Lake Orion HS Newsletter

Happy 2026 and Cell Out Week LOHS Thunder! I hope your break went well and you are all excited to wrap up this first semester/second quarter of the 2025-26 school year. Reminder to families and students – Exams will be taking place at the end of next week, Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16. Those days will be half days with a 10:45 a.m. dismissal.

Parents, a couple reminders for the new year:

• Please utilize our School Dismissal Manager program when your child will be absent from school or requesting an early dismissal for your child.
• To help with student drivers and dismissal, please avoid using the student lot to pick up your child before 3:00 p.m. It is helpful to keep parent pick-up and student drivers separated to ease congestion and frustration.
• Please continue to have ongoing conversations with your children regarding social media and the importance of only posting information/images that they would be comfortable with a potential employer or school admissions officer viewing. Also please continue to express the urgency in understanding that any type of threat will not be tolerated. There are no “jokes” when it comes to undermining students and staff feeling safe at LOHS.

I am looking forward to a productive and positive 2026 for our LOHS Thunder. As always, I appreciate the efforts and support from our students, staff, parents, and community in making LOHS a place worthy of our Dragons.

Protect the Thunder.

Dr. Haas

January 7 - Deadline to Nominate Teacher of the Year (TOY)

January 9 - CELL OUT for Soldiers

January 15 - 1st and 2nd Hour Exams - 1/2 Day for Students

January 16 - 3rd and 4th Hour Exams - 1/2 Day for Students

January 19 - MLK Day - School Closed

January 20 - Semester 2 Begins

January 21 - Early Middle College U of M Info Night

January 23 - Last Day to purchase 2026 LOHS Yearbook

January 27 - Early Middle College Rochester University Info Night

The 11th annual CELL OUT for Soldiers event is THIS Friday, January 9. This is an inspiring and impactful tradition here at Lake Orion High School. This special day encourages our students and staff to step away from their phones and connect more deeply with each other while supporting a meaningful cause.

CELL OUT for Soldiers is an all-school event where students voluntarily give up their cell phones and technology for the entire day. The goal is to foster meaningful communication with peers, build connections, and experience a tech-free environment. This event also allows us to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members and honor their dedication.

In the spirit of gratitude, the day will feature our Community Heroes Assembly, where we will recognize local heroes and celebrate the service and contributions of our military and first responders. This assembly is always a powerful and moving experience for our school community.

1. Encourage your student to fully participate by bagging their phone for the day.
2. Discuss the value of disconnecting from technology and engaging with those around them.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to build a stronger, more connected school community while honoring those who serve. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us at leadership@lok12.org.

Thank you to all the Sponsors who donated money towards the 2026 Cell Out Shirt. Every student who participates by "giving up" their cell phone on Friday, January 9 will receive a Cell Out Shirt. Thank you again to all the Sponsors listed below!

Informational meetings coming up. Please reach out to Julie Barnes with any questions.

Nominate a Teacher of the Year! 🌟

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond to make a lasting impact? We're looking for outstanding educators who shine in the classroom, support students after school, or uplift the community through their dedication and passion.

Teacher eligibility:

• Full Time Certified High School Classroom Teacher.
• At least 5 years of teaching in Lake Orion Schools.
• Mr. Meerschaert (2025), Mr. Steele (2024), Ms. Srock (2023), Mr. Bodiya (2022), and Ms. Burns (2021) are not eligible due to having won the Teacher of the Year award within the last 5 years.

Nomination Criteria:

Nominate a teacher who meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Creates an engaging and supportive learning environment.
• Makes a difference in students' lives through after-school programs, mentoring, or extracurricular activities.
• Contributes to the community through volunteerism, leadership, or innovative projects.

How to Nominate:

• 2026 Teacher of the Year Nomination – Fill out form

Deadline: 1/7/2025 at 11:45 pm

We want to make sure you are aware that AI-enabled glasses are NOT permitted at school in accordance with our Student Handbook policy regarding personal technology devices (PTD). These devices can record, capture, or process information in ways that may compromise student privacy and classroom integrity. For these reasons, students will not be permitted to wear AI-enabled glasses if brought to school.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe, focused learning environment.

Protect the Thunder.

LOHS Administration

Writing Corps is accepting applications until February 3rd, 2026. Scan the QR below to apply. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Fisher.

A new year brings new opportunities—for Lake Orion High School students, one of those opportunities is getting involved with the North Oakland Community Coalition's Youth Action Board (YAB)!

YAB is a group of like-minded students who play an active role in shaping prevention and wellness initiatives throughout the school. This year, you may have recognized YAB involvement in campaigns like Smart Dragons Don’t Drink, No Vape November, and our recent bear raffle activity that encouraged family conversations around prescription drug safety. YAB members also support mental health initiatives such as Mindful Mornings, promoting connection and stress management for their peers.

YAB gives students the chance to earn service hours, build leadership skills, let their voices be heard, and gain hands-on experience in advocacy work--all while making friends along the way!

If you or your student is looking for a meaningful way to get involved in 2026, YAB could be a great fit. Interested students can email nocc@noccmi.org, or just come by one of our meetings in LC Room 1, the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 8:45 a.m.

We’re excited to announce that LOHS students have the opportunity to earn a GRIT Award from staff members, recognizing positive character traits that make our Dragons shine.

GRIT stands for:

• Generosity – Showing kindness and giving time, help, or encouragement.

• Responsibility – Being dependable and accountable.

• Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

• Tenacity – Showing persistence and determination through challenges.

The new Student GRIT Committee for 2025–26 has selected exciting prizes like Best Spot in the Lot, School Store Coupons, and Gift Cards!

Is your child interested in joining the committee or learning more?
Contact Danielle Bredemus or Meaghan Everitt.

Keep up to date on all GAP Clubs & Extracurricular After School Activities on X (formerly Twitter)! New clubs will be announced over the next few weeks. See below for the many groups running this week. Reach out to Mr. Kimball if you have questions.

Here's the look at our live broadcast schedule for the final school week of 2025!

As always, you have access to all broadcasts via our website at www.dragonbroadcasting.org.

***There are a variety of scammers out there trying to get you to click on their fake link. WE are Lake Orion High School's broadcast program, and WE will always post the correct info!***

Oakland County Michigan Works! revised the Registered Apprenticeship Guide, prepared on behalf of employers, labor organizations and educators. This resource provides information about apprenticeship programs – what they are and how they work – as well as detailed information about high-demand industries in Oakland County. It is also intended to spread awareness of the Registered Apprenticeship model and its benefits to students, and parents. Scan the QR code to open the guide on the Oakland County website.

This Friday, as part of CELLOUT, our military recruiters will be engaging with students during lunch. The US Navy, US Air Force, US Army National Guard, Air National Guard, US Marines and Air Force Space Force will be actively participating in games and challenges. Pictures to come in next week’s newsletter!

Opportunities for service in the new year include Fun Friday nights bingo and movie nights in Clarkston with special needs adults and Dragon Dudes Night Out at Blanche Sims Elementary on Jan. 30. Another idea is to send an email to a former elementary or middle school teacher and ask to help organize their room, clean, make copies, or assist in the class on Jan. 16 after HALF DAY exams at LOHS. More information on each opportunity can be found in x2VOL.

If you want more information regarding all things related to the Class of 2026 and Senior Year, go to the LOHS Senior Class of 2026 website. The Senior Bulletin along with important dates and much more will be found on that page.

FinalForms is the application that LOCS uses for athletics. All student athletes and parents/host-parents/guardians are required to set up an account (there is no cost) and register for the sports the student is interested in playing. Click here to access the application.

For the health and safety of our student athletes, Sports Physicals are MANDATORY for middle/high school athletics per the MHSAA and must be uploaded to FinalForms BEFORE tryouts. For school year 2025-26 the physical should be completed after 4/15/25 to be valid. Click here for the form to be completed by a medical professional.

The Pay to Participate fee is for an unlimited number of sports in one school year. Excluded are self-funded sports which are Water Polo, Ice Hockey, Alpine Ski Racing, Dance, Powerlifting, Figure Skating, Equestrian and Mountain Biking. The fee is non-refundable and due after tryouts and no later than the first contest.

• $335 per high school athlete for the school year
• $260 per middle school athlete for the school year
• $745 maximum fee per family for the school year
• Reduced fees for students who qualify. Contact Food Services at 248-814-0201 for information.

Please make all checks or money orders payable to Lake Orion Community Schools. Credit card payments can be made online in FinalForms or through PaySchools which is accessed through the district website.

Apply at: lakeorion.familyportal.cloud

Also submit this form: Sharing info with other programs (release form)

Looking for information about participating as a student athlete, the athletic schedule, or how to purchase tickets to sporting events, please visit the athletics website: Athletics Calendar - Lake Orion Community Schools (lakeorionschools.org)

Stop in for drop-in tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:35 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. in the LC Quiet Room behind the check in desk.

Or arrange 1-on-1 tutoring with a NHS student in a specific subject. Reach out to your teacher, counselor, or Ms. Lee for contact information.

LOHS utilizes School Dismissal Manager (SDM) for reporting absences and early dismissals. It is accessible through SDM Website or smartphone app - no need to call the school.

• First time users must sign in to SDM using the welcome email sent to families at the end of August. Email Ms. Humes for assistance.
• When signing your child out early, please remind them to check their email for the SDM confirmation.
• They will need to show the SDM confirmation email to their teacher and the front door attendance clerk when leaving.
• There’s no need for parent/guardian to come into the building once permission has been given via SDM or phone call.

• for SDM, contact Ms. Humes at patricia.humes@lok12.org or 248-693-5420 option 1.
• for the early dismissal line, please contact Jennifer Ply at 248-693-5420 option 2.

The intent of the Distinguished Dragon program is to ensure that staff members who go above and beyond their regular duties are appreciated. The additional effort or support can range from helping an individual to helping a group or any effort that seems worthy of praise.

The staff member can be nominated by a student, parent, community member or even their own colleague. We ask for the submitter's name and contact information to follow up with specific questions if necessary. Please complete the form entirely so the individual can be appropriately honored for their contributions.

To nominate a LOCS employee, click here.

Dr. Daniel Haas - Principal

Amy Thebo - Principal's Secretary

Anthony Kiner - Associate Principal for Juniors and Seniors

Danielle Bredemus - Assistant Principal for Sophomores

Brad Bailey - Assistant Principal for Freshmen

Christopher Bell - Athletic Director

Secretary Lindsay Korsan

Phone: 248-693-5640

Counselors - assigned by students last name:

A-Cot Christy Bell

Cou-Grz Melissa Bruno

Gu-Led Natalie Parraghi

Lee- Pep Michele Novak

Peq-Sta Fawn Bullock

Ste-Z Scott Boeneman

Heather Rutledge - Special Education Teaching Consultant

The 2025-26 Lake Orion Community Schools calendars are available by visiting the LakeOrionSchools.org calendar page. A single sheet of the important dates is also listed on that page.

OK2SAY is available state-wide for public and private schools in Michigan; anybody can submit a confidential tip. Specially trained technicians receive the tips and filter the information to the appropriate agency to provide a timely and effective response

For your families that may need assistance with food, below are some resources:

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) interactive map, Where can I get TEFAP?
• Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for other local resources available.
• Attached is a list of food pantries and assistance resources for Oakland County.
  

Check out LOCS' Flickr albums for pictures of all our events, Homecoming Game, Pep Assemblies, Invitationals, Graduations, first day of school pics and more.

Website: https://www.lakeorionschools.org/high-school-home

Location: 495 East Scripps Road, Orion Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248)693-5420
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LkOrionHS
Twitter: @LkOrionHS

Instagram: lkorionhs

LOCS has several available district positions, posted at LakeOrionSchools.org/Jobs, including a significant need for bus drivers.

Additionally, for those looking for work on a variety of different shifts, LOCS has several custodian openings. Those positions are available as well.