The community, students, staff, and faculty all take part in telling the story of Okeechobee High School. Follow us on Facebook: @OkeechobeeHS on Instagram: @ohsbrahmans or follow the hashtags: #GoBrahmans and #TheBrahmanWay
We are excited to see the Okeechobee High School Class of 2023 take their place as school leaders and to be living examples of The Brahman Way. This phrase refers to the tradition of “Excellence through P.R.I.D.E.” while also addressing our school’s mission to create a community of life-long learners who care and support one another as individuals. Each graduating class has a “personality” that makes them memorable. I have come to know this group of seniors as those who know how to embrace school spirit and who take true Brahman PRIDE in showing up and being active participants inside the classroom and out in our school and greater community. Our traditions are the very foundation upon which we build our school culture. Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Ethics will ring loud and true as we are able to use this school year to show what makes OHS so special.
Our goal is to give each student options after high school. Becoming College and Career Ready gives every graduate the chance to start building a resume’ or transcript that communicates their interests and work ethic. Every student has the opportunity to take courses that will lead them toward post-secondary success. Rigorous courses on our campus ensures that students are prepared for the next level, no matter where they begin. Our Advanced Placement (AP) offerings have continued to grow year after year. We are proud to offer AP Literature, Language, Art, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Human Geography, World History, US History, Macroeconomics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Computer Science Principles, Spanish, and Calculus. Our AP exam pass rate meets or exceeds the state average in several of our course offerings. This past school year we had 6 graduates earn an AP Capstone diploma or certificate, a national honorary diploma distinction showing the successful completion of 4 or more AP courses and AP exams, and passing the task and AP test of the two Capstone courses, AP Seminar (Junior year) and AP Research (Senior year). This year is expected to more than double that number. The OHS Capstone program had an averaged an 89% pass rate this past school year. Through our partnership with Indian River State College, students are able to be dual enrolled as a high school and college student. Last year Okeechobee High School graduated a record breaking 31 high school seniors who had successfully completed an Associates of Arts degree from IRSC. Students are offered a wide array of courses in multiple disciplines. English, Math, Science, History, Education (teaching), and Student Success courses are offered during the school day. This year we are excited to announce the addition of vocational career programs through IRSC. Students may now take classes toward certifications in HVAC, Welding, and the Medical Assistant professions. Please have your student reach out to his/her guidance counselor if he/she is interested in taking any of these new classes. We are also fortunate to provide a shuttle that runs between the high school and the Dixon Hendry campus for our students to have access to these courses during the school day. Students have the potential to earn both college and high school credit for free if they are able to complete the course with a “C” or better. Our OHS CTE programs continue to impress with the number of industry certificates earned during the school year. With last year’s total topping out at 419 industry certifications, our CTE programs are stronger than ever. Their successes are mirrored in their popularity, as many of our CTE programs now have wait lists. We are proud to offer programs in Health Science, Building Construction Technologies, Auto Maintenance and Light Repair, Animal Science, Technical Ag Operations, Aquaculture, Digital Design, and Digital Information Technologies. Many of our CTE programs have a professional relationship with community businesses and trade schools. Taking these courses allow students to gather information, earn nationally recognized professional certificates, and expand their career network while still in high school.
We are looking forward to hosting Open House and getting to meet our students face to face for the first time this school year. Our Sophomore Open House is an event that is exclusive to our incoming 10th graders and their parents. The Sophomore Open House will be held on Thursday, August 4 at OHS main campus from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event is more structured to allow for both students and parents to ask questions. Parents will meet with the principal in the gym while students will gather in the OHS Lecture Hall. After a brief orientation for both groups, they
will reunite with their new schedule and map in hand to roam the campus and meet their teachers. The traditional Open House for all other students will be held Monday, August 8 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
The plans for construction of the new school building are underway! This school year will be the first that we will be going to school on an active construction site. As our campus begins to adapt to the changing landscape, parking may also have to undergo changes in location and availability. With so many unknown variables in the months ahead, the sale of parking stickers will be limited. Priority will be given to Seniors, then those who are in band, JROTC, athletes, and those who have proof of having a job. Parking is not guaranteed, nor is a permanent location promised. In the event that the construction process closes sold parking spaces, we will do our best to make accommodations in an alternative location. If we are not able to relocate all spaces sold, refunds will be given to those who no longer have a parking space. As in previous years, Seniors will be given the opportunity to purchase their parking passes first on Monday, August 8 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Juniors and Sophomores who are athletes or who have proof of employment will later be able to purchase parking stickers from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. All others may purchase parking passes during the first week of school. To expedite the process for parking stickers, students must bring their Driver’s License, Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Registration, and signed Drug Testing Permission slip. This year, we are asking Juniors and Sophomores who wish to park on campus to also provide proof of employment. We will have a list of athletes from previous years available. All students purchasing parking stickers on Monday, August 8 must have a 2.0 GPA, and must pay for any unpaid fines or fees. Juniors and Seniors that have a 3.5 or higher GPA will receive free parking. For all other students who have at least a 2.0 GPA, parking fees are $40 per year. Students under a 2.0 GPA will be charged $50 per semester. Students under a 1.5 GPA are not eligible to park on campus.
Lauren Myers
Principal
Communication is vital to your student’s success. In order to receive a weekly email containing the highlights and events of the week, please make sure that you have added your email account to your student’s Skyward. We welcome and encourage parent input and involvement. If you would like to be a part of our school advisory committee, please email me for more information. I can be reached at myersl@okee.k12.fl.us
Daily decisions route your path to graduation. Are you choosing to move forward? Class of 2023, this is your year! Every Senior in your seat at Graduation on May 27 at 9:00 AM.
Looking forward to a productive and meaningful 2022-2023 school year!