Five Oglethorpe County School District students spent this past Tuesday and Wednesday as Pages at the Georgia Capitol for the Georgia House of Representatives.
Eighth grader, Camden Huff spent Day 23 of the 2026 Georgia Legislative session with House Representative (124) Trey Rhodes. High School students - John Adams, Jack Baldwin, Jake Huff and Lincoln Paradise spent Day 24 with HR Rhodes and HR Steven Sainz of District 180. Georgia State Senator Lee Anderson of Georgia’s 24th Senate District and HR John Corbitt (174) provided an early morning tour and greeting to the Georgia Capitol.
In addition to earning a crisp $10 bill, they each had an opportunity with House Speaker Jon Burns (159) who shared the House Gavel to bang the sound block at the rostrum of the House Chamber.
While their visit occurred before Cross Over Day, they observed bill presentations and voting on many topics including banning cell phones in high school and Math coursing and instruction.
Eighth grader, Camden Huff spent Day 23 of the 2026 Georgia Legislative session with House Representative (124) Trey Rhodes. High School students - John Adams, Jack Baldwin, Jake Huff and Lincoln Paradise spent Day 24 with HR Rhodes and HR Steven Sainz of District 180. Georgia State Senator Lee Anderson of Georgia’s 24th Senate District and HR John Corbitt (174) provided an early morning tour and greeting to the Georgia Capitol.
In addition to earning a crisp $10 bill, they each had an opportunity with House Speaker Jon Burns (159) who shared the House Gavel to bang the sound block at the rostrum of the House Chamber.
While their visit occurred before Cross Over Day, they observed bill presentations and voting on many topics including banning cell phones in high school and Math coursing and instruction.
🌟 What is Georgia’s STAR Student & STAR Teacher Program? 🌟
Each year, Georgia recognizes one outstanding senior from every high school as the STAR Student (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition).
To be named a STAR Student, a senior must:
✔️ Have the highest SAT score in their graduating class (taken through one test date)
✔️ Be in the top 10% or top 10 students of the senior class
Once selected, the STAR Student chooses the teacher who has made the greatest impact on their academic journey to be honored as the STAR Teacher.
This incredible program is sponsored statewide by the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
We are so proud of our Kayden and Mrs. Yauck who represent the very best of our school community!
#STARStudent #STARTeacher #AcademicExcellence
Each year, Georgia recognizes one outstanding senior from every high school as the STAR Student (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition).
To be named a STAR Student, a senior must:
✔️ Have the highest SAT score in their graduating class (taken through one test date)
✔️ Be in the top 10% or top 10 students of the senior class
Once selected, the STAR Student chooses the teacher who has made the greatest impact on their academic journey to be honored as the STAR Teacher.
This incredible program is sponsored statewide by the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
We are so proud of our Kayden and Mrs. Yauck who represent the very best of our school community!
#STARStudent #STARTeacher #AcademicExcellence
You’re invited to join ParentGuidance.org tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17 at 8pm ET for Ask a Therapist Live. This webinar is an opportunity to ask a licensed clinical therapist questions about parenting, your child’s well-being, or anything that’s been on your mind. Participation is anonymous and free. Visit https://cookcenter.info/ATLFeb17 to register today!
We have also included the free Monthly Mental Health Series Calendar for February. Visit https://www.oglethorpe.k12.ga.us/o/ogs/page/social-emotional-learning-support for all available resources for you and your family!
Looking to connect better with your child? Parent Coaching pairs you with a parenting coach and therapist-created resources to help you navigate the challenges of parenting.
Get no-cost, one-on-one support from a Parent Coach to help you navigate challenges with your child or family. It's confidential, flexible, and here for you.
Visit https://www.oglethorpe.k12.ga.us/o/ogs/page/social-emotional-learning-support for more information on Parent Coaching and resources available for your family!
Get no-cost, one-on-one support from a Parent Coach to help you navigate challenges with your child or family. It's confidential, flexible, and here for you.
Visit https://www.oglethorpe.k12.ga.us/o/ogs/page/social-emotional-learning-support for more information on Parent Coaching and resources available for your family!
Oglethorpe County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay on Tuesday, February 3. Thank you to our roads department who have been working diligently to get roads treated and prepared, and to our local Emergency Management Agency for their support and guidance.
As always, families should use their best judgment regarding roads in your area. Please be patient with our bus drivers as they navigate the routes 2 hours later in the morning.
Students may begin being dropped off at 9:30 am. Please do not drop off students any earlier as the schools will not be open. Buses will pick up 2 hours later than the usual pick up time.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we work to keep our students and staff safe.
All Oglethorpe County Schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. While some main roads are clear, many back roads remain unsafe, and refreezing conditions are expected overnight.
Stay warm and safe!
Oglethorpe County Schools will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow. Thank you to all those who played a part in keeping us safe and warm during the ice storm. Looking forward to having everyone back in our buildings tomorrow.
Although road conditions continue to improve and the main roads look good, there are still too many back roads and dirt roads that remain too icy for our buses to safely transport students. Therefore, Oglethorpe County Schools will be closed for students on Tuesday, January 27.
Teachers and paraprofessionals will observe a workday from home. All staff should watch for an email with more information.
Out of an abundance of caution, Oglethorpe County Schools, offices, and the Patriot Health Hub will all be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the forecasted winter storm that will impact our community. All extracurricular activities through Monday night have been cancelled. Stay safe and warm!
Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and Oglethorpe County School System greatly appreciates our School Resource Officers and the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Department.
Thank you to all the agencies who assisted in locating and bringing the missing juvenile back safely.
Just a reminder there will be a food pantry at OCHS on Thursday, November 20. Please see the flyer for all the information!
Our very own Bill Sampson has been named as a Hidden Hero by GLISI (Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement)! He found out through an email, but in true Mr. Sampson fashion, he was humble about this recognition; he didn’t share this exciting news, and we didn’t find out until we read it in The Echo this past week. The description of Mr. Sampson below describes his incredible work as the principal of the high school!
From those nominated, they select the top 3 based on votes. You can vote every day; however, we are behind as this information has been out for a week. So please share and ask your friends and family to vote for our incredible high school principal!
You can vote once per day through November 21.
https://hiddenheroes.glisi.org/2025/gallery (search for Bill Sampson)
Reason for Nomination: In a time when school leadership demands both courage and compassion, Mr. Bill Sampson stands as a quiet force of transformation in rural Georgia. For the past three years as principal, he has led with a clear vision, to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life. His leadership isn’t about comfort but about conviction and intentionality. He has made bold, sometimes uncomfortable changes that are reshaping systems, strengthening instruction, and reigniting hope across our school community.
What makes Mr. Sampson a Hidden Hero is the way he leads from both the sidelines and the center. He’s the first face at Friday night football games, the loudest cheer at basketball and volleyball, and the steady presence in the stands during baseball, softball, wrestling, cross country, and track. Known affectionately as a “gym rat principal,” he doesn’t just attend he invests. His constant support reflects his belief that every student deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated in their own lane of excellence.
Behind the scenes, his leadership has shifted our school culture toward academic growth, collaboration, and high expectations. He empowers teachers to innovate, guiding us to rethink what’s possible through cross-curricular projects, college readiness initiatives, and data-informed support. Under his guidance, community partnerships have strengthened, student engagement has increased, and new pathways to success have opened for learners once overlooked.
During a school improvement meeting, when faced with tough data, he said simply: “If we’re serious about success for all, we have to do what’s hard and do it together.” That moment captured his ethos: lead with integrity, act with courage, and always center students.
Mr. Sampson doesn’t seek the spotlight, he creates it for others. His leadership transforms lives, making him the very definition of a Hidden Hero.
From those nominated, they select the top 3 based on votes. You can vote every day; however, we are behind as this information has been out for a week. So please share and ask your friends and family to vote for our incredible high school principal!
You can vote once per day through November 21.
https://hiddenheroes.glisi.org/2025/gallery (search for Bill Sampson)
Reason for Nomination: In a time when school leadership demands both courage and compassion, Mr. Bill Sampson stands as a quiet force of transformation in rural Georgia. For the past three years as principal, he has led with a clear vision, to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life. His leadership isn’t about comfort but about conviction and intentionality. He has made bold, sometimes uncomfortable changes that are reshaping systems, strengthening instruction, and reigniting hope across our school community.
What makes Mr. Sampson a Hidden Hero is the way he leads from both the sidelines and the center. He’s the first face at Friday night football games, the loudest cheer at basketball and volleyball, and the steady presence in the stands during baseball, softball, wrestling, cross country, and track. Known affectionately as a “gym rat principal,” he doesn’t just attend he invests. His constant support reflects his belief that every student deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated in their own lane of excellence.
Behind the scenes, his leadership has shifted our school culture toward academic growth, collaboration, and high expectations. He empowers teachers to innovate, guiding us to rethink what’s possible through cross-curricular projects, college readiness initiatives, and data-informed support. Under his guidance, community partnerships have strengthened, student engagement has increased, and new pathways to success have opened for learners once overlooked.
During a school improvement meeting, when faced with tough data, he said simply: “If we’re serious about success for all, we have to do what’s hard and do it together.” That moment captured his ethos: lead with integrity, act with courage, and always center students.
Mr. Sampson doesn’t seek the spotlight, he creates it for others. His leadership transforms lives, making him the very definition of a Hidden Hero.
Congratulations to our Rotary Students of the Month!
🌟 OCES Student of the Month: Lux Kuewa Mokiao
🌟 OCMS Student of the Month: Jackson Cotton
🌟 OCHS Student of the Month: Isaiah Ross
We are so proud of these outstanding students and their commitment to excellence!
📣 Calling All Local Businesses!
We’re putting together our Annual Year in Review, celebrating the incredible achievements, partnerships, and moments that made this past year special for Oglethorpe County Schools.
This publication reaches families, staff, and community members across the county — and it’s a great opportunity for your business to show its support for public education while gaining local visibility.
📰 Advertise your business and be part of something that truly makes a difference!
All the details can be found on the flyer below.
Thank you for continuing to support our students, staff, and schools! ❤️💙
We’re putting together our Annual Year in Review, celebrating the incredible achievements, partnerships, and moments that made this past year special for Oglethorpe County Schools.
This publication reaches families, staff, and community members across the county — and it’s a great opportunity for your business to show its support for public education while gaining local visibility.
📰 Advertise your business and be part of something that truly makes a difference!
All the details can be found on the flyer below.
Thank you for continuing to support our students, staff, and schools! ❤️💙
Good luck to our cross-country team as they compete in the state championship in Carrollton today!
Update: A big thank you to the students who volunteered their time to help pack food bags for today's food pantry!
Just a reminder - entry to the high school begins at 3:30.
Thanks to the generosity of donors we will be hosting a food pantry for families of OC students on Thursday, Nov. 6th. Please read the flyer for directions for this pop-up pantry! To make a donation click the link: https://tinyurl.com/3jjhrjze
Thank you OC voters for passing the E-SPLOST for the school system and for passing the senior exemption to give our senior citizens a tax break on their school taxes!
Thanks to the generosity of donors we will be hosting a food pantry for families of OC students on Thursday, Nov. 6th. Please read the flyer for directions for this pop-up pantry! To make a donation click the link: https://tinyurl.com/3jjhrjze
Congratulations to our players, coaches, and the best fans!
OC VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONS! 💙❤️
Let's go Patriots! 💙❤️
