Greetings from OC Schools,
Thank you for a great start. We know traffic is still a concern. We have far more students, particularly at the primary school, who are car riders. We attempted something different this week with drop-off for the primary school, and the back-up was not as severe on highway 22. We are continuing to monitor it closely, but the sheer volume of traffic on highway 22 is a problem. One part of the problem is that the majority of the cars are getting to the schools between 7:15 and 7:30. If you are able to wait until 7:35 or later to drop off, that will help ease the congestion. We recognize that many of you need to get to work, but if there are some who could drop off later, this may ease the congestion.
• Attached to this email is a flyer that has a lot of useful back-to-school information including information on our new app, PowerSchool log-in, and Anonymous Alert. A hard copy will be coming home this week with primary and elementary school students. Middle and high school parents can pick up a copy in the front office. It will also be available on the website.
o The new Oglethorpe County School System App has many features including a “Live Feed.” like you would find on social media. It also easily allows you to see scheduled events and menus. If you have any suggestions for our new website or app, please let us know as both of these are a work in progress.
o Also, along with directions on how to download the app, the attached flyer includes information on how to download PowerSchool to check grades for students in grades 3-12. You do not need to create a new account if you already have one.
o The final item on the attachment are directions for how to download “Anonymous Alerts.” This app allows parents and students to report behavioral and/or campus safety concerns using the app 24/7, completely anonymously.
• Fall sports are well underway at both the middle and high schools. Please click this link (https://tinyurl.com/3224p29c) find a copy of the fall sports schedule for both the middle and high school softball, volleyball, cross-country and football games. Come on out and support our athletes who have been working hard this summer and since school started to be ready to compete.
• Just a reminder that ALL students eat free. Check out the menus on the website or app and even if your child does not usually eat, let them try breakfast and/or lunch. If you set-up to pay for school lunches through the K12 Payment Center, you may still receive a low balance notification, as students can still pay for additional food and or milk or juice. You can switch off this notification on the payment center website.
Again, thanks for a great start to the new school year, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Beverley Levine
