Dear LOHS Families,

As we approach the end of November, we want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for all of you. You have supported each other, learned from each other, and grown together as a community.

We are proud of the achievements and accomplishments of our students, staff, and families. We are also thankful for the partnerships and collaborations that we have forged with our local businesses, organizations, and stakeholders. Together, we have continued to make Lake Orion High School a place of excellence, innovation, and diversity.

We are happy to report that we have had a great first quarter and we are looking forward to the next few weeks before we go on winter break. We hope that you will join us in celebrating the spirit of the season and the joy of learning.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with rest, relaxation, and blessings. We look forward to seeing you again on November 27th and continuing our journey of learning and growth.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Everitt, LOHS Assistant Principal and

LOHS Administration Team

Nov 22, 23, 24 - Thanksgiving Break No School

Nov 28 - Student Blood Drive

Dec 5 - Winter Band Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 7 - 2nd Term Parent Teacher Conference

Dec 14 - Winter Choir Concert 7 p.m.

2023-24 LOHS Calendar

Even though all meals are free for the 2023-24 school year, there are other education benefits provided to the district, individual school building, or household that require an individual student benefit (free, reduced, paid) to be determined each year.

We’re asking every family to complete and submit either the School Meal Application or Education Benefits Form (formerly the Household Information Report.) The information collected is used to provide additional services and benefits beyond school meals, like resources for classrooms, teachers, and children, guidance and college counselors, and health and wellness services. Summer EBT benefits are also available for eligible households. Families can apply at lakeorion.familyportal.cloud.

There is more information available about the benefits as well.

Lake Orion has adopted new attendance codes this year to help clarify a student's absence.

• If a student is absent from a class or the school day, the automatic code that is entered is a UA (unexcused absence).
• If a parent calls their student in because they are ill, or have something going on that is not school related, the code entered is RA (reported absence).
• If a parent chooses to send in a doctor's note, funeral card, or any type of written documentation regarding the student's absence, the code is entered as EA (excused absence).
• Students who attend a school related activity will have a code entered of SA (student activity).
• If you happen to see a B (building) as an attendance code, this simply means the student was not in class, but meeting with an administrator, counselor, in a meeting, etc.

Students who have 10 or more unexcused absences will automatically trigger the truancy process.

Consistent school attendance lays the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Research overwhelmingly shows that regular attendance is linked to higher test scores and grades across all age groups. Students who attend school regularly have better social skills, adjust more easily to the school environment, and feel more connected to their community.

In contrast, chronic absenteeism places students at significant risk of adverse consequences. It is associated with lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and poorer job prospects in the future. Absenteeism in the early grades is particularly detrimental, as it can cause gaps in foundational skills that become difficult to overcome later on.

Given the stark differences in outcomes, regular attendance should be a priority for parents. While illness and other circumstances may sometimes prevent attendance, consistent effort is required to ensure students reap the full benefits of school.

A supportive, nurturing home environment is key to consistent school attendance. Parents set the tone when it comes to valuing education and prioritizing school. Specific strategies include:

• Establishing routines. Having regular bedtimes, morning routines, and homework schedules reinforces discipline and organization. Routines make attending school seamless rather than a daily battle.
• Being involved. Taking an active interest in a child’s education by discussing school events, helping with homework, and engaging with teachers demonstrates that school matters. This motivates students to participate fully.
• Managing health issues. Making doctor’s appointments, managing medications, and communicating with the school nurse help minimize sick days. Openly discussing anxiety or depression also enables support.
• Providing reliable transportation. Consistent attendance depends on students having a safe, timely way to get to school. Arranging carpools or public transportation prevents logistical barriers.
• Limiting academic pressure. While high expectations are beneficial, excessive pressure can cause anxiety, burnout, and avoidance. Maintaining a supportive, balanced environment prevents this.
• Reinforcing attendance. Using positive reinforcement when children attend regularly focuses attention on what matters. Privileges like time with friends can be linked to meeting attendance goals.
• Seeking help when needed. If excessive absences persist despite efforts, school counselors, parenting support groups, and truancy officers can provide additional assistance and resources.

The bottom line, if you demonstrate that school attendance is important to you, it will be important to your children.

The LOHS staff is tremendous and the holidays are one time of the year we can let them know how thankful we are for their dedication to our kids! They work long hours…coming in early, countless evenings spent grading, assessing and compiling lesson plans. This leaves them little time to plan for the holidays with their own family, so LOHS families will be providing them with Christmas cookies! We will be requesting 3 dozen homemade cookies from families wishing to donate. All information, with a sign up genius link, will be provided in the first Newsletter after Thanksgiving! Thank you for your consideration. This event is a holiday highlight for our staff!

Lake Orion High School has partnered with Exchange Mate International and is seeking host families to host a semester student. Student would arrive the weekend of January 19th to start 2nd semester on January 24th. Student would depart the week of June 10th. There is a $600 monthly stipend that host family would receive to offset the cost of hosting. Students come with their own cell phone and health insurance and are responsible for their own personal expenses.

There are 2 students seeking host families: 11th grade boy from Italy interested in golf, tennis, running and skiing. He loves pizza and pasta. 12th grade boy from Brazil interested in soccer, working out and swimming.

If you are interested in hosting either of these students or if you would more information, please reach out to Michele Novak michele.novak@lok12.org 248-431-3098

Lake Orion Community Schools has a Board of Education policy that prohibits anyone from operating a drone on district property/over a district facility at any time unless the flight plan is approved by the Superintendent. Those operating the drone must also be FAA-certified. That includes athletic events, which are governed by the MHSAA, which also prohibits their usage.

If any individual – staff, student or community member – would like to operate a drone on LOCS property, please email the request to LOCS Director of Communications Mark Snyder at mark.snyder@lok12.org.

Attached is our upcoming live broadcast schedule for both this week & next.

Tune in throughout the week at www.dragonbroadcasting.org.

Thank you for taking the time to recognize one of Lake Orion Community Schools' staff members for their excellence.

The intent of the Distinguished Dragon program is to ensure that staff members who go above and beyond their regular duties are appreciated. The additional effort or support can range from helping an individual to helping a group or any effort that seems worthy of praise.

The staff member can be nominated by a student, parent, community member or even their own colleague. We ask for the submitter's name and contact information to follow up with specific questions if necessary.

Please complete the form entirely so the individual can be appropriately honored for their contributions.

Senior Parent Ads will be available for purchase through December 15, 2023. The order form and information will be sent out via email to senior parents/guardians three times before the deadline on December 15, 2023. Don't miss your opportunity to show your senior how proud you are - buy your ad early!

If you would like to volunteer and/or help with the 2024 SANP party please LOHS2024@gmail.com

The Lake Orion High School Scholarship page is up and running!

Two proposals on the ballot: Supporting student programming and keeping our facilities up to date.

Lake Orion Community Schools has two replacement millages on the February 27, 2024 ballot. Voter approval of both replacement millages will keep tax rates at their current levels!

The first proposal is a non-homestead operating replacement millage. This millage generates funds for programs and services provided by the school district. The non-homestead millage is not levied on primary residences. It is only levied on businesses, second homes, rental property, and vacant land. The millage has been supported by LOCS voters since 1994. The State of Michigan requires this millage for LOCS to receive full student funding (foundation allowance).

The second proposal is a sinking fund replacement millage. This millage was previously approved by LOCS voters in 2016 and funds building repairs, school security, transportation and technology.

For more information on the replacement millages, visit our website: www.lakeorionschools.org/district/schoolelectioninformation.

• LOHS drop off and pick up entrance for students is from SCRIPPS RD only.
  
  
• The arrows indicate the direction of flow during student drop off and pick up.
  
  
• Green Arrows indicate drop off/pick up zone. Please pull forward as far as you can before having your student exit/enter the vehicle.
  
  
• DO NOT pull up to the main building.
  
  
• DO NOT use the Staff Lot or Bus Loop for picking up or dropping off students.

Dr. Dan Haas

Principal

Amy Thebo

Principal's Secretary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS:

Rosa Everitt - 9-10th grade; Students A-Q

CTE & Career Readiness Coordinator

Anthony Kiner - 11th grade

Jason Larsen - 9-10th grade; Students R-Z; Special Education & 504

Anthony Palmeri - 12th grade

Christopher Bell

Heather Rutledge

Have questions about your schedule?

If you find an error in your student's schedule, please ask them to reach out to their counselor or visit the counseling center before the start of the school day or during passing time.

Secretary Lynne Kniess

Phone: 248-693-5640

Counselors

A-Cot Christy Bell

Cou-Grz Melissa Bruno

Gu-Led Fawn Bullock

Lee- Pep Michele Novak

Peq-Sta Alicia Conner

Ste-Z Scott Boeneman

Check out LOCS' Flickr albums for pictures of all our events, Homecoming Game, Pep Assemblies, Invitationals, Graduations, first day of school pics and more.

OK2SAY is available state-wide for public and private schools in Michigan; anybody can submit a confidential tip. Specially trained technicians receive the tips and filter the information to the appropriate agency to provide a timely and effective response

Website: https://www.lakeorionschools.org/high-school-home
Location: 495 East Scripps Road, Orion Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248)693-5420
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LkOrionHS
Twitter: @LkOrionHS

Instagram: lkorionhs