Welcome back to the second semester of the 2024-25 school year! We are anxious to welcome back your students on Tuesday, January 7th. On the other hand, I am hopeful that every family had some well deserved time for rest and relaxation after a busy and successful first semester.

There are a few updates that I would like to make sure that each family has as we begin January:

First Semester Report Cards - Our PowerSchool system presented a glitch for second quarter and first semester grades on Friday, December 20th. We did not understand the full extent of this system error until Monday, December 23rd. I have asked that all teachers have their grades addressed and finalized by Monday, January 6th at noon. After that, grades will be finalized, and report cards will be printed and mailed home for the first semester.

Winter Testing Dates - Winter Testing Dates have been finalized. JH winter testing dates are: January 8-9 in English classes, January 14-15 in math/science classes, and January 21-22nd in English/social studies classes. HS winter testing dates are January 8-9 in English classes and January 14-15 in all Math classes. Please help your child do their best by having a good breakfast before coming to school.

Spring Testing Dates - 9-11 students will have the ACT 9, Pre-ACT, and ACT tests respectively on Tuesday, March 25th. It is important that there are no appointments or late/absent students that morning to ensure that testing goes as smoothly as possible for your child. Seniors will have time for final scholarship applications, job shadows, and dual credit courses that morning. JH students will have NSCAS testing on April 1-2nd, April 9-10th, and April 15th. Please note that the JH schedule may be subject to change, but the high school tests will not be flexible.

Thank you for your help as we help set up students for success to provide multiple college and career opportunities as they leave OCHS!

JUNIORS, make sure to sign up for the February 8th ACT test by January 3rd! You can also take your On to College John Baylor Prep at home to prepare beforehand! Remember, we do take the ACT on March 25th at school, but more exposures can help you feel even more prepared to do your very best! Click here to Register for the test: https://www.act.org

Here are The Social Institute’s top tips for parental controls and helping students play to their core online.

• Check to see what platforms offer parental controls: Platforms like YouTube and streaming services like Netflix offer families the ability to control what content their children can and cannot see. You can view the individual features of different apps and sites in the Social Toolkit's playbooks >

• Encourage your child(ren) to consider their reputation: Taking part in online trends and video games can be a fun way for students to spend their time and connect with others. However, understanding that acting out dangerous activities in a video game is vastly different than taking part in them in real life. Empower your child(ren) to take online and offline actions that positively reflect who they are by huddling with them on their reputation.

• Create a Family Standards Agreement that grows with your children over time: Huddle with your child(ren) on personal and family values. From there, collaborate on a family agreement on how everyone will use tech in a way that reflects their values and supports well-being.

Interested in learning more about The Social Institute? You can enter the following school code in at the school access code so families can register for the Social Toolkit: 28139689EA47F3.

If there has been a change in your workplace, contact information, or other important information for the school to update, please contact Mrs. Wilson in the office by calling (402) 685-5661 or awilson@ocknights.org.

7th - First Day of 2nd Semester for all Students

8th/9th - STAR Reading Testing in all 7-12 ELA Classes

9th - Oakland Chamber Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at Oakland Golf Club - Dinner will be served c/o Chamber

13th - OCHS Board of Education Meeting @ 8:00 p.m. @ Oakland-Craig Elementary Music Room

14th-15th - NSCAS Math for JH Students / Big Ideas Diagnostic for 9-12 Math Students

21st-22nd - NSCAS ELA for JH Students

24th - Helena Chamber After Hours from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

25th - Winter Dance for 9th-12th Grade Students