Principal Notes

As we turn the page to a brand-new year, we want to thank our students, families, staff, alumni, and community partners for being such an incredible part of the Owensboro High School family. The past year was filled with hard work, growth, perseverance, and moments that made us proud to call ourselves Red Devils.

A new year brings fresh opportunities, new goals to chase, new lessons to learn, and new chances to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and grow through experience. We are excited to see our students continue the tradition of excellence expected at Owensboro High School, whether in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, or in our community, as they rise, support one another, and represent OHS with pride.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and belief in our Red Devils. Together, we will make this year one filled with learning, leadership, kindness, and unforgettable memories.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and successful New Year for the entire OHS community.

Go Devils! ❤️🖤

A new semester means new classes, fresh starts, and new opportunities for our Red Devils! Owensboro High School will officially begin second semester on Monday, January 5, using the Red Devil Run Down schedule to set students up for second semester success.

The Red Devil Run Down schedule allows students time to familiarize themselves with their second-semester schedules, meet their teachers, and learn class expectations, helping them feel confident, prepared, and excited about learning. Our goal is to launch the semester with a positive, engaging, and fast-paced day that energizes our entire school community.

On Monday, January 5, students will attend all of their Red Day and Black Day classes.

In addition, our Red Devils will participate in an extended Advisory block, where students will engage in reflection, goal setting, creating vision boards and selecting their Word of the Year. These meaningful activities encourage students to choose one word that will guide their mindset, focus, and growth throughout 2026.

We’re excited to welcome our Red Devils back and begin the second semester strong, focused, inspired, and ready to lead, serve and grow in 2026! ❤️🖤

ACCESS for ELs is administered annually to students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 who have been identified as English Learners (ELs). This assessment measures students’ progress in developing academic English and meets federal requirements under Title III and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for monitoring and reporting English language proficiency.

ACCESS for ELs is a computer-based, adaptive assessment, meaning questions adjust based on each student’s responses. Students demonstrate their skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing, with scores reported on a proficiency scale from Level 1 (Entering) to Level 6 (Reaching).

ACCESS for ELs scores are used to:

• Meet state and federal accountability requirements

• Determine whether a student is ready to exit English language support services

• Support instructional decisions and appropriate placement in classes or groups

• Show individual student growth over time

Our Red Devils will begin ACCESS for ELs testing on January 13, and we wish our students the very best as they showcase their growth and skills across all four language domains. We are proud of their hard work and perseverance as they continue their journey toward English language proficiency!

The FAFSA is officially open, and the new year is the perfect time for our seniors and families to take the next step toward college, career training, or technical programs. Completing the FAFSA early helps students access the maximum amount of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans.

To support our Red Devils, Owensboro High School is offering FAFSA Friday Workshops from 1:00–3:00 PM in the OHS Media Center. These drop-in sessions provide hands-on support from Mr. S, our OHS Kentucky College Coach, who will help students and families complete and submit their FAFSA with confidence.

Families and students may also schedule a personalized one-on-one meeting with Mr. S by emailing ryun.schienbein@owensboro.kyschools.us.

Be sure to click the button below for a step-by-step FAFSA guide, a helpful resource to gather required documents, prepare your information, and understand each part of the process.

As we kick off the new year, let’s make sure every Red Devil senior is FAFSA-ready. Start or finish your FAFSA today and take a strong step toward what comes next. 🎓❤️🖤

Calling all OHS Seniors – Class of 2026! This is your final opportunity to have your senior picture taken or retaken. If you missed one of the first two photo sessions or would like a retake, this is it!

Why does this matter? Your senior photo is used for:

• The OHS Yearbook

• The official Class of 2026 Graduation Composite Photo, published in the local newspaper

• The Red Devil #REDy Wednesday social media posts celebrating our seniors

If you do not have your picture taken, your photo will NOT be included in the yearbook or the Class of 2026 composite photo. We also do not have a current photo to celebrate you and your accomplishments. You may not care, but your family does!

Don't miss this final opportunity to have your senior picture taken or retaken on Thursday, January 22. Sign-up using the QR code to select your photo time.

This is truly the LAST CHANCE to be included in these important senior traditions. Don’t miss your moment. Make sure your name and face are proudly represented with the OHS Class of 2026!

Scan the QR code and sign up today!

Save the date for OHS Winter Homecoming 2026! Our Red Devils will come together for a fun-filled weekend on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, celebrating school spirit, tradition, community, and a love for Owensboro High School.

As we gear up for this exciting tradition, we want to share the important dates and expectations for OHS Winter Homecoming 2026:

• Winter Homecoming Court will be recognized and the King & Queen will be announced during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game against Ohio County High School on Friday, February 13, 2026.

• The Winter Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026 beginning at 8:00pm and all students must be picked up no later than 11:00pm.

• Admission to the dance is $5 per OHS student or guest. Students that are "Post-Secondary #REDy" will be admitted FREE! Tickets will be purchased at the door on February 14. Cash only.

• Students enrolled at OHS (OIA, early college, etc.) and their eligible guests may attend Winter Homecoming. Students enrolled at Emerson Academy; who are suspended; or who are in Red Devil Academy may not attend Winter Homecoming.

• Guests may be any person who is at least a freshman in high school and is NOT over the age of 20. Students wishing to bring a non-OHS guest to Winter Homecoming must complete a Non-OHS Guest Verification Form. All forms and requirements must be completed and returned to Ms. Fiorella by Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

• The Winter Homecoming Dance will take place in the OHS Cafeteria. Students will enter through the car rider entrances off the North Gym Parking Lot.

• OHS students MUST have their OPS issued student ID to enter the event. Approved guests MUST also have a photo ID to enter.

• A photo backdrop will be available for pictures.

• A coat check and snacks will be available for purchase. Cash only.

• Students that decide to leave the homecoming dance early will not be allowed reentry.

Students should be on the lookout during Advisory in the upcoming weeks for their opportunity to make nominations for Winter Homecoming Court, vote for Winter Homecoming King & Queen, and for the official announcement of Winter Homecoming Week Activities.

Winter Homecoming is a celebration of school spirit, leadership, and community. Participating in nominations, voting, and spirit week activities helps make Homecoming meaningful and memorable for everyone. We’re looking forward to a fun, spirited Winter Homecoming celebration and can’t wait to see our Red Devils take part in the traditions that make OHS special.

At Owensboro High School, we believe that every day matters and that includes being present, being on time and staying engaged the entire school day. Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, graduation, and postsecondary readiness. When students show up consistently, they set themselves up to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, for any reason, excused or unexcused. In a typical school year, that's 17 or more days missed. These absences add up quickly when you consider these are absences for any reason. Absences can significantly impact learning.

For high school students, attendance is about more than just being present, it's about preparation for life after graduation. Chronic absenteeism can lead to:

• Gaps in learning
• Difficulty keeping up with coursework
• Lower grades
• Increased stress
• Missed opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration and supports
• Challenges meeting graduation requirements
• Reduced readiness for college, careers, or technical training

Arriving late to school or class also impacts learning. Tardiness disrupts instruction, causes students to miss key information, and can quickly become a habit that affects academic performance and accountability.

We want to encourage all Red Devils to:

• Be present every day.
• Arrive on time to school and each class
• Stay engaged all day, every day

Families play a vital role in supporting attendance by encouraging students to prioritize attendance and punctuality and communicating with us at OHS when absences are necessary or challenges arise.

Our Red Devils attendance matters. Their learning matters. Every day they show up and engage at OHS they are investing in their future. Let's work together to make attendance a priority and continue building strong habits that lead to success now and beyond high school.

Be Present. Be On Time. Be Engaged. Be a Red Devil.

Old Man Winter is here and that can mean school cancellations. Owensboro Public Schools has been granted the use of Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days by the Kentucky Department of Education. NTI days allow students to receive instruction from home when conditions such as inclement weather prevent schools from being in session.

OPS will announce when a regular school day is canceled. The announcement will be specific if schools are closed or if schools are using an NTI day. If schools are closed, students are not expected to do any assignments. If schools are using an NTI day, students are expected to complete assignments posted on Google Classroom.

Below are the expectations of OPS high school students, teachers and parents/guardians on NTI days.

High School students will:

• Complete assignments posted on Google Classroom
• OIA students should log into ECHO for each scheduled class
• Student participation is based on turning in posted assignments
• Assignments should be completed by due date posted by the teacher

High School Teachers:

• May work remotely on weather related days
• Will post instructions and assignments on Google Classroom by 8:30am
• Will include clear learning intentions, success criteria, and tasks/assessments to be completed for each lesson
• Will be available by email, phone, and/or Google Meet from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm

High School parents/guardians will encourage students to:

• Complete assignments listed on Google Classroom/ECHO
• Check to make sure assignments showing "Turned In" aren't blank documents
• Communicate with teachers when encountering questions or points of confusion

Monday, December 29 - Friday, January 2

OPS Winter Break - No School

OPD Critical Incident Training at OHS

Monday, January 5

Red Devil Run Down

Tuesday, January 6

OHS Staff Meeting 3:45pm

Thursday, January 8

OPS Board Luncheon at OHS 11am

Friday, January 9

OHS House Party

Tuesday, January 13 - Friday, January 16

Access for ELs Testing

Friday, January 17

OHS Club Day A

Saturday, January 17 - Monday, January 19

Bradshaw History Tour to New York City

Monday, January 19

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No School

March Honoring Dr. King from OHS to Brescia 8:30am - North Gym Parking Lot

Wednesday, January 21

OHS/OPS Student Advisory Council Meeting

Thursday, January 22

Senior Picture Make-Up & Retake Day

Friday, January 23

OHS Club Day B

Monday, January 26

OHS YSC Advisory Council Meeting 11:30am

OHS SBDM Meeting 4pm

Tuesday, January 27

OHS Staff Meeting 3:45pm

Friday, January 30

OHS District Learning Walks

OHS Appy Hour