In This Issue:     FEATURE: A LIFE CHANGING WEEKEND FOR OCRS BOYS     • ‘Boys To Men’ Weekend gets    high marks from both    students and parents.     LETTER FROM OUR HEADMASTER     PROJECT WEEK IS ALMOST HERE     • April 14th-18th, 2008     SPORTS CORNER     • Wildcat Boys are AWESOME    in basketball finals.     OH WHAT A SUCCESS!     • One student tells how OCRS    saved her life.     STUDENTS SERVING THEIR COMMUNITY     • OCRS students make a    positive impact through    volunteer work.     OCRS FOUNDATION AWARDS FIRST SCHOLARSHIP     • We appreciate your support! The OCRS Foundation’s, a non-profit 501c3 is now accepting tax deductible contributions to the David Wick Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click here for more information.     MARK YOUR CALENDAR     • End of second Semester is   Friday, May 16th, 2008 • Graduation is Saturday,   May 17th, 2008 • First 4 week Summer Session   begins June 9th, 2008 • Second 4 Week Summer   Session begins Sunday,   June 22nd, 2008 • Third 4 Week Summer   Session begins Sunday,   July 6th, 2008

‘Boys to Men’ Weekend gets high marks from both students & parents “It is easier to build strong children than  to repair broken men.”                                 - Frederick Douglass We faced several distinct challenges during this ‘Boys to Men’ weekend. As we arrived at the camp site Friday evening, Oak Creek had risen to ’flood stage’. The Fire Department was there to greet us and it became apparent that no one could safely cross the bridges to the other side of the canyon. We stood in awe, watching the incredible power of nature at work, before returning to school with a revised plan to start the program on Saturday morning. Saturday brought another harsh day, very cold and snowy–so we modified the program moving most of the processes indoors. An experienced staff of men was assembled to guide and support our boys. The group included four certified leaders, ten volunteers (educators and trainers), and five ‘journeyman’ (recent graduates of the Boys to Men program). The team’s role was to assist each boy in ‘speaking their truths’ and accept responsibility for their own learning. Without exception, the boys willingly participated and fully engaged in all the processes.   The challenge is to lower the stick to the ground while everyone remains in constant contact with it. Each person touches the stick from below with only their index fingers. In order to lower it successfully, the boys must listen to their leader and work together as a team.   Through this program, our mission is to: • Build self esteem • Provide a unique and safe environment where boys can interact with committed, conscientious men • Encourage boys to become men of honor who seek the truth and speak the truth • Help boys discover and develop their individual strengths, talents and gifts • Mentor boys by connecting them with positive male role models • Challenge boys to live responsible and meaningful lives that have a positive impact on the world • Teach boys how to resolve conflicts and ask for forgiveness • Support boys in their dream to find a personal mission • Praise the greatness in each boy • Give our boys hope, confidence and courage • Addresses the core issues facing adolescent boys   One goal of our program is to create an environment that allows our students to develop authentic relationships at school. During the weekend, a group was formed where everyone could speak honestly about their challenges, and, just as importantly, learn how to be supportive. This support was demonstrated throughout the ‘team challenges’ and individually, as the students encouraged one another in the process of facing their own personal challenges. All of the leaders and volunteers were amazed at the courage and compassion of our young men. Thanks to everyone involved, this weekend was a tremendous success. Craig Imler, Program Director, M. Ed. (back to top)   “My husband and I appreciate your inclusion of our son in the ‘ Boys to Men’ retreat. We were aware of his negative attitude going in to the weekend, and we're very pleased with the complete 180 degree turn around after the weekend. It was definitely time well spent and even more importantly, OUR SON felt it was time well spent. He has made some real positive changes in his life since starting at OCRS this past year and has continued to be receptive to the need for being proactive in his future.” – OCRS Parent (back to top)

Dear Parents:   Recently, I met with Mr. Imler, Mrs. O’Brien and all of the students who participated in the ‘Boys to Men’ weekend. It was my first opportunity to hear what this experience had meant to each student individually. Their comments were more profound than I had expected. Based upon their positive feedback it’s apparent to me that the weekend was a tremendous success!   There is no doubt in my mind that these young men have experienced significant emotional growth from participating in this ‘Rite of Passage’ weekend. Some of the students have already translated these experiences into immediate action, using the tools they learned to deal with some of the critical issues that have greatly affected their lives.     I thank the volunteers who gave of their personal time and energy to work with our students. Most of all, I thank Mr. Imler for his hard work in preparing this powerful weekend for our young men. Finally, I want to thank our students for being willing to take a risk – and for being fully committed throughout the weekend.   David Wick, Jr., J.D. B.A. Headmaster (back to top)

A group of girls decided to jump at the opportunity of attending an all girls empowerment and ‘repelling’ weekend with Mrs. O’Brien. It was an absolute success! Not only did we ‘rock climb’ and test our physical strength but we all learned a lot about ourselves. There were many discussions on ‘feminism’ as well as some very emotional talks about family, friends, and expectations for women in today’s society. Two girls, who had disagreed in the past, even reconciled over the weekend.Along with our discussions, we also learned how to knit. And weeks later, many of us still do! Hayley is almost finished with her gorgeous scarf.     It was definitely a rewarding weekend that hopefully will become an Oak Creek Ranch School tradition. Thank you to Robin from Learn Outdoors for facilitating the weekend and to Friendly Pines Camp for the incredible cabin. - By Lena (back to top)

And there are SO many wonderful choices available! For a detailed description of all of the prjocts we are offering, please click here. • Rafting the Grand Canyon • Exploring the Southwest’s Most Exciting Archaeological Sites • Learning Photography from the Masters • Discovering the Southwest’s Great Native-American Cultures • ‘A Blast From the Past.’ Visiting the Ghost Towns of Arizona • ‘The Fishing Fools!’ Learning How to Fish and Prepare Your Catch • Become a Certified Scuba Diver • ‘Hot Stuff.’ Learning How to Create Pottery and Glass Art using Heat and Fire • Job Shadowing. Gaining Valuable On-The-Job Experience • ‘What Lies Ahead!’ Learning Important Skills for Successful Living (back to top)

Wildcat Boys are Awesome in Basketball Finals On Friday, February 15th the four best teams in the Northern Arizona Athletic Association (N.A.A.A.) played in the Division Finals to decide which team would become the Basketball Champions. Gong into the finals, OCRS had an impressive season record of 15 wins and only 1 loss. The Wildcat Boys were ‘a force to reckon with’ in the semi-finals, rolling over Rimrock High with a score of 61 to 44. Team scoring leaders, each with 16 points, were Matt and Chris. In the championship game, OCRS faced South Verde, the only team that had defeated the Wildcats during the regular season. And what an exciting game it proved to be! Oak Creek Ranch School showed its outstanding character throughout this very competitive     and spirited match. With just over a minute to play, the Wildcats were down by 53 to 48. Malik came to the rescue, making two free throws to narrow the deficit by 3 points. With seconds left on the clock, Malik nailed a 3-pointer from the corner to tie South Verde, bringing the crowd to its feet and sending the game into overtime. By the end of overtime, South Verde had slipped by the Wildcats, winning the final game with a score of 66 to 56. Malik was OCRS’s most valuable player, leading the team in scoring with 22 points in the game. OCRS Team members are: Malik, Cody, Chris, Matt, Yoshi, Adrian, Tim, James, and Scott. The manager and scorekeeper is Zack. N.A.A.A. schools include Oak Creek Ranch School, Rimrock, South Verde, Young, American Heritage, Copper Canyon, Luepp, Prescott Valley, Achieve Academy, Southwest Academy, Dine H.S., Kestrel H. S., Sunnyside H.S. And Academy of Hope. The Wildcat Basketball Team was awesome, ending their outstanding season with a record of 16 wins and 2 losses. (back to top)

One Student Tells How OCRS “Saved Her Life” Hello Parents, My name is Lena, I am a long time student at Oak Creek Ranch School and now I’m a senior. I have been asked to share my story about my struggle with the public school system and how I found success at OCRS. I started doing poorly in school in 4th grade. My grades just suddenly slipped. I was not interested in what we were learning. Because I was not interested, I fell behind. My teacher thought I should be evaluated for ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). I was then prescribed Concerta, to help me concentrate better in class. It worked for a while but then my mother decided to take me off the medication. I was glad to be med-free once again.     I struggled all through 6th, 7th and 8th grade. I was about to enter the big bad world of high school and I decided I was going to do it right. I was going to get good grades and have fun. However, when I entered 9th grade it was the same old thing. Except this time instead of sitting through boring lectures and bookwork, I had the option of just not going to class. I exercised that choice a little too often. I skated by with D’s and some F’s. My parents decided it was time for a change. They sent me on a 28-day course in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota with a program called Outward Bound. It was amazing experience. I came out feeling as if I really accomplished something. I told my parents that I was going to do great my sophomore year. However, once again, when it came time to show them that I could do it, I failed. It was the worst disappointment I could have ever put my parents through. Then, it was on to plan B. It was right before my 2nd semester of 10th grade when my mom told me I would be attending a boarding school in Arizona. I was sad to leave my friends, but excited because I had never been to a boarding school and it was a new adventure for me. When I got here, I was met with warm hellos and many questions. “Where are you from?” “How old are you?” However, the best part of this experience wa when I started getting A’s. I was finally feeling the success that I had been longing for! Now 3 years later I am still feeling the success. I have made Honor Roll, President of Student Council, Captain of the Volleyball Team (we also won the championship) and I’m active in community service projects. This school saved my life! Without it I would have never even thought about graduating. I have also met some amazing people that I will never forget. I cherish every memory made here. I will actually be sad to leave this little oasis but I am now ready to move on with my life and do great things. Many thanks to OCRS! (back to top)

The Residential Department’s Community Service Group meets every Monday to review potential service projects and determine which projects they will choose for the coming week. Recently the group narrowed its selection down to two projects, Volunteering at the Old Town Mission in Cottonwood and helping the Sedona Humane Society. The Old Town Mission needed students to set up barrels outside grocery stores for collecting food, which is then distributed to needy families in the area. The Sedona Humane Society asked students to spend time playing with their rescued puppies. This type of interaction helps the puppies develop ‘socializing’ behaviors that will prepare them for adoption by families with children. By volunteering in the community, OCRS Students learn that giving to others always results in getting back more than they’ve given. The community service program is an important part of OCRS’s Leadership and Character Development Program.     The Residential Department’s Community Service members are: Hillary, Gabby, Ryan and Tyler, Equestrian Assistants; Yoshi, Chantelle, Tom and Dillon, Dorm Assistants. (back to top)     Dear Lu and OCRS Students: We really appreciate your volunteering to have a food drive for the Old Town Mission. You all did a great job. To collect two cart loads of food in just a few hours Sunday was amazing. This food will be used to feed those in need in the Verde Valley. The Mission provides a variety of specialized services and programs throughout the year, which are designed to help people up and out of the confines of poverty. When families and individuals come to the Mission they receive:   Health Center Services: Vision Care Medical Care Chiropractic Care   Day Resource Center: Emergency Food Clothing Hygiene services   “Look Sharp” Services: Clothing & emergency dental for low income school children   Legal Clinic: Counsel from local professionals       The Mission also provides Seasonal Support such as holiday food and warm blankets, coats and hats. We look forward to giving you a tour in the future. The main objectives of the mission are to demonstrate faith hope and love expressed through acts of compassion. Our staff and volunteers work together as a family, each member demonstrating a personal commitment to the future health of our clients and community. In light of this effort, your contribution has provided encouragement to those in need. Thanks again Lu, Ryan, Jessica, Hillary and Chantelle. You guys did an awesome job! Sincerely, Operations Manager, Old Town Mission (back to top)

The Board of Directors of the newly formed OCRS Foundation has granted its first partial scholarship to a student attending Oak Creek Ranch School for the Spring Semester. “We are very excited about this potential new source of financial assistance that will be available for parents of children attending Oak Creek Ranch School”, remarks David Wick, Jr., Headmaster. A fundraising effort is currently underway and we hope that it will provide the foundation with the ability to grant several scholarship awards to OCRS students every year. (back to top)

The OCRS Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 was formed to provide scholarships to deserving students and their families who lack the financial resources to attend OCRS. The goal of the foundation for 2008/2009 is to provide 10 partial or full scholarships to students with ADD/ADHD and other learning challenges. While attending OCRS, students learn how to apply the tools they need to create successes in every facet of their lives. OCRS gives teens who are struggling to overcome their learning challenges new hope for a rewarding future. Your tax deductible contributions will make a positive difference in the life of a teen in need. To make a pledge now or for more information, please click here. (back to top)

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