First Steps as a Raccoon, The Freshman Experience

Class of 2030: Legacy Handoff

🎙️ Welcome to Keeping Up With the Raccoons—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I’m your host, Jason Curtis (aka the one Raccoon you can’t quite catch). In this episode, I sit down with two graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 and two future 9th grade Raccoons from the Class of 2030 to talk all about the transition into—and out of—high school. Our seniors share what high school is really like, what incoming students should look forward to, clubs and activities worth getting involved in, lessons they learned along the way, and advice they wish they had heard as freshmen. From memorable moments to missteps that helped them grow, this conversation highlights the experiences that shape the OHS journey. We also celebrate the Class of 2026 🎓 as they prepare for their next chapter and welcome the Class of 2030 and all future Raccoons as they begin their own high school experience. We can’t wait for you to be part of our community! 🦝

Class Above the Clouds: The Takeoff of our Aviation Courses

🎙️ Welcome to Keeping Up With the Raccoons—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I’m your host, Principal Jason Curtis (aka the one Raccoon you can’t quite catch). In this episode, I sit down with Mark Murphy, our OHS Aviation Teacher, along with seniors Henry, Pierson, Alyssa, and Quinn, to talk about their passion for aviation and what it means to take learning to new heights…literally. At OHS, we’re constantly evaluating the programs we offer and the courses we provide, making sure we’re evolving alongside the ever-changing world our students are preparing to enter. Over the past year, we made the decision to level up and elevate our game by launching our aviation program. Creating new opportunities for students to explore high-demand, high-skill career pathways. As part of our OASD Graduate Profile, we are committed to preparing Future-Ready Learners. Through innovative programs like aviation, students are gaining real-world experience, building technical skills, and discovering passions that can shape their futures in powerful ways. From the classroom to the cockpit, this episode highlights what happens when curiosity meets opportunity, and how our students are learning to dream bigger, aim higher, and take flight. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about innovation, passion, and the exciting possibilities ahead. ✈️🦝

Take the Experience: An Exchange Student's Perspective at OHS

🎙️ Welcome to Keeping Up With the Raccoons—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I’m your host, Principal Jason Curtis (aka the one Raccoon you can’t quite catch). In this episode, I sit down with Giuseppe, our foreign exchange student from Italy, along with Jaela, an OHS junior and one of his host family members. Together, we explore what it truly means to be global citizens and how stepping beyond our comfort zones can open the door to new perspectives, cultures, and connections. As part of our OASD Graduate Profile, we are committed to building Global Citizens. Throughout their K–12 journey, our students have opportunities to expand their understanding of the world beyond the Oconomowoc “bubble.” From offering four world languages to programs like cultural exchanges, the Seal of Biliteracy, Global Scholars Program and more, OHS is helping students build the skills and awareness needed to thrive in an interconnected world. While we love our Oconomowoc community, we also know there’s a big world out there, and our Raccoons are preparing to step into it with confidence! This episode highlights the power of cultural exchange, the impact of opening your home and your mind, and the pride we take in welcoming students from around the globe into our OHS family. 🌍🦝

Wrestling With Success: Fall in Love With the Process You Choose

🎙️ Welcome to Keeping Up With the Raccoons—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I’m your host, Principal Jason Curtis (aka the one Raccoon you can’t catch up with). In this episode, I sit down with three members of our OHS wrestling program to talk about what it truly means to commit to being student-athletes, to their passion for wrestling, and to their academic and career journeys. Together, we focus on one of our core values: being focused on our goals. As Raccoons, each of us has individual goals during our four-year journey at OHS. Those goals can evolve, grow more complex, or even completely change. But the discipline, resilience, and mindset it takes to pursue them remains constant. From balancing practices and schoolwork to setting long-term aspirations beyond the mat, these wrestlers share how they’ve learned to embrace the daily work and fall in love with the process. Whether you’re chasing a championship, a career dream, or personal growth, this episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about the outcome, it’s built in the commitment you make every single day. 🦝🤼‍♂️

First Steps as a Raccoon, The Freshman Experience

🎙️Welcome to Keeping Up With the Raccoons—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I’m your host, Principal Jason Curtis (aka the one Raccoon you can’t catch up with). In this episode, I sit down with four of our current freshmen to talk about what it’s really like to take that first step into the Raccoon Experience. From navigating the transition to high school to exploring academic interests and early career ideas, they share honest reflections on their first year at OHS. Their stories offer valuable insight for our incoming freshmen—proof that your high school journey isn’t about having everything figured out on day one. It’s about discovering who you are, trying new things, and making choices that help shape who you’re becoming. Whether you’re preparing to start high school or supporting someone who is, this episode is a great reminder that every Raccoon’s journey begins with one step—and it’s okay to grow as you go. 🦝🎓