Congratulations to King, Ray'Quan Watson and Queen, Carleigh Brown, as selected by their peers as 2024 Homecoming royalty!

If you have an online subscription, check out the OakRidger for additional information and pictures below.

The state sponsored ACT Retake for seniors will be held Friday, October 18th. Seniors are automatically registered for the test, and the test is mandatory.

The ACT is being administered online, so students will need to be prepare by restarting their computers, charging the devices overnight, and bringing their chargers for testing. There is an online calculator available in the testing platform, or students may bring an ACT approved calculator to use for the mathematics portion of the test.

Students will receive information next week when we return to school about how to link this test to their ACT accounts. This step is very important so that students are able to access their scores in the ACT platform.

ACT testing will take place in the LC300 area of the building, and testing locations will be posted throughout the building next week. Seniors will need to arrive at school by 7:40 on testing day. Seniors will be dismissed for the day when testing concludes (approximately 12:30).

All other ORHS students are on a regular schedule on Friday, October 18th.

Please reach out to Beth Estep, ACT Testing Coordinator if there are any questions or concerns.

Picture makeups and retakes will be this Wednesday, October 16 in the auditorium. This will be for seniors and underclassmen. If you previously ordered pictures and are getting retakes you will need to bring your old photos with you to have new photos printed. For teachers with 5th block planning period-please make sure you have had your picture taken by 1:15 if you plan on doing so on this day.

The senior group photo on October 16 in the arena at 1:30. Students will be dismissed to the arena via intercom. Please make every effort to be in attendance for this picture.

Seniors will receive their packets to order their cap & gown set (includes tassel) and other graduation supplies as they enter the Arena for the Senior picture on Wednesday, October 16. 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.

Seniors should submit their signature by going to the Class of 2025 Canvas page and clicking on Assignments. All seniors are encourage to submit signatures. Orders will be taken for the senior signature shirts and sweats beginning the week of October 21. This long-standing tradition at ORHS is a separate order and is not part of Jostens graduation supplies.

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.

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

Parents, we have reached the half way point of first semester. Term 1 grades will be ready to be viewed October 18th on Skyward.

Please print out the most recent District calendar for 2024-25 with an updated change.

CONGRATULATIONS to five ORHS students that have been recognized as Commended Students by NMSC. Picture Order from left to right: Henry Landau, Mylie Barna, Lilly Shelton, Phoenix Zen, and Isabella Liu

I’m excited to share that Glenwood Elementary has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024! They are one of 356 schools across the nation, and one of six in Tennessee, to earn the designation and we are so proud of their hard work to get to this point.

As you probably know, this is the second-consecutive year that one of our schools has earned this prestigious national recognition, as Linden Elementary was recognized last year. While the outstanding work and dedication of our administrators, students and staff has set this level of excellence as the new standard, I want you know that I never take these accolades for granted and understand that they represent a tremendous amount of hard work and perseverance.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Boles and the entire Glenwood Elementary team. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work!

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!

Oak Ridge High School has a brand-new student exchange for the year 2025. It is organized by “The Friendship Connection, Inc.”. You will host a German student in your home for three weeks in the spring and you will live with that student in Germany in the summer of 2025.

Everybody who had two years of German and is taking German 3 in the spring or who already had at least three semesters of German in the past can sign-up for this opportunity. Students who already participated in the GAPP-exchange this year are also eligible for this exchange.

Sign-up before October 31st, 2024. For more information, please come to Mrs. Nebenfuehr’s room CS301 or email smnebenfuehr@ortn.edu

Note: This trip is sponsored by the Asian Cultural Center of Tennessee

I am thrilled to announce our information session regarding the 2025 Summer Japan Trip!
If you are interested in exploring and learning about Japan, please attend our info session.

Information Sessions ( In person):

• Wednesday, October 23: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM (EST)
  

• Sunday, October 27: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)
  

Location:
Farragut Community Center Large room
239 Jamestowne Blvd #201, Farragut, TN 37934

Agenda:

• Greetings
• Basic Information about the Trip
  • Schedule, Pricing, Goals, and Places to Visit
• Application Process
• Q & A

Communications between Oak Ridge Schools and families will shift from the Skyward Alert System to Parent Square. Parents should download ParentSquare from your specific App Store (ie Apple Store or Google Play Store). This new tool provides flexibility how families want to receive important information from the district and individual schools. The iNews will be sent via ParentSquare.

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.

Thursday, October 17th – Northwestern University

Thursday, October 24th – Queens University of Charlotte

Friday, October 25th – Case Western Reserve University

Monday, October 28th – Randolf College

West Point will be having an Admissions Event on Oct 21st at Webb School of Knoxville. Those interested in applying to West Point can meet with an Admissions Counselor, learn about life as a cadet, what West Point offers and details about the application process. You can register for the event at the Counseling Office.

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

Building upon the success of last year's TN FAFSA Boot Camps, THEC/TSAC is pleased to introduce our 2024 College Access Boot Camps. In addition to state and federal student aid and FAFSA updates, we will share relevant and timely college access information and resources with school counselors and college access professionals who attend. Whether you are new to college access or a seasoned pro, there is something for everyone. And that includes swag! Use the buttons below to register and learn more.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER

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 18, 2024 - ACT Senior Retake Date - The ACT will be given during the school day to all 12th graders. This test is FREE.

· 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

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

Download the flyer below to review options.

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”. 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.

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.

SEWING & CROCHETING CLUB - Thursdays after school until 4 in CS328

TSA MEETING - Wednesday from 2 - 4 PM in PA-144

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.

BHS promotes cashless/mobile ticketing. Advanced ticket purchases can be made at https://bearhs.givebacks.com/store/items/1069723. To comply with state law, there will be a cash gate.

Additional BHS Game Day information fans can be found at https://www.knoxschools.org/Page/25175. Tickets can also be purchased from the BHS Football website.

NEED DIRECTIONS - Download the PDF below.

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