Inside the OSD with Dr. Leslie Bergstrom

In this episode we are learning all about Meals Matter - a new organization at Oregon High Schol that is taking on the very important challenge of food insecurity in our community.  We’re talking directly with the club president, Matthew Schultz, hear about their work, what’s coming up, and how our community can help.

Strong Family & Community Partnerships is one of the Oregon School District’s five core values. In this episode, we are speaking with community member, John Keuhl, creator and Commissioner of Oregon Bench Mob - a basketball league right here in Oregon that was created to offer more high school students an opportunity to play recreationally competitive basketball.

Join us at the Oregon Community Pool to hear from our Boys Swim Team coach, Justin Sawran, and a few swimmers about their experiences on the swim team and what it’s like to be the first ever OHS Conference Champions!

When discussing some of the greatest songwriters and composers in American History, Oregon High School's team of directors landed on Cole Porter's "KIss Me, Kate." Director Mike Ducett and a few of the cast members join us to discuss the preparation for this weekend's classic musical.

In this episode, we are honored to be speaking with Dr. Jon Temte and Shari Barlow, who administer the ORCHARDS public health study right here in the OSD community.  We'll hear about the history of this important study, what's new this year, and how OSD families can get involved. 

In this episode, we are speaking with OSD graduates who are back for our annual Alumni Day, where they return to share their post-high school experiences, reflect on how their experiences in the OSD have shaped them, and give some tips to current OHS students.  

One of the foundational resources for students is our school libraries, which are located at each one of our schools. Today we are talking with some of our OSD library media specialists to hear about these resources and what opportunities they provide.

November is Homelessness Awareness Month and in this episode we’re talking with OSD Social Worker, Caitlin Petersen, to understand what homelessness looks like in our district and services to help.  You can find information about services to assist with homelessness at: https://www.oregonsd.org/well-being/homeless

Today we’re speaking with Coach Weber and athletic trainer, Lisa Fowlkes, to hear about our approach to injury prevention and keeping our athletes as healthy as possible.

In this episode, we are at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center to get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of Stage Door. We’re talking with the Director, Marsha Heuer, along with a few cast members.

Helping to ensure that Oregon School District children have enough food to eat is something that has become an increasing area of focus in our current environment. Schools take an active role in this, along with community organizations. In this episode we are talking with OSD Student Services Director, Dr. Shannon Anderson, to learn about how we support students and families in this area.

Lunchtime is a highlight for our kids each day! In this episode we’re talking with our School Nutrition Director to learn more about our meal program and the creative things our team does to get kids excited about school breakfast and lunch!

We've been honored to welcome 25 students and three delightful teachers from our sister school - Dreieichschule - in Langen, Germany. In this episode we'll hear about this exchange program and the experiences that will last a lifetime.

Homecoming is an eagerly anticipated event in the OSD community, and this year promises a week filled with exciting activities. Both staff and students at Oregon High School play a vital role in ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Join us today as we speak with a few of this year’s event organizers and get the inside scoop on what is planned for next week.

Today we’re talking with our new principal of Oregon High School, Maggie Zywicki.  We’ll hear a little bit about her background, how the year has started out (including how the updated policy on electronics & cell phones), and her plans for OHS this year and beyond.

Today we’re at Panther Stadium to talk with our Athletic Director, our new OHS Head Football Coach, Matt Weber, and students from our football leadership council to hear how it has been going and what’s on tap for this new season. 

Our Oregon High School Agriculture program and FFA club offers amazing hands-on learning and leadership opportunities for our students. In this episode we are live on site at the Dane County Fair to see our kids in action and learn about how school and community come together - in line with our District values to make it all happen.

Today we are talking with members of our OMS Green Team and club advisor and long time educator, Nate Mahr who is retiring this school year.  We'll hear about their learning, contributions to sustainability, and legacy. 

OHS Seniors are finishing up their final week of classes and preparing for the commencement ceremony - the culminating experience that marks the end of their time in the OSD and the beginning of new adventures to come.  Today we are taking with the three students who will be addressing their class during the graduation ceremony about their experiences, what’s next, and get a sneak peak into the important messages they have for the Class of 2025.

Each year, 7th grade students at Oregon Middle School from the 7-O team participate in the Urban Challenge, a hands-on “amazing race” style event in downtown Madison.  In this episode we'll learn all about this experience from event organizer, Laura Stoller, and some students who recently completed the challenge. 

Today we’re talking with a few OHS seniors who will be continuing to pursue their athletic passion after high school to learn about their path, what steps they took to secure these opportunities, and what they’re most looking forward to as this year comes to a close.

Today we are at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center to get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.  We’re talking with some cast members along with Director, Marsha Heuer. Disney’s The Little Mermaid has four performances between Thursday, February 20 and Sunday, February 23 at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center. You can get your tickets online at OregonPerformingArtsCenter.com

Today we are talking with our OHS school nutrition team and a student who is using artistic talents to bring great fun and joy to others each day during lunch.

In this episode, we're going behind the scenes of our "OHS Legislature: (a.k.a. our OHS Political Science class), where students get a hands-on approach to learning about our democratic process.  You'll see how our District value of  “Relevant and Empowering Learning Experiences” is on full display in this course! 

January is National Mentor Month and we are fortunate to have an amazing mentoring program right here in the OSD. Today we are going to hear all about the Be A Champion Mentor program from the program coordinator, and two pairs of mentors / mentees.  If you are interested in volunteering to be a mentor, you can find information about the Be A Champion Mentor Program here: https://www.oregonsd.org/community/volunteer

This episode features four OHS alumni who joined us for the annual OHS Alumni Day, where previous students come back to share what they're doing now, how they got there, and tips for success.  This is a must-listen-to episode for high school students and families!  

We have many student leaders at Oregon High School and they make an incredible difference in our community. Today we are talking with Jacsyn Disrud, one of our students who is serving as a representative with the Dane County Youth Governance program. 

Each year 8th grade students at Oregon Middle School participate in a leaf raking community service project. Today we’re going to learn a little more about this project from this year’s organizer and a few of our students.

Today we are talking about a topic that is very timely as we start seeing colder temperatures: Snow Days! We'll hear from local Oregon resident and senior chief meteorologist at WKOW - Bob Lindmeier, and one of our own OSD parents to discuss common questions about snow days.

Today we are at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center to get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of Macbeth. We’re talking with the Director, Mike Ducett, along with a few of our senior cast members.

Today we are talking about a very serious topic related to vaping and the challenges with disposing of vape cartridges. We’ll hear from Amy Miller, Juanita Weinert, and two student leaders who are working to spread awareness about this important topic.

Today we’re meeting up with Officer Krantz, our new OSD School Resource Officer. We'll learn a little bit about him, what he's looking forward to, and tips for keeping kids safe.

In this episode, we talk with our high school Associate Principal Mr. Ashmore, and a couple of our veteran students about what to expect freshman year.

In this episode, we’re getting the inside scoop on Oregon Straw Hat Players production of Mamma Mia from some of our OSD students and an OSD graduate who are part of the cast this summer. Make sure you get your tickets now - opening night is THIS Saturday (8/3)!

Today we are talking with a longtime Oregon teacher - and somewhat of a celebrity - who was recently awarded the prestigious Crystal Apple Award. Tune in to hear directly from OHS art teacher, Mike Derrick, and one of the students who nominated him for this honor.

Today we are meeting up with some students from our GSA student organization from Oregon High School to get the inside scoop on their recent Pride in the Park event and thoughts on Pride Month.

With the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony around the corner, we spoke with commencement speakers Jada Anderson, Aaron Dieter, and Ada Marcin about what they've learned in their time with the OSD as well as a preview of what they'll discuss in their graduation speeches.

Today we are going to be talking with the familiar and famous voices of Panther Athletics - our two student announcers - Cole Krueger and Luke Marx - to hear about how they came upon these roles, their experiences, and what’s on the horizon.

We have a robust Career and Technical Education program at Oregon High School and today we are meeting up with our School to Career coordinator at OHS as well as some students who are involved in the great opportunities that our program offers.

In this episode, we are talking with producers of Panther Vision - the OHS student news production, which was recently recognized as one of the best in the state by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. We'll hear all about what it takes to produce the program each day and the great skills they're building for their future!

In this episode, we hear from three students at Oregon Middle School and their teacher about a special project where they interviewed an adult with a common area of interest. In some cases, this adventure took them across the country, and even around the world!

Today we are talking about kids and safety and will be speaking with some experts right here in the OSD - School Resource Officer Schewe and OSD parent and Be SMART advocate, Katie Smart, who will give us practical tips for keeping our kids safe.

Each year 7th grade students at Oregon Middle School participate in hands-on team learning experiences that take them outside the classroom. One of those experiences takes place at Upham Woods each winter. Today we're talking with event organizer and OMS teacher, Kevin Gasner, along with students who engaged in the trip.

The Oregon High School Performing Arts Center is home to many high-end productions. This winter's production of the musical Big Fish is no exception. Hear from director Mike Ducett, along with cast members Willem Dutcher, Bridget Tushoski, Erica Briski, and pit orchestra member Addie Swan. Big Fish comes to the PAC Feb. 23-25.

The Oregon High School girls wrestling team had its first member in 2006. Now 13 members strong, the team hosts its first ever girls-only dual meet with Kickapoo-LaFarge on Friday night. Hear from OHS athletic director Brittany Spencer Grant, Coach Pete Eckhart, and athletes Teagan Simpson, Jada Oparie-Addoh, Eris Resendez about this historic night.

Alumni recently returned to OHS to share their post-high school experiences, reflections, and advice for current students. Tune in to hear about their adventures and what was most helpful to them in preparing for the future.

In this episode we learn about our Multilingual and Heritage Spanish Department in the OSD.  We’ll talk with some of our staff members and hear about the many opportunities for our kids.

In this episode, we are at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center to get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. We’re talking with the Director, Marsha Heuer, along with a few cast members. Performances of A Christmas Carol are November 10, 11, and 12 at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center. You can get your tickets online at OregonPerformingArtsCenter.com.

We have been thrilled to welcomed 25 students from our partner school Dreieichschule in Langen, Germany, to Oregon High School for three weeks. In this episode, we hear directly from the Exchange Coordinator and a few of the exchange students to hear about their time so far and what they hope to take away from this experience.

The fall athletic season is in full swing and we have student athletes participating in a wide variety of sports. In the OSD we view all athletics as an extension of the classroom and another environment for our students to build important lifelong skills. With the Homecoming football game on the horizon, we’re here at Panther Stadium with our Athletic Director, Head Football coach, and some of our Football team captains to hear about their experiences in our athletic program, the skills they’re learning, and what fans can do to make all athletic events safe and enjoyable for all.