Principal Notes Summer Edition

The excitement is building at Owensboro High School, and we can't wait to welcome our Red Devils back for another incredible school year!

Join us on Monday, July 27 for two exciting events designed to help students and families feel prepared, connected, and ready for an outstanding 2026–2027 school year.

Freshman Orientation

Monday, July 27 | 3:00 pm
Owensboro High School

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Red Devil family!

Freshman Orientation is for incoming ninth-grade students only. During this interactive experience, students will become familiar with Owensboro High School, meet administrators, counselors, teachers, and student leaders, learn about academics and extracurricular opportunities, and begin building connections before the first day of school.

At the conclusion of Freshman Orientation, incoming freshmen will transition to the practice field where they will join their parents and families for Bash@Rash!

Bash@Rash

Monday, July 27 | 5:00–7:00 pm
Rash Stadium Practice Field

Beginning at 5:00 pm, all OHS students in grades 9–12 and their families are invited to attend Bash@Rash, our annual back-to-school celebration.

This one-stop event is designed to help families complete important back-to-school tasks while celebrating the start of a new school year.

During Bash@Rash, families can:

• Complete Online Registration (OLR) and Educational Benefit Form (Formally the HIF)
• Receive transportation information
• Pick up student schedules and IDs
• Pay school fees
• Purchase OHS spirit gear from the Red & Black Shack
• Connect with school staff and community partners
• Enjoy Kona Ice and a photo booth

Whether you're an incoming freshman family or a returning Red Devil, Bash@Rash is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with our school community, complete back-to-school tasks, and celebrate the beginning of another exciting year at OHS.

At Owensboro High School, we believe every school year should begin with a warm welcome and a strong sense of belonging. We look forward to seeing our students and families on Monday, July 27, as we kick off another amazing year at 1800!

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".

Attention, Class of 2027! Senior year is right around the corner, and that means it's time to take your official senior picture.

Drape and tux photos will be taken at Owensboro High School on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students should enter through the main entrance by the flagpole upon arrival.

Students having a drape photo taken should plan to bring or wear a tank top for the session.

These photos are an important part of your senior year and will be used for the OHS Yearbook, #REDy Senior Shout-Outs, graduation recognitions, senior celebrations, and other Class of 2027 features throughout the year.

Can't make it on July 23 or 24? No worries! A makeup picture day will be scheduled during the school year, so you'll still have an opportunity to have your senior photo taken.

We can't wait to celebrate the OHS Class of 2027 and all the memories that will be made during your senior year. Get #REDy... your final year at 1800 is almost here!

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.

Don't forget to complete Online Registration for the 2026-27 school year! Families in the Owensboro Public Schools district must visit startolr.com to complete their registration for the upcoming school year. All returning families must update the information that is currently in the student information system and confirm all data is correct to complete online registration.

Families who are new to the district and wish to enroll a student at OHS or need assistance with ORL will need to contact Jessica Sandefur, OHS Registrar, at 270-686-1110 or jessica.sandefur@owensboro.kyschools.us.

For additional information and assistance with OLR, see graphic below. Click button below to register today!

Owensboro High School continues to make important improvements to our campus through an ongoing roof construction project. For the safety of our students, families, staff, visitors, and contractors, we ask everyone to strictly follow all construction area restrictions.

Please do not walk, park, or drive in any fenced or restricted construction zones. These areas contain active work sites, equipment, and materials that present safety hazards.

When visiting OHS, all students, families, and guests should enter the building through the main entrance on Frederica Street by the flagpole. Parking is available along Frederica Street and in the lots adjacent to the Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education.

We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we complete these important upgrades to our campus. Together, we can help ensure a safe environment for everyone while making Owensboro High School even better for current and future Red Devils.

Owensboro Public Schools is participating in the US Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, providing free breakfast and lunch meals to individuals 18 and under throughout the summer.

Food service is available at the Mobile Feeding Stops and Summer Feeding Sites through July 24.

Meals are served Monday through Friday on-site and through mobile stops. Children must be present to receive a meal and must remain on-site during meal service to consume the meals. Family members are no longer allowed to pick up meals and take them away from the food service locations according to new guidelines.

This service is completely free for anyone 18 and under regardless of which school district you attend or your household income status.

Check out the Summer Food Service Location Flyers for specific site locations and times.

Summer break is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and dive into a great book with Sora, your next read is only a click away!

Owensboro High School students have free access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks through Sora, our digital library available 24/7. Whether you're lounging by the pool, traveling with family, working a summer job, or simply enjoying some downtime, Sora lets you take a library wherever you go.

Why You'll Love Sora...

📱 Read Anywhere – Access books on your phone, tablet, Chromebook, or computer.

🎧 Listen on the Go – Prefer audiobooks? Sora has you covered.

🌟 Find What Interests You – From bestsellers and mysteries to sports, history, and fantasy.

🏆 Track Your Progress – Create wish lists, earn badges, and discover new favorites.

Getting Started

1. Download the Sora app or visit soraapp.com.
2. Select Owensboro High School.
3. Log in with your school account.
4. Start reading!

Challenge yourself this summer to read something new, explore a different genre, or listen to an audiobook during a road trip. A few minutes of reading each day can help keep your mind sharp and get you #REDy for another successful year at 1800.

This summer, carry a library in your pocket and let your next adventure begin!

Monday, July 13

OPS Coaches Meeting

Monday, July 20

OHS SBDM 4pm

Thursday, July 23 - Friday, July 24

OHS Class of 2027 Senior Pictures 8:30am to 3:30pm

Friday, July 24

OPS at the Dust Bowl - Kendall-Perkins Park 5-8pm

Monday, July 27

Freshman Orientation 3pm

Bash@Rash 5-7pm

Friday, July 31

OHS Safe School Training Completion Day

Monday, August 3

OHS Professional Development Day

Tuesday, August 4

OHS Professional Development Day

Wednesday, August 5

OPS Opening Day

Thursday, August 6

First Day of School - Red Devil Run Down