Introduction: During the previous school year, a task force was created to examine strategies the school could implement to help our freshman students become more engaged and successful. As freshmen, students encounter many new and exciting challenges. The Oregon High School faculty and staff are committed to ensure that all students are successful in transitioning from middle school to high school. The task force recommended that a program be implemented that would team students and teachers together. As part of this program the Freshmen Focus Team teachers, including English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Special Education will have a group of the same students in his/her classes. The Focus teachers will meet regularly to discuss each student ’s academic progress.

Team Benefits: As teachers, it allows for greater communication, collaboration, and dialogues for student interventions. The students are benefited by the teachers’ concerted/coordinated efforts teaching the skills to become more organized, focused, and accountable for their education. As a team, the teachers will be able to communicate more clearly and effectively with parents about issues and concerns with their child’s academic and social transition to the high school. Unlike the middle school’s team, students will not be geographically isolated in the building, nor will they be moved from class to class in large groups.

2006-07 School Year: The students for the Freshmen Focus Team have been randomly selected for this year. The program has approximately 100 students out of the 280 students in the freshman class. The Focus teachers will be gathering data to monitor the success of the program. It is our hope to demonstrate success with the team approach and to expand the Freshmen Focus to include all freshmen in future classes. If you have any questions regarding this program please feel free to contact Leslie Bergstrom at 835-4302 or email at LCB2@oregon.k12.wi.us.

Events: Focus Team students, parents, and friends are invited to the team tailgating party on Sept. 15 at the home football game.