Message from the Principal...

At the end of this school year, Oakcrest High School will embark on a three-day interdisciplinary project that we believe is one of its kind in secondary education. Each year we have traditionally focused on World War II through the study of history and literature as part of our regular curriculum for high school juniors. Through the efforts of social studies teacher Doug Cervi, we have regularly invited Veterans of World War II to our school so that they could share their stories with our students. This has always had a profound and meaningful effect on our students and faculty.

In keeping with our interdisciplinary philosophy, for the first time in school history, we are going to try something that we hope is a unique and exciting experience for our students, our faculty and our community. For three days in May, every student in every grade and in every subject will focus on World War II in an effort to understand at a deeper level the impact and importance of this momentous period in our history.

We began to plan for this project in the summer of 2003 and the enthusiasm and energy exhibited by the faculty committee has been inspiring to say the least. Committee Chairpersons Mr. Doug Cervi and Mrs. Marsha Colman from the Social Studies Department and our Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Darlene Kopania from the English Department, have led their committee in creating lesson plans, designing departmental projects and inviting members of the community to share this experience as we study one concept together for three days. Mrs. Jeri-Lynn Gatto, Supervisor of Social Studies and Performing Arts and Mr. Mike McGhee, Supervisor of Special Education have been responsible for the direct supervision of the project which has been an outstanding example of a team effort by the entire faculty and staff of Oakcrest High School.

It is my hope that the three-day interdisciplinary project will become an institution at Oakcrest High School and will signal to our student body that the school year is coming to a close with one final focus on one final, major theme. Our World War II project will take place on May 26th, 27th and 28th, 2004 and promises to be a momentous time in our own school history. Please visit our web site for more detailed information on the project at www.Oakcrest.net. You will find a special link to our World War II website on the web page where you will be able to view teacher lesson plans, photographs, and a daily schedule for special events. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the speeches of great leaders by clicking on Historical Figures.

The process of planning the World War II project has been a labor of love for all involved. It is my hope that each person participating in the three day event will feel a special sense of understanding, patriotism and pride in America when we honor the men and women who have given their lives in times of war, particularly on Memorial Day 2004.

Anthony Mongelluzzo, Principal, Oakcrest High School