The school year is in full swing now. The 6-week progress report is coming up. This is an important date for students participating in UIL events. Students must be passing all of their classes at the 6-week mark in order to remain eligible. I encourage all students to seek help when needed and to utilize their Eagles Nest time for academic purposes when appropriate.

At the parent meeting on Monday, I mentioned directions on updating Canvas notifications for parents. You can view the directions (they begin on page 3) at this link. This is important because I communicate through Canvas so students and parents have direct access to the information.

Most Research & Problem groups have met. Biotech will begin its meeting schedule on Monday, September 23, 2024, after school. Students that have limited time available for after school R&Ps should consider Math UIL, Science UIL, or Science Bowl. These programs have meetings during Eagles Nest. The information for the R&P program descriptions can be found in Canvas > Modules > Research and Problems. I encourage your student to check with the sponsors listed for more information about the programs offered.

One final note, please encourage your students to read the monitors in the hallways and cafeterias on both campuses. There is great communication for events happening at Oak Ridge. I personally learn a great deal by reading the monitors.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Shepard

ACES students should include their membership in the program under honors or additional activities on the applications. Make sure to include your research and problems, explorations, and community service.

Also, make sure to have ACES on your brag sheet for your counselors and teachers when asking for letters of recommendation.

Reminder that Mr. West in College and Career Center is available for help with the application process.

ORHS Senior Information Night is Monday, September 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM.

The ACES Senior shirt will be white with the image shown on the front. The back will have 'Class of 2025' and all the senior students' names listed.

Shirts are available for order through School Cash for students interested in purchasing the shirt designed by Chloe Kane.

Shirts are $14 for sizes small - XL.

2XL are $17.

ACES has a location for freshmen to submit paperwork on the 9th grade campus in room 507 behind the library. This is Dr. Lucas' office.

ACES Yard Signs are available for purchase through School Cash using this link.

Signs are $15 each.

October DSS & DLS will be posted soon.

Remember to register prior to the deadline.

Participants will not be allowed in the webinar after 10 mins.

Open to any grade level.

We are looking for current ACES volunteers to travel to the junior high schools to promote ACES to the current 8th graders. These current ACES students should feel confident promoting the program and the activities.

We will attend the lunches at Irons, York, McCullough, and Knox.

Volunteers will be assigned a date to participate.

Depending on numbers of volunteers that submit this form, not all students may be selected to participate.

Travel will be on a bus to the schools. We will be back before the end of our school day.

Interested students should sign up using this link.

Students should submit their R&P designation by September 20, 2024. Documents can be given to an Dropped off in the ACES office, Dropped in the ACES document slot in Dr. Lucas' office on the 9th grade campus, or given to an ACES Science Teacher.

Submit all Exploration Documentation in Canvas - do not send via email

Any Exploration Credits or Community Service Hours completed during the school year (August 14, 2024, through May 23, 2024) must be submitted within TWO weeks of the activity date. See Canvas or our ACES website for the directions.

Attention Seniors - Internship Documentation and Presentations are due October 28, 2024. Presentations will be uploaded in Canvas.

*This is a requirement to complete the ACES program.

ACES will host an internship night for students that have completed their internship to display their presentation. This will provide an opportunity for these students to share their experiences with younger grades as they prepare to embark on the Internship journey. Presenting students will display their slideshow on a campus chromebook and be available to answer questions about their internship. No presentation/project boards will be used.

Tentative Date - November 13, 2024

Participating Students (presenters and audience members) will receive Community Service and/or Exploration Credit.

ACES students are encouraged to wear an ACES shirt the first school day Monday of each month to show our spirit and pride in the program. September 9, 2024, will be our first ACES Spirit day.

Additional Days include:

• October 7, 2024
• November 11, 2024
• December 2, 2024
• January 13, 2025
• February 3, 2025
• March 3, 2025
• April 7, 2025
• May 5, 2025

Oak Ridge High School will administer the PSAT/NMSQT on October 23, 2024, to all 10th and 11th graders. CISD pays for all 10th and 11th graders to take this exam.

Freshmen who are interested in taking the PSAT on October 23, 2024, may sign up through SchoolCash. The cost of the test is $15 for freshmen. ACES freshmen are highly encouraged to participate in this opportunity.

CISD has created an ACES Canvas course. All ACES students will have access to the 2024-2025 course. Students will not be loaded into the new version until the first day of school. Parents have access through the CISD Parent Portal to view their student's courses. Students will want to make sure they receive notifications for Canvas. Parents can also set notifications for Canvas. This platform will be used to post upcoming opportunities for things such as community service, exploration credit opportunities like Distinguished Lecture Series and Distinguished Speaker Series, and other opportunities. In addition, the announcement feature will be used to communicate important information. This allows students to receive the message directly along with parents.

Directions on setting up notifications for Canvas can be found at this link.

Note: I choose to receive one notification summary a day so that I am not bombarded with emails. You can also choose to have weekly updates or none at all.

ACES Website

Oak Ridge High School Website

Oak Ridge 9th Grade Campus Website