Even though school has just started back, vapes have continued to be a major issue. In an attempt to prevent the amount of time it takes our administrators to deal with vapes daily, we will be instituting new procedures.
If a student is caught in possession of a vape, or having used one during the school day or at school-sponsored events, a juvenile complaint will be filed with the possibility of the following consequences (which are at the discretion of the prosecutor and are out of our control):
1. The student and parent/guardian will have to meet with the prosecutor.
2. Parents will face a fine ($75).
3. The student will be required to complete community service.
4. The student will be required to take a class on the dangers of vaping.
If there is a second offense, the student will go to juvenile court to face the judge.
Please talk to your child about vaping, the dangers of vaping, and the changes that are being implemented. We do not want to see any of our students in trouble with the law. A note for parents – juvenile court is extremely time consuming. It is held on a rotating basis between Elbert County, Madison County, and Oglethorpe County, and can take most of the day!
We will once again partner with Cancer Pathways, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide pathways of support, education, and community to anyone facing cancer – whether it’s before, during, or after a cancer experience. Because vaping is in the same category as cigarette smoking and has now been linked to serious health risks, cessation programs are now included in the services offered by Cancer Pathways.
If any parent or student feels as if they have an addiction or need help to stop vaping and would like to voluntarily seek help, please email blevine@oglethorpe.k12.ga.us and we can put you in touch with the organizer of the class.
Our parents have been asking for it --- and now, we are finally able to deliver a one-stop communication platform. During the strategic planning session over the last two years and during last year’s Community Listening session, parents repeatedly asked for one place where they could communicate and receive messages, not several different ones. Teachers and coaches will no longer send messages through DOJO, Remind, Band, or a variety of other tools. All staff members will now use Rooms, which is connected to our Oglethorpe County District App.
🏫 What is Rooms?
Rooms is a messaging feature built into the Oglethorpe County School System mobile app. It lets parents and teachers communicate directly in a secure, school-approved space. You can send and receive messages, get updates from teachers, and stay engaged in your child’s education.
🔧 How to Get Started:
Download the Oglethorpe County School System App (skip this step if you already have the App).
Go to the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store.
Search for Oglethorpe County Schools and download the app.
Tap on “Rooms.”
Open the app and select the Rooms icon at the bottom of the screen.
Set Up Your Account (First-Time Users).
Click “Continue to Sign In.”
Sign in with your email or phone number. This must match what is already in PowerSchool.
After entering your phone number or email, click “Sign In”.
It will send you an authentication code via email or text message.
Enter the code and click “confirm.”
You should then see your child or children populate.
Start Messaging.
Once logged in, you’ll see your child’s teachers listed.
Tap a teacher’s name to begin messaging. This feature will not be fully activated until after Open House.
You’ll receive notifications when new messages arrive.
✅ Tips for Parents:
Check Rooms regularly for updates or important messages.
Turn on app notifications so you don’t miss communication from your child’s school.
Use Rooms just like texting, but in a secure and school-supported environment.
For those parents who used Rooms last year, there are a number of new features. Please click the link for the new features: Guardian Messaging.pdf
You may also receive a link from Edurooms.com or a message from your child’s teacher on how to access your account. Just follow the steps once you click on the link.
This is a powerful new tool that will take our teachers and our parents/guardians a little time to get adjusted. Please do not get frustrated if it is not working correctly for you right away; we will work diligently to get you up and running. Please remember that you won’t be able to see your child’s teachers in the app until after Open House.
If you need help getting started, please complete this form and someone will contact you to offer assistance. Forms | Oglethorpe County School System.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out
.Beverley Levine
Superintendent
This is a final desperate plea for the last 67 students who have not verified proof of residency to call or sign up for an appointment today! If we have not heard from you by Wednesday, your child will be withdrawn. Please sign up at this link for an appointment. Just a reminder, if you have not provided proof of residence for your child in kindergarten, 3rd, 6th or 9th grade, your child will not receive a schedule at Open House.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4BABAC2BA0FB6-57370765-residency
Wonderful Ribbon Cutting today. "This building represents more than bricks and mortar—it represents our community’s deep commitment to our children, their education, and their future".
Thank you to the Board of Education for trusting the process and seeing the vision. I know there were many difficult decisions that had to be made for us to reach this milestone, but I so appreciate all of your dedication in making sure we always live up to our vision of Excellence for Every Student Every Day.
I also want to recognize Mr. Paul Thiel, our Director of Operations, who oversaw this project every step of the way with tireless dedication and incredible attention to detail.
Mrs. Baldwin – thank you for leading two buildings into one and for your patience during construction! I know these were not easy times, but I know you and your faculty will enjoy this amazing new school.
To our board members, school leaders, teachers, staff, families, and community partners—thank you for believing in the power of public education and for supporting this important investment in our future.
We are looking forward to our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Oglethorpe County Elementary School, tomorrow, Sunday, July 27th at 5:00 pm. To help avoid the heat, we will have the program in the air conditioned gym and just move outside for the brief ribbon cutting.
Tours of the school will be offered immediately following the ribbon cutting. We look forward to having our community come and celebrate this big milestone with us.
