Wildcat iNews
Information for the ORHS Wildcat Nation! 11/4/24 Issue #308
ELECTION DAY - NO SCHOOL
ORHS STUDENTS EXCEL AT ENGINEER'S DAY
On October 17th ORHS Physics students travelled to UT Tickle College of Engineering to participate in competitions, demonstrations and activities on campus for the annual Engineer's Day event. Many students earned awards for their competitions, and all learned a lot about preparation and opportunities in Engineering.
Balsa Bridge: 3rd place- Paige Lawler, Skyler Terrell, Nathaniel Rehill
Design Challenge: 3rd place- Lily Shelton and Canaan Martin
Egg Drop Competition: 4th place- Colin McVay, Graham Thompson, Juno Morrill, Willy Hetrick
Penny Boat Competition: 3rd place- James Phillips, Chico Burgess, Sam Aquino, Ella Bebout
Quiz Bowl: 3rd place- Silas Rowden, Carter Johnston, Simon Weston
Rocky Top Stand Competition: 2nd place- Drew Rodabaugh, Nate Kizzire
Surveying Competition: 3rd place- Kaedyn Hollander, Knut Torenson, Romeo Housman, Saanvi Patel, Maya Nassar
MASQUERS FALL SHOWCASE
Don't miss the Masquers Fall Showcase on Saturday, November 9th at 7pm! This Showcase will feature more than 60 students as singers, dancers, and musicians. This is the first time our new Theatre class will participate in a public performance. Come see our talented students perform large and small group numbers, dynamic duets & stunning solos from various musicals. Tickets are $5 online at orhsmasquers.booktix.com or with cash at the door.
THE REAL SEASON BEGINS NOW! GO CATS!
TICKET INFORMATION - ROUND 1 OF FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Oak Ridge vs Rhea County Friday, 11/8/2024 - 7:00p.m. @ Blankenship Field - Gates open @ 5:45.
Playoff tickets will be available online through GoFan for $8 ($9.40 after fees) each, or $10 each with cash at the gate. The ticket links are now active..
https://gofan.co/event/2138544
Reserved seat season ticket holders can pick up the tickets for “their” seats beginning Monday morning @ 8:30 a.m. in the Main Office.
General Admission tickets will also be on sale in the Main Office @ ORHS and at Oak Ridge Pharmacy after noon on Monday for $10. each.
City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department Winter Athletic Leagues
The City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department will open registration on October 31, 2024 for its 2025 winter basketball and volleyball leagues. Registration will close on December 14th. Men’s basketball will be held on Monday and/or Thursday evenings. The Co-Ed Volleyball league will be held on Tuesday evenings. The teen basketball (18U) leagues will be held on Saturday mornings and is open to any teen eighteen or younger that does not play TSSAA basketball and is currently enrolled in school. A boys and a girls division will be offered. Teen basketball games are tentatively scheduled to begin Saturday, January 4th with all other leagues beginning the week of January 6th.
Interested teams may obtain registration information at the front desk of the Oak Ridge Civic Center or by contacting Matt Reece via e-mail at mreece@oakridgetn.gov
NAACP EVENT - NOVEMBER 12TH
SOCCERCATS TRYOUT INFORMATION
MEN'S SOCCER TRYOUTS
Anyone that is interested in joining the ORHS Men’s Soccer team, please join us!
Tryout Dates: 11/11, 11/14, 11/18, and 11/21
Time: 3:45 PM: Check-in at the soccer field 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Tryouts.
Bring water!
DISCOVER ACCOUNTING DAY AT UTK!
Students enrolled in Accounting 2nd semester are invited to attend this field trip on Friday, December 6. See Mrs. Ledden in CS347 for a permission form.
ANNUAL TURKEY TROT
PTSO NEEDS YOUR HELP - SIGN UP BELOW
SIGN UP FOR SOUP & SALAD LUNCHEON FOR STAFF
It is time for the annual Soup & Salad luncheon for ORHS. Please use the signup link below to volunteer to send in an item. There are approximately 165 staff, and your help and generosity are appreciated so much. The luncheon is on November 7th.
GRADUATION ORDERS DUE NOV 14TH
GRADUATION SUPPLY PACKETS
Seniors who did not receive a Jostens packet should pick one up from the Main Office or Mrs. Ledden in CS347. This year, Jostens is requesting that orders be placed online. However, Jostens will collect orders in person at ORHS on Thursday, November 14 during lunch. More information can be found in the packet of materials. The only required item for graduation is the cap & gown set (includes the tassel). Mrs. Ledden (tledden@ortn.edu) should be contacted with any questions you may have.
SENIOR SIGNATURES DUE TODAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
SENIOR SWEATSHIRTS - NOV 4TH IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER
Orders will be taken for the senior signature shirts and sweats this week during lunch at the Arena Concessions’ Kiosk. Orders may also be turned in to Mrs. Ledden. The final date to submit an order in Monday, November 4, by noon—directly to Mrs. Ledden.This long-standing tradition at ORHS is a separate order and is not part of Jostens graduation supplies.
DOWNLOAD THE FORM BELOW.
CLASS RINGS
Jostens Class Rings
Any ORHS student may order a class ring. Packets will be available for pickup in the Main Office or from Mrs. Ledden in CS347 beginning on Thursday, October 17.
SIGN UP FOR JOSTEN'S ALERTS!
THE ACORN
A PUBLICATION BY THE WILDCAT FAMILY FOR THE WILDCAT FAMILY
The latest issue of The Acorn is complete. One of the features is a showcase of the book spine paintings in the CS300 hallway. Enjoy!
START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND SUPPORT STUDENT BUSINESSES
If you need your car detailed, lawn care, bracelets or keychains, Oak Ridge or Stylish clothing, fun gifts, custom designed hats or cards, lip balm, posters, language translation, or snacks, our students are prepared to show you some great products or services to meet your needs. Check out the website that will direct you to our sales campaign.
This project is sponsored by the Company Program of Junior Achievement of East Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Lab Federal Credit Union.
This information can also be found on sharable social media platforms:
Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3FRRn9rpgPJPv1Qn/
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/orhswildcatcentral/p/DBT29O2JuZk/
GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL - SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS
Any Sophomore or Junior interested in attending Governor’s School during Summer 2025, please see the detailed Canvas announcement on your Class of 2026 and Class of 2027 Canvas Page. Canvas pages include the attached list of Governor’s Schools offered by the state and the Governor’s School Intent Form. To be considered for Governor’s School, students must adhere to the deadlines set by ORHS when applying. Late applications will not be accepted.
RSCC - DUAL STUDIES OFFICE - HIGH SCHOOL ADVENTURE FAIR
The Dual Studies Office team is excited to announce the first annual “High School Adventure Fair” which will be a kick-start to Tennessee’s EPSO Week. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9th from 10am until 1pm at the Oak Ridge RSCC Campus. The goal of the event is to showcase Roane State’s Programs of Study, highlight careers that are possible with a certificate or degree from RSCC, provide Dual Enrollment, Middle College, and Early College info to all ages of students and their parents/guardians, enjoy delicious food, and have a ton of fun.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
TUTORING SCHEDULE
Does your student need extra help? Please refer to the downloadable tutoring schedule for our staff.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
PURCHASE A WREATH TO HONOR THE FALLEN
On December 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony), ORHS NJROTC will be helping Oak Ridge Memorial Park to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Click the QR code and donate today!
NEW STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH GERMANY
No more waiting for 2 years to go to Germany on a Student Exchange Program!
Oak Ridge High School offers an additional Student Exchange Program starting this Spring!
You are interested in living in Germany for 3 weeks? You are interested in hosting a German student for 3 weeks? Here is the program for you!
The Friendship Connection, Inc.
Students who are interested in hosting a German student from March 31st until April 23rd of 2024 and students who also want to go to Germany from June 16th until July 8th of 2024 should come to Mrs. Nebenfuehr’s classroom CS301 and pick up registration forms as soon as possible. The final deadline for the application (including the deposit) is December 31st of 2024.
For more information go to www.friendshipconnection.org. Do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Nebenfuehr with any questions at smnebenfuehr@ortn.edu.
This is so wonderful! Now we can offer our high school students to live abroad every year!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PARENT SQUARE IS OUR PRIMARY FORM OF COMMUNICATION
ATTENDANCE NOTES CAN BE SENT VIA PARENT SQUARE
YEARBOOK PRICE INCREASE - NEXT PRICE INCREASE IS JANUARY 1ST
NEED A FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLAN TO PURCHASE THE YEARBOOK? CLICK BELOW.
Spread out the cost of your order with an interest-free Jostens Payment Plan.*
ALL SPORTS ATHLETIC PASSES ON SALE
How would you like to save over $100 and by-pass the lines for all home athletic events? You can purchase a Student Athletic Pass for just $55 and not have to wait in line at any football / soccer / volleyball / basketball / baseball or softball game for the 2024 – 25 school year. Passes will be on sale in the Main Lobby before school and during lunch
SENIORS - SAVE THE DATES
Below is a list of upcoming dates for our seniors and parents. We have also shared these dates with students on their Class of 2025 Canvas Page and through Parent Square.
We know this is a lot of information and we want to make sure you are always informed. We expect that the meeting on August 27th will answer most of your questions. I know it feels like you are running out of time and the pressure is starting to build on college and scholarships, but we do have some time to help you with this process.
· August 1 – November 1, 2024 – TN Promise Scholarship Application Open. Apply at www.tnpromise.gov
· October 29, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - Financial Aid 101 - ORHS Amphitheater (presentation by TSAC)
· November 1, 2024 - TN Promise Scholarship Application Deadline
· November 7, 2024, 5:00-7:00 Financial aid completion night - ORHS Food Court (for families that need help - repeated on 12/12 and 1/21)
· December 12, 2024, 5:00-7:00 Financial aid completion night - ORHS Food Court (for families that need help - repeated on 1/21)
· January 13, 2025, 3:40 p.m. – Mandatory TN Promise Meeting for Students - ORHS Food Court
· January 21, 2025, 5:00-7:00 Financial aid completion night - ORHS Food Court
SUPPORT ORHS AND BUY YOUR SWAG HERE!
STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
IS YOUR TEEN TAKING WELLNESS A? ACTION REQUIRED
Attention Parents/Guardians of Wellness A Students
During the course of Wellness A, students will participate in a Family Life Education programming called “The Sex Talk” which is presented by the non-profit, “Let’s Talk 101”. In addition, the "Baby Olivia Act" was passed and went into effect this school year. As enacted, the "Baby Olivia Act," requires any family life curriculum that directly or indirectly addresses human growth, human development, or human sexuality to include the presentation of a high-quality, computer-generated animation or high-definition ultrasound of at least three minutes in duration that shows the development of the brain, heart, and other vital organs in early fetal development. In order to meet the requirements of the law we will be showing this video during Family Life programming. This programming follows the State of Tennessee Lifetime Wellness Standards and School Board Policy 4.2.13. Per that policy, the parent/guardian has the right to opt their child out of participating in the program. If you would like to opt your child out, please complete the following form using the QR code or link below.
If you would like additional information about the program or be sent the link to the Baby Olivia video, feel free to contact Tina Williams at twilliams@ortn.edu.
CLUB INFORMATION
ART CLUB - Tuesdays in VA 103 after school. You do not have to be in an art class to join.
DIVERSITY CLUB, GSTA – Mondays, after school in the Library
D&D Club, every Friday from 3:15 to 4:30 PM in the grand hall of imagination (AKA Dr. Denisar's room CS329)
FBLA - Wednesday after school in CS 347. Please bring $18 dues if you have not paid.
INTERACT CLUB - Monday, October 21st in the Amphitheater until 4:00 pm
SEWING & CROCHETING CLUB - Thursdays after school until 4 in CS328
YOUTH FOR CHRIST - Tuesdays at 3:15 - this is a change!
PARENT CLUB INFORMATION
Parents, all clubs are required to send a permission slip for participation. Please watch for those to come home for each of the clubs your teen wishes to join.
ATHLETIC INFORMATION
🏊⚽🏐🎳👟🏈WILDCATS IN ACTION👟🏈⚽🏐🎳🏊
CATS WIN - NEXT STOP BACK TO THE SHIP FOR PLAYOFFS!
BOWLING RESULTS
SWIM CATS HAVE HIT THE WATER
XC ON THEIR WAY TO THE STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET ON WEDNESDAY!
FALL TENNIS
ORHS coaches Joanne and David Bowman will be conducting voluntary tennis practices this fall for the Wildcat and Lady Wildcat tennis teams. New and returning players are welcome to attend the weekly instruction. Both coaches will at the City's public courts on the Oak Ridge Turnpike to teach tennis skills on Wednesdays after school from 2:30-3:30 PM.
ANNUAL REMINDERS
FOOD CITY FUNDRAISER - LINK YOUR VALUE CARD TODAY!
It’s time for the 2024-2025 Schools Buck Challenge! You must register your card again this year! You must register online using your Valucard number & choosing Oak Ridge High School-CDC! Food City took away the option to register your card in person, so please take time to choose our class with your online account! Registration began on September 1st and points started accumulating on September 4th! The program runs from September 4th through May 6, 2025. Go to foodcity.com/schoolbucks to complete your registration and help our CDC class purchase items needed in the classroom.
SCHOOL CALENDAR AND ATTENDANCE
Parents, before scheduling vacations, please consult the school calendar. Be advised, at the high school, final exams counting 15% of the final grade are given the last two days of the semester. Please consult the calendar prior to planning vacations.
LEARNER'S PERMIT SF-1010 FORM
Students getting a learner's permit are required to obtain an SF-1010 form from the school. Please fill out the form below and students will be called to the office when the form is ready.
FREE & REDUCED LUNCH INFORMATION
The Free and Reduced meal applications are now available online in the Skyward Family Portal and can only be filled out by Family 1. Because of this, email notifications only to Family 1 via Skyward, rather than ParentSquare. Paper copies are in the Main Office.
Your student’s Free & Reduced Lunch status will be carried over from 2023-24 school year for the first 30 days of school until a new application is submitted and processed.
REGISTER ALL MEDICATIONS IN THE CLINIC
STUDENT DRIVER'S MUST REGISTER THEIR VEHICLE
Any student driving to school are required to register their vehicle and leave the parking tag visibly hanging on their review mirror. Vehicles must be registered every year. The form below must be completed and returned to Student Services to Mrs. Viruet. Parking tags are FREE, but required.
ATTENTION ALL BUS RIDERS - ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Questions?? Click below to access the Oak Ridge Schools Transportation Website
FRESHMAN PARENTS
Parents of the Class of 2028, Mrs. Thompson encourages you to join the Facebook page. The page is used to celebrate the Class of 2028 and provide pertinent reminders impacting this class. Due to security measures, membership is subject to approval. Please answer the questions to join the page. Answers are verified through our student information system before granting access.
JUNIOR PARENTS CLASS OF 2026
Ms. Estep encourages the parents of Juniors to join the Facebook page. Due to security measures protecting the privacy of our families, membership is subject to approval. Please answer the questions to join the page. All answers are verified through Skyward before granting access. Click the link below to access the FB page.
STUDENT DRIVER INFORMATION
ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A NEW DRIVER?
The Driving Center of Oak Ridge has openings for summer driver education classes. Register at Students who participate in the classes receive six driving sessions and will be given the opportunity to take the driving test with the instructors. Upon completion of the program, many families save up to $300 per year on car insurance so the class practically pays for itself in only one year. Call Matt Reedy at 865-719-1816 if you have questions.
DOES YOUR TEEN NEED AN SF-1010 FORM FOR THEIR DRIVER'S PERMIT?
IMPORTANT TN DRIVING PRIVILEGE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents should review this information with their teen drivers!!
MEET OUR TEAMS!
WHO IS YOUR ADMINISTRATOR??
Executive Principal - Drayton Hawkins dshawkins@ortn.edu
Seniors - Russ Wise rewise@ortn.edu
Juniors - Beth Estep kestep@ortn.edu
Sophomores - David Foust djfoust@ortn.edu
Freshman - Stephanie Thompson sathompson@ortn.edu
Curriculum Principal - Jennifer Milligan jmmilligan2@ortn.edu
SCHOOL COUNSELING SUPPORT TEAM!
Seniors - Class of 2025 Ashley Bennewitz abennewitz@ortn.edu
Juniors - Class of 2026 Paige Taylor - hptaylor@ortn.edu
Sophomores - Class of 2027 Brianna Ottinger - bottinger@ortn.edu
Freshman - Class of 2028 Heidi Foster - hafoster@ortn.edu
Social Worker: Alison King aking@ortn.edu
Registrar: Rhonda Garrison rsgarrison@ortn.edu
Counseling Administrative Assistant: Amy O'Rourke akorourke@ortn.edu
Link to Website: https://www.ortn.edu/highschool/academics/school-counseling/
Follow our team on Instagram:
Watch for announcements on Twitter: @ORHSCounseling
Ways to Connect and STAY INFORMED
Website - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Daily Bulletin - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/daily-bulletin/
Channel 1082 at 7:50 AM - Watch the announcements each morning by our Crew! YouTube Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9N_azmWeQByrIW6pWLBlQ
INews - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/news-events/news-links/
PTSO Newsletter - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843791015931073/
School Contact Information!
Website: http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Location: 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Phone: 865-425-9600