Oregon Community Unit School District 220

Come and join us on September 9th for the Scholarship and Financial Aid Night!

3 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Everyone is welcome to our scholarship and financial aid night at 6:00 pm at OJSHS, Tuesday Sept 9. Join us for an important evening designed to help students and families navigate the college financial aid process! Our guest speaker from ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) will provide expert guidance on: Understanding the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) State and federal financial aid options Tips for maximizing aid eligibility Key deadlines and resources We'll also cover our high school's scholarship process, including: Local and school-based scholarship opportunities How to apply and important dates Tools and tips to stay organized This event is highly recommended for seniors and their families, but all grade levels are welcome to attend! Questions? Contact Stephanie Haugh 815/732-5300 ext. 1137

Have old, damaged, or unwanted shoes? Well we are collecting them! Drop off shoes in the main office, at Merlin's Flowers & Greenhouse, or at location buckets around town!

Post created by OCUSD Communication Intern Virginia Sowl

3 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Copy of OJSHS Shoe Collection - $10,000 Goal

Ken and the B&G team are enjoying a beautiful day while using the robot sprayer to stripe the soccer fields at Park West for this weekends soccer tournament!

3 months ago, James Burke

Join us tonight for Red/White night!

4 months ago, Adam Albrecht

2025 RED & WHITE NIGHT A U G U S T 2 1 4 P M - 7 P M Timeline of events: 4pm XC run at Park West 4:15-4:45pm football practice in the stadium (scrimmage is August 22 @ Eastland) 5-5:30pm boys soccer scrimmage in the stadium 5-5:20pm F/S volleyball scrimmage 5:20-5:40pm JV volleyball scrimmage 5:40pm band/cheer school song 5:40-6pm V VB scrimmage 6pm announce all fall sports/activities in BHC Kona Ice Truck starting at 4pm Inflatable bounce house and obstacle course 4-7pm Thank you to our sponsors!

Subject: Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times

Families,

Our routing software is currently not syncing correctly with PowerSchool. As a result, you may see missing or inaccurate pick-up and drop-off times when viewing PowerSchool or related apps.

Please continue to rely on the times your student has been picked up and dropped off the first two days. To reiterate, these times are not changing and are the same ones used successfully during the first two days of school.

We will notify you once the technology issue is resolved. In the meantime, please do not make adjustments based on what you see in PowerSchool or other digital platforms.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Oregon CUSD 220

4 months ago, Adam Albrecht

Red & White Night is going to be a little different this year. With our football team traveling to Eastland on Friday, August 22nd, for their Week 0 scrimmage, Red & White Night will be held on Thursday, August 21st. Come on out and meet our fall sports teams!

4 months ago, Adam Albrecht

2025 RED & WHITE NIGHT A U G U S T 2 1 4 P M - 7 P M Come support your Hawks as they kick off the fall season of sports & activities!Timeline of events: 4pm XC run at Park West 4:15-4:45pm football practice in the stadium (scrimmage is August 22 @ Eastland) 5-5:30pm boys soccer scrimmage in the stadium 5-5:20pm F/S volleyball scrimmage 5:20-5:40pm JV volleyball scrimmage 5:40pm band/cheer school song 5:40-6pm V VB scrimmage 6pm announce all fall sports/activities in BHC Kona Ice Truck starting at 4pm Inflatable bounce house and obstacle course 4-7pm Thank you to our sponsors!

Come on out to the Farmers Market! Located across from the Old Ogle County Courthouse. Enjoy a variety of homemade and homegrown goodies from local vendors!Fresh produce, baked goods, and more! We’re also here with our Stu ff the Bus program — collecting donations to help those in need. Any donation is welcomed. We will be here until 2:00 pm

4 months ago, Zach Vanvelzer

Any high school girl interested in playing girls' tennis this fall with the Rochelle Co-op is invited to join TeamReach (code LadyHubTennis) or reach out to Coach Cartwright with questions at lcartwright@rths212.org. Practice starts August 11th.

4 months ago, Adam Albrecht

Transportation Information for Parents
Dear Hawk Families
Student bus information, including pick-up times and stop locations, is now available in PowerSchool.
Drivers have been practicing their routes, so current times are subject to change.
Please log in and check your child’s bus schedule to ensure you have the most up to date information early and often. If the information in Powerschool does not fit your transportation needs please reach out to us to discuss at your earliest convenience.
Please recheck this information on August 12th to confirm any final updates.
Any changes needed to best serve your family throughout the school year must be reported to the transportation dept by using MyRide K-12 app, phone, or email.

Email : Transportation@ocusd.net
Phone: (815)-732-5300
Extension: 4030, 4031, or 4032
MyRide K-12 app

4 months ago, Liz Ludwig

The new scoreboard is up and running! THANK YOU to Sterling Federal Bank for your donation of the scoreboard, it is a beautiful addition to Landers-Loomis Field!

A few members from the Commercial Deposits team at the bank just happened to stop by today, too. Pictured are Sarah Bereckis and Brandi Cross from Sterling Federal Bank as well as Mandi Callaway representing OCUSD.

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Scoreboard with Sterling Federal Bank and OCUSD Representatives

Oregon, IL and the school district, along with many other great local businesses and events, were featured on WGN Radio!

https://wgnradio.com/on-the-map/on-the-map-oregons-black-hawk-trail-is-a-must-see/

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Photo overlooking Oregon, IL from the Park East Damn

Yonder

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

IMPACT OF PHONE-FREE SCHOOLS Studies, legislation, feedback, and survey results underscore the impact of phone use on adolescents.. Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Harm Children and Adolescents The report by Dr. Vivek Murthy cited a "profound risk of harm" to adolescent mental health and urged families to set limits and governments to set tougher standards for use. The nation's top health official issued an extraordinary public warning on Tuesday about the risks of social media to young people, urging a push to fully understand the possible "harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents." Mental Health A cross-sectional study of almost 500 adolescents (age = 11–15) found a positive association between social media use and poorer sleep quality, anxiety, and depression; this association was even more pronounced for adolescents who had higher levels of emotional investment in social media. Social Media Use and Display of Depressive Symptoms Online by Adolescents and Young Adults The mere presence of smartphones diminishes the attention resources for engaging with the task at hand. Defined and protected periods of separation from devices are recommended to reduce interruptions and to increase available cognitive capacity. Adrian Ward, et.al., “Brain Drain,” Journal of the Assoc. for Consumer Research, 2017 Academic Performance & Behavior After a ban on phones in high schools, students in the lowest quartile improved by 14.23% of a standard deviation. Banning cell phones could be a low-cost way for schools to address educational inequality. Beland and Murphy, “Ill Communication,” London School of Economics, 2015 An observational study of middle school, high school, and college students shows how easily young people are distracted by technology... Observers recorded minute-by-minute activities over a 15-min period and found that participants averaged less than 6 min on their main task before being distracted by technology such as checking their social media and texting with friends. Media Multitasking and Cognitive, Psychological, Neural, and Learning Differences "Rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011. It’s not an exaggeration to describe iGen as being on the brink of the worst mental-health crisis in decades. Much of this deterioration can be traced to their phones." - Jean M. Twenge, The Atlantic (2017) Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? Legislation Since 2018, all legislation highlights mental health as the main concern when focusing on cell phone use and adolescents. The impact is global and so is the growing conversation. California, France, Australia, Canada, Israel and China have all passed legislation to limit or prohibit student cell phone use. 86% of school leaders indicated that parents would support a policy limiting cell phone use during the school day. “Cell Phone Use Policies in US Middle and High Schools,” JAMA Pediatrics, 2021 94%Of teachers identified more teaching and learning time in their classrooms after implementing Yondr Wyong HS: 2021 Yondr Impact Study yondr’s impact We received responses to our annual surveys from over 1,200 school partners, and after implementing the Yondr Education Program: Of our most recent impact survey of over 370 of our school partners: 86% saw a positive impact in student safety and wellness. 84%Saw a change in student engagement 72% Saw a positive change in student behavior 68% Saw a positive change in academic performance "The changes have already been profound. There’s so much more joy and interaction, and I can’t count the number of parents who have asked me, ‘How do I buy this for my home?’” "We reclaimed the classroom learning environment. Kids spoke to one another in the cafeteria. We had two lockdown situations and without student phones we were able to deliver critical info to families without misinformation being spread. We also keep the building more secure and calm because of it. My CEO said it was her most important purchase of the year." — Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter HS, New Jersey

Yonder - OJSHSStudent Phone Policy & Guidelines

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

STUDENT PHONE POLICY & GUIDELINES Phones are not to be used during school. Every student will be assigned a personal Yondr Pouch. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition. This is the same policy that we expect our students to follow with their Chromebooks. If your student chooses to bring their phone to school, they must use the Yondr Pouch. DAILY PROCESS: As students arrive at school, they will: 1) Turn their phone and smartwatch on airplane mode or turn it off. 2) Place their phone and watch inside their pouch and secure it in the presence of school staff. 3) Store their pouch in their backpack for the day. At the end of the day, students will unlock their pouch, remove their phone and watch, close their pouch and put their pouch in their backpack. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day. ***Students arriving late or leaving early will pouch/unpouch their phones in the Attendance Offi ce. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Parents can contact the main offi ce or email their student on their OCUSD student email account. In the case of an emergency, we will immediately get your student from class. VIOLATIONS: If a student damages their pouch or is caught using their phone, Administration will collect the student’s pouch/phone and call home. Repercussions for damaged pouches will be a $30 fee added to the student account. Examples of pouch damage include: ● Bent pin ● Ripped fabric ● Deep scratches on the lock exterior + green ring ● Intentional pen marks on the inside of the pouch ● Pin and button not fully recessing due to pin damage Unauthorized phone use will include: ● First Offense: 1- 4 hour Saturday school with mandatory parent conference. If Saturday school is not attended without administration being notifi ed, a day of ISS will be assigned in addition to the next Saturday school. ● Second Offense: 3-day out-of-school suspension ● Third Offense: 5-day out-of-school suspension Forgotten Pouches If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be collected, and Administration will call home to remind the Parent of the policy. The phone will be returned to the student at dismissal. After two incidents where a student forgets their pouch, discipline will be issued, starting with a 1-day in-school suspension OR 4-hour Saturday school, with progressive discipline to follow.

Construction Announcement

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Important Announcement Due to Construction Please acess the OES office by parking north of the building on Koontz Pl. Utilize the sidewalk to enter via the front entrance. OJSHS office visitors should park by the greenhouse and enter vial the front doors. Access this lot via 10th Street at the Bus Garage Entrance. you should enter the lot form South 10th Street only.

Yondr Puch Implementation - Frequently Asked Questions

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Yondr Pouch Implementation – Frequently Asked Questions What is a Yondr pouch? A Yondr pouch is a secure, lockable case used to store a student’s personal cell phone and smartwatch during the school day. Once sealed, students keep the pouch with them, but cannot access their devices until the pouch is unlocked at the end of the day. Why is our school using Yondr pouches? We are committed to creating a learning environment focused on academic success, personal connection, and student well-being. Limiting access to phones and watches during the school day minimizes distractions, supports mental health, and fosters stronger relationships among students and staff. Expectations & Discipline Policy What are the expectations regarding the Yondr pouch? ● All students are required to secure their cell phone and smartwatch in a Yondr pouch upon entering the building. ● The pouch must remain sealed throughout the school day. ● Students may only unlock their pouches at designated unlocking stations after school. What happens if a student violates the Yondr policy? Offense Consequence 1st Offense 1 - 4 hour Saturday School and a mandatory parent meeting 2nd Offense 3-day Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) 3rd Offense 5-day Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) What counts as a violation? Any attempt to: ● Use the phone or smartwatch during the school day ● Open or tamper with the Yondr pouch ● Keep the phone or smartwatch outside the pouch while on campus ● Refusal to utilize the pouch Additional Questions What if my student needs to be contacted during the day? Parents can contact the main offi ce or email their student on their OCUSD student email account. In the case of an emergency, we will immediately get your student from class. Can my student use their phone during lunch or passing periods? No. The Yondr pouch must remain locked and unopened throughout the entire school day, including lunch, passing periods, and restroom breaks. What if the pouch is damaged or lost? Students are responsible for their pouches. A $30 fee will be assessed for lost or intentionally damaged pouches. What support will be offered after a violation? We view each incident as a learning opportunity. After a fi rst offense, a parent meeting will help us collaborate on strategies to support the student’s understanding of the policy and expectations moving forward. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the OJSHS at 815-732-5300. We appreciate your partnership in helping create a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment.

Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program

5 months ago, Mandi Callaway

Dear Parents and Guardians, At Oregon Junior/Senior High School, we’re committed to creating a learning environment where every student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Beginning August 13th, we will launch the Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program—a proven, bell-to-bell approach that supports student focus, well-being, and connection by removing mobile phone distractions during the school day. For over a decade, Yondr has helped schools across all 50 states and more than 35 countries build healthier, more engaging school cultures. Their pouch-based program, combined with hands-on guidance and dedicated support, has led to powerful results: ● 86% reported improved safety and student wellness ● 84% saw increased engagement in class ● 68% experienced academic gain ● 44% reduced behavioral referrals How the Program Works Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch—a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition. ● Upon arrival: Students power off their phone, AirPods, and smartwatch (or switch to airplane mode), place all devices in the pouch, and lock it upon entering the building. ● During the day: Students keep the locked pouch in their backpack or locker. ● At dismissal: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices. This process is quick, simple, and will be supervised by staff as part of our daily routine. Staying Connected With student safety as our top priority, we will follow our standard safety protocols in the event of an emergency. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact our main offi ce at 815-732-5300. In addition, if you would like to contact your student (for grades 8-12; per privacy/safety laws, students who are younger than age 13 may not have email addresses accessible to non-OCUSD accounts), you may email them at their student email address (fi rst 4 letters of fi rst name and fi rst 5 letters of last name @students.ocusd.net - this can also be found on the parent portal of PowerSchool under “Notifi cation Preferences”). We know that change takes partnership—and we’re here to support a smooth transition for your family. To walk through the program and answer your questions, we’ll be hosting a family information session: Monday, August 11th at 6:00 PM in the OJSHS Library. There will also be an info table in the lobby during Meet the Teacher Night from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a focused, present, and positive school environment for every student. OREGON JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Mrs. Jen Speakes, Principal |Mr. Kip Crandall, Assistant Principal Ms. Shannon Cremeens, Assistant Principal | Mr. Adam Albrecht, Athletic Director 210 South 10th Street, Oregon, IL 61061| www.ocusd.net | Phone: 815-732-5300

Join us for our 2nd Annual Stuff the Bus Event!

5 months ago, Zach Vanvelzer

Game

9 months ago, Oregon CUSD 220

Join us at the Oregon High School Band and Choir Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15 at 2:00pm in the OHS Music Room! Post originated by OCUSD Communication Intern Gabrielle Gabucci

12 months ago, Oregon CUSD 220

Thank you to Santa for visiting OES today! Officer Brechon was first in line to share what he wanted for Christmas.

12 months ago, Oregon CUSD 220

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