Weekly Bear News: August 15, 2025

Website: https://edu.fcps.org/ohs/
Location: 5850 Eaglehead Drive Ijamsville, MD 21754
Phone: 227-203-3400

Fax: 227-203-3401

OHS Staff Directory

Bears,

The first day back with staff is always a special day. Everyone comes into the building, reconnects, shares their joy and prepares to reunite with our favorite people–our OHS Students!

We had a wonderful first few days of the year. Teachers prepared their classrooms, learned new curricular initiatives, and began planning to welcome your children back next week. We also had the pleasure today of welcoming our new students to OHS. Watching them walk the hallways brought joy to my heart. We are so excited to start this school year.

For now, enjoy the last days of summer. Get our Bears ready for waking up early, please! They’ll be here early in the morning in no time!

Have an amazing weekend.

Mr. Caulfield

Proud Principal

Oakdale High School

• 📚 August 18, 2025 – Back to School Open House | 1:30–2:45 PM

• ✏️ August 20, 2025 – First Day of School

• September 1, 2025 – Labor Day | Offices & Schools Closed

We’re excited to welcome three new faces to Oakdale High School this year:

• Ms. Ness – English

• Ms. Witt – Special Education

• Ms. Lizik – Math

Let’s give them a warm OHS welcome! 💛🖤

Our Back to School Open House will take place on Monday, August 18 from 1:30 to 2:45pm. Parents and students are welcome to come to school, walk student schedules, purchase Bear Wear from the Athletic Boosters on Main Street, purchase snacks to benefit the Learning for Life program, and meet staff. Mr. Caulfield will be available to answer questions in the Media Center.

As your children return to school, you’ll notice an updated schedule. FLEX will occur on Wednesdays in each block. Activities of FLEX will include tutoring, reteaching, reassessment, and enrichment. A revised bell schedule is available by clicking here.

FCPS has gone to only school-issued Chromebooks, no personal electronic devices. Any new student that did not pick up their Chromebook at New Student Orientation on August 15th may pick one up after Open House on Monday, August 18th from 2:30-4 or during school hours on Tuesday, 8/19. They will also be available the first day of school.

Please be advised that Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs) such as cell phones and airpods will no longer be used during instructional time. This means that all phones and other devices must be turned off and put away during the instructional block. Teachers will set individual classroom expectations of where personal devices should be stored during class. Students will not use these devices during the instructional block. This includes while on a bathroom break. PMDs may be used during transitions between classes, as well as before and after school and during lunch. The FCPS Student Code of Conduct is available by clicking here.

Morning arrivals: Students can enter the building beginning at 7:00am. Parent drop off is behind the building in the stadium lot adjacent to the cafeteria. No drop off should take place at the front of the building. Student parking is available in the front lot adjacent to the front entrance of the building by the flagpole. Please see the map below for access and egress.

Student Dismissal: Parents picking up students at dismissal must do so in the same location as drop off, on the stadium side of the building.

Student parking permits are available for purchase in the Assistant Principals’ Office during Open House on August 18 and during regular school hours once school begins. Please see Ms. Jackson. Forms and payment can also be arranged online by using this link.

Visit the FCPS Nutrition Services at fcpsnutrition.com to load money on your student’s

LINQ Connect cafeteria account or complete a Meals Benefit Application.

Bus running late? Missed the bus?

No worries! You can quickly check real-time updates on the FCPS Transportation Status page: https://apps.fcps.org/transportation/status.

Need to confirm your student’s bus stop? Find it here: https://transweb.fcps.org/mwpublic/default.aspx?load=studentIDStops.

To help keep our busy mornings running smoothly, please try these online resources before giving the school a call. We appreciate your support!

🎶 OHS Band and Choir Takes the Field! 🎶

Join us as the OHS Mixed Chorus & Band perform the National Anthem at the Frederick Keys game on Saturday, August 30th! Let’s pack the stands and cheer on our amazing OHS D-Wing (Music & Drama programs) as they take center stage.

Event Details:

• Gates Open: 5:00 PM

• Game Time: 6:00 PM

• Tickets: $10.50 per person (fees included) — required for both students and family members

• Transportation: Families and students provide their own ride to the game

🎟 Get your tickets here!

Everyone had their chance to cut loose… and now it’s time to explore the sea with Ariel and friends in The Little Mermaid, brought to you from our Oakdale High Performing Arts Department.

Auditions are open and we’re ready to make some waves! 🌟

All audition information — including our Google Calendar — is now available. You can start the sign-up process right away at the link below:

👉https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeQiyMRVo_RfwTYUTAWH2Y5m8cuuB3BDDFi-2i9EIuTHVUAQ/viewform

This musical is open to ANYONE attending Oakdale High School next year, so feel free to share this with any OHS student who wants to be part of the magic!

Let’s go under the sea and put on a show to remember! 🎶🧜‍♀️

Underclassman photo days: August 28, 29th in the Auditorium

More information to come via schoology and Weekly Bear News.

***PLEASE NOTE: The QR code above is for PRE-ORDER ONLY and will only work until picture day. Paper order forms will also be distributed the first week of school. Order forms should be given directly to photographers on photo day, NOT school staff.***

Underclassman photo make up day: Friday, Oct 10, 2025

SENIOR PORTRAITS

LAST CHANCE!!

OCT 22-24 by appointment only

after school in OHS auditorium

Schedule here:

https://seniors.legacystudios.com/oakdale-hs-ijamsville-md/

Please note:

• There is a free senior portrait option!

• Senior portraits are used for senior ID’s and will be used for the yearbook as well as other senior related activities.

• ONLY tux / drape photos will be used in the yearbook

Please check schoology class of 2025 group for information

regarding yearbook sales and senior ads.

Questions? Email bethany.dentes@fcps.org

For appointment scheduling questions and assistance please contact Legacy Studio’s directly.

Email: customercare@legacystudios.com Phone: 716-512-6336

Or use the live chat feature on their website: https://legacystudios.com/