Cyclone Connect
September 2023
Note from Mrs. Whittaker
Cyclone Families-
Things are off and running at Ottawa High School. Many of our clubs and organizations are busy planning student events, and athletics are in full swing. As we settle into the school year, please follow us on social media, check your email, or our website for important updates and information!
I want to remind you of our electronic devices and cell phone policy. We want to partner with you to keep your students focused on their academics during instructional time. Research from Harvard University suggests cell phones adversely affect learning in the classroom. We ask that you partner with us to encourage your student to keep their cell phones away during instruction. Students are encouraged to check their phones before during passing periods, Cyclone Hour, and after school.
We are working to be better communicators at Ottawa High School. Staffulty will explore ways to communicate with families more frequently. I encourage you to contact your student's teachers anytime you have a question regarding their classroom performance.
As we move through this school year, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! We look forward to partnering with you during the upcoming school year. We appreciate every one of you!
Why do we offer Advisory at OHS?
In January 2014 the Kansas State Department of Education went to the State Board of Education strongly recommending that all districts implement individual plans of study (IPS) for students in grades 8 through 12. IPS can help all Kansas students obtain a suitable vision of their college and career readiness path. As students navigate through high school, into careers, and college, students must set educational goals and create a roadmap for success in high school and beyond. The career interests identified by the student through an authentic career interest survey or assessment are at the foundation of the IPS. A roadmap can then be developed based on the student’s interests and talents. Other parts of the IPS include graduation requirements, approved coursework for the student’s educational and career goals, and developmentally appropriate, work-based learning experiences.
Before we offered Advisory at OHS, students would engage in these activities during their English class. This would cause students to lose valuable instructional time and caused our English teachers to be the Advisors for many students. By breaking our students up into Advisory classes, we can place a greater level of intentionality on your students' individual plan of study.
What happens during Advisory on Fridays?
What happens the 1st day of the week when my student sees their Advisory teacher during Cyclone Hour?
How is my student supported through Advisory if they are struggling academically?
Cyclone Hour
Our goal is to support your students' academics during Cyclone Hour instead of asking them to come in before or after school! Please help us encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity during the day!
Future ACT Testing Dates & ACT Prep Class
Information regarding an ACT Prep Class offered at Ottawa High School can be found below. Former OHS students have spoken highly of their experience of taking the course.
Information regarding a FASFA night and other important college planning dates will be coming soon! Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Tharp if you have any questions regarding your journey toward a post-secondary education!
Attention Sophomores (Class of 2026) & Juniors (Class of 2025)---- Please read regarding PSAT sign-ups!
Attention Sophomores and Juniors,
The PSAT will be offered at Ottawa High School this fall. The PSAT is a standardized test that provides practice for the ACT or SAT, feedback to better prepare for college, and potential scholarship opportunities. Juniors who take the PSAT could qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. If you are interested in taking the PSAT, please refer to the information below.
Registration: Contact Karah Gearhart at gearhartk@usd290.org by Friday, September 1st to sign up for the PSAT.
Cost: Students need to bring $18 (cash or check payable to 'OHS') to Mrs. Coffman in the office by Friday, September 8th.
Test Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Reasons to take the PSAT:
Practice: Helps prepare you for the ACT or SAT and it can help you get comfortable testing under timed conditions.
Feedback: Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses regarding skills necessary for college.
Scholarship Opportunities: If you are a Junior, your score might qualify you for scholarships including National Merit Scholar recognition.
Information from Colleges: Receive free information from colleges when you check 'yes' to Student Search Service.
College and Career Planning Help: Receive free access to online tools that help you plan for college and a career.
IMPORTANT: Colleges DO NOT see PSAT scores. If you score poorly on the test, it WILL NOT hurt your chances of getting into college. If anything, the PSAT will improve your chances because it provides personalized information regarding the types of skills that can be improved to be better prepared for the ACT, SAT, or college.
For more information about the PSAT, visit:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Karah Gearhart at gearhartk@usd290.org.
Ottawa High School Wall of Honor
The Ottawa High School Wall of Honor was created in the spring of 1997 to honor Ottawa High School graduates for their achievements since their graduation. The "Wall" currently includes over 80 OHS graduates. The program began as an outgrowth of the OHS Renaissance program created by OHS Math teacher, Gary Kuntz. In 1997, Mr. Kuntz presented the OHS Wall of Honor proposal to the principal, district superintendent, student council, and USD #290 Board of Education. With approval from these groups, selection to the Wall of Honor became the highest honor that Ottawa High School can bestow upon a graduate. Mr. Kuntz coordinated the program until his retirement in 2003. Currently, the program is coordinated by OHS Counselor and CTE Coordinator, Stella Tharp, and Social Studies teacher, Duane Colwell.
OHS WALL OF HONOR BANQUET TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Banquet Date: Sept. 14th
Price: By donation for the meal
Tickets can be obtained by:
1. Email Stella Tharp: tharps@usd290.org
2. In person at the OHS office (M-F 8:00 am-3:00 pm)
Reservations are due by Sept. 8th.
Evening Events:
5:30-6:00 pm Meet and Greet in the PAC Lobby
6:10-7:15 pm Dinner in the Cyclone Room, Ticket Required
7:30 pm Wall of Honor Induction & Program in PAC
Healthy Futures Dental Clinic
Healthy Futures Dental Clinic is coming to your school: 2023-2024
Don’t forget to enroll your child for our school-based dental program, including Dental Exams, X-rays, Dental cleanings, Dental sealants, Fluoride and simple Fillings! This program is optional for anyone without a primary dentist or anyone who has not been seen by a dentist in the last six months for regular routine dental care. We accept enrollment forms all year, but to ensure they receive services at the upcoming school clinics on Wednesday, October 25th at Ottawa High School- enroll your kiddo today. Forms are available in the school office or through the online secure forms at the following links:
(English) https://app.formdr.com/practice/Nzk1MQ==/form/b0eJ6CwAFz01N33LKxYJX6ZPa0JSgghO
(Spanish) https://app.formdr.com/practice/Nzk1MQ==/form/v-I_SD5bKN-MCAvSsXj8yBefF-qoYT20
Healthy Futures accepts Medicaid, Commercial Insurance, and the uninsured. There is NO COST to you even if your child is uninsured or not fully covered through commercial insurance. This program is open to all students, no restrictions. Please turn in any paper enrollment forms to your school nurse. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Healthy Futures at 785-841-7297, ext. 5601 or healthyfutures@heartlandhealth.org
Required Immunization for Juniors (Class of 2025)
Parents/Guardians of 11th graders: Just a Reminder Notice to ALL 11th Grade Parents
Below is the required information for immunizations that are due for your students- 11th graders for the 2023-2024 school year.
Meningococcal (MCV4): one dose is required at 11 years of age with a booster dose at 16 years of age.
First dose is required for 7th grade, and the 2nd dose is required for 11th grade. ( after the student turns 16 years of age.)
Please contact The Franklin County Health Department or Denise Hiatt, RN at Ottawa High School for questions. ** All immunizations are due by October 18th
Denise Hiatt
785-229-8020 ext. 2159
Follow OHS on Social Media
Facebook @Ottawa High School
X formerly known as Twitter @OHSActivities
Instagram @ohs_cyclones
Take a Moment to Download Ottawa USD 290 Mobile App
Ottawa USD 290 is thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones! Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and more! The quick video below will walk you through the use of the app.
You can download the app for FREE on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Andriod http://bit.ly/2PlQvuG
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/38gErDU
Important Dates
Monday, September 25th: No School for Students, Teacher Professional Development
Friday, October 13th: No School for Students, Teacher Work Day
Monday, October 16th and Wednesday, October 18th: 9th/12th Grade Student-Led Conferences 10th/11th Grade Open Conferences
Friday, October 20th: No School for Students and Teachers
2023-2024 USD 290 District Calendar
Ottawa High School
Email: whittakerk@usd290.org
Website: http://ottawaks.apptegy.us/o/ohs
Phone: 785-299-8020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCyclonesHighSchool
Twitter: @OHSActivities