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Attention OTHS parents and guardians: please join us for our annual Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC) meeting Tuesday, May 12th, from 6:30-7:30pm in the Panther Center at the Smiley campus. We will discuss the 2026-2027 student handbook, special education, academic programming, and extracurricular programming. We look forward to seeing you there!

💙Today we celebrate the incredible school nurses who care for our students each and every day. From bandages and ice packs to compassion and comfort, our nurses do so much more than treat symptoms, they help keep our Panthers healthy, safe, and supported. 💪

Thank you, Nurse Becker, Nurse Kesting and Nurse Petty, for the countless ways you care for our students and staff. Happy School Nurse Appreciation Day! 💙🩺🍎

This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference every single day at OTHS. 🍎💙

Thank you for the passion, patience, creativity, and care you pour into our students and school community. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, helping shape confident learners, strong leaders, and compassionate people.

To all of our educators, thank you for inspiring, encouraging, and believing in our students every day.

We appreciate you not just this week, but all year long.

Today we celebrate an incredible leader, mentor, and advocate for our students—Mr. Howe!

On this Principal Appreciation Day, we want to thank you for your unwavering commitment to our Panther Community. Your leadership, positivity, and dedication to OTHS is inspiring every day.

From the big decisions to the everyday moments in the halls, your impact does not go unnoticed. OTHS is a better place because of you.

Thank you for all that you do, Mr. Howe!

Due to the forecasted severe weather this afternoon and evening, all after-school practices and events are canceled for Monday, April 27th. 

Senior Honors Night is rescheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, April 28th) at 7:00pm in the Milburn Auditorium. We realize that rescheduling Honors Night may cause a challenge for some of our senior students and their families, and we appreciate your understanding. 

In the Great OTHS Puzzle Race, teams of 4 race to complete identical 750-piece puzzles. This event is always a great evening of fast fun for the whole family! Proceeds support the OTHS Family for Families Fund and student enrichment programs hosted in the school libraries.
📅 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Race begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
📍 Location: O'Fallon Township High School, Smiley Campus Instructional Media Center, 600 South Smiley Street, O'Fallon, IL 62269
Additional Information: The night of the event is cash only, but the Omella page will remain open to pay online for raffle tickets or make donations that evening. Water, puzzle boards, and raffle tickets will be on sale. Participants are welcome to bring team snacks and a puzzle (new or used) for our Puzzle Swap table.
Sponsors: We sincerely thank our sponsors! This event is co-sponsored by the Bank of O'Fallon and the O'Fallon Federation of Teachers, Local 3939.

Link to Sign Up: https://omella.com/68n3l

Can't make the race? Support through buying a raffle ticket or two: https://omella.com/68n3l

Today we celebrate the incredible Administrative Professionals who help keep O'Fallon Township High School running strong every single day! 💙💛

From the front office to every corner of our buildings, your organization, kindness, and behind-the-scenes dedication make a difference that doesn’t go unnoticed. You are often the first friendly face our students, staff, and families see, and the steady support that keeps everything moving forward.

Thank you for your hard work, your heart, and the countless ways you go above and beyond for our school community. We appreciate you today and every day!

📣💙📣LAST CALL📣💙📣

Panthers, this is it! ⏳ 

Today is your final chance to grab your prom tickets, don’t miss out on one of the biggest nights of the year! ✨🎶

🎟️ Secure your spot

👗 Dress your best

📸 Make memories that last

No tickets will be sold after tomorrow 4/21/26!!!

👉 Get your tickets before it’s too late! www.oths.us/prom

Dear OTHS Students and Families, 

Spring is in full swing, and we are officially in the home stretch of the school year. Please view the spring newsletter here: OTHS Spring Newsletter 

We would also like to invite you to attend our PTAC (Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee) meeting on Tuesday, May 12th from 6:30-7:30pm in the OTHS Panther Center on the Smiley Campus. Regardless of whether you are able to attend the meeting, we ask that you complete the annual PTAC survey here: Spring 2026 PTAC Survey

Lastly, the Spring Final Exam schedule can be found here: Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule

Wishing you all a wonderful final month of the 2025-2026 school year!

Sincerely, 

Dr. Beth Shackelford, Superintendent

💜 Purple Up, OTHS! 💜

Tomorrow, April 15th, we’re proud to celebrate Purple Up! Day in honor of our incredible military children as part of the Month of the Military Child.

Purple represents all branches of the military, because it’s a blend of Army green, Navy blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. 💪

We invite all students and staff to wear purple tomorrow to show our support, appreciation, and gratitude for the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of military-connected families in our Panther community.

Let’s show up strong and show out in purple! 💜🐾

OTHS Students and Families, 

Along with warmer weather, spring brings assessment season at OTHS. All students will have an early release day on Wednesday, March 25th; Milburn students will be completing the PreACT9. Please see the schedule for March 25th below:

MILBURN
PreACT9	7:30am-10:30am
PreACT9 (for students with extended time)	7:30am-11:55am (may conclude earlier)
Bus Transportation	Buses will run from the Milburn campus at 10:30am and 12:00pm. Activity buses to the Smiley campus will not run on testing days.

Information has been communicated to all Milburn students regarding what to bring for test day, testing locations, and whether they are required to bring their school-issued Chromebook.  Milburn students should get a good night’s sleep and be ready for testing on Wednesday, March 25th.

SMILEY
Early Bird	7:25am – 7:55am
1st Hour	8:00am – 8:30am
2nd Hour	8:35am – 9:05am
3rd Hour	9:10am – 9:40am
4th Hour	9:45am – 10:15am
5th Hour	10:20am – 10:50am
6th Hour	10:55am – 11:25am
7th Hour	11:30am – 12:00pm
Bus Transportation	Buses will run from the Smiley campus at 12:00pm

The testing date for sophomores and juniors is April 15th. For more information on testing, please visit: https://www.oths.us/academics/assessment-information.

OTHS Celebrates Assistant Principals Week

🎉Shoutout to our incredible Assistant Principals who help keep OTHS running strong every single day! 🎉

🤩From supporting our students and staff, to solving problems before most of us even know they exist, you are the positive force behind so much of what makes OTHS great.🤩

💪Whether it’s in the halls, at events, or behind the scenes, you show up for our Panthers in a big way every day.💪

💛💙Thank you for all you do to make OTHS a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive. We appreciate you this week and always! 💙💛

April is School Library Month, and today we’re giving a special shoutout for School Librarian Day! 📚✨

⭐Our OTHS IMC's are so much more than books, they are a hub for curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and connection. Whether students are diving into a new story, researching their next big project, or finding a quiet place to think, the IMC is at the heart of it all.

💙A huge THANK YOU to our incredible IMC librarians for inspiring a love of reading, supporting lifelong learning, and always going the extra mile for our students and staff. Your impact reaches far beyond the shelves!

Be sure to stop by the IMC this month on either campus and show your appreciation! ❤️📖

Today we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals who make a difference at OTHS every single day! 🍎

💪Your patience, compassion, and unwavering support help create an environment where all students can learn, grow, and succeed. Whether you're offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or that extra encouragement at just the right moment, you are truly a blessing to our Panther community.

🤩Thank you for the countless ways you show up for our students and staff. Your impact does not go unnoticed, and we are better because of you!

Happy Paraprofessional Day! 👏💙

We’re proud to share that the O’Fallon Township High School District 203 Board of Education has been awarded the IASB Excellence in Governance Award!

This honor places OTHS District 203 among just 42 districts across Illinois recognized for outstanding leadership, student-focused decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Over the past two years, our Board has:

Set clear, measurable goals aligned to student success

Completed a full update of all Board policies

Expanded opportunities in CTE, STEM, and advanced academics

Increased transparency and community engagement

Demonstrated exceptional teamwork and leadership

This recognition reflects the collective effort of our Board, staff, students, and community partners. Together, we continue to empower students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Pictured are OTHS Board of Education Members (left to right)

Rob Brown, James Huff, Keith Richter, Donna Johnson, Heather LoBue, Dennis Isom (Not Pictured: Blake Corners)

OTHS Students and Families, 

Along with warmer weather, spring brings assessment season at OTHS. All students will have an early release day on Wednesday, March 25th; Milburn students will be completing the PreACT9. Please see the schedule for March 25th below:

MILBURN
PreACT9	7:30am-10:30am
PreACT9 (for students with extended time)	7:30am-11:55am (may conclude earlier)
Bus Transportation	Buses will run from the Milburn campus at 10:30am and 12:00pm. Activity buses to the Smiley campus will not run on testing days.

Information has been communicated to all Milburn students regarding what to bring for test day, testing locations, and whether they are required to bring their school-issued Chromebook.  Milburn students should get a good night’s sleep and be ready for testing on Wednesday, March 25th.

SMILEY
Early Bird	7:25am – 7:55am
1st Hour	8:00am – 8:30am
2nd Hour	8:35am – 9:05am
3rd Hour	9:10am – 9:40am
4th Hour	9:45am – 10:15am
5th Hour	10:20am – 10:50am
6th Hour	10:55am – 11:25am
7th Hour	11:30am – 12:00pm
Bus Transportation	Buses will run from the Smiley campus at 12:00pm

The testing date for sophomores and juniors is April 15th. For more information on testing, please visit: https://www.oths.us/academics/assessment-information.

Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Beth Shackelford, Superintendent

🚧 Calling All OTHS Juniors & Seniors! 🚧

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for our students, the OTHS Skilled Trades Career Fair!

📅 Thursday, March 19th

📍 Smiley Campus – Panther Dome

⏰ During Advisory Periods

This event is designed specifically for our junior and senior students and will feature a variety of vendors showcasing high-demand skilled trades careers and training programs. It’s a great chance for students to explore hands-on career paths, ask questions, and discover opportunities that could shape their future.

💡 Students will also participate in a planned activity to help them engage with vendors and make the most out of this experience.

We’re grateful for your support in encouraging your student to take full advantage of this meaningful event!

We’re looking forward to an exciting and impactful day in the Panther Dome! 🐾

Head over to www.oths.us/prom for your 2026 OTHS Prom Tickets.

Happy National Oreo Day!

Our teachers had a sweet surprise today thanks to some of our amazing OTHS parent supporters! They stopped by with some delicious Oreo treats to help celebrate the day.

Small gestures like this mean a lot and remind us how lucky we are to be part of such a supportive Panther community.

Thank you to our wonderful parents for always finding ways to lift up our staff!

 

Dear OTHS Seniors and Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the culmination of your high school journey, we want to ensure you have all the necessary information for a smooth and memorable Commencement ceremony on May 30^th, 2026. Please carefully review the details below. 

Class of 2026 Commencement Details
For comprehensive information, including ticket distribution, graduation practice, attire guidelines, and spectator viewing, please visit this link to the website: OTHS Graduation Information. 

 

Senior Exit Survey: All seniors are required to complete the Senior Exit Survey

Access the survey by clicking here: Senior Exit Survey.

Please note the following:

• Submission: Each student may submit the survey only once. (Note: only students may access the survey using their OTHS email)

• Purpose: Completion ensures timely receipt of graduation tickets during the week of May 11^th. Please note that while students who do not complete the survey will still be included in the graduation line-up, their ticket distribution may be delayed.

• Content: The survey consists of 17 questions, including several used for the College and Career Readiness Indicator (CCRI), a data collection system mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

• Requirement: All questions must be answered for the survey to be considered complete. 
• Deadline: The survey must be completed by Friday, May 1^st .

Graduation Cap & Gown
For essential details about commencement attire, including guidelines for approved cap decorations and graduation stoles, please click here: Graduation Attire Guidelines

For seniors who have not yet ordered a cap and gown:

• Contact Jostens:
  • Website: Jostens.com
  • Phone: 800-854-7464
• Orders can be submitted through the end of March. 
• If you experience any difficulties with purchasing a cap and gown, please contact Mrs. Lugge in the School Counseling Office for assistance.

We encourage all seniors to promptly complete the Senior Exit Survey and follow all graduation-related instructions to ensure a seamless transition into this significant milestone. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to the School Counseling Department.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone. We look forward to celebrating your achievements at the May 30^th Commencement ceremony!

 

Warm regards,

Tiffany Lugge
Director of School Counseling