Principal Notes

We're rolling out the red carpet for our Red Devils on Thursday, August 6!

A new school year brings new opportunities, fresh beginnings, and countless possibilities. At Owensboro High School, we believe every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and inspired from the moment they arrive. That's why we're proud to launch The Red Carpet Welcome, our commitment to creating a school where every student is welcomed, known, and valued.

This year, we'll continue to be guided by three simple but powerful commitments: Lead with Purpose. Serve with Heart. Grow Through Experience. These aren't just words, they reflect who we strive to be as a school community. They challenge us to lead with integrity, care for one another, embrace new opportunities, and grow through every experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you're walking through the doors of OHS for the very first time or beginning your final year as a Red Devil, know that you belong here! This is your year to discover new passions, build lasting friendships, overcome challenges, and create memories that will stay with you long after graduation.

We can't wait to welcome you back to 1800 and begin another incredible year together.

The red carpet is ready. Welcome back, Red Devils. Let's make this our best year yet!

We're excited to welcome our Red Devils back to school on Thursday, August 6, with one of our favorite traditions, the Red Devil Run Down!

The first day of school is about more than finding classrooms and getting a schedule. It's about creating connections, building confidence, and ensuring every student feels welcomed from the moment they walk through our doors. As part of The Red Carpet Welcome, the Red Devil Run Down is designed to help every student start the year feeling connected, prepared, and excited for what's ahead.

During the Red Devil Run Down, students will:

• Meet each of their teachers and classmates.
• Visit every class on both their Red Day and Black Day schedules.
• Learn classroom expectations, routines, and needed supplies.
• Become familiar with navigating the OHS campus before regular instruction begins.

Students will also participate in an extended Advisory period where they will:

• Connect with their Advisory teacher and group.
• Discover their OHS House assignment.
• Receive their OPS issued device and important school resources.
• Participate in activities that build relationships and strengthen our school community.
• Learn how they'll Lead with Purpose, Serve with Heart, and Grow Through Experience throughout the school year.

The Red Devil Run Down is the first step in creating a school experience where every student knows they belong, every student is supported, and every student is challenged to grow. We believe strong relationships are the foundation of student success, and there's no better way to begin the year than by building those connections from day one.

At Owensboro High School, we believe that clear expectations and strong partnerships between school and home help every student succeed. That's why we ask all students and families to review the OHS Student Handbook together each year.

The handbook includes important information about attendance and tardy expectations, academics and graduation requirements, student conduct, dress code, personal technology use, school safety, extracurricular activities, and the many supports and resources available to Red Devils.

During the first weeks of school, students will review key sections of the handbook in Advisory. Advisory teachers will highlight the expectations, opportunities, and resources that help every student have a successful year at OHS.

After reviewing the handbook, students and parents/guardians should sign the Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form and return it to their Advisory teacher by Friday, August 21. Students who return their signed form by the deadline will earn House Points for their OHS House!

Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment for every Red Devil.

Kentucky's attendance theme is simple but powerful: You Belong.

At Owensboro High School, we believe every student belongs in every classroom, every activity, every House, and every opportunity to learn and grow. That's why attendance matters!

A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year, approximately 17 days, for any reason, whether absences are excused or unexcused. Missing just two days each month can make it harder to stay connected, keep up with learning, and fully experience all that OHS has to offer.

When students are present, they build relationships, strengthen academic skills, participate in meaningful experiences, and become part of the vibrant culture that makes OHS special.

You Belong at 1800! We miss you when you're not here. Attendance matters!

Mark your calendars! Parent-Teacher Conference dates are set for the 2026–2027 school year, and we hope you'll plan to join us.

At Owensboro High School, Parent-Teacher Conferences are much more than a one-on-one conversation with your child's teachers. They are an opportunity for families to engage in the full OHS experience while gaining valuable insight into their student's academic journey.

During Parent-Teacher Conference evenings, families will have the opportunity to:

• Meet with teachers to discuss academic progress, goals, and student success.
• Explore student showcases and demonstrations of learning.
• Connect with school counselors and student support staff.
• Participate in informational sessions designed to help families navigate high school and prepare for life after graduation.
• Discover the many programs, opportunities, and resources available to OHS students.

When schools and families partner together, students achieve more. We invite every Red Devil family to join us from 4:00–7:00 pm on Parent-Teacher Conference nights to celebrate learning, build connections, and support student success.

These evenings are more than conferences. They're an opportunity to connect, engage, and experience everything that makes OHS special.

The future starts here! On Wednesday, August 26, the OHS Class of 2027 will take part in Tour de Owensboro: Experience the Possibilities, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the outstanding college options available right here in our community.

Throughout the day, seniors will visit:

• Brescia University
• Kentucky Wesleyan College
• WKU in Owensboro

At each campus, students will tour the facilities, meet admissions representatives and current college students, explore academic programs and scholarships, and experience what college life is like. Most importantly, they'll discover the many pathways available after graduation and begin envisioning their future.

This experience is about more than visiting college campuses. It's about expanding possibilities, asking questions, building confidence, and helping every Red Devil take the next step toward life after OHS. Whether students already have a college plan or are still exploring their options, Tour de Owensboro provides valuable insight into the opportunities available close to home.

All members of the OHS Class of 2027 will participate in this exciting experience designed to inspire future goals and open new doors.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and WKU in Owensboro for partnering with Owensboro High School to make this experience possible for our seniors.

Questions? Contact Mr. Schienbein, OHS College & Career Planner, in the Media Center for additional information.

Tour de Owensboro: Experience the Possibilities, because your future begins with the courage to explore it.

Each year, Owensboro High School asks every household to complete the Educational Benefit Form. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference for your student, your family, and our entire school community.

One Educational Benefit Form must be completed for each household, and all forms should be submitted by September 30.

Parents and guardians can complete the form online by visiting hif.tradition1871.com or by scanning the QR code below.

Why Complete the Educational Benefit Form?

Even if you don't think your family qualifies for assistance, completing the form may help your family receive valuable benefits, including:

• 💰 Waived or reduced school fees
• 📝 ACT, SAT, AP, and other testing fee waivers
• 🎓 Reduced-cost or waived dual credit course fees
• 📬 College application fee waivers
• 🍎 Future P-EBT benefits (if available)
• ❤️ Family Resource & Youth Service Center (FRYSC) services and support

It Helps Every Red Devil!

When every family completes the Educational Benefit Form, Owensboro High School may qualify for additional state and federal funding that supports:

• Classroom resources and technology
• Academic intervention and tutoring
• Student support services
• School programs and enrichment opportunities

Every completed form helps strengthen opportunities for all OHS students.

Your information is confidential, secure, and used only to determine eligibility for educational benefits.

Please take a few minutes today to complete one Educational Benefit Form for your household by September 30 by visiting hif.tradition1871.com or scanning the QR code below.

Thank you for helping us ensure every Red Devil has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed!

If you have questions or need assistance completing the form, please contact Debbie Long at 270-686-1000.

Now is the perfect time to get ahead of all the back-to-school tasks by setting up your SchoolCash Online account. Make paying for school fees, field trips, cafe a la carte purchases, and many other school-related expenses quick, easy, and secure.

Visit https://ops.schoolcashonline.com/ or scan the QR code below to create your account, pay your school fees, and be #REDy for the first day of school.

We’re excited to roll out a new tool that will simplify how we communicate with you. Rooms, built right into our Owensboro Public Schools app and website, offers secure and safe two-way messaging and will be replacing Talking Points as our two-way communication tool.

This addition allows our district to bring the community closer together. From messages to educators, to events, to lunch menus, and more - everything can now live in one place.

Why Rooms?

• One place for all the information. No more juggling multiple communication apps, flipping between inboxes, or remembering different logins. All two-way communication with your child’s teacher as well as school and district notifications for school closings, upcoming events, behavior tracking, news articles and more will be all in one place.

• Text notifications. You’ll get notified automatically of new messages even if you haven’t downloaded our district app (but you should definitely download the app).

• Safe and secure. Built-in moderation and other safety tools allow us to ensure safety of all communications, at all times.

What to Expect:

• Rooms will become our primary method for all communication between staff, coaches, families, and teachers. Talking Points will no longer be utilized.

• Rooms is now live and ready for messaging with educators, coaches, etc.

• All parents/guardians should receive an email from Apptegy/Rooms with information on how to log into your account and get your settings how you prefer them.

• If you are a parent/guardian and did not receive the email, follow the steps in the infographic below to login to your account.

• Please make sure that ALL of your information is updated and correct in Infinite Campus when you register online for the 2026-27 school year. This will ensure a seamless transition.

We’re excited to bring our communication into one clear, connected experience for you. Download the Owensboro Public Schools App today and be watching for your email on how to log into 'Rooms".

The game has changed... and so has the way you experience Red Devil athletics!

This season, the Red Devil Network is bringing OHS athletics to fans everywhere with FREE live streaming, exciting coverage, and the passion of The Voice of the Red Devils, Dan Bartlett.

Whether you're cheering from the stands, watching from home, or following the Devils from across the country, the Red Devil Network will bring you closer to the action than ever before.

Don't miss:

• FREE live broadcasts of Red Devil athletics
• Play-by-play coverage from Dan Bartlett, The Voice of the Red Devils
• The biggest moments, unforgettable plays, and Red Devil traditions
• The excitement, energy, and tradition of OHS athletics

Subscribe today! It's FREE! Be ready for every kickoff, tip-off, first pitch, and finish. You won't want to miss a single moment of Red Devil action this season.

The Red Devil Network. The excitement. The tradition. The experience.

Go Devils!

We're excited to announce an incredible new opportunity for our students during the 2026–2027 school year!

Beginning with the August 11 Girls Soccer home opener, all Owensboro High School students and Owensboro Innovation Academy students with OHS as their home school will receive FREE admission to all OHS regular-season home athletic events by simply presenting their OHS-issued student ID at the gate.

This exciting opportunity is made possible through the generous support of our community partners, Peoples Bank and Rhoads & Rhoads, PSC, whose investment helps make it possible for more Red Devils to support their classmates and experience the excitement of OHS athletics.

Important Information:

• Students must present their OHS issued student ID for free admission.
• Free admission is valid for regular season home athletic events hosted by Owensboro High School at Rash Stadium, Owensboro High School Athletic Complex, and the OHS Gymnasium.
• Free admission does not apply to away games or KHSAA postseason contests.
• Students are expected to follow all expectations outlined in the OHS Student Handbook. This privilege may be revoked for students whose behavior violates school expectations.

There's nothing like the energy of a packed student section! We encourage all Red Devils to take advantage of this opportunity, show their school spirit, and cheer on their classmates throughout the year.

Let's pack the stands, make some noise, and create one of the best home field advantages in Kentucky!

Scan the QR code for the OHS Fall Sports Schedule.

Go Devils!

Monday, August 3

OHS Professional Learning Day

OHS SBDM Meeting 4pm

Tuesday, August 4

OHS Professional Learning Day

Wednesday, August 5

OPS Opening Day for Staff

Thursday, August 6

First Day of School - Welcome Back Red Devils!

Red Devil Run Down Schedule

Friday, August 7

OHS House Party

Friday, August 21

OHS AP Breakfast

Wednesday, August 26

Schoolwide Benchmark Assessments for Grades 9-11

Tour de Owensboro for the Class of 2027

Monday, August 31

OHS SBDM 4pm