FOR FINALS? MOMENTS OF MINDFULENSS MAY HELP YOU DO BETTER
By Lori Malnati, School Adjustment Counselor
(PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR STUDENT)
As summer vacation gets closer and closer, you may think that the “light at the end of the tunnel” will help you to feel more
excited, focused, energetic, relaxed, motivated, and productive. Maybe that will mean that you can slack off a little, you won’t
have to study as hard, and that ultimately, you’ll ace those final exams and projects!
Although this scenario may be a reality for some students, the majority of students will actually feel more pressure and stress as
the school year progresses. Some students may feel like they can’t concentrate, that they are more tired than usual, that they
are feeling more irritable or moody, that they are experiencing more anxiety or depression, that they have more aches and pains
lately, or that they are completely overwhelmed and are on the verge of shutting down. Sound familiar? These negative
feelings, if not alleviated in some way, will undoubtedly negatively impact many things, including academic performance and
achievement. Mindfulness might offer something different.
Mindfulness is being fully aware of what you are experiencing in the present moment. It may help improve your focus,
concentration, and memory; and may help you shift from a negative, stressful state of being in to one that is more desired,
pleasurable, and tolerable. Periodically taking a mindful moment will help you build resilience to help you deal with stressful
thoughts, feelings, and situations; including that dreaded final exam. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how much more
we struggle with things if we are not in a good space. If you’re one of the many students who struggle, here is a simple exercise
that can help. The more you practice the better.
Using your 5 senses, bring yourself to the here and now by answering these questions.
1. What do I see right now? Look around you and silently name 3-4 things that you see when looking to the front of
you, and to the left and right. Just take notice of what you see in this moment. Bring your full attention to those
things and then move on to the next question.
2. What do I hear right now? Notice what you hear (if anything) at this very moment and silently name those things
that come in to your awareness.
3. What do I smell right now? Notice what you become aware of if anything at all.
4. What do I taste right now? Notice anything that comes to mind, and again, silently note the answer(s) to yourself
5. What do I feel on the inside and on the outside right now? Notice any feelings you have but don’t judge them as
good or bad. Just notice what is there. Notice any sensations in your body as well. Notice your legs, your back,
other parts of your body that are touching the chair. Notice your feet on the floor. Notice what else you feel, both
physically and emotionally. Notice what else you notice.
If only for a few minutes you will have intentionally built in a time to ground yourself and to only focus on what is happening in
the moment. Not thinking about or worrying about a time from the past or any “what if” of the future. Remember to try not to
attach judgment to anything that you become aware of. Just notice those thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, whatever
they may be. Becoming aware of “what is” instead of what you hope and wish it to be.
This mindfulness technique is not an official relaxation exercise but by increasing your level of non-judgmental self-awareness
you just might find yourself feeling more alert, relaxed, focused, productive, confident, and content. This is the frame of mind
you need to be in to truly be able to achieve and maintain “your” personal best.
If you would like more information or resources on mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques please feel free to see Mrs.
Malnati or Ms. Masterman he guidance office.
Oakmont Regional High School
is on Twitter AND Facebook!
Follow us!
@OakmontRegional
And
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakmont-RegionalHigh-School/1659966270884549
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One Book, One School
Summer Reading
Softball
Maddie Truax (MVP)
Paige Toothaker
Stephanie Aube
Briahanna Barry
Erika Hall
Hannah Jensen
Baseball
Owen Napolitano
Sean Richard
Girls Tennis
Anna Thornton
Boys Tennis
Erich Steiner (MT Coop)
Girls Lacrosse
Alyssa Girouard
Madi Cheverie
Boys Lacrosse
Nate McCartney
Brendan Kelleher
MOVIE NIGHT
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
(Last Day of School)
MINIONS
OAKMONT SCHOOL STORE
ON-LINE PURCHASING AVAILABLE SOON!
Rain or Shine!
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Honors Biology Vernal Pool GoPro Project:
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
The New Parent Resources Section has replaced
the Virtual Backpack
There you will find:
 Events Calendar
Jenna Duval recording the salamander eggs.
The honors biology classes (grade 9) have started their
vernal pool studies of amphibian development. Every
morning the students take readings from a nearby pool and
video tape the eggs using the GoPro cameras (with
waterproof cases) provided by the AWFAE grant last
year. Eventually the students will edit and "stitch" the videos
together to produce a time lapse video of the
development. Additionally they are learning to identify frog
calls, which will be recorded and shared in an interactive
hallway display in June.
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Semester I Grade Reporting Dates
Payment and Fees
Yearbook Information
Basic School Supply List
Armed Forces Recruitment
College Visits Info for Juniors and Seniors
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AWRSD 2015-2016 District Calendar
AWRSD Bus Route Information
Chartwells School Lunch Menus
My School Bucks: Add Money to your
Chartwells Account
Oakmont Student Handbook 15-16
Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for
Academic Excellence
There are also links to:
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The eggs in the picture below are spotted salamander
eggs. Students are also recording development of wood
frog eggs. The unedited video of the frog eggs can be
viewed here on Youtube: https://youtu.be/x2lvokuE_LI or
try scanning the QR code below:
Other Useful Sections
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All the videos for the project can be found on the
OakScience Youtube channel.
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Athletics
Guidance
Forms
 College Visit Excused Absence Request
Form
 Guest Permission Form for dances and
other school events
 Request for Community Service Help
Form
 School Choice Application
 Work Permit Application
Library
News and Newsletters
Student Resources
Alumni Resources
Achieving academic excellence requires passion,
imagination, and creativity. However, in today’s world
strategic support and comprehensive training also play
key roles-strategic support that brings innovative and
inspiring teaching methods.
The AshburnhamWestminster Foundation for Excellence, through private
funding, seeks to provide teachers and students with tools,
training, and experiences that foster academic excellence.
To learn more visit: http://www.ashwestfoundation.org
Maddy Hawkins taking the temperature of the pool.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE
NURSE
SUMMER, 2016
WORK PERMITS
Work permits can now be found on-line http://oak.awrsd.org/
Click on “Forms”
Summer vacation is on the doorstep! Here is some
important end-of-year information:
MORNING TRAFFIC
For those of you who are trying to get to Oakmont or
Overlook between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, you know
the traffic is a nightmare.
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The Class of 2016 will be given their
immunization records on Friday, June 3rd after
they receive their caps and gowns. Please keep
these records in a safe place, because they contain
important information that will be required for
college and some jobs.
Out of safety concerns we ask that cars from
Westminster and Ashburnham try to alternate
pulling onto Oakmont Drive, allowing cars to exit
Oakmont Drive as part of the rotation. Our new
drivers have been anxious trying to turn into the
driveway, especially from the Westminster side. We
would also suggest an alternative route from
Westminster using Rt. 140, Rt. 101 and South Main
St. to enter Oakmont/Overlook from the
Ashburnham side.
•
SPORTS PHYSICALS: It is very
important that the nurse receive a copy of ALL
athletic physicals for the 2016 fall sports season
prior to August 22nd. The nurse is responsible for
the final clearance for all athletes, so a copy
should be sent to me in addition to any copies
given to coaches. Remember, coaches may not be
based at Oakmont, and there may be a delay in
clearance for play and practice if the nurse does
not receive the paperwork prior to the first day of
practice. Please always remember to make an
additional copy for your records!
When dropping students off in front of Oakmont,
please pull down as far as you can go down the
island (as long as there are no large snow banks),
this will minimize the back up on the driveway.
Of course, having students ride to school on the
school bus would also lessen the volume of traffic.
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The Oakmont Nurse’s Office will be
closed from June 18th until August 22nd. All new
student and athletic physicals can be either sent
directly by mail to my attention, or scanned
(preferred) and sent to slofquist@awrsd.org. In
addition, there is a direct confidential FAX
located in the Nurse’s Office for any beginning of
the year or athletic paperwork. The FAX number
is 978-827-5624.
Thank you.
•
All medication orders currently on file in
the Nurse’s Office will expire on June 17, 2016.
If your student will need medication while here at
school in the 2016-17 school year, a signed order
is required from the prescriber AND a parent/legal
guardian to be kept on file in the Nurse’s Office.
This includes asthma inhalers and Epi-pens…even
if self-carried. These may also be mailed to my
attention, directly faxed or scanned to me prior to
the first day of school.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Susan Lofquist, RN (OHS School Nurse)
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ALUMNI UPDATE
ATM AVAILABLE
An ATM has been installed in the vestibule next to the
Kiuru Health Room primarily for the convenience of
spectators attending athletic events and to support
athletic vending.
Craig Dolder ‘04, a former Ashburnham resident
and AWRSD student continued his education at the
University of Hartford obtaining a degree in
Acoustics and Music. Next he received a
scholarship to the University of Texas, Austin and
earned his degree and doctorate in Mechanical
Engineering, Acoustics. Having worked throughout
his six years there he took 9 months off to tour
the world, visiting Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia,
Shri Lanka, India, England, Belgium and Spain,
returning here for a few months before accepted a
position as a Research Scientist at the
University of Southampton in England, one of
the top 100 research universities in the world, his
subject, Ultrasound and Microbial Surface Fouling. He
now resides in Southampton and has a very active
social life within the university environment,
including as an instructor and active member of
their Salsa dance program and also an active
scuba diver.
Students are not allowed to use it during the school
day.
2016 Franklin Pierce University
Baseball Camp
Ages 7-18
Session I: July 11-15
Session II: August 8-12
For more information:
Click Here
WORK PERMITS
Work permits can now be found on-line http://oak.awrsd.org/
Hannaford Supermarkets recently donated $1000
to ORHS as part of their Hannaford Helps Schools
program.
Click on “Forms”
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National Honor Society
Congratulations to the Class of 2017 Inductees:
Felicia Alicea
Michael Amblo
Katherine Arsenault
Jeffrey Aveni
Laurynn Bedard
Alyssa Blake
Katie Blake
Emily Buchanan
Iya Carney
Olivia Caton
Kaylin Ciesluk
Rebecca Collette
Alivia Collins
Jayme Davis
Melaina Duval
Samantha Gallien
Lucas Ghilardi
Chanelle Goguen
Nicholas Grasser
Erika Hall
Katherine Haschig
Jace Henrie
Taylor Ladue
Maura LeBlanc
Rachel Marble
Marcus Mei
Sian Michael
Brendan Morrison
Brooke Morrison
Keara Moulton
Owen Napolitano
Connor O’Brien
Chloe O’Hara
Charles Pappas
Hannah Parker
Emma Reitz
Brianna Richard
Clarisse Sugar
Paige Toothaker
Alexis Veautour
Evan Weinreb
Eric Wells
Kasey Wells
Fay Whittall
EXCITING NEWS!!!! During the Evening
with the Arts in May, admission
representatives from six art schools
located from Maine to Georgia came to
view the show. Two schools offered
recognition to several art students for their
exceptional creativity, expression and
skill.
Congratulations to six 11th grade visual
arts students selected as scholarship
recipients! Katie Christensen, Chanelle
Goguen, and Katie Petkewich each
have earned a scholarship to Montserrat
College of Art Pre-College summer
program located on the North Shore in
Beverly, MA. And, Congratulations to
Amy Page, Jack Hollenbeck, and
Johanna Thorp, each have earned an
$11,000 per year renewable scholarship
from the Maine College of Art located in
Portland, ME! Congratulations!
Oakmont Regional High School is now accepting book, video,
DVD, CD, and audio book PLUS SHOES AND CLOTHES!!
Drop off your contributions to help raise money for the school’s
Business Education Department
For more information: Contact Wendy LeBlanc
wleblanc@awrsd.org
(978) 827-5907 x2174
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Bilingual Chocolate Bar Label Show
Steven’s Memorial Library- Ashburnham
Interdisciplinary Project (Graphic Design 3/Spanish)
The Taza Chocolate Field Trip was the spark that inspired the students of two electives - Graphic
Design 3 and Spanish 3 to collaborate on the design and creation of a bilingual chocolate bar label
reflecting their research into the history of chocolate and “Taza’s” process of making stone ground
chocolate bars right in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
This was an amazing opportunity for learners to witness that learning can and should take place
everywhere. Learning is social, economic, and cultural and this field trip provided the opportunity to
synthesize all three areas into a learning experience that was applied to a final project- a chocolate
bar design, labeled in English and Spanish reflecting the Aztec roots of chocolate and the visual
elements and principles within Graphic Design.
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Chocolate Bar Show Questions
Bilingual Chocolate Bar Label
What as a designer was your biggest challenge in designing the bilingual chocolate bar label?
What was your greatest learning experience from the beginning with the Taza Chocolate field trip, to working
with the Spanish 3, students to the designing of the label?
Noelle Smith
1) The biggest challenge for me was in the layout of the chocolate bar label and trying to incorporate both English
and Spanish information on the back panel of the label.
2) The greatest learning experience was during the field trip learning the origin of chocolate and seeing how it is
made. Also, learning how to compromise and work together with other students to come up with a product
idea. The greatest learning experience during the design process was including two languages on one label and
figuring out how I can fit both into the layout of the design in a way that both works and still looks good.
Melaina Duval
1) As a designer, the biggest challenge in designing a bilingual chocolate bar label was accessing the Spanish
translations, but also the layout because spacing had to be changed once I began the Spanish label.
2) The greatest experience during the Taza field trip for me was learning about the history of stone ground
chocolate and how it is produced. Although, working with other students to create one product was a challenge,
it was a great experience and helped me improve as a designer. The greatest experience in designing the
chocolate bar label was incorporating English and Spanish, but also developing a design that would fit well with
both languages.
Matt Davis
1) The most challenging part of designing a bilingual chocolate bar label was figuring out the spacing of the Spanish
words in contrast to the English version, because some translations were longer than others.
2) The greatest learning experience of the Taza chocolate factory trip was learning the origins of which the
chocolate was brought together using the natural ingredients. Working with a team of translators with
knowledge of Spanish culture and language helped make the designing experience much easier because they all
had great ideas for a label and myth. During the designing process, I learned that Spanish production and English
production of a product can be just as difficult when you are trying to make them work together.
Keara Moulton
1) The most challenging part of designing a bilingual chocolate bar was getting/finding the right translations and
fitting them on the design without reworking everything.
2) The greatest learning experience for me was actually coming up with ideas for a chocolate bar within a group. I
never really created a project that wasn’t entirely my own ideas, thoughts and opinions. It gave me a chance to
experience what a real graphic designer does for work.
Mavrick Cefole
1)
2)
The biggest challenge about this was relying on other people to do aspects of my label for me,
whether or not the translations were right or wrong, and if they were wrong I wouldn’t know.
The greatest learning experience was learning all the different countries that the cacao came from
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OAKMONT GIRLS SPRING TRACK & FIELD
2016 SEASON SUMMARY
Dual Meet Record; 6-1 League Record; 5-1
Oakmont Regional 124.5 – Clinton H.S. 17.5
Oakmont Regional 124 – Gardner H.S. 17
Richard Mulligan Relay Meet, Division 2 – 3rd place, 36.33 points
Oakmont Regional 69 – Bromfield School 76
Oakmont Regional 110 – Tyngsborough H.S. 34
Oakmont Regional 77 – Lunenburg H.S. 68
Oakmont Regional 104 – Narragansett Regional 41
District E Class B Invitational Meet –2nd place, 71.08 points
Midland Wachusett League Championship Meet – 2nd place, 140 points
Oakmont Regional 116 - Leominster H.S. 29
Central/Western Division II Championship Meet – 4th place, 45 points
Massachusetts State Championship Meet
Individual Honors:
Richard Mulligan Relay Meet Division 2 Champions;
Sprint Medley Relay;
Jessica Ciesluk, Stefanie Caban, Hannah Cravedi, Kaylin Ciesluk
44th Annual District E Class B Meet Champions;
Kaylin Ciesluk – 800 meters, 2:17.11 (meet record).
4x400 meter relay, 4:10.52 (meet record);
Elyse Bartkus, Alyssa Madden, Keara Moulton, Kaylin Ciesluk
Central/Western Mass. Division 2 Meet Champions;
Alyssa Madden – 200 meter dash, 25.63
Kaylin Ciesluk – 800 meter run, 2:14.40 (meet record)
Tess Rembetsy-Brown – Pentathlon, 2782 points (meet record)
State Meet Qualifiers;
Jessica Ciesluk – 200 meters
Kaylin Ciesluk – 800 meters
Alyssa Madden – 200 & 100 meters
Tess Rembetsy-Brown - pentathlon
Midland – Wachusett League Division “C” All-Stars;
Alyssa Madden – 100 meter dash
Tess Rembetsy-Brown – 400 meter hurdles
Kaylin Ciesluk – 800 meter run
4x400 meter relay
Elyse Bartkus, Samantha Stiles, Keara Moulton, Kaylin Ciesluk
Oakmont School Record Setters;
Alyssa Madden – 100 meter dash, 12.4
Alyssa Madden – 200 meter dash, 25.63
Kaylin Ciesluk – 800 meter run, 2:14.40
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