Spring 2012 - Oxford Community Schools

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8 w w w . O X F O R D S C H O O L S . O R G
Goal
Implement research-based curriculum and instructional practices
that include authentic communication of student achievement.
Oxford Academy
of Engineering &
technology
The Academy of Engineering &
Technology is a four-year, nationally-
certified engineering program
at Oxford High School that offers
eight different engineering courses. In
addition, the high school offers four
college engineering courses from
Lawrence Technological University.
The newly renovated pre-engineering
lab is outfitted with all the requisite
tools for students to explore
engineering concepts, find solutions
to design-build challenges, and
test their finished products. The
engineering courses are not just for
those students who are mechanically
inclined or have a passion to become
engineers. Every student can benefit
by understanding the thought process
inherent in engineering as well as
learning how to multi-task, work in
groups, and meet deadlines.
Biomedical Sciences
Program
Students can prepare for careers
in healthcare sciences or research
through the nationally-certified
Biomedical Sciences Program at
Oxford High School. The program is a
rigorous, four-year venture that gives
students hands-on training in the
principles of biomedical sciences, the
human body systems, medical
interventions, and science research.
Biomedical Sciences is a broad field
that encompasses biochemistry,
biomedical engineering, dentistry
forensics, microbiology, immunology,
pharmacology, physiology,
radiological sciences and more. The
engineering and biomedical programs
at Oxford High School are among the
most comprehensive in Michigan.
Science, technology,
Engineering & math
(StEm)
Oxford High School received national
certification for its Project Lead The
Way (PLTW) program that it has
been offering since 2009. PLTW, the
nation’s leading provider of science,
technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) education programs, offers
a rigorous curriculum that allows
students to apply what they are
learning in math and science classes
to real-life engineering and technology
projects. Rather than sitting passively
and listening to lectures, students are
building, developing and creating. It’s
the kind of hands-on experience that
engages more students in science,
technology, engineering and math.
Students from certified Project Lead
the Way Schools may receive college
admissions preference, college credit
and scholarships.
Oxford Bridges
Alternative high
School
Students enrolled in the Bridges
Alternative High School can step
beyond traditional boundaries
and take a different route to receive
their diplomas. The first of its kind
in Michigan, this program has an
integrated curriculum that provides
simulated and real-life opportunities
for learning. It offers an attractive
option for students who crave the
freedom to express themselves in
different ways, at their own pace, and
in smaller peer groups--while earning
a diploma. Cinematography, boatbuilding,
and publishing are some of
the unique options at Bridges.
music maestros
Oxford is the only public school
district in Michigan to have a
kindergarten through twelfth grade
orchestra program.
roboCats Continue their Winning Ways
Oxford High
School’s
RoboCats are
among the world’s best.
Placing in the top 16
in world competition
in the 2009-10 season,
Team TORC (The Oxford
RoboCats) next returned
a 7th place finish in the
2010-11 season. TORC
was also the only undefeated team in the 2010 Oakland County Robotics Competition. This year Team TORC took home the prestigious
2012 Regional Chairman’s Award, which honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies
the purpose and goals of FIRST®. The award submission requirements included a 10,000-character large essay; seven, 500-character short
response essays; photographs; a three-minute video; a ten-minute presentation; and an interview with judges. Team TORC’s submittal,
with an election year theme and a campaign slogan of “Take the Longshot...Change the Culture,” was the clear winner in the judges’
eyes. This is what the judges had to say: “The matrix organizational structure is valuable to how you operate and establish roles and
responsibilities. Your outreach activities are innovative, and your enthusiasm for FIRST® and learning is a definite asset. Your work with
charities are both meaningful to your team and improve your community. Your outreach is evidence that you are taking the spirit of FIRST®
to heart. The increase in female participation to a ‘non-traditional’ technical environment is a positive. We were also impressed that you
contributed to the development of a technical curriculum for middle and high school that supported the robotics team and earned college
credit. We also liked that you were creative and tied the election year to this year’s game in your presentation. You are a well-organized
and very energetic team with great leadership skills. Keep raising the bar and striving to continue to be role models for other teams using
FIRST® as your guide. Great job!”
Students Compete in State finals
PHOTO BY SHANNON STRONG
Another year, another trip to state finals. The long-standing success and recognition of Oxford’s outstanding Automotive
Technologies program is a testament to instructor Dan Balsley. He really knows how to engage students and motivate them to
perform well, and we are extremely proud. Oxford’s nationally-recognized program has sent teams of young mechanics to state
and national finals in nearly every year of its 24-year existence. Above left, OHS junior PAUL STROnG and senior KYLE FEEnEY pose with
teacher dAn bALSLEY and their sixth-place trophy from the AAA/Ford Auto Skills State Finals. Above right, the boys work together to debug
a Ford Focus during the competition. More than 20 fellow students and family members came to cheer the boys on. Way to go, boys!