Thank you to all parents, students, and staff for a great start to the year. Students, we are halfway through the first 9 weeks. Make sure you are taking care of business in the classroom and keeping your grades up as we near the first report card. This first term is crucial in setting the tone for a great academic school year.

Parents, make sure you are also keeping track of your students' grades and in communication with teachers as needed. Information on ParentPortal is below. Be sure to sign up so you can see all grades each day. Volleyball and football seasons are off and running. Come out and support your Quistors each chance you get. Stay informed with our social media outlets and school website, all of which are listed below.

Jacob Stripling

Principal, Olive Branch High School

DeSoto County Schools

DeSoto County Schools is committed to the wellness of all students by providing a safe learning environment and the necessary mental health supports to achieve positive student outcomes. Tuesday, August 16th, OBHS held Mental Health Awareness Night for all families of students attending all OB schools. Community partners were in attendance and provided resources and self care ideas to families. Thank you to our OB parents, district office staff, and our community partners for supporting our efforts to raise mental health awareness.

OBHS Guidance office has created a safe space for students to relax, release, and refocus. This space is referred to as the "Zen Den". Students are encouraged to utilize the space when they are experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed with anxiety and stress.

Each month our Mental Health Therapist, Taylor Kirk, will share information on mental health topics. September's focus is on the importance of Self-Care. Please see the photo below with suggestions for improving your physical, emotional, and mental health through self-care.

Parents, if you are interested in your child receiving school based mental health services, please contact our mental health therapist at taylor.kirk@dcsms.org.

Fall Dual Enrollment courses are off to a great start. Students are encouraged to log-in to their NWCC Canvas account daily to complete assignments and follow course requirements.

SPRING DUAL ENROLLMENT

Interested in applying for dual credit for the spring semester?

To qualify for any dual enrollment class, students must be in 11th or 12th grade, have a minimum of 14 credits, a 3.0 grade point average AND an ACT requirement.

***There is a one-time per semester registration fee of $50***

ENGLISH COMP I

ENGLISH COMP II

PUBLIC SPEAKING

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

MUSIC APPRECIATION

PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I

GENERAL BIOLOGY

COLLEGE ALGEBRA

COLLEGE TRIGONOMETRY

AMERICAN HISTORY II

**Prices are subject to change without notice

Please contact Lindsey Chunn at lindsey.chunn@dcsms.org if you have any questions regarding dual enrollment courses and fees.

Seniors are allow two (2) college visit days per semester. The visits must be pre-approved by the principal. College visits will be documented as a school activity for attendance purposes with appropriate documentation from the college.

Fall College and Career Readiness classes will have an opportunity to select from 3 college visits this semester. Mrs. Terry, Mrs. Russell, and the counselors are planning upcoming visits to Northwest Community College, Ole Miss, and University of Memphis.

All students are encouraged to occasionally explore careers, occupations, and scholarships within their student portfolio. Portfolios can be accessed through the Clever website on the Major Clarity app. Major Clarity allows students to explore careers, occupations, and create a plan for after high school. Each semester students will receive guided lessons through Major Clarity, however we encourage all students to explore their portfolio regularly.

Interact is a community service club sponsored by the OB Rotary that works with several organizations within the OB Community and Mid-South area. ALL students in grades 9-12 are eligible to join with no gpa or grade requirement.

Interact is a great way to make friends, make connections, give back to others, and get involved within the community and school. Service projects look great on college resumes and job applications. Scan the QR Codes below for more information.

Olive Branch High School has partnered with "Sandy Hook Promise" for the "Start with Hello" event to help students who may be suffering silently because they feel left out, alone, or invisible. We want to help students start the back-to-school season and immediately feel seen, accepted, and safe.

During the week of September 19th-23rd, each day we will have a different theme with school-wide activities, announcements, and classroom activities. The themes for the week are:

Monday-"Say hello day"

Tuesday-Say "hey" in a different language day(wear GREEN day)

Wednesday-Random Acts of Kindness Day

Thursday-No one eats alone Day

MAAP Score reports for all state tested subjects went home today, September 2nd. Please speak with your child regarding their score reports from their last year state tested classes.

All 9th graders will be taking the PreACT on Tuesday, September 20th during the school day. Please make sure your child has a good breakfast and is at school on time.

Seniors will be taking the school day ACT on Tuesday, October 18th. Please make sure your child has a good breakfast and is at school on time.

If you have any testing questions, please email Amanda Rhymer, OBHS Test Coordinator, at amanda.rhymer@dcsms.org.

Upcoming Test Dates:

October 22, 2022

December 10, 2022

February 11, 2023

April 15, 2023

June 10, 2023

July 15, 2023

Register your child online at www.act.org. Any 11th/12th student that receives free or reduced lunch, may qualify for a fee waiver. Please see Mrs. Betts in the guidance office to request a fee waiver.

Seniors can request their transcripts online through ScribOrder. The first five transcripts will be sent for free and after the fifth transcripts, seniors will be charged $6.00 for each request. Request your transcript at https://desotoms.scriborder.com/

To review your child's schedule, attendance, and grades please make sure you have access to Parent Portal. If you need your password reset or a new account set up, please contact Mrs. Carpenter in the guidance office or email her at hilary.carpenter@dcsms.org.

Regular attendance rules apply to Covid just like any other illness. Absences will count against exemptions. Students and parents are responsible for sending excuses. Five (5) absences may be excused by a note from a parent/guardian. Parent notes must be submitted within two (2) days of returning to school. Excuses can be dropped off in the main office or emailed at our attendance clerk, Sarah Barlow. She can be reached at sarah.barlow@dcsms.org.