Wildcat iNews
Information for the ORHS Wildcat Nation 04/19/2021 #170
TNREADY STARTS THURSDAY!!!! PLEASE REVIEW SCHEDULE!
FAQ’s about TN Ready Testing
My child is in CONNECT OR, how will they know where to go?
All testing locations will be posted at the bus loop, arena lobby, food court, and amphitheater area when you child arrives. We will have several adults throughout the building to assist students in finding their locations. Connect OR students may be picked up each day at the conclusion of testing when first in person activity begins for the day. (First period/ lunch start times for each day are indicated on the poster)
What if my child isn’t in any of the tested courses for the day?
If your child doesn’t have a tested subject for the day, they may arrive for first period. Start time for first period is indicated on the testing schedule.
Are there makeup tests for TN Ready?
While will we offer make up testing for students who need to miss their test due to illness or other circumstance, we strongly encourage students to come to the tests on the day they are scheduled. We are sacrificing instructional time and staff resources to create these testing opportunities. If your child misses his/her test, they will be taken out of their classes on another day to complete the makeup tests. Please make every effort to have your child at school on time and ready for these important tests.
The makeup day for English I and English II Subpart One is Monday, April 26. Future make up testing days will be announced as we are able to look at numbers and staff availability.
Do the TN Ready tests count toward my child’s grade?
These tests will count 15% of the final average only if they improve the student’s grade. TN Ready can only help students; the score will not be used if it impacts a student negatively.
Please email your child’s teachers or Ms. Estep (kestep@ortn.edu) if you have additional questions about TN Ready Testing.
UPDATED FAQ 4/19/2021 at 8:50 AM
What should I do if my student is “double booked” with two TN Ready tests on the same day or a TN Ready test AND an AP test? If you child has two TN Ready tests on the same day, for example, Algebra 2 and Geometry, they will take one on the scheduled day and the other on the make up day. If your child has an AP test at the same time as a TN Ready test, he or she should take the AP test as scheduled and the TN Ready on a make up day.
EVERYTHING PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TNREADY TESTING FOR 2021
UPDATE: Article from the Oak Ridger https://www.oakridger.com/story/news/2021/04/15/standardized-test-scores-count-only-if-they-help-students/7244919002/
CONNECTOR COMING TO AN END!
We would like to inform you that Oak Ridge Schools will not offer ConnectOR, a virtual learning program, for the 2021-22 school year.
This decision is the result of information recently received from the Tennessee Department of Education. On Monday, April 12 the state board of education extended a rule that requires virtual programs like ConnectOR to end when the Governor-declared state of emergency ends.
At a press conference on Monday afternoon Governor Lee announced, “In-person learning is safe and it’s the only way our students will get back on track after significant learning loss. I support the state Board of Education’s work to ensure that in-person learning is again the standard in TN and virtual learning is reserved for emergency use only.”
To continue virtual offerings outside of the state of emergency, school districts must apply to open a separate, standalone virtual school. Based on the size of Oak Ridge Schools, creating a standalone virtual school is cost prohibitive and could potentially reduce the face-to-face opportunities that are of great value to Oak Ridge students and teachers.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2021
Summer Credit Recovery is On!
After a challenging school year, many of our students have gotten behind in their classes and credits. In order to stay on track for graduation and fill in learning gaps, students will need to complete summer credit recovery. Students have fours years plus a summer to graduate high school so it is important that they earn their credits each year to stay on track. We are excited to offer an expanded summer school this year to accommodate every student who may need to recover credit(s). While some courses are available with a teacher/classroom format, the majority of our credit recovery offerings will be online courses with in person teacher support. Daily attendance is required for summer school.
Summer Credit Recovery will be offered at NO COST this year, and, for the first time ever, we are excited to be able to offer transportation for our summer recovery students. We will also provide lunch.
Monday, June 7 through Friday, July 2
8:00 to 11:00 (AM Session)
11:30 to 2:30 (PM Session)
Requirements: Students must attend summer school in person. There is no virtual option for summer credit recovery at this time.
Students must have earned a 50% or better in a course to be eligible for summer credit recovery. If a student has not earned a 50%, they must repeat the entire course in summer or the following school year.
Summer recovery sign ups will begin the week of May 3rd. Please reach out to Ms. Estep (kestep@ortn.edu) if you have questions about summer recovery.
ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDE FOR 2021-2022
DEADLINE FOR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - MONDAY!!!
PREPARING FOR 2021-2022
PARENTS - ACTION REQUIRED FOR ALL RETURNING STUDENTS
It is time to sign the release for students to receive their laptops for the next school year! Please take care of this TODAY!
All detailed information regarding the Access 1:1 initiative can be found at https://www.ortn.edu/vision-and-beliefs/
Please see the picture below which provides an example!
Frequently Asked Questions or Frustrations!
- How do I get to the parent Skyward forms? Follow this link on the ORS website. https://www.ortn.edu/onlineors/#. Select: Skyward Access Classroom
- When does access open? Monday, April 19th
- When is the signing deadline? In order to prevent phone calls, emails and constant reminders this summer, sign the form prior to May 28th. Automated phone calls will begin the week of June 1st.
- Where do I sign the form? This form is ONLY found on the parent Skyward account! The alert will be at the top of site upon log-in.
- I had my student login to Skyward, but the form is not there! This means you are into the student account not the parent account.
- I don't have a Skyward login. Every parent has a login. If login information is needed, please contact Stephanie Thompson (sathompson@ortn.edu) or Olivia Ritter (onritter@ortn.edu)
- Where is the Acceptable Use Policy? https://www.ortn.edu/acceptable-use-policy/
- I am concerned about Internet safety. Are resources available? This site is recommended by ORS. http://www.netsmartz.org/internetsafety.
OAK LOG INFORMATION!
NJROTC BRINGS HOME THE HARDWARE!
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRIANNA GREER!
GAME NIGHT!!!
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATIONS
The City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 term of office. The Board is comprised of sixteen (16) students, all of whom are required to be residents of the City of Oak Ridge. All members are appointed and confirmed by City Council to serve a one-year term of office commencing on August 1st. Apply using the link below by the June 4, 2021 deadline. For any questions, email Matt Reedy at mreedy@oakridgetn.gov or call 425-3450.
STUDENT MENTORS! APPLICATION LINK BELOW!
Click here for the mentor application:
https://forms.gle/XwED4keoFFMWoDpV8
ORHS CHEER CATS - BURRITO BREAKFAST!
The Oak Ridge High School Cheerleaders, coaches, and boosters invite the community to their Burrito Breakfast. This year’s breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 1, at Gallo Loco. Tickets are $5 each and available from any cheerleader or at the door.
WILDCAT WEEK!!!
May 17th-21st, the ORHS Student Council will kick off the end of the year spirit with Wildcat Week .This week is dedicated to showing your wildcat pride.
The week will proceed as follows
- Monday(5/17)-Mask Monday. Wear your favorite Mask and Disposable mask decoration will occur during lunch with colors to pair!
Tuesday(5/18)-Teacher Tuesday. Dress as your favorite ORHS Teacher
Wednesday(5/19)-Wildcat Wednesday. Show your support for the Wildcat nation!
Thursday(5/20)-College/Career. Dress showing us your dream college or career. Additionally, cards to write on your “When I Grow Up Card” will be distributed during lunch.
Friday (5/21)- Powderpuff Game at Blankenship- All female ORHS students are welcome to sign up. Sign-ups are due April 23rd and should be submitted to Mrs. Wagner in LC331, and teams will be announced on the same date. Sign-up sheets will be distributed and sent through the Wildcat Student Hangout or pick up one in LC 331.
All activities will culminate at Blankenship field on May 21st. Tickets will be $5 for ORHS students and other community members.
SENIOR CHECKLIST INFO
WORK ETHIC DISTINCTION - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 1ST
What are the next steps??
- Download the form
- Complete the form
- Deliver the completed form to Dr. Cross in CS244 OR send electronically to hcross@ortn.edu
Students graduating with a district-developed work ethic distinction will be recognized upon graduation. This distinction will be useful for presentation to future employers for work-based learning, apprenticeships, and employment in a chosen field after graduation. Employers throughout Tennessee have indicated that students who present a document such as this, indicating desirable work habits, will be given preference for interviews. In order to earn such a distinction, students must exhibit certain characteristics by earning points on a Work Ethic The application form is available in the school counseling office or via this link:
www.ortn.edu/Curriculum/CCTE/Work_Ethic.pdf
For the TN Promise standard, for practicality, there is a statewide COVID-19 exception to the expectation to earn the volunteer hours before earning the Work Ethic Distinction this year.
Most areas selected on the form can be verified in-house by Dr. Cross, once submitted. For those items that cannot be found in Skyward, students must present written verification of items selected. A signed certificate of completion will be provided by Dr. Cross for students to present to potential employers, once earned.
POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE INFORMATION!
Oak Ridge Schools is elated to announce Graduation will be at Blankenship Field, Thursday, May 27th at 7:00 pm. Please invite family and guests as no limits will apply for this venue.
Graduates should be fully dressed and ready to lineup by 6:30.
In the event of rain, Graduation will be on Friday evening at the same time. Should an additional rain event occur, Graduation will be moved to the Wildcat Arena with a limit of four guests. All seniors will receive admission tickets in their graduation packet on their last day of school. Announcements will be made on all social media platforms and a Skylert phone call IF a change is necessary.
SENIOR STEERING PRESENTS.....SHREK!
What: the movie Shrek
When: Thursday, May 20th
Where: ORHS soccer field
Time: doors open at 8pm, movie starts at dark (8:40pm)
(No) Cost: the movie is free and snacks are provided.
Seating is on the field. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
TN PROMISE COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY!
VOLUNTEER NEXT WEEK AT THE REGATTA AND EARN TN PROMISE HOURS!
GRADUATION SUPPLIES
EXTRA TASSELS & INVITATIONS AVAILABLE!
GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOUNDATION
The Oak Ridge High School Graduation Celebration Foundation and City of Oak Ridge Recreation & Parks Department are excited to announce that we have secured a venue to host the annual Graduation Celebration event for our students. After much discussion and careful consideration to provide a safe option for this year, we have selected Main Event of Knoxville for the party this year on Thursday, May 27th from 10pm-5am.
The party kicks off at the Oak Ridge Civic Center starting at 10pm for students to check-in. Students will then board buses that have been generously provided by Oak Ridge Schools. The entire party is free for students who will be graduating in May. Graduates will enjoy free bowling, laser tag, games, food, drinks, and also have a chance to win some prizes through the night. Dozens of safety and security protocols will be in place to provide a safe, fun evening.
Registration forms for student participants will be available starting in March. Donations to support this great, annual event can be made online at www.graduationcelebration.org . If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Matt Reedy at mreedy@oakridgetn.gov . More information will be mailed to members of the senior class shortly.
Adopt-A-Seniors 2021
Senior Steering needs your pictures of the Class of 2021
HOMEBUYING IN OAK RIDGE
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BUYING A HOME?
DRESS CODE - HELP US OUT!
SPRING DRESS CODE REMINDERS!
- Skirts and dresses that are inappropriate for bending, sitting, standing and reaching.
- Attire that is disruptive to the instructional process which may be inclusive of, but not limited to: bare midriffs; halter tops; short shorts; tight, see through, or revealing clothing; or clothing which allows underwear to be exposed, (examples include, but are not limited to: sagging pants, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, muscle shirts, etc.
- A belt is mandatory if pants or shorts will not stay at the waist without one.
- Mid-thigh is the appropriate length for shorts, skirts, and dresses.
- Mid-thigh length top is appropriate for covering leggings.
A complete description of the dress code can be found on p. 15/16 of the Oak Ridge Schools Discipline Handbook. https://www.ortn.edu/Pupil-Services/2020_ORS_Discipline_Code_Handbook.pdf
Middle College Information
If you are interested, contact Mrs. Roberts or guidance counselor.
AP PLACEMENT TESTING
Who needs a summer job?
The City of Oak Ridge is hiring seasonal workers for Civic Center Summer Camp and Lifeguards at the big pool. Please use the following link to apply: City of Oak Ridge, TN | Job opportunities (civicplushrms.com)
Summer Camp!
ORHS PROM 2021
ENCHANTED LIGHTS - PROM 2021
ALL SALES ARE IN THE ARENA KIOSK AT LUNCH!
Oak Ridge High School Prom Board is excited to announce Prom 2021. Enchanted Lights will take place on May 8th in the Wildcat Arena at 7:30-11:30. This event is open to Juniors and Seniors and their approved dates.
THE LAST CHANCE to purchase tickets will be May 3rd-5th at the cost of $40 for singles and $80 for couples. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
ARE YOU BRINGING A NON-ORHS STUDENT TO PROM?
RETIREMENTS AND GRADUATION HAPPEN - ORHS PTSO NEEDS NEW OFFICERS!
ORHS PTSO is in need of a President & Vice President to ensure continuity of the organization. Please contact Jutta Bangs if you have questions or are interested in serving. Thanks! Email: juttabangs@gmail.com
Student Council Sponsored Flea Market is BACK!!!
UPCOMING VIRTUAL COLLEGE VISITS
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY VIRTUAL VISIT
LINCOLN MEMORIAL VIRTUAL VISIT
THIS WEEK'S WORK ETHIC DISTINCTIONS! CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS!
NEWS FROM COUNSELING OFFICE!
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Elizabeth L. Phipps Scholarship
LION'S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
Find Scholarship information!
There are many scholarship opportunities on the Counseling Office’s Scholarship Website. Many of those scholarships have deadlines in February and March. Don’t miss out! Go to: https://www.ortn.edu/highschool/academics/school-counseling/testing-scholarship-and-career/ to find out more or scan the QR code below:
WILDCATS IN ACTION THIS WEEK
ATHLETIC FORMS FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR!
Welcome to Oak Ridge Schools Athletics for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Each student who wishes to participate in athletics must fill out the form below PRIOR to participation.
Please DO NOT PRINT. Clicking submit at the end will ensure forms are submitted correctly. Computer users may use your mouse to sign and initial required boxes. Mobile and touch screen users may sign and initial on your screen for required boxes.
In addition, you will need to submit a copy of a physical dated AFTER APRIL 15, 2021. This can be turned in to the main office of your school. Those forms will be provided at the Free Physical Event.
Athletes and Parents are required to visit Covid-19 Return to Play Guidelines.
For questions or help with the form please contact the Athletic Training Office at Oak Ridge High School.
IF YOU ARE USING A MOBILE PHONE CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE MOBILE OPTIMIZED FORMS: MOBILE OPTIMIZED FORMS
FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS
WILDCAT ATHLETICS INFORMATION
BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM HONORED BY CITY COUNCIL FOR STATE TOURNAMENT
SWIM CATS
Women’s 200 Medley Relay Team of Sidney Ozcan, Mason Fischer, Ella Kendall, and Amelia Hodge placed 3rd; Men’s 200 Medley Relay Team of Stephen Zhukov, Brian Fuson, Matthias Brown, and Quentin Vanatta placed 7th; Women’s 200 Free-Ella Kendall placed 2nd; Women’s 200 IM-Mason Fischer finished 4th; Women’s 100 Fly-Ella Kendall placed 2nd while Genevieve Krass finished 10th; Men’s 100 Fly-Matthias Brown placed 1st, Stephen Zhukov placed 5th, and Dylan Hodge placed 13th; Women’s 100 Free-Rosalee Wenhame placed 7th while Amelia Hodge placed 12th; Women’s 500 Free-Rosalee Wenhame placed 3rd; Men’s 500 Free-Stephen Zhukov placed 1st; Women’s 200 Free Relay Team of Claire Thornton, Claudia Trabalka, Sasha Umansky, and Rachel Branham finished 9th; Men’s 200 Free Relay Team of Matthias Brown, Dylan Hodge, Stephen Zhukov, and Brian Fuson finished 7th; Women’s 100 Back-Sidney Ozcan placed 9th; Men’s 100 Back-Matthias Brown finished 5th; Women’s 100 Breast-Mason Fischer placed 5th, Amelia Hodge finished 10th, and Sarah Cherry wound up 16th; Men’s 100 Breast-Dylan Hodge placed 14th while Brian Fuson finished 15th; Women’s 400 Free Relay of Ella Kendall, Sidney Ozcan, Amelia Hodge, and Mason Fischer finished 3rd.
This wraps up the season for the Wildcats (except the State qualifiers: Matthias Brown, Amelia Hodge, Ella Kendall, Mason Fischer, Stephen Zhukov, and Rosalee Wenhame who will compete this weekend).
The swim banquet is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at the Oak Ridge Country Club where the team will celebrate its incredible season.
DANCE CATS TRYOUTS - MAY 12TH
SOCCER CATS
TENNIS IS BACK!
LADY CATS SOFTBALL
TRACK & FIELD - 2021
BASEBALL
Baseball on YouTube
DRIVING INFORMATION
Need a Driver's Permit??
Student Drivers
SUPPORT ORHS CLASSROOMS/ATHLETICS/CLUBS WHEN YOU SHOP!
ARE YOU A PART OF THE GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE ORDERING GROCERIES ONLINE AT KROGER????
It's easy to set up! Log into your Kroger account online, Select "My Account", "Select "Community Rewards" and search for "Oak Ridge High School" and options will appear! This is free money to our organizations who need your help today! Contact Mrs. Thompson if you need assistance - sathompson@ortn.edu
Oak Ridge High School Band Boosters
Oak Ridge High School Orchestra Boosters
Oak Ridge High School PTSO
FOOD CITY BUCKS!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
DO YOU USE CURBSIDE PICKUP at Kroger and no longer receive a paper receipt??? The receipt can be viewed online and can be scanned by your phone from any computer. Log into your Kroger account; Choose My Purchases; Purchase Details; and in the right corner click "View Receipt."
All Box Top funds go to support our CDC classrooms!
SAVE THOSE SODA CAPS!
AMAZON
More Info: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/about/ref=smi_se_rspo_laas_aas
ORHS HIGH SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM ARE:
- Wildcat Football Boosters Club
- Oak Ridge High School Band Boosters
- Oak Ridge High School Orchestra Booster Club
- Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation Inc
- Oak Ridge High School Parent Teacher Student Organization
CONTACT INFORMATION
Follow your class on social media
Twitter: @ORHSClassof2021
CLASS OF 2022: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265859534437549
Twitter: @EstepinTime
CLASS OF 2023: Twitter: @DavidJFoust
CLASS OF 2024: https://www.facebook.com/groups/197134894660295
Twitter: @ORHSClassof2024 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakridgehsclassof2024/?igshid=1iuq3v51ravss
ORHS Administrators
Class of 2021 - Amber Roberts ahroberts@ortn.edu
Class of 2022 - Beth Estep kestep@ortn.edu
Class of 2023 - David Foust djfoust@ortn.edu
Class of 2024 - Stephanie Thompson sathompson@ortn.edu
Executive Principal - Dr. Garfield Adams geadams@ortn.edu
SCHOOL COUNSELING SUPPORT TEAM
Paige Taylor - hptaylor@ortn.edu Last Names beginning with A-De
Ashley Bennewitz abennewitz@ortn.edu Last Names beginning with Di-I
Brianna Ottinger - bottinger@ortn.edu Last Names beginning with J-M
Heidi Foster - hafoster@ortn.edu Last Names beginning with Si-Z
Rising seniors will NOT have a change in counselor. For the Class of 2021, we will use the previous distribution of:
Paige Taylor: A-C
Ashley Bennewitz: D-H
Brianna Ottinger: I-M
Heidi Foster: S-Z
Social Worker: Alison King aking@ortn.edu
Registrar: Audrey Morris amorris@ortn.edu
Guidance Administrative Assistant: Amy Campbell akcampbell@ortn.edu
Link to Website: https://www.ortn.edu/highschool/academics/school-counseling/
Follow our team on Instagram: ORHS_wildcatcounseling
Watch for announcements on Twitter: @ORHSCounseling
Way to connect and stay informed
Website - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Reopening Plan and COVID-19 Information: https://www.ortn.edu/information-regarding-coronavirus/
Daily Bulletin - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/daily-bulletin/
Channel 15 at 7:50 AM - Watch the announcements each morning by our Crew! YouTube Streaming: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9N_azmWeQByrIW6pWLBlQ
Live in Knox/Anderson/Roane - If you live throughout Anderson/Roane/Knox counties and have ATT Uverse you can find us on Channel 99 – just select the Oak Ridge Schools option.
INews - http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/news-events/news-links/
Skylert Messages and Emails - Please make sure your current email address and phone numbers are up to date!!!
PTSO Newsletter - PTSO distributes a VERY detailed quarterly newsletter to inform parents of upcoming events and LOTS of counseling information! This comes to your email! They also have a presence on the website: http://www.orhs-ptso.org/news-information with tons of information! PTSO also has a Facebook presence, and we encourage you to "LIKE" their page! https://www.facebook.com/ORHSPTSO/
Twitter - Follow the accounts listed below
Follow us on @Twitter
School Contact Information!
Email: tseals@ortn.edu
Website: http://www.ortn.edu/highschool/
Location: 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Phone: 865-425-9600
Twitter: @ORHSWildcatMGM