District Newsletter

In Olney, it seems like the weather can change from sunshine one day to dreary rain and cold the next, and unfortunately, this unpredictable weather is taking a toll on our health. With many in the district experiencing illness, we encourage everyone to take extra care of themselves and their children during this time.

As we head into the spring season, we know that it’s a busy time for everyone. The combination of fluctuating weather and a packed calendar of activities can impact both our health and our academic performance. Spring sports are now in full swing, with softball, baseball, track, golf, and powerlifting all underway. Alongside these, we’re busy with academic competitions like UIL, TMSCA, One Act Play, Band, FFA, and stock shows. All of these events keep us hopping from one activity to another.

With so much going on, it’s easy for grades and health to slip if we aren’t careful. In order for us to "play" on all the teams academically and otherwise, we must pass our classes. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of both—prioritize your health and take the time to keep up with schoolwork. Spring Break is just around the corner, and we want everyone to finish strong.

Let’s continue to support one another as we navigate through these busy weeks, encouraging our students to stay healthy and focused. We are excited to see all that our students will accomplish as we move toward Spring Break!

by Emily Norris, Nursing and Health Services

You can play an important role in helping your student have a healthy place to learn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed guidance for schools to help students, families, and school staff keep kids healthy and learning. Here are some ways you can help stop the spread of germs:

-Encourage your student to practice healthy habits, like washing their hands often and covering their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. 

-Make sure your student goes for their yearly check-ups and gets the recommended routine vaccines they need. This helps keep your student healthy and in school by reducing the spread of germs in school and making sickness shorter and milder.

-Know when your student is well enough to go to school and when they should stay home because of their symptoms. Some reasons to have your student stay home include fever over 100.0, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

-Your student can return to school when fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and it has been 24 hours since vomiting and or diarrhea.

Due to the closure of Olney ISD on January 9, 2025, caused by inclement weather, the district has made a calendar adjustment. The district will utilize the built-in bad weather day from the 2024-25 school calendar on Monday, February 17, 2025 as a regular school day.

On this day, Olney ISD will operate on a normal schedule, with all bus routes running and lunches served as usual. Students and staff are expected to attend school, and the district will continue its commitment to providing an effective and uninterrupted learning experience.