Email to Parents - 1/4/23

Parents and students,

OTHS is thrilled to announce a 24/7 online tutoring service available free to all OTHS students called Paper. Paper can be accessed at school, home, or on the road so your student can receive academic support in a variety of subjects whenever and wherever they need it. Through the website or app, students will be connected with one of Paper's content-specific tutors within seconds through a live text chat. Students will also be able to submit writing assignments for review and feedback, receive assistance with college applications and resume writing, and get help in preparing for college entrance exams. Paper provides support in multiple languages and tutors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please see the following resources to familiarize yourself with what Paper has to offer:

• Video introduction: Nothing Should Stop Learning - Paper
• Paper’s impact on Val Verde Unified School District: Paper's Impact on Val Verde USD
• Parent testimonial: Parent Perspective on Paper
• Parent and guardian launch page: Parent and Guardian Launch Page

All OTHS students will receive training on how to access Paper during advisory periods on Monday, January 9th. For those of you who would like to get started before January 9, students can visit app.paper.co and click on the "Forgot Password" link to receive an email that will help them set up their login information. 

We are confident that Paper will serve as a valuable resource to support your student's learning experiences at OTHS. Thank you for your time, and we wish you a wonderful start to the spring semester. 

Email to Parents from 12/6/22

Parents, Guardians, Students, Community Members, and OTHS Employees:

The Board of Education and Administration work diligently to continue the tradition of excellence in education at OTHS.  In an effort to be responsive to those we serve, we are reaching out and are seeking input from stakeholders to guide the direction of education at the high school level. 

You are cordially invited to meet with members of the OTHS Board of Education and Administration to have "CONVERSATIONS OVER COFFEE" on Wednesday, December 7, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Panera Bread Company, 3120 Green Mount Crossing Drive in Shiloh.

Members of your OTHS school board, the superintendent, and other members from the OTHS administration will be available to address questions, concerns, or to engage in casual conversation about education and OTHS.  We hope you will stop by Panera and take a moment to let us know your thoughts and ideas about OTHS.  We want to hear from you.

Please note, you do not have to commit to the entire 90 minutes of conversation.  You may come and go as it works in your schedule.  Again, we hope you will be able to share a few moments of your time to chat with us and to participate in guiding OTHS to even higher levels of performance. 

Yours for Excellence in Education,

Dr. Darcy G. Benway, Superintendent

Email sent to families on 12/5/22

OTHS Students and Families, 

First semester final exams are right around the corner and will be held on December 19, 20, and 21. Please see the attached schedule for details. Final Exam Schedule 

Throughout the month of November, our students have participated in a Study Habits advisory series to help them prepare for final exams and overall academic success. Below is a recap of the activities:

• Week One - Know Yourself: Students completed an online quiz to find out more about their learning style: Learning Style Quiz 
• Week Two - Stay Organized: Students explored organization techniques: Organization Practices  
• Week Three - Good Notes: Students learned about different note-taking strategies: Note Taking 
• Week Four - Study Well: The IMC staff shared resources available in the OTHS IMC and the O'Fallon Public Library: Study Spaces 

We wish you the best of luck on final exams and hope you have a wonderful end to first semester!

Email from Dr. Benway - 11/15/22

Students, Parents, Guardians, and Employees,

As the threat of inclement weather is on the horizon, I wanted to touch base with you on the district’s plans regarding snow days.  Should inclement weather cause unsafe travel conditions, OTHS will cancel school and will use one of its emergency days.  Because the administration has received a few inquiries about the possibility of shifting to remote leaning on "snow days", I wanted to share with you the rationale why that is not the direction OTHS will be taking:

• Not all teachers/paras can work remotely from home to provide instruction to their students.  The District does not want teachers/paras driving to OTHS in unsafe conditions to have the necessary resources or materials to deliver effective instruction.
• Lesson plans may be disrupted for some classes where in-person learning is the only way to provide the planned instruction (science labs, CTE hands-on classes, art, PE, classes with scheduled tests/quizzes, etc.). 
• OTHS would not be prioritizing high quality instruction if we implemented remote learning.  During the pandemic educators learned that remote learning is not as effective for high school students as in-person instruction, especially for at-risk populations.
• A snow day may provide a nice break (day off) for both teachers and students.  Many students and parents have requested that the District's approach to snow days not be changed as students enjoy having a surprise day off school.  
• Students can use the day to get caught up on their work or, if needed, can use the day to take a mental break from school work.
• Districts build emergency days in the calendar for inclement weather.  OTHS has six emergency days in its calendar to accommodate snow days or other unexpected school cancellations .  Please keep this in mind as summer vacations are planned.  The last day of school is May 25, 2023 should all emergency days need to be used.

I know some schools may take a different approach.  I just wanted you to be prepared in the event inclement weather causes school to be cancelled.

I have attached the District’s Winter Weather FAQ document for your review. ( Winter Weather FAQ )

Stay safe and stay warm.

Dr. Benway

Email from Dr. Benway - 10/27/22

Good evening OTHS,

I wanted to provide a follow up on today's events.

This morning, a student fabricated a report about a gun on the Smiley Campus.  Again, this was a made up story resulting in a social media post that went viral.
  
All reports of guns on campus were traced, and none were found to be credible.  No pictures or videos of OTHS students with guns were found. No weapons were found.  The student fabricating the false report and creating the initial post was both investigated and arrested by the O’Fallon Police Department.  It should be noted that this student did not possess a weapon or threaten anyone with a weapon.

OTHS will continue to take threats against our school community seriously. Anyone making a false report will be subject to school discipline and criminal prosecution. 

Should it ever be determined there is a credible threat to our school community, both voice and written notifications will be issued immediately to our students, families, and employees. 

Thank you to those who reported concerns to the administration and O’Fallon police today.   As always, if you see something, say something.  Safety and security are top priorities for school leaders. 

Again, there has been no credible threat identified for our OTHS campuses. 

All of us at OTHS look forward to a great day of school tomorrow.

Dr. Benway

Email from Dr. Benway - 10/27/22

OTHS Parents, Guardians, Students, and Employees,

The tragedy surrounding the recent school shooting in St. Louis is unimaginable.  Hearts across the county break every time one of these events are reported.

The administration and O’Fallon Police are aware of the ongoing reports of threats related to OTHS.  Any information coming to our attention is being reviewed and thoroughly investigated. 

At this time, there has been no credible threat identified. 

We continue to track down each statement, comment, and/or post.

With regard to recent posts, we are finding instances where students are making false posts/statements to disrupt school.  A report today of guns/weapons at OTHS was found to be fictitious and the student is not only being disciplined by OTHS but has also been arrested by O’Fallon Police for making false statements.  Threats of violence against the school cause a major disruption and will not be tolerated. 

The Administration and Board of Education in collaboration with local law enforcement will continue to address any threats and will continue to meet to review OTHS safety and security practices. 

If you have a threat to report, please contact O’Fallon Police at (618) 624-4516.  You may also email OTHS-Report@oths.us

We encourage all parents and guardians to speak with their students regarding the appropriate use of social media and comments that are made.  ANY posts or comments which appear threatening to the school community, or its inhabitants will result in swift and severe consequences.

Thank you for your partnership in our efforts to stop school violence and threats of violence.

Dr. Benway

Email from Dr. Benway - 10/25/22

OTHS Students, Parents, Guardians, and Employees,

Our OTHS family is saddened by the events that occurred yesterday in a St. Louis high school.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the entire community.   OTHS social workers, counselors and administrators are available resources for students and or families impacted by this unimaginable act of violence.

I want our community to know that OTHS takes every comment and every threat seriously.  The safety in our school buildings is our top priority.  Last evening the administration worked diligently to follow up on an alleged threat that was posted on social media referencing our Milburn Campus.  It has been thoroughly investigated by local law enforcement.  It was determined that the threat was unfounded.  School leaders work collaboratively with O'Fallon Police to follow up on any potential threat against OTHS or its inhabitants and are grateful we have such a strong partnership with local law enforcement.

We encourage our students, parents, and employees to immediately contact the police or school officials if they see or hear something of concern.  If you see something, say something.  Direct contact with school officials and/or the police allows for immediate action and investigation of any threat.  Posts to social media can create confusion and an unintended delay in the ability for authorities to follow up on the threat.  We encourage all not to use social media to report concerns or threats.

School leaders will continue to make every effort toward safety in our buildings.  

Thank you for your continued support of OTHS.

Dr. Darcy G. Benway, Superintendent

Email from Dr. Shackelford 10/14/22

OTHS Homecoming 2022 is here and we hope you will join us for an exciting week as we celebrate our Panther Pride! Be sure to check www.oths.us/homecoming for information regarding dress up days, spirit stick points, and other frequently asked questions. In addition, please note that all students grades 9-12 will be dismissed from the Smiley campus at 12:30 on Friday, October 21^st following the Homecoming Pep Rally. 

Schedule of Events:

Homecoming Bash: Monday, October 17th, 5:00pm-6:30pm - Smiley Campus (weather permitting)

Homecoming Parade: Wednesday, October 19th, 5:45pm - Smiley Campus (route is Smiley to 2nd, 2^nd to Lincoln, Lincoln to 3rd, and 3^rd to Smiley; weather permitting)

Pep Rally and Early Dismissal: Friday, October 21^st - all students grades 9-12 dismissed from Smiley Campus (schedule below)

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE - Friday, October 21st

Homecoming Football Game: Friday, October 21st, 7:00pm - Smiley Campus

Homecoming Dance: Saturday, October 22nd, 7:00pm-10:00pm - Smiley Campus (see www.oths.us/homecoming for details)

Wishing you a wonderful Homecoming week!

E-Mail from 9/26/22

We invite you and your family to OTHS Connects Night on Thursday, September 29^th from 6pm-8pm at the OTHS Smiley Campus. OTHS Connects is designed for all students and families grades 9-12 and will include an academic and activity fair, parent breakout sessions, student demonstrations, and more! Please see the detailed schedule and list of available breakout sessions below:

Breakout Sessions Available:

• Grade-Level Presentations: OTHS School Guidance Counselors will present on topics and programming appropriate for specific grade levels. 
• NCAA Planning: Our athletic department will present on CoreCourseGPA and how this program can help determine NCAA eligibility for our OTHS athletes. 
• Paths to College Credit - AP/Dual Credit: OTHS School Counselors will present three specific programs that OTHS offers students that allow them to gain college credit while enrolled in high school coursework at OTHS. 
• Senior Financial Aid: A St. Louis University Student Financial Services representative will host a Senior Financial Aid presentation including an overview of the entire financial aid process as well as information on completing the FAFSA.   
• Sleep and Screen Time: We will review resources and activities related to the OTHS Sleep and Screen Time Initiative that has taken place throughout the month of September. 
• Social Work Services and Roundtable: Meet your OTHS Social Workers! During our roundtable discussion, you will learn what services and support our department can offer to your student and family, as well as ask questions that you may specifically have regarding mental health, social-emotional trends, and many other topics. 

Detailed Schedule:

6:00pm-8:00pm: 

• Academic and Activity Fair in South Gym
• Food sampling from Chartwells in cafeteria and main parking lot
• Music Department Performance

6:00pm-6:30pm: Breakout Session 1

• 10th Grade Parent and Student Grade-Level Presentation
• Senior Financial Aid
• Paths to College Credit - AP/Dual Credit
• NCAA Planning
• Social Work Services and Roundtable

6:45pm-7:15pm: Breakout Session 2

• 9^th Grade Parent and Student Grade-Level Presentation
• 11^th Grade Parent and Student Grade-Level Presentation
• Senior Financial Aid
• Paths to College Credit - AP/Dual Credit
• Social Work Services and Roundtable

7:30pm-8:00pm: Breakout Session 3

• 12^th Grade Parent and Student Grade-Level Presentation
• NCAA Planning
• Sleep and Screen Time Initiative
• Social Work Services and Roundtable

We look forward to seeing you on the 29^th! 

Email 9/19/22

OTHS Students, Families, and Employees:

OTHS continues to prioritize safety on campus and during events.  OTHS school leaders have aligned its event attendance policy with those of other area high schools in an effort to maintain a safe environment and an enjoyable spectator experience during on-campus activities.   The following event attendance policy will be in effect at OTHS beginning on Friday, September 23, 2022:

O’Fallon Township High School

Event Attendance Policy

General Rules

1. Only students from OTHS and the opposing school are allowed to attend the games/events by themselves with a Student ID.  Students are to watch the games/events from their respective school’s side or designated location.

2. All attendees should be prepared to show IDs to school/security personnel.

3. Students from non-participating schools will be admitted with a parent/guardian.  They will not be admitted by themselves.

4. Jr. High/Middle School/elementary students will only be admitted with a parent/guardian, and must remain in the company of that parent/guardian throughout the event.

5. Backpacks and bags are strictly prohibited.  Any necessary bags are subject to search by school/security personnel.

Students

1. Once in the stadium/gymnasium, please find a seat.

2. If you leave the game/event there is no re-entry.

3. Make sure to follow the directions of all staff and security at the game.

4. Please have your rides here at the end of the games/events, call them and let them know when the game/event is nearing the end.

Any individual misbehaving at an event may be ejected from the event, and may be prohibited from attending future events pursuant to Board Policy.

E-Mail Sent on 9/6/22

OTHS Students and Families,

The school year is off to a great start.  I have a few exciting items to share with you.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

I wanted to personally invite all of our students and families to the OTHS virtual open house.  You can access the open house through the following link:  https://www.oths.us/openhouse

Please take the time to view the information provided.  As always, if you would like to reach out directly to your student’s teachers for specific questions you may have about any class, please don’t hesitate to do so.  The staff directory is available on the OTHS web site and all of us at OTHS welcome conversations with our families.  We are here to assist your student in their journey through high school.

HERE COMES THE BUS APP

This year OTHS has implemented the “Here Comes the Bus” app which will allow our families to locate busses that are in route.  If you are interested in accessing this feature, please visit our bus information page at https://www.oths.us/domain/34 and follow the directions provided under the Here Comes the Bus link to create an account.

OTHS “CONNECTS” STUDENT/PARENT NIGHT

OTHS is excited to be hosting the CONNECTS student/parent night on Thursday, September 29^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the Smiley Campus.   This event will provide students the opportunity to explore extracurricular offerings and will provide parents the opportunity to attend break-out sessions on a variety of informational topics. 

CONNECTS is an important event and we encourage all of our families to participate.  Research indicates that students who are connected to their school through extracurricular participation achieve higher academic outcomes.  We want our students to be involved in the great opportunities available at OTHS and to have a meaningful high school experience.

As always, the faculty and staff of OTHS are excited to serve our students and families.  Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns.

Dr. Benway

E-Mail from Dr. Benway - 8/9/22

OTHS Students, Parents, and Guardians:

Welcome to OTHS!  I hope you enjoyed the summer break and are ready for a great 2022-2023 school year. This email contains important information and links for your reference as we partner together to maximize opportunities for OTHS students.  

Just a reminder: School starts for OTHS students this Thursday, August 11^th. 

If a student is not yet registered, please complete online registration today to avoid any delay to the student's start of school.  The link to the registration page on the OTHS website is https://www.oths.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=155.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To help you stay informed, the OTHS website (www.oths.us) will always have information and announcements about events and happenings at school.   You can also follow OTHS on both Facebook and Twitter. 

Facebook:  OTHS – O’Fallon Township High School District 203 (@OTHSDistrict203)

Twitter: OTHS District 203 (@OTHSDistrict203)

ONLINE MONITORING OF STUDENT PROGRESS

You can follow your student’s academic progress through our Skyward portal: https://skyward.oths.k12.il.us/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsEAplus/seplog01.w   If you need assistance logging into the system, please contact our technology department at ComputerDepartment@oths.us or (618) 632-3507 x5390 for assistance.  It is important to recognize that the involvement of parents/guardians in their student's journey through high school is an important factor in the student's achievement of successful outcomes.  

STUDENT SAFETY

OTHS continues its efforts on school safety.  We have been diligent in updating and addressing safety practices to be proactive in our approach to preparedness.  In addition, we have made renovations to the physical school buildings and have increased security staff in an effort to improve school safety.  The safety of those in our care is the top priority for OTHS.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

All school lunch lines will be open this school year.  School lunches are available to students for $3.05.  Reduced or free student lunches are available for those who qualify.  Breakfast and lunch menus can be found at: https://oths.nutrislice.com/menus-eula

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

• Student Handbook: https://www.oths.us/domain/9144
• Bus information: https://www.oths.us/domain/34
• Board Policies:  https://www.oths.us/Page/61
• Board Meeting and Committee Meeting Agendas/Minutes:  https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oths/Board.nsf/Public

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP

Again, we look forward to partnering with you to ensure each student has every opportunity to reach his/her highest potential in academic achievement and in personal development.  Together, we share in the responsibility for his/her success.  We are fortunate to live in a community that values and encourages education, where families are invested in their students.  We all must continue to do our very best to guide, support, encourage, and inspire students as they continue their journey toward adulthood.  In the educational partnership, your parental influence and involvement are very important, especially during the high school years, and we are grateful for the family support we receive.  We ask for your continued involvement in your student’s efforts to reach excellence in academic achievement and personal growth by encouraging your student:

• to attend school daily and arrive on time, ready for the day’s educational experiences
• to complete all homework and study assignments, and to participate in classroom discussions
• to get involved in extracurricular opportunities and to be a part of the OTHS community
• to share school and life experiences with you so that you are aware of any challenges that may arise
• to inform you, a teacher, or administrator if he/she needs additional support in any area or in any academic subject
• to inform an adult if he/she has any concerns regarding school safety --- SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

I am excited for the 2022-2023 school year and am honored to have the privilege of being a part of the excellence in education provided to OTHS students.  

Have a great year!

Dr. Darcy G. Benway, OTHS Superintendent