Ricky Chitwood’s early birthday present, Callum Anthony Chitwood, joined the family on Tuesday, 10/22 weighing in @ 6 lbs and 9 oz. Mr. and Mrs. Chitwood are 2015 graduates of ORHS, and Ricky currently serves as our ISS teacher and a football coach.

Mom, Dad and “Baby Cal” are doing great!

On Friday, October 18, Alan and Sabra Beauchamp donated $2,500 to establish the Annual John Shuey Vocal Music Scholarship. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to an ORHS Senior who has participated in the ORHS Vocal Music Program. John Shuey was a 1969 ORHS graduate who was a popular and active vocalist in the Oak Ridge Community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

All senior yearbook ads must be submitted by Friday, November 1st. Senior ads can be turned in directly on the Jostens website by going to Jostens.com/yearbookads. For help with this process, please watch the tutorial below:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/ybAdDesigner/1077248/-/2024071116151971363/CATALOG_SHOP/

Seniors, don't miss this opportunity for two free years of college. Fill out your TNPromise application today. Every year, we have kids whose plans end up changing, Even if community college is not your chosen pathway, fill it out and use it as your backup plan. Once the deadline is GONE, it is GONE!

Just to clarify, students are encouraged to participate and dress up for Trunk or Treat on October 30th, but students are expected to come to school in regular clothes on October 31st, as costumes won't be permitted. If they show up in costumes on the 31st, they will need to go home to change.

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/

Attached, you will find the 2024 order form for the Stuckey’s Corp. pecans, cashews, and mixed nuts. This is an annual fundraiser and grows each year as more and more people try the nuts. If you are interested in ordering this year, please complete the attached order form. You may send it to Teresa Ledden via e-mail as an attachment to tledden@ortn.edu. Orders should be received by Tuesday, October 29, at noon. As always, thanks for your support.

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.

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.

Does your student need extra help? Please refer to the downloadable tutoring schedule for our staff.

We are excited to announce that all AP exam payments will now be collected through our new digital payment platform. Test fees will no longer be collected at ORHS during lunch. The Fall AP Exam Payment Window will open on Monday, September 16th and close on Friday, November 1st at 11:59pm.

• This payment window is for students who are currently enrolled in a fall or yearlong AP course.
• If you have an AP course that begins in January, you will pay for and order your exam(s) during the spring payment window (February 1st -March 1st).
• This year AP exams are $101/exam. AP Seminar and Research exams are $149/exam.
• If you are taking more than three exams, your fourth and subsequent exams will be $40/exam.
• If you qualify for free or reduced lunch your exams are $15/exam.
• Students who receive free/reduced lunch must contact Ms. Milligan at jmmilligan2@ortn.edu to verify eligibility and receive a code before registering and paying for exam(s) online.

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!

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!

Parents, every time a student is absent, please send a note the day they return. Failure to send a parent note/doctor's note/court note within three (3) days will result in the day being unexecused. Parents can write 7 parent notes per year. Notes can be dropped in the attendance office, or in the "mailbox" in the Visual Arts hallway. The State of Tennessee considers a student Chronically Absent when they reach 18 absences whether excused or unexcused.

We have a few colleges visiting in October, all are immediately after school in the College and Career Room.

Monday, October 28th – Randolf College

Spread out the cost of your order with an interest-free Jostens Payment Plan.*

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

The 2024-2025 Bill T. Hicks Scholarship is now accepting applications for graduating seniors! The first-round of application ends at end of day on October 31, 2024. Six $5,000 cash scholarships will be awarded. One of our own ORHS Seniors was awarded one of the Scholarships in 2023! Contact Ms. O’Rourke at the Counseling Office for more information.

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

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.

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 - Mondays at 3:15

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.

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.

Seven players attended this week's voluntary practice. Pictured LtoR: Freshman Scarlett Hovater plus juniors Ellie Nash and Wyatt Arline. Students or parents with questions regarding the ORHS Tennis Program should email jbowman@ortn.edu (Joanne) or dbowman@ortn.edu (David).

• Highlights from the Newsletter

• • Thursday Showcase cast meeting until 4:00- Congrats to everyone!

  • PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OCTOBER 11TH FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS. THIS CAN COUNT TO YOUR PARENTS VOLUNTEER HOURS. MORE INFO AND SIGN UP IN NEWSLETTER

  • Links for Puffs Pictures and Archival Video

  • Next Booster meeting Saturday, October 19th (Virtual)

  • Masquers 2024-25 Season

  • Masquers Sponsorship

  • Have a good fall break! Listen to your showcase songs!

Keep up with Masquers with pictures, comments, and announcements!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Parents, students are NOT allowed to carry medications on their person at school. All medications must be registered with our nurse, Lori Gupton. Registration requirements are in the form below. This includes over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl or any type of allergy medications, etc.

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.

Students must register for transportation services via Skyward. The form is located in the Skyward FAMILY ACCESS ACCOUNT not the student access account. Families were sent instructions to email accounts on file throughout the summer. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.

Questions?? Click below to access the Oak Ridge Schools Transportation Website

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.

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.

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.

In order for a student to take their permit test, a form is required from the school. Mrs. Thacker, our attendance secretary, prepares these forms. Requests are accepted through the link below. When school is in session, a completed form may be picked up in the Attendance Office. However, if school is NOT in session, the form will be mailed home by USPS.

Did you know your teen will have their driver's license suspended due to poor grades and/or poor attendance?

Parents should review this information with their teen drivers!!

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

Counselors:

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

It is our desire to keep our families informed of all of the activity and awesome news coming from Oak Ridge High School. We have multiple platforms for connection. We encourage you to explore the many ways and provide feedback!

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/

Website: http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Location: 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Phone: 865-425-9600