OCHS Principal's Update
March 2025
The Importance of Healthy Habits for our Students
Perspective on Bathing, Hygiene, and Wearing Clean Clothes to School
As we transition out of the winter months, I’d like to take a moment to address something that is fundamental to a student's overall well-being: the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing healthy habits. As young people continue to grow and navigate their academic and social lives, establishing these habits will not only contribute to better physical health but also boost confidence, improve focus, and foster positive interactions with others.
The Role of Bathing and Personal Hygiene
Bathing regularly is essential for students' physical health and personal comfort. As adolescents, your body goes through various changes, which can sometimes lead to an increase in body odor, oil production, and even skin issues. Bathing regularly helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria, preventing skin problems like acne and irritation. It also plays a major role in preventing body odor, allowing students to feel fresh and confident throughout their school day.
Hygiene isn’t just about bathing—it’s also about oral care, washing hands regularly, and maintaining clean nails and hair. These small actions not only help you feel good but also show respect for yourself and others.
Practicing Healthy Habits for a Strong Mind and Body
In addition to bathing, practicing healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and exercising can significantly impact your energy levels and mental focus. Healthy habits are essential for your academic performance, emotional regulation, and physical health.
Students who engage in regular physical activity, whether through organized sports or just walking to school, have more energy and tend to feel better about themselves. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains also supports brain function, helping you to concentrate better in class.
Wearing Clean Clothes
Another important aspect of personal hygiene is wearing clean clothes. It may seem simple, but clean clothes are an important part of self-care and can positively influence how you feel and how others perceive you. When students wear fresh, clean clothes, they feel more confident and ready to take on the challenges of the school day. Wearing clean clothes also promotes a positive learning environment and shows respect for oneself and others.
Building Confidence and Respect
Developing good hygiene habits and maintaining clean clothes is about more than just physical health—it is an investment in your personal growth. When you feel good about yourself, you are more likely to participate in class, make meaningful connections with peers, and approach challenges with a positive mindset. These habits also demonstrate respect for your classmates and teachers, helping to foster a supportive and respectful school community.
Thank you for talking with your student about healthy habits and how it affects both them and those that they interact with.
Mrs. Burton
OCKD Wins Runner-up in State Hip Hop for Two Straight Years!
ACT Day March 25th
The OCHS ACT Day is coming up soon! Please plan on the following for your student on Tuesday, March 25th:
7th and 8th Grade Students - NSCAS Bootcamp during morning classes
Freshmen - ACT 9 Test - Regular afternoon classes
Sophomores - Pre-ACT Test - Regular afternoon classes
Juniors - ACT Test - Regular afternoon classes
Seniors - Senior Workday - See below...
*Seniors that have P2T or work-based learning must report on this day. Seniors are also responsible for all Schools PLP and Dual Credit Online Coursework on this day. Seniors that are missing work, needing to make up attendance time, or failing a class must report on this day. Otherwise, it is encouraged that seniors take final college visits or conduct job shadows on Tuesday, March 25th. If you need help arranging these events, please see Mrs. Burton or Mrs. Magnusson for assistance.
Junior High Dance Sponsored by Close Up - Date Changed
This dance is for all eligible 7th and 8th grade OCHS students. Out of district 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to attend, as long as they are students in good standings in their districts. Out-of-district date forms will be available two weeks prior to the dance.
Saturday, Mar 29, 2025, 08:00 PM
OCHS Old Gym
Upcoming School and Community Events
March 2nd - Swedish Heritage Lunch & O-C Ball Association Spaghetti Supper
March 3rd - 9th Graders @ Connect the Dots Program - HS Spring Sports Practices Begin -
JH Boys Wrestling @ Winnebago and JH GBB Home Tournament
March 4th - FFA CDEs, Jr. High HAL Field Trip to Nielsen Center
March 5th - Art Club Meeting
March 6th- Girls State Basketball
March 7th - Girls State Basketball and JH Boys Wrestling @ Fort Calhoun
March 8th - Girls State Basketball Championship Day
March 10th - JH Boys Wrestling @ West Point-Beemer, FFA Labor Auction, School Board Meeting
March 11th - HS Speech Expo Night - JH Boys Wrestling @ Pender
March 12th - End of Quarter 3 - WSC Middle School Music Festival
March 13th - Boys State Basketball - No School for Staff or Students
March 14th - Boys State Basketball - No School for Staff or Students
March 15th - Boys State Basketball Championship Day
March 18th - Student Council Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
March 19th - ESU 2 High School Quiz Bowl
March 20th - District Speech @ Hartington - Newcastle - Elementary Bingo Night
March 25th - ACT Testing Day and 7th-8th Grade Boot Camp
March 27th - State Speech
March 29th - Junior High Dance in Old Gym - Note schedule change
March 31st - EHC Quiz Bowl - Boys Golf @ West Point-Beemer