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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!

📣Attention OTHS Juniors and Seniors!📣

📌Save the Date: March 12th, 2025 - All Advisory Periods📌

💪The 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.🐾

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.

OTHS Students, Families, and Staff, 

Due to forecasted weather conditions, school for Wednesday, February 12th is cancelled. This is the fourth emergency day used for the 2024-2025 school year, moving the last day of school to May 28th. Information regarding athletics and extra-curricular activities will be communicated through individual coaches and sponsors. 

In addition, please enjoy the following snow day announcement by the OTHS Teacher Band: https://youtu.be/tM-0wDFg7HI

Thank you, 

Dr. Beth Shackelford, Superintendent

- Attention Spring Athlete Parents -

OTHS Athletics is hosting their annual Spring All Sports Meeting with Athletes and Parents in the Smiley Panther Dome on February 23rd, 2025 at 6:00pm.

They will be discussing the following topics:

Thank you OTHS School Counselors!!! 

OTHS School Counselors are a critical step in the success of every single OTHS student. They provide the guidance and support that our students need to succeed not only in school, but also in their post-secondary plans. We have some of the very best in the business and we are fortunate they call OTHS their home!

Happy School Counseling Week! 

In honor of Black History Month, OTHS recognizes and celebrates the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of black leaders across the globe. We honor all those who broke barriers and those who continue to push for equality for all. OTHS celebrates history, embraces learning, and continues pushing for unity and progress in our community and in our great nation.

Activities Celebrating Black History Month

• February 4: Crafts for the Culture: Students will be invited to the Panther Center as we create an art walk honoring historical African American figures, HBCU Culture, Inspirational quotes, and commemorative images to celebrate Black History Month.
• February 11: Line Dances: Students are welcome to come dance with us as we dance the hour away with some of the greatest line dances significant to the culture.
• February 18: Mini Step Show: The Divine 9 Greeks will be in the building to give students a sneak peek of what college life with some of the Black Greek organizations look like when they are stepping on the yard!!!
• February 25: Panel Discussion: Are you ready for College and Career? Students are welcome to the Panther Center to discuss College life, Greek life, and Career readiness hosted by a panel of the Divine 9 (African American Greek Organizations) Moderated by Coach Melody.

Click here to access the January 23rd, 2025 Board Meeting Livestream

Looking ahead here at OTHS...

January 20th - No School in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 22nd - Early Release Day for Students - 11:30 Milburn - 12:00 Smiley

January 23rd - District 203 Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm

Join the OTHS Board of Education for our monthly committee meetings. They take place the 2nd Tuesday of every month at OTHS Smiley IMC and are a great way to get involved here at OTHS. 

Facilities, Transportation and Safety - 3pm

Education - 4pm

Communications - 5pm

If you are around OTHS, keep an eye out for our new School Resource Officer Squad Car! Students got a first look last Thursday and gave positive reviews…we think… SRO Krug reported hearing the new car described as “Skibidi Toilet Rizz”, “Drippin’ like a leaky faucet”, and “Not Ohio”…. He assures us these are all good things… The striping package on SRO Krug’s new ride was designed in conjunction with Mr. Cox’s Graphic Arts Classes, and we want to thank all of the talented students who contributed ideas. Let us know what you think!

FINAL EXAM DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Students with unscheduled time, study hall, PE and/or lunch/advisory during 1^st or 3^rd hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.

FINAL EXAM DAY 2: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

Students with unscheduled time, study hall, or PE during 7^th hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.

FINAL EXAM DAY 3: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

Students with unscheduled time, study hall, PE and/or lunch/advisory during 4^th or 5^th hour need not be present. All students present during unscheduled time should report to the cafeteria.

NOTE: If there is an emergency day on any of the three scheduled exam days, further instructions will be provided.

BUSING INFORMATION

·         Buses will run at the conclusion of finals on December 18 and December 20. Buses will run after 6^th hour on December 19. Buses will NOT run after the early bird final on December 19.

·         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.

·         If a student misses 1st Semester final exams, they will be expected to make up these exams no later than the first school day of the second semester.

·         It is mandatory that students not be dismissed early from any final exam period.

ATHLETICS

·         Sports practices on exam days will be determined by individual coaches.

Congratulations to our OTHS Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars! 

"The State Scholar Program publicly and personally identifies graduating high school seniors who possess superior academic potential. Students from nearly every high school in Illinois compete in the program. State Scholars can be found on the campuses of nearly 200 public and private institutions of higher education in Illinois. The combination of students' exemplary college entrance examination scores and record high school achievement indicate an especially high potential for success in college. To be named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record." - ISAC Website

Congrats to the following students...

Early Release Schedule

Senior Dedications for the yearbook are due this Friday, December 6th.  Orders can be dropped off in room 105 with Mrs. Coffel. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Coffel at coffelc@oths.us