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Keeping Up With The Raccoons

Keeping Up With The Raccoons

by Jason Curtis

Education Kids & Family

Season 2

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. 🦝🎓

The IB Experience: Preparing You for Career & College

🎙️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, we explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at OHS! I sat down with four IB students and two OHS staff members to discuss the IB Diploma Program and how it prepares our Raccoons for career, college and life. From building strong academic habits to developing global-minded thinking, our guests share firsthand experiences, challenges, and the many ways IB helps students grow into confident and capable leaders.

Exploring Military Pathways

🎙️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, we dive into what it means to explore a military pathway after high school and how OHS supports students through every step of that journey — from initial interest to enlistment. Our guests include Sergeant Feist from the Army National Guard, Staff Sergeant Ferguson from the U.S. Air Force, and OHS Counselor Lauren Black, who share insights, resources, and advice for students considering this path.

Finding Your Purpose

🎙️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, we dive into CCLR Day (College, Career, and Life Readiness), one of four special days designed to help students explore their goals, values, and future paths. You’ll hear from four students — Julianna Dehnert (9), Lincoln Keller (10), Sander Bakken (11), Cheyenne Toshner (12) — as they share their unique perspectives on the day’s experiences, plus Señora Chaussee who offers an inside look at how it all came together. From discovering new passions to reflecting on personal growth, this episode celebrates how our school community is building a culture of being Grounded, Committed, and Accountable — together.

Discovering & Inspiring "The Call"

🎙️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 nine incredible OHS teachers who are also proud OHS alumni. These educators know firsthand what it means to grow up in Raccoon Nation—and now they’re giving back by inspiring students to explore their passions and stay grounded in their purpose and values. Join us as we talk about their journeys, academic and career paths, and the full-circle moments that brought them back home to OHS.

Busting the Myth: Court as Leaders, Not a Popularity Contest

Welcome to "Keeping Up With the Raccoons"—the official podcast of Oconomowoc High School! I'm your host, Principal Jason Curtis—also known as the one Raccoon you can’t catch up with! In this episode of Keep Up With the Raccoons, I sit down with our Homecoming Court to discuss with them their academic and career planning journey. Homecoming Court is not just about being a popularity contest, it's about students that are involved, support their peers and are a positive influence in their community. Hearing what they want to be remembered for brings it full circle: leadership, kindness, and making a difference. That’s what it truly means to be a Raccoon.

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