View All News
Find everything you need to know about our 2025 Graduation Ceremony at www.oths.us/graduation
OTHS Students and Families,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden and unexpected loss of OTHS junior Cadence Eileen Prince. This news is devastating to our school community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. OTHS is here to support our students through this difficult time. Social workers and school counselors are available for anyone needing to talk or feeling overwhelmed by this tragic news.
Parents should be aware that your student may have some unresolved feelings to discuss with you. You can help your student by listening carefully, accepting feelings expressed, not overreacting, and answering questions honestly. Sometimes, however, teenagers are not willing or able to express these feelings. In some cases, students may experience difficulties such as withdrawal and isolation, physical symptoms, depression and sadness, school problems, sleep disturbances, and questions about death and dying. Usually, these are acute difficulties, which will dissipate over time. If, however, you are concerned about the severity of these symptoms, please feel free to contact the social work department (socialworkers@oths.us) and/or the school counseling department (schoolcounselors@oths.us).
We have also attached parent, student, and community resources for dealing with grief to this message. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Beth Shackelford
OTHS Superintendent
Resources: Student Self-Care - Community Resources - Parent Resources
๐Following the annual PTAC meeting, the Board of Education held its reorganization meeting. ๐
The new board is as follows:
As a reminder, a vacancy exists to fill the seat previously held by Steve Dirnbeck. That application process can be found at www.oths.us/news

Happy School Nurse Appreciation Day! 

Today we give a shoutout to Nurse Ettema and Nurse Becker for the incredible care, compassion, and calm they bring to OTHS every single day. Thank you for keeping our Panthers healthy, safe, and supported — we appreciate you more than words can say!
๐ Happy Educator Appreciation Week! ๐
We are so grateful for our incredible OTHS educators who go above and beyond every day to support, inspire, and empower our students. OTHS was built on a firm foundation of excellence and continues that rich tradition because of our educators direct impact on the students. Keep doing amazing things!
Thank you for all that you do—your dedication makes a lasting impact! ๐๐
#pantherpride #educatorappreciationweek #thankateacher
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE – SPRING SEMESTER 2025
FINAL EXAM DAY 1: TUESDAY, MAY 27
HOUR |
MILBURN |
SMILEY |
1ST |
7:30 – 9:00 |
8:00 – 9:30 |
2ND |
9:10 –10:40 |
9:40 – 11:10 |
3RD |
10:50-12:20 |
11:20 – 12:50 |
Students with unscheduled time, study hall, PE and/or lunch/advisory during 1st or 3rd hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.
FINAL EXAM DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
HOUR |
MILBURN |
SMILEY |
7th |
7:30 – 9:00 |
8:00-9:30 |
6th |
9:10-10:40 |
9:40-11:10 |
EARLY BIRD |
NA |
11:20-12:50 |
Students with unscheduled time, study hall, or PE during 7th hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.
FINAL EXAM DAY 3: THURSDAY, MAY 29
HOUR |
MILBURN |
SMILEY |
4TH |
7:30-9:00 |
8:00-9:30 |
5TH |
9:10-10:40 |
9:40-11:10 |
Students with unscheduled time, study hall, PE and/or lunch/advisory during 4th or 5th hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.
BUSING INFORMATION
• Buses will run at the conclusion of finals on May 27 and May 29. Buses will run after 6th hour on May 28. Buses will NOT run after the early bird final on May 28.
• The Milburn Activity bus will run at the conclusion of all Milburn finals.
ATTENDANCE AND OTHER INFORMATION
• Lunches are not served on final exam days.
• It is mandatory to give semester exams to all classes on the days that they are scheduled. Under no circumstances will final exams be given in advance of the first regularly scheduled day of finals.
• A doctor's excuse or other third-party documentation, as approved in advance by the administration, may be required for students to miss final exams.
It is mandatory that students not be dismissed early from any final exam period.
๐ฃ Come work with the BEST! ๐ฃ
๐ O’Fallon Township High School is hiring for the 2025–2026 school year! We’re seeking qualified candidates for these positions:
โญ AFJROTC Senior Instructor
โญ Health Sciences Teacher
โญ Mandarin Teacher
โญ Social Worker
Join one of the best communities in the state, where the best students are taught by the best educators. Sound like a match? Apply today: www.oths.us/careers
๐Save the date! You will not want to miss this years OTHS Art Pop Art Shows!๐ฅ
โญThe OTHS Art Department is hosting the annual Pop Art Show in the Smiley and Milburn IMCs from Tuesday, 4/22, to Friday, 5/2. The Community Receptions will be held in the Milburn IMC on Wednesday, April 30th , from 6:00 – 7:00pm and in the Smiley IMC on Thursday, May 1st, from 6:00 - 7:00pm. Student awards will be given out at each reception at 6:45pm ๐
Good Afternoon OTHS Students and Families,
Sophomores at Smiley will be taking the PreACT10.
Juniors at Smiley will be taking the ACT.
Seniors should not be in attendance.
Buses will depart Smiley at 12:00pm and again at 2:00pm for extended test time students.
๐ Happy Assistant Principals Week! ๐
This week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to our incredible assistant principals here at OTHS! Your leadership, support, and dedication help make our school a better place every single day. Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and Panther community. ๐๐ #PantherProud #AssistantPrincipalsWeek
Visit www.oths.us/prom for all the information you may need on OTHS Prom
We are writing to inform you that students, teachers, and parents across Illinois will have the opportunity to participate in the annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey through March 28, 2025. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of schools and provides districts with critical data to inform school improvement efforts. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
The estimated length of time for the parent survey is 10 minutes, and parents/guardians can access the survey through the following link: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/login/
You will be prompted to enter the county and school name. Please note that the system requires "Saint Clair" instead of "St. Clair" and "O Fallon" instead of "O'Fallon."
Thank you for your partnership in the IL 5Essentials survey process.
This week, we celebrate National School Social Work Week, a time to recognize and appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our OTHS community. At OTHS, our social workers tirelessly provide emotional support, guidance, and resources that enhance our students’ academic and personal growth.
Whether it’s leading group sessions, one-on-one counseling, or developing strategies for overall student well-being, they are always there with a compassionate heart and expert advice.
Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for their dedication and commitment to OTHS and our students.
Thank you OTHS Social Workers for being an essential part of our school family and for all the incredible work you do every day!
Wishing nothing but the best for our student athletes competing at #IHSA State this weekend! Boys swimming and girls wrestling are representing the O this weekend and we couldn't be more proud! Go Panthers!!!
This week we celebrate Public Schools Week. Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff—public school educators shape our future. Today, let’s recognize their dedication. Share a thank-you note to a public school educator who made an impact on your life!
๐ฃAttention OTHS Juniors and Seniors!๐ฃ
๐Save the Date: March 12th, 2025 - All Advisory Periods๐
๐ชThe OTHS Skilled Trades Fair is a great opportunity for you to gain valuable insights, broaden your perspectives, and make informed decisions about your educational and career paths. Come speak with over 40 different local and national organizations to get insights into high-demand careers and programs. This is always an exciting opportunity for our students to see what is out there beyond high school.๐พ
OTHS Students, Families, and Staff,
At last night's regular meeting, the OTHS District 203 Board of Education approved the amended calendar for the 2024-2025 school year as well as the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Both calendars can be viewed at https://www.oths.us/district-info/district-203-calendars
Congratulations to Mr. Brad Sahr on his "2025 Those Who Excel Award of Excellence"
To receive the Award of Excellence, the most prestigious of the Those Who Excel honors, educators must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of all students. They regularly collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create positive school cultures. They are lifelong learners who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools
We are proud to call Mr. Sahr a Panther!
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, we will hold a panel discussion as our final event for Black History Month in the Panther Center from 11:ooam to noon. You are invited to bring your advisory classes or classes. Please email Dr. Coley to reserve your slot if this interests you. As always, thank you for your continued support.