The Wingspan
Oak Ridge High School - September 16, 2022
Principal Update - Shawn Almond
This past week, I had the opportunity to speak to our seniors during Eagle’s Nest. It was a time to share important senior information and talk about some guiding principles as they take the next step forward. I must say, I walked out of each meeting impressed with the positive attitude of the senior class.
As the next generation of leaders, I challenged them to make a difference in society. I asked three things of them:
1. To Dream Big – Students need to dream big and follow their passion. Society is changing and moving at a rapid rate. We need leaders who can emerge with new innovations, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
2. To Learn – Once they have the dream/passion, students need to engage and work towards learning everything they can in order to prepare to make their dreams reality. This can include any variety of interests, whether it is math, science, technology, public speaking, writing skills, trade skills, etc. Work, discipline, and preparation make a difference in reaching your dream and fulfilling your passion.
3. To Take Action – Once a dream has been established, and learning and skills have been developed, action must follow. Students need to be willing to step out, take chances, and take the right action towards their dream. This can be tough and scary as other people and society are quick to say, “You can’t do that. You are not smart enough and you are wasting your time.” Believing in yourself and taking small steps each day will move you closer to your dream.
I believe in this group of seniors and know they will make a positive impact on our society by dreaming big, learning, and taking action! I look forward to watching them grow throughout this school year as they prepare for their future endeavors.
Enjoy your weekend and go War Eagles!
UIL ELIGIBILITY
At the end of the first six weeks of school, any student receiving a grade below a 70 in any class (except those identified as advanced – see the list below) is ineligible until the end for the first grading period. If the student is passing all of their classes at that time, the student will regain eligibility. No Play, consult the TEA – UIL Side by Side at http://www.utexas.edu/uil/
September 19 - 24
Homecoming Parade
The Homecoming Parade will be on Monday, September 19th at 6 p.m.
The parade will be a traditional parade where decorated floats will travel from Oak Ridge Elementary to the Oak Ridge HIgh School Football Field.
Spectators will be able to park along Oak Ridge School road to view the passing parade.
Come join the fun and help celebrate the War Eagle spirit!
Homecoming Game
Thursday, September 22nd against New Caney at Woodforest Bank Stadium.
Homecoming Dance
The Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, September 24th
from 8 - 11 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
- Tickets to the dance are $20 pre-sale and can be purchased on School Cash online from September 12th through September 23rd.
- Tickets purchased the day of the dance will be $30 at the door.
- Students must bring a photo ID or school ID to the dance.
- Guests from other schools are permitted. Guest tickets must be purchased on School Cash.
- Guests must be under 21 years old.
AP Exam Registration
AP exam registration for full year and fall semester courses starts
October 11th and goes through November 7th.
Late fees apply after November 7th.
Students taking semester courses in the spring (Economics, Psychology)
will register in February.
Exams may be purchased through SchoolCash.
In addition to offering rigorous content and preparing students for future success,
students who score a 3 or higher can earn 3 hours of college credit per exam.
Most colleges grant credit for AP exams; however, please check with your child’s college to determine if and how credit is granted. AP classes and exam scores have a positive impact on admission decisions with 85% of selective colleges and universities reporting that they review scores as part of the admission process.
These credits also allow students to skip introductory courses in college
letting students move on to their majors and areas of interest earlier.
The ORHS Counselors will be facilitating Connection Groups this year.
Connection Groups are facilitated by an ORHS Counselor and are designed to help students get connected to one another by providing tools for success in areas like studying, managing stress/anxiety in school, healthy relationships, finding our strengths, getting plugged in to the War Eagle family, and so much more.
Connection groups will meet about 2 times per month during Eagles Nest this school year. Our Connection Groups are not specific to certain topics this year.
Our goal is to cover a variety of topics (mentioned above) in each group.
As a parent, you can recommend your student to participate in one of our Connection Groups using this link: Connection Group Recommendation.
Senior Parent Night
WHO: Senior Parents
WHEN: Thursday, September 29
TIME: 6:30-7:30 PM
LOCATION: ORHS Cafeteria
Come hear from College & Career, Senior Counselors, Senior Sponsors
about all things related to your student's final year of high school!
The ORHS PTO is still accepting members!!
We are excited to start the new year off and want you to join!!
Please use the QR code or link to sign up.
The PTO is in search of a parent volunteer to fill the role of PTO treasurer.
If you are interested, please email us at orhspto@gmail.com or call/text to 979-221-4022.
The PTO will have a community meeting at the beginning of October.
Be on the lookout for that invitation!
NHS membership Q & A
When may students join NHS?
NHS membership is by invitation only. We invite qualified students in the spring of their junior year. Students must have a weighted gpa above a 4.26.
What does the council consider when evaluating applications? NHS acceptance rests on 4 pillars:
- Student scholarship
- Leadership
- Character
- Service
Students will have to include a list of 20 volunteer hours completed between their freshman and junior year with their applications.
What might my student do now to improve their chances of NHS membership?
First, students work on scholarship. Work to earn and improve current GPAs. Next, have your student get involved in an activity or club to start learning leadership. Students may also demonstrate leadership in the classroom. Volunteer with school events or in the community.
Why do students join NHS?
NHS has represented the best and brightest students of schools for over one hundred years. The organization works to develop four pillars: scholarship, service, character, and leadership. Colleges and universities recognize the distinguished achievements of NHS members.
If you have further questions, please contact the NHS sponsor, Theresa Neman at tneman@conroeisd.net.
Swim & Dive
Goodbye to Summer Pep Rally
AP Stats class working hard!
Boys Water Polo
Congratulations to the boys water polo team who secured their post season play last night with their 14 to 13 victory over Grand Oaks. Senior team Captain Lane Otwell contributed half of the offense goals. Junior Captain Dylan Avery had four goals along with sophomore Mason Otwell had two goals, and sophomore David Polansky who added the final goal. Junior Caleb Rojas had six blocks along with Dylan’s two blocks that kept Grand Oaks score under The Ridge.
The girls water polo team had a much better showing this second game with Grand Oaks losing 11-17. Seniors team Captains Faith Marshall had eight goals with Madison Todd having two. Team goalie Mixon Vessel had one score.
There are two more district games and Doc Holiday tournament that is this Friday and Saturday before the first round of playoffs begin on October 11.