8/26/24 OG NEWS

Hello, Grovers!

We are so excited to be the co-interim superintendents this year! We are off to a great start. Everyone, from our fellow staff members to parents to the community members we have met, has been so kind, gracious, and welcoming. The enthusiasm and positive attitudes we have witnessed bring us great optimism for the school year ahead.

Thank you for entrusting the Oak Grove staff with your children. They are in GREAT hands. Our school district is world-class in nearly every aspect of student life. We have a long-standing tradition of giving students a well-rounded education. Together, the two of us are committed to making sure that continues this school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. Let’s have a GREAT school year!

With Oak Grove Pride,

Dr. Jim McKay mckay@ogschool.org

Dr. Lonny Lemon lemon@ogschool.org

The Board of Education is working with the Illinois Association of School Boards’ (IASB)

Executive Search team to assist with the superintendent search. In addition to the online survey,

stakeholder feedback will be gathered at the following in-person Focus Groups:
Thursday, August 29, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 pm JH Gym

Friday, August 30, 2024 7:30 – 8:30 and 8:30 – 9:30 am JH Gym
Please complete this form to RSVP for one of the focus groups. Childcare will be provided, but

you must let us know in advance to ensure we have enough coverage. The deadline to RSVP is this Wednesday at 8:00 pm.

You likely are aware of the “excessive heat watch” that has been issued for our area for August 25 through August 27. As a result, we want you to know about the precautions we are taking to ensure the safety of our staff and students during these conditions. For more information, please click here.

As a reminder, student arrival begins at 7:35 am, as supervision on both the junior high and elementary playgrounds starts at that time. If you arrive after 8:20 am, please keep in mind that you will need to sign your student in at door one or the main entrance.

For dismissal, please carefully follow all posted signage. Also, please remain in your vehicles as students get in. Staff members wearing orange vests will be available to provide support if you need it. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Testing will take place during the week of September 3rd:

• 1st grade FastBridge math & reading assessments

• Family Letter

• Grades 2-8 i-Ready math & reading assessments (students need headphones)

• Family Presentation

• K-2 on Wednesday, September 11, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• 3-5 on Thursday, September 12, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

• 6-8 on Wednesday, September 18, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Please review this document concerning disciplinary procedures this year for grades 5-8. Reach out to assistant principal Joe O’Malley with any questions.

Important Dates

8/28/24 - First Full Day of Kindergarten

9/2/24 - No Student Attendance

9/3/24 - i-Ready Testing Begins (Grades 2-8) & FastBridge Testing (Grades K-1)

9/4/24 - Special BoE Meeting, 6:00 pm (JH Cafe)

9/6/24 - Picture Day

Athletics

We are excited to announce that our fall sports season begins this week! Cross country is open to all students in grades 5 through 8, and girls volleyball for grades 7 and 8. Please be aware that due to the recent weather, cross-country practice locations may be adjusted to ensure the safety of our students in the excessive heat. Volleyball tryouts will proceed as scheduled, as they take place indoors.

This link contains all of the Oak Grove athletic programs and when these programs run. Looking for more specific information about upcoming games or events? Please check the Oak Grove Athletics Calendar or feel free to reach out to the athletic director, Mr. Dave Karolewicz.

Upcoming

8/26/24 - 7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts & Cross Country Student-Athlete Meeting and 1 Mile Run

8/27/24 - 7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts & Cross Country Practice Begins.

*All Student Athletes must have a current sports physical on file in the school nurses' office to participate.

Band
Please see our web page for dates & links! Oak Grove band website for the most updated information.

Please click HERE to view the flyers in our virtual backpack. Flyers are updated weekly, so please check back often so you won't miss any of the events going on in our community.