Oak Ridge Community,

This week, I am sharing key points that were provided to principals regarding the results of a study completed to assess the district’s facilities and a boundary optimization study. Please read below for additional information. There is a live link in the blurb below that will take you to the summary report and the school-by-school analyses. 

The Guilford County Board of Education and Guilford County Board of County Commissioners received the final results of a school district-wide facilities and boundary optimization study at a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. The consulting firm shared a report that outlines their findings and recommendations regarding district facilities and space utilization. The report suggests a comprehensive plan with an estimated cost of nearly $1.5 billion. The firm was hired jointly by the school board and board of county commissioners and has been working for about one year. A high percentage of district schools, particularly at the elementary school level, received unsatisfactory or poor ratings from a facility perspective. Schools received some of the lowest scores for educational suitability, which indicates whether the facility and technology support current academic standards and instructional strategies, also referred to as 21st century learning. The report also recommended ways the district could improve operational efficiency by consolidating and closing some schools, moving some programs to different locations and building new schools to relieve overcrowding, expanding some successful programs and distributing choice programs more equitably throughout the county. The findings and recommendations are just that – findings and recommendations. Nothing is final; no decisions have been made. This is the first step of a long process to make sure our schools, classrooms and district facilities support 21st century learning and to address longstanding concerns regarding the conditions of our aging buildings and systems. 

Click here for the summary report and school-by-school analyses.

Next week is National School Counselors Week. Please take a moment to recognize the efforts of our school counselor, Melinda Hooper during the week of Feb. 4-8th. We want to wish the best of luck to Anjali Pisharody, a 4th grader in Mrs. Dixon’s class who will be representing our school at the District Spelling Bee this Wednesday, Feb. 6th. We anticipate additional information to be released soon about when we will be able to print and send home 2nd Quarter Report Cards. We will let all families know just as soon as we get permission to send this important document home with students. Finally, we are looking forward to a special evening next Saturday, Feb. 9th as we celebrate the annual Father/Daughter Dance in the Oak Ridge Gym. 

Have a great week,

Mrs. Francisco

Congratulations to Celia Volatier! She is our Superstar of the week!!

-- Mrs. Pritchett

The 2019 Father-Daughter Dance is this Saturday, Feb. 9, with doors opening at 6:30 PM. 

 

No paper tickets will be distributed this year . Names of the those who registered (and paid) will be available at the door that evening for sign-in and raffle ticket distribution.

 

Volunteer sign-up for slots on Saturday for help with decorations (in the morning) and service (in the evening) are still available through this link . We still have a great need for volunteers as we currently do not have enough to successfully run the event. Please, please, please consider volunteering your time. We sincerely appreciate it.

 

If you have questions about the Dance (including late registration), please email  orespto@gmail.com .

Dance Volunteer Link

Hurry and log on to heart.org/kidsheartchallenge and send a few emails to your friends and family. Once you have registered, you can win FINN. Finn wants you to stand up for a healthy lifestyle and challenge yourself in doing the right things for your heart!

The students will be fundraising until February 8th. So far, 85 students have raised over $4,400 for AHA!!!! One more week to go! Our goal is $6,000!

During this coming week (Feb. 4-8), the students will be participating in a fun disco Kids Heart Challenge event during their PE classes. 

Thanks for your support!

2019 Kids Heart Challenge Flyer

Northwest Middle School is holding a 6th Grade Registration Information Meeting on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 6 PM at the Middle School. Click on the flyer below for more information.

NWMS 6th Grade Registration Meeting

It's only February but it's not too early to plan for things to do over the summer. Check out this flyer from the GCS Summer Arts Institute that offers activities from students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

Interested in applying? Please contact our Music Specialist, Mrs. Royal or our Art Specialist, Ms. Hodnett with your questions.

Don't delay! Spots fill up quickly!

2019 GCS Summer Arts Flyer

All of our sponsors, no matter how big or small, make a difference. Sponsoring our weekly newsletter, gymnasium banners, website and school planners helps us provide the school staff, our students and our families resources that the school's budget does not provide. If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact us. 

Email the PTO about Sponsorships!