Weekly Bear News: September 4, 2026

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

Fax: 227-203-3401

Bears,

September has arrived and our school year is in full swing! Teachers are prepping lessons, students are engaging in instruction, and there is not a cell phone in sight. Thank you to our staff for enforcing the rules, our students for embracing the change, and our families for reinforcing our commitment to students being present during the school day. Tonight, we have our first Varsity Football game with a matchup vs. St. John’s Catholic Prep. I hope to see many of you in the stands as we cheer on our Bears. Have an amazing holiday weekend, and we’ll be ready to see everyone back on Tuesday!

Mr. Caulfield

Proud Principal

Oakdale High School

9/4/26 — V Cheer • Poms • V Football — 6:30 PM

9/5/26 — V Boys Soccer — 7:00 PM ⚽
9/7/26 — Labor Day — Schools & Offices Closed 🇺🇸
9/8/26 — JV Flag Football — 5:30 PM 🏈
— V Flag Football — 6:45 PM 🏈
9/10/26 — V Cheer • Poms • V Football — 6:30 PM 🎉

Dear Oakdale Families,

As we begin another exciting year of Oakdale Athletics, we’re inviting all parents, guardians, and community supporters to join the Oakdale Athletic Boosters. Your membership directly strengthens every athletic program and enhances the experience for our athletes and fans.

Over the past five school years, the Boosters have invested more than $100,000 into Oakdale Athletics. Thanks to generous members like you, we’ve been able to fully fund or contribute to major upgrades and equipment, including stadium speakers, scholarships for senior athletes, championship banners, press box upgrades, digital menu boards, stadium banners and press box wrap, and many other facility and sports-specific improvements.

Every membership makes a real impact. Your support helps maintain equipment, improve facilities, and elevate the game-day experience for athletes and fans alike.

This year, we’re also introducing Booster Member Game Nights with special giveaways, prizes, and exclusive opportunities just for Booster members.

You can purchase your athletic booster membership, reserved varsity football seating, and/or parking passes online using the link below:

https://oakdale-athletic-boosters.square.site/booster-memberships.

We are deeply grateful for your support. Every donation—big or small—helps us continue providing the best possible experience for our community, fans, and most importantly, student-athletes. Thank you for being part of the Oakdale community and for helping us build something truly special.

With appreciation,

Oakdale Athletic Boosters

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR THE OCTOBER PSAT!

The Digital PSAT/NMSQT will be administered for 10th

and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The PSAT is an assessment to prepare students for the SAT. Students in grade 9 may also sign up but it is ONLY recommended for 9th graders enrolled in upper level math courses such as Algebra 2.

While the cost of the PSAT Exam is $18.00, the total cost will be $19.00 due to a transaction fee of $1.00. Payments can be made through School Cash Online. Payment for the PSAT automatically registers the student to take the exam at OHS and there are no further steps to sign up for students.

School Cash payments will be accepted from
Monday, August 17th through Friday, September 4th.

After September 4th, no students will be permitted to pay/register for the exam and no refunds will be processed.

Questions regarding the PSAT/NMSQT, please email

Mrs. Pyles at amy.pyles@fcps.org

Want to spend two non-consecutive weeks in Annapolis next semester working in the Maryland General Assembly. Then the Maryland Page Program is for you! Work with our State Delegates and Senators during the 2027 Legislative Session. Applications are due to Ms. Jackson's Office on WEDNESDAY, September 23rd at 2:30 PM. Please see or message Mr. Beard for more information.

Not sure what you want to do after high school? The ASVAB can help you figure it out!

It’s not just for the military — it’s a career exploration test that shows you what jobs and careers best match your strengths and interests.

💡 Discover your skills

🚀 Explore cool career options

🎯 Get a clearer picture of your future

📅 When: October 5, 2026

📍 Where: Media Center

🕒 Time: 7:30 AM (no late arrivals will be able to test)

✅ Sign up with this link ASVAB Sign up!!

Don’t miss out — this test could help you find your perfect career match!

Questions???? Ask Mrs. Printz (Career Coach) in B220 or michelle.printz@fcps.org.

Each week, Creative Writing students will share work they completed in class. Students were challenged to write micro stories of 85-125 words. Enjoy!

Who’s Driving?

By: Brielle E.

Quinn stood motionless on his porch. His driveway was the subject of his gaze, as it revealed no trace of the truck that comfortably sat there just an hour before. Where could it have gone? Quinn scratched his head, lost in thought when he heard music blaring from down the road. He looked up to see a large pickup truck, with an identical license plate to his, barreling down the road. Squinting his eyes, Quinn locked eyes with the person behind the wheel, shocked to see that it wasn’t a person at all. It was none other than his Irish Wolfhound, having the time of her life with her tongue and fur blowing uncontrollably in the wind.

In the Face of Death

By: Daniel S.

“Death has a face,” Lana muttered.

“Could you say that again?” Dr. Samuels goaded. “I’m glad you’re finally answering, but I need to hear you to help.”

“There is a common cultural idea that death, if personified, would be neutral.” She continued, “But now I know her, and she is far from it.”

“Ms. Johnson, what are you talking about?”

“She wants, Dr. Samuels.” Her face was remorseful. “And she wants me, but I was ripped from her grasp.”

“Ms. Johnson—”

“Yesterday, there was a crash.” She began nibbling on one of her nails. “Someone saw something they recognized and tried to swerve out of the way.”

Silence.

“I already have a new therapist.” Tears fell down her face. “Because she still wants more.”

We’re looking to add some fun, engaging activities to our students’ lunch period—and we’d love your help!

🎲 Want to contribute?

Please fill out this form to let us know what you’d like to donate. Whether it’s a game, activity, or something else students can enjoy, every contribution helps make lunchtime more engaging!

📦 What happens next?

Mrs. Moore will reach out within the next few weeks with information about drop-off details.

🖤🤍 Thank you for supporting our students and helping us bring a little more fun to lunch at OHS!

🐻Level Up Lunch Donations🐻

If your student currently receives Free or Reduced Meals, you must reapply for the 2026–2027 school year as soon as possible. Applications must be completed at the beginning of each school year. If you do not reapply, your student will be charged for breakfast and lunch.

If you have never applied before, your family may qualify! If you think you may be eligible for Free or Reduced Meals, we encourage you to apply.

You can apply online here:
https://linqconnect.com/main

Drop by the Math Lab (Room A100) every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:15 to 2:45 PM to work with peer tutors. Note: Students must arrange their own transportation home after tutoring sessions

The curtain is going up on another exciting season of theatre at Oakdale High School, and the Oakdale High School Theatre Program is thrilled to announce its two major musical productions for the 2026–2027 school year!

This year’s season will take audiences on two very different — and very entertaining — theatrical adventures:

🎭 Catch Me If You Can (PG-13)

December 17, 18 & 19, 2026

The season kicks off with Catch Me If You Can, the fast-paced, jazzy musical based on the incredible true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenager who successfully posed as a pilot, doctor, lawyer, and more — all while staying one step ahead of the law.

With big musical numbers, plenty of laughs, romance, suspense, and a whole lot of swagger, Catch Me If You Can promises to be a spectacular way to kick off the Oakdale theatrical season.

🎭 Hadestown (PG-13)

April 29, 30 & May 1, 2027

In the spring, Oakdale will journey into the underworld with Hadestown, Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone.

Blending folk, jazz, blues, and New Orleans-inspired music, Hadestown is a hauntingly beautiful story about love, sacrifice, hope, and the power of telling a story again — even when you know how it ends.

🎟️ Save Money with a Season Flex Pass!

And because we know many of our audiences simply cannot resist coming to see Oakdale shows over and over again, the Theatre Program is introducing Season Flex Passes!

Flex Passes are available in:

• 10 tickets
• 15 tickets
• 20 tickets

The best part? You decide how to use them! Tickets can be used in any combination across both productions. See all three performances of Catch Me If You Can? Absolutely. Bring the whole family to Hadestown? Go for it. Mix and match throughout the season? That's exactly what the Flex Pass is designed to do.

With ticket prices increasing this school year, Flex Passes are a fantastic way to save money while supporting Oakdale High School Theatre. They offer families, theatre fans, and our most dedicated audience members the flexibility to enjoy more performances without paying full price for every ticket.

Flex Passes are available now through the Oakdale Theatre Program’s online ticketing website.

Two shows. One season. Twenty chances to see some fantastic theatre.

We can't wait to welcome our Oakdale community back into the theatre. Mark your calendars, grab your Flex Pass, and get ready — the 2026–2027 season is going to be one great year of musical adventures!

Oakdale High School Theatre Program

The National Business Honor Society is now accepting applications for new AND returning members. Paper applications are available in B210, Ms. Stieg's Room and B207, Ms. Codd's room. Please read all requirements carefully. Completed applications are due no later than Tuesday September 8th at 2:15pm for review. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1thNPgtfNP6qZZxO-3-Hcyk5m9nd6nHc5/view?usp=sharing

Have questions about volunteering or submitting your hours?

Join our Schoology group today!

🔑 Schoology Access Code: G4W8-4SQ2-CQTBM

📥 Log Submissions: Turn in paper logs to the basket in the main office.

💬 Contact: Reach out to Ms. Clarke on Schoology with any questions.

My name is Lucrisha Clarke, and I am excited to continue serving as the Student Service Learning (SSL) Coordinator for Oakdale High School. This will be my second year in this role, and I look forward to continuing to support our students as they participate in meaningful volunteer and community service opportunities.

Students will have access to a Schoology group--access code G4W8-4SQ2-CQTBM, where they can find information about volunteer opportunities and, if they choose, upload their volunteer logs. Students may also submit their volunteer logs to the front office. There will be a designated basket for volunteer logs, which will be picked up each Thursday by 8:00 a.m.

Students may message me through Schoology if they have questions. I will respond to messages twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

I look forward to another wonderful year of volunteering and helping our students make a positive impact in their school and community!

Parking permits can be filled out here, or pick up an application off Main Street.

Questions-Email Ms. Jackson @ Courtney.Jackson@fcps.org