Cyclone Connect

We have completed 8 days of learning with our new hybrid schedule. It's exciting to see Cyclones at school everyday while they collaborate with their teachers to push their knowledge as they earn their credits toward graduation. Thank you for your patience as we work through some challenges during this unique time of learning. We are committed to your family and we continue to strive for excellence inside and outside of the classroom.

We must continue to work together for the success of our students! We're looking forward to a great yet unique school year!

Students and all visitors need to wear a cloth, surgical or gator mask when they entering the building. Bandanas are not acceptable forms of masks. Masks should cover both a persons nose and mouth when properly worn. For safety precautions, we recommend washing your mask daily.

We will be offering FREE lunch and breakfast to ALL students through December 31st (or until funding runs out). Please encourage your student to take advantage of this program.

We have placed several safety protocols in place at OHS for the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As you know, everyone must wear a mask to enter the building, temperatures are checked daily, hallway patterns have been altered, hand sanitizing at the conclusion of each class period and cleaning classrooms at the conclusion of each class period. Thank you for supporting us during this time as we work to create a safe learning environment for your students!

Ottawa High School will be offering a FREE ACT assessment to all Seniors on Tuesday, October 6th in the South Gym. A letter with more detailed information will be sent to Senior students and parents soon!

Your student should be a member of the Counseling Department Extending Learning Activities Google Classroom. In this classroom, he/she will find social emotional extending learning activities to complete on the days Advisory is on their schedule outside of school.

During Advisory, students will be participating in some catch your breath days, grade checks, anti-bullying month activities and begin working with Xello to prepare for Spring student led conferences. We hope your student finds this time valuable as they continue to build relationships with their classmates and Advisory teacher. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our counselors.

Ashley Buxton Last Names A-J buxtona@usd290.org

Karah Gearhart Last Names K-Z gearhartk@usd290.org

Stella Tharp College & Career Specialist tharps@usd290.org

If your student is having issues with their Chromebook please have them put in a help desk ticket by email help@usd290.org. They need to include their name, device serial number and/or asset tag number below the barcode and details regarding the issue. If your child is a remote learner, please have them note that information within their email.

The doors at Ottawa High School open at the following times:

Monday through Thursday at 7:30am for the morning session and 11:45am for the afternoon session.

Friday at 7:30am for the morning session and 11:07am for the afternoon session.

Thursday, September 24th is picture day for in-person learners.

We will offer pictures for remote/virtual students and any makeups on Thursday, October 29th.

Below is the flyer with directions of how to order online!

It's imperative for all students to be working on their assignments and earning credits toward graduation. Please note, a student must pass 5 courses this Fall to be eligible to play and participate in activities next semester!

Please reach out to your student's teacher if you have any questions or concerns during this time of hybrid learning. Communication between home and school is key to a student's success.

Please be sure to call your student in sick on the days they will not be attending school in-person or remotely. This will help us keep track of your student and provide the best academic support possible.

Please be sure to have conversations with your student(s) regarding their school work and grades. It is more important than ever to stay on top of learning as the responsibility placed on students outside of the classroom has increased.

Do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher directly with any questions!

1) Google Classroom is where your student(s) will find their daily learning activities from their teachers both in class and extending learning activities. Work your student should be completing at home should have the date as well as Extending Learning, EL, Homework or HW after the assignment title. This helps students and families know what assignments should be completed from day to day.

2) BigBlueButton is an online learning web conferencing tool students and teachers will use to connect with remote learners. Students also have the option of remoting into classes via BigBlueButton on days they are unable to attend school. Teachers have their BigBlueButton links posted in their Google Classrooms.

3)Skyward is where you will receive communication from OHS and teachers via your email. This is also the platform you want to utilize to check grades.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Whittaker or Mr. Lancaster.

Due to the requirements set by the higher learning education commission, Neosho County Community College courses are still held to the same academic expectations during this time. These courses do not align nor follow the Kansas State Department of Education continuous learning guidelines. The courses will however be delivered to students via an online platform which may include Google Classroom and/or MyNeosho. Your student's instructor at OHS or NCCC are working hard this week to prepare for continued learning for these courses.

Please note if your student is enrolled in Welding, Electrical, CNA or CMA they might be required by NCCC to report at specific locations in order to satisfy certificate requirements.

If you need further communication regarding our partnership with NCCC during this time, please reach out to your students instructor or Mrs. Tharp at tharps@usd290.org

Sophomore Parents:

For next year, there are new immunization requirements for incoming Juniors for the 2020-2021 school year. Shots must be given before school starts on August 14, 2020.

Meningococcal-Serogroup A, C, W, Y (MenACWY): Two doses required. Dose one should be given at entry to 7th grade & dose two should be given at entry of 11th grade. For children 16-18 years, with no previous MenACWY, only one dose is required.

Please contact the Health Department (229-3530) or the school nurse if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Denise Hiatt, school nurse.

229-8020

Be sure to follow us on Facebook @ Ottawa High School or on Twitter @OHSActivities to keep up with our busy Cyclones their sponsors and for updated information regarding academics. We post information on our website as well. Click here to access OHS Website

Please remember all fees must be paid prior to Graduation and Prom. This includes fees owed to USD 290 as well as food services. Fees can be paid online through Family

Access or in person with Mrs. Stepp Gillett. We will be mailing reminders home and making phone calls this Spring. steppgillettp@usd290.org

Thursday, September 24th- In-person School Picture Day

Friday, October 2nd- MAP Math Assessment in Advisory Classes (9-11 graders)

Tuesday, October 6th- FREE ACT assessment for Seniors

Friday, October 9th- MAP Reading Assessment in Advisory Classes (9-11 graders)

Thursday, October 29th - Picture Day for Remote/Virtual Learners and Make-Ups