I hope you and your family had a safe and relaxing summer. Here at OCSA we have been busy preparing for this school year with added excitement and are looking forward to getting back to learning, growing, and performing together as artists. This year we have added some new courses as well as expanded some of our art areas.

New to OCSA this fall will be guitar and keyboarding. These two elective offerings help round out our musical offerings and help provide a foundation for all music majors. Additionally, we have Latinos in Action this year which focuses on developing leadership skills, both in school and in the community, for our Latino students. As a school, we are implementing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies school-side to help ensure students receive the most effective instructional strategies and preparation for college readiness. In dance and visual arts, we were able to add a third section for both allowing more talented students a chance to experience these majors.

New and expanded offerings are just a few of the exciting changes this year. We will be returning to a regular performance schedule including monthly recitals allowing students at all levels and in all majors an opportunity to shine on stage.

School life was obviously much different last year with the Covid 19 protocols that were in place. The district has revised those protocols to allow for more normal operations, but with some stipulations. Masks are no longer required, but students and staff are welcome to wear them if they are more comfortable. Social distancing is encouraged whenever possible, but there are no added restrictions regarding class size. Students who ride a bus to and from school will still be required to wear a mask while on the bus. Our custodians will still clean regularly with approved sanitizing cleaners and hand sanitizing stations will be maintained throughout the campus. If students or staff are not feeling well, they are encouraged to stay home and get checked.

Quarantine protocols are still in effect and will be facilitated by our school nurse following the guidelines given by the district. One advantage we will have this year is when that situation occurs is that our students will all have their own device making the transition to digital for a brief time not interrupt their instruction as they will have access to assignments and feedback online. As always, we will follow the district guidelines to help ensure we do all we can to ensure our students safety while on campus.

         I want to express my sincere thanks to all of our OCSA family for your help and support as we get ready to embark on an exciting school year and a return to performing and creating art to share. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazingly talented and dedicated faculty and staff. They are truly heroes and a pleasure to work with. Parents and family thank you for entrusting us to provide a safe and creative environment for your student to grow and thrive. We look forward to a great year working together and continuing the tradition of excellence that is OCSA… Where Passion Meets Purpose. 

Dennis Neal, Principal
dennis.neal@osceolaschools.net