Announced Intruder Drill Scheduled for September 17th

Dear Oglethorpe County Schools Families,

The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority. As part of our commitment to maintaining safe learning environments, Oglethorpe County Schools will conduct an announced Intruder Drill on Thursday, September 17, 2026. This drill is required by Georgia law and allows students and staff to practice the procedures that would be used in the event of a school security emergency.
The drills will occur at the following times:
• OCHS: 8:10 a.m.
• OCMS: 9:00 a.m.
• OCES: 9:50 a.m.

Prior to the drill, school staff will review procedures with students in an age-appropriate manner. During the drill, students may hear either an announcement over the intercom or the Centegix alert system indicating that an intruder drill is in progress. Students and staff will then follow established safety procedures, including securing classrooms and remaining in designated safe areas until the drill concludes.

The Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office and local EMS personnel will be present to assist and observe as we conduct the drills. Their partnership helps ensure that our schools continue to follow best practices in school safety and emergency preparedness.

The drills are expected to last approximately 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, visitors will not be permitted to enter school buildings, and student checkouts will be temporarily suspended. Normal school operations will resume immediately following the completion of each drill.

We recognize that safety drills can create anxiety for some students, particularly younger children. We encourage families to talk with their children beforehand and remind them that these drills are like fire drills or severe weather drills. Practicing safety procedures helps ensure that students and staff know how to respond calmly and appropriately if an emergency ever occurs.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide safe and secure learning environments for all students and staff. If you have questions about the intruder drill procedures, please contact your child's school principal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Phillip Powell
Superintendent
Oglethorpe County Schools

💙 Patriot of the Month: Tim Hayes! 🚌⭐

Help us congratulate Tim Hayes, one of our amazing bus drivers and our August Patriot of the Month!

Tim was nominated for the incredible care, patience, and kindness he shows one of our self-contained students. He goes far beyond simply getting students safely to and from school—he makes sure she is ready for the day, greets her with a smile, helps her when she needs extra support, and even fixes her hair when needed. ❤️

This year brought a big transition as she moved from elementary school to middle school. Having Mr. Tim there each morning to welcome her, encourage her, and help her feel safe and comfortable made that transition a little easier.
One nominator shared that “his caring presence helped make what could have been a difficult transition feel much more comfortable.”

That is what Patriot Pride is all about.

Mr. Tim, thank you for showing up every day with compassion, patience, and a genuine heart for our students. Your job may be getting students from Point A to Point B, but the impact you have along the way is so much greater.
Congratulations, Tim! We are proud to celebrate you! 💙🚌

🍕🍔🍱It's never too early to start thinking about lunch!

September menus are here! Take a look and see what's being served in our cafeterias next week.

And don't forget- ALL students eat FREE!

Last, but not least, meet our newest District Office team members!

🥇Dr. Phillip Powell- Superintendent

🥇Mr. Auburn Bolton- Director of Technology and Human Capital

🥇Ms. Stephanie Ring- Director of Teaching and Learning (Math/Science)

🥇Ms. Jenna Suares- Director of Teaching and Learning (ELA/SS)

WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE YOU ON TEAM OGLETHORPE!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our district-wide efforts to support students' overall well-being we are implementing a proactive approach to ensure the behavioral supports and positive school culture necessary for all students to succeed. Part of this approach includes universal behavioral screening.

Please review the resources below for additional information:
Universal Behavior Screening Information https://aptg.co/ghQfmt

Universal Behavior Screening Frequently Asked Questions https://aptg.co/dVRJGX

OCHS takes center stage today!

📚Mr. Perry Barrow- English Teacher
📚Mr. Micah Blanton- Math Teacher
📚Mr. Aaron Campbell- Social Studies Teacher
📚Mr. Stanley Latimore-Teacher, Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Football Coach
📚Ms. McKenzie Stevens- English Teacher
📚Mr. Dayon Toomer- Weight Training Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach
📚Mr. Chuck Palmer- Economics Teacher
📚Ms. Stephanie Smith- Paraprofessional
📚Ms. Tannis Hillis- Speech & Language Pathologist
👔Dr. Michael Todd- Assistant Principal

IT'S GREAT TO HAVE YOU ON OUR TEAM!

Today, let's give a warm Patriot welcome to the new faces at OCMS!

⭐Mr. Bowen Kramer- Social Studies Teacher
⭐Ms. Dale Nesbit- Math Teacher
⭐Ms. Kelsie Walker- English Teacher
⭐Mr. Todd Wells- Social Studies Teacher, Assistant Football Coach, and Head Boys Soccer Coach

HERE'S TO A GREAT YEAR TOGETHER!

Now that we have settled into the new school year, let's introduce the newest members of our Patriot family!

First up, OCES!

🍎Mr. Jacob Bartoo- Special Education Assistant Principal
🍎Ms. Francisca Blanco- ESOL Teacher (Grades 3-5)
🍎Ms. Caroline Gabriel- 5th Grade Teacher
🍎Ms. Jenna Gay-4th Grade Teacher
🍎Ms. Mikayla Oldham-1st Grade Teacher
🍎Dr. Veronika Snuggs-Assistant Principal

WE ARE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE!

Healthcare close to home- and close to school! The MEDLINK PATRIOT HEALTH HUB is here to serve. Care at school means less missed class time for students and less missed work for parents.

🚌Transportation available for students during the school day, upon request🚌

💙Sick Visit
❤️Minor injuries
💙Well Care
❤️Behavioral Health
💙Sports Physicals
❤️Immunizations

Located at 15 Fairground Road, the Patriot Health Hub provides convenient access to healthcare for students, staff, families, and our community!!

EXCELLENCE STARTS WITH HEALTHY PATRIOTS!