Oak Ridge HS 9th Grade
February 1, 2026
Principal's Message from Mrs. Spears
Parents & Students,
I hope you all are surviving this COLD weather! Registration for the next school year is already upon us. Be sure to see information below for all details.
As we move through the semester, we want to take a moment to remind families that student attendance matters—especially for those students who may be seeking exam exemptions. Attendance is a key factor in exemption eligibility, and all details regarding exemptions can be found below for your reference.
We also want to clarify that changes to bus transportation cannot be made unless there is an emergency. Any emergency transportation request must go through the Assistant Principal’s office and receive approval from district transportation.
Additionally, we ask for your continued support in reminding students of our campus expectations:
No horseplay in hallways or common areas
Arriving to class on time
Following the school dress code
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!
GO WAR EAGLES!
Here at the Ridge...We See You. We Believe in You. We Support You.
Now Go and Do Great Things.
War Eagles Forever!
Mrs. Spears
Course Registration for 2026-2027 School Year
CTE Pathway Presentation This link will show you the CTE pathways
ORHS Registration Information: See picture details below. This link will take you to the ORHS registration website
SAFT---Stand Alone Field Test for 9th graders
On February 4, 2026 Oak Ridge 9th Grade Campus will be participating in the English I STAAR EOC Stand Alone Field Test along with other schools across the State of Texas. The purpose of the Stand-Alone Field Test is to gather data to properly integrate new components and question types into future assessments.
The Texas Education Agency has selected Conroe ISD campuses to participate in the field test. Participation in the Stand-Alone Field Test in mandated by TEA, districts and campuses may not opt out.
Stand-Alone Field Test Details:
· Tests are online only, no paper materials are available
· Campuses should schedule approximately 2 to 3 hours for the assessment
· All eligible students who are enrolled in English I or ESOL I are required by TEA to participate unless that student requires an accommodation that is not available in the online field test
· No data or scores will be received from the field test, they are for information only – neither campuses nor students are scored or rated based on these tests.
*We will be on a modified schedule this day---will extend B1 to include Eagles Nest time.
Field Test, Wednesday, 2/4 RED Day
Period 1 - 7:15 - 9:15 * FIELD TEST PERIOD
Period 3 - 9:22 - 10:51
Period 5 - 10:58 - 12:58 **Back to regular schedule**
A Lunch - 10:51 - 11:20
B Lunch - 11:25 - 11:50
C Lunch - 11:55 - 12:20
D Lunch - 12:30 - 12:58
Period 7 - 1:05 - 2:35
National School Counselors Week
🐾 Pet Donation Drive – February 2–27! 🐾
🐾 Pet Donation Drive – February 2–27! 🐾
Help us support our local animal shelter by donating pet supplies from February 2nd through February 27th. All donations will be credited to your third period classroom, so every item counts toward your class total!
Accepted donation items include:
Dog treats
Dog toys
Puppy pads
Blankets
Towels
Training treats
🏆 Classroom Prizes:
1st Place: Pizza Party 🍕
2nd Place: Ice Cream Party 🍦
Let’s come together to help animals in need and see which 3rd period class can donate the most. Thank you for supporting our local animal shelter and showing that War Eagle Spirit!
Join us for a community screening of Screenagers: Next Chapter, a powerful one (1) hour documentary focused on addressing youth mental health in today’s digital age.
Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 PM
Walter P. Jett Center
This meaningful event will explore the impact of stress, anxiety, depression, and screen use on adolescents, while highlighting practical strategies and solutions to support student well-being.
Clinic News From Nurse Eakin
Conroe ISD Child Nutrition will begin offering a Pollock Fish Wedge and Fish Stick Basket for all grade levels beginning Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and then monthly until the end of the school year. The allergens will be fish and wheat.
Spring Final Exam Exemption Policy
Cell Phone Tips
Sleep Tricks: Turning devices off 30 minutes before bed helps the natural melatonin production begin: Blue Light stops melatonin production
Estrategia para dormir: apagar los dispositivos 30 minutos antes de dormir ayuda a que comience la producción natural de melatonina: la luz azul detiene la producción de melatonina.
PTO Sponsor
Thank you to Grasten's Generator : War Eagle Sponsor
Smart Tag Parent App--Late Bus?
SMART tag Parent APP
We encourage all parents to sign up for the SMART tag™ Parent App, as we are no longer providing Bus Hubs to notify parents of bus delays. This app offers real-time updates on their child’s school bus, including arrival alerts, and notifications for delays or route changes.
It's a reliable and convenient way to stay informed about their child's transportation. Simply instruct them to download the app, register, and link their child’s student ID to start receiving updates. The following link will provide parents with instructions on how to register.
Conroe ISD School Discipline
Conroe ISD has an updated Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) that sets the rules for student behavior and explains what happens when those rules are broken. State law also sets discipline rules. Please see links below for more information.
Yearbooks 2025-2026
ORHS 9th Teacher & Staff Treasure Box Donations
Needing Donations!
We could not do what we do without the wonderful support of our ORHS STAFF. I have set up a Staff Treasure Box to provide my entire staff some prizes throughout the year. This is not possible without the generous donations from our community. If you are able to donate or help out in any way, please let us know or you can donate on the link below!
Please consider donating:
- $5 - $10 gift cards to eating establishments, Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Eating places, etc.
- Teacher supplies like Sharpies, Dry Erase Markers, Post-it Notes, Flair Pens, Gel Pens, etc.
- Any other donations that teachers would really appreciate
If you are able to donate, please drop off your donations at the front office and let them know it is for the teacher treasure box, or you can scan the QR code below!
Thank you for your continued support!!❤
New Cell Phone & Electronics Device Policy
Beginning August 13, students may not use personal communication and electronic devices during the school day in accordance with Texas House Bill 1481.
This includes (but is not limited to) phones, smartwatches, tablets, and wired/wireless headphones such as AirPods.
Free & Reduced Meals--click on picture for details
Red & Blue Calendar and Bell Schedule
Construction Update
We want to keep you informed that construction is currently taking place on our high school campus as part of ongoing facility upgrades. These improvements are focused on enhancing the overall learning environment and ensuring long-term safety and accessibility for all students.
All construction zones are clearly marked and secured, and student safety remains our top priority. Classes, activities, and daily routines will continue without interruption, and staff are on hand to help students navigate any temporary changes around campus.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to build a better learning space for your student and their classmates. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.
New HB Rules regarding Referees & UIL Games
SB 2929
Referees at University Interscholastic League (UIL)-sanctioned events in Texas are granted the authority to remove unruly spectators without issuing a prior verbal warning. This authority stems from Texas Senate Bill 2929, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, which specifically amends Section 37.105 of the Education Code, allowing for immediate ejection of disruptive spectators from extracurricular events sponsored or sanctioned by school districts or the UIL.
Parent Drop Offs
War Eagle Expectations
Dress Code--Meet Oakley
Student ID's
All Conroe ISD students are required to wear their school ID's at all times--must be visible and worn around the neck. We want to keep our War Eagles safe!
ID's are needed for meal purchases, library check outs, and bus transportation.
Meet your Administrators & Counselors
Principal--Wendi Spears mailto:wspears@conroeisd.net
Associate Principal--Alaina Thompson mailto:alathompson@conroeisd.net
Assistant Principal--Phil Murchison A-K mailto:pmurchison@conroeisd.net
Assistant Principal--Gary Trombley L-Z mailto:gtrombley@conroeisd.net
Counselor--Kristi Evans A-K mailto:kevans@conroeisd.net
Counselor--Deirdre Michaels L-Z mailto:dmichaels@conroeisd.net
Mr. Trombley will be replacing Mrs. Pajestka since she is moving over to the senior campus!
Counselor's Corner
Oak Ridge 9th Counselors
Counselor--Kristi Evans A-K mailto:kevans@conroeisd.net
Counselor--Deirdre "Dani" Michaels L-Z mailto:dmichels@conroeisd.net
War Eagle Family Assistance Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0_SQMKnxjWLzhaE2iucFFvYDJaP1N0VSAVoNK4Cd6xBJ9Gg/viewform
Special Education Newsletter
Join our Fabulous PTO--Click on picture for link!
Transportation
Be sure your child is signed up for bus transportation!
Important Links Below---click on buttons
Important Dates
Spring 2026 Semester
January 5 – Teacher Workday
January 6 – PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. (see school website for details)
January 19 – Holiday
January 21 – Academic Showcase
January 29-20 – ORHS Theatre presents Little Women
February 3 – PTO Meeting 7:00
February 4 - SAFT Stand Alone Field Test for 9th graders only
February 13 – Holiday
February 16 – Holiday
February 17 - Cheer Tryout Mandatory Parent Meeting 6 pm Senior Campus Team Room
March 3 – PTO Meeting 7:00
March 9 - 13 - Spring Break
March 17 – Grades Due, Beginning of MP4
April 3 & 6 - Holiday
April 7 – PTO Meeting 7:00
April 9 - STAAR Testing English I & II
April 18 - Prom
April 21 - STAAR Biology & US History
April 28 - STAAR Algebra I Test
May 5 – PTO Meeting 7:00
May 6 - Senior Awards 6-8 Red Gym
May 15 – Senior Graduation
May 19 – 22 Final Exams
Theme Day Tuesdays!
School Safety
Please Remember to include in your report--- Key details such as names, locations, and descriptions are essential for us to conduct a complete investigation and take appropriate action.
Website: https://orhs.conroeisd.net/
Location: 27310 Oak Ridge School Road
Phone: 281-465-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORHS9CISD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orhs9th?igsh=MTA5cmMxaGIwZzVodw==