As we enter November, the season of Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on one powerful word — gratefulness.
Gratefulness means recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives, both big and small. It’s more than simply saying “thank you”; it’s a mindset that helps us notice kindness, celebrate effort, and value the people and opportunities that surround us every day.
At Olney ISD, gratefulness can take many forms.
- Students can show it by thanking a teacher who helps them succeed, offering a smile to a classmate, or taking pride in their learning.
- Parents can express it by encouraging their children, volunteering time, or sending a kind note to a staff member who’s made a difference.
- Staff and teachers can model gratefulness by celebrating student growth, supporting one another, and acknowledging the teamwork that makes Olney ISD thrive.
Gratefulness creates connection — and connection strengthens our schools and community. This November, let’s make it a goal to share our gratitude openly and often. Whether it’s a word of appreciation, a helping hand, or simply taking time to notice the good around us, every act of gratefulness makes Olney ISD a brighter place to learn and grow.
|
Exciting progress continues across Olney ISD construction sites as work moves steadily forward on schedule. Additions at the Junior High and High School campuses are taking shape, along with significant updates to other key areas across the district.
At Olney Junior High, crews are currently completing CMU block installation, which will soon transition into steel erection once that phase is finished. The High School addition also reached a major milestone with the slab pour completed on Friday, October 17. When CMU work at the Junior High wraps up, construction teams will shift their focus to begin CMU installation at the High School site.
In the Early Education corridor, steel erection is complete, and framing is nearly finished. The next steps in the coming days will include exterior building work and roofing, bringing this section one step closer to completion.
For the ISS and Elementary Administration areas, a punch walk has been scheduled to finalize work and officially turn these renovated spaces over to the school for use.
Overall, the district’s construction projects remain on schedule and continue to move forward efficiently. As work progresses, Olney ISD looks forward to providing improved facilities that will support learning, growth, and community for years to come.
|
Washington, D.C. – Olney High School has been ranked No. 200 in the State of Texas among the 2025-2026 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate nearly 24,000 schools at the national, state and local level, with nearly 18,000 ranked.
The school was also ranked No. 1 in Region 9.
“This is a testament to the academic culture of our school which is a reflection of the staff, students, and parents of OHS. Our teachers know how to challenge students but also help them meet high expectations by building their skills and confidence. OHS students do not shy away from difficulty or high standards. Our parents are trusting and supportive of staff and students, and do not wince at the demands placed on students. The trust that exists between the school and community means everything for the success of our students.” Dr. Matt Caffey, Superintendent.
“Every success we celebrate is the result of true teamwork. Our high rating reflects the dedication of teachers who go above and beyond, students who work hard to reach their goals, staff who support learning in every way, and parents and community members who stand behind our schools. When everyone works together toward a shared vision, great things happen for our students.” Haylee Haralson, OHS Principal.
"OHS’s commitment to challenging academics empowers every student. By embracing rigorous courses early, our students build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for success beyond graduation." Courtney Wells, OHS counselor.
The methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness; reading, math and science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.
"We believe every student deserves access to clear, actionable data when choosing their educational path,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “In an era where navigating educational opportunities can feel overwhelming for families, the 2025-2026 Best High School rankings help students and parents identify schools that align with their goals and empower informed decisions that shape students' futures.”
|
|
by Coach Mollie Pace
Our season flew by which I credit to how fun it was. Cross Country is a mental sport that can test runners to their max. Getting up for 6am practice week after week while they are either in another sport, prepping for an upcoming sport, in band, taking AP class, etc, can be alot for students. However I could not be more proud of the work ethic our teams had this season. Each week they were trying to beat their own personal records and prepare for the post season! Each year we are upping our mileage and pushing the limits. We are extremely sad to see our Seniors graduate but we are excited to cheer them on in their future endeavors.
|
by Coach Dustin Altmiller
A recap of the 2025 Cubs Football Season so far...
Attitude and Effort, the two things that we all can control about ourselves. Those words have been one of the main points of emphasis for the football program this year. No matter the situation, in both the good and the bad, your Attitude and your Effort will determine the outcome, both good and bad. The start of the year for the football program was one filled with new energy, new excitement and a multitude of injuries. We started out with 33 players on the roster and over the course of the first two scrimmages, and first game, we lost 5 to season-ending injuries. Couple that with a few that were still injured from last school year, and we were facing a season already filled with adversity. However, through our Attitude and Effort, we kept pushing to get 1% better every day in practice and games. We didn’t come out on the winning end of Reagan County, Petrolia or Electra, but the players kept showing up every day to get better. All that hard work finally paid off at Chico. With a thrilling come from behind victory, the Cubs got their first win of the season in dramatic fashion. Those winning ways continued the next week against Crosbyton. With a 33-0 win for Homecoming, the Cubs pitched their first defensive shutout in two years. That trend continued the next week with a final score of 54-0, the Cubs defense continued to dominate and the offense scored the Cubs highest point total in 3 years. Adversity struck its ugly head again, and the Cubs have lost their last two games. However, these young men continue to show up to practice every day with a great Attitude and give great Effort to work on getting 1% better every day. GO CUBS!
Stats:
Passing
Tucker C. 88 of 163 (54%) 1,357 yds 13 TD 8 INT
Rushing
Kyle S. 59 carries 304 yds 3 TD
Kanton R. 16 carries 58 yds 2 TD
Jamarcus C. 14 carries 36 yds 2 TD
Receiving
Damian H. 35 catches 429 yds 1 TD
Jamarcus C. 20 catches 449 yds 5 TD
Juan C. 15 catches 262 yds 5 TD
Defense
Damian H. 77 Tackles 8 TFL 5 Sacks 1 INT 2 FR 1 TD
Kaden M. 45 Tackles 1 TFL
Ricco S. 42 Tackles 4 TFL 2 Sacks 1 FR
ShaReginald W. 39 Tackles 3 TFL 6 INT 1 FR 1 TD
|
|
The Olney Community Library is closing its doors temporarily for a much-anticipated renovation that will bring a fresh new look and updated features to the beloved community space. Beginning November 1, the library will be closed through at least January 5, 2026, while crews work to transform the facility.
The renovation will include new paint, flooring, shelving, and furniture, creating a more modern and welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.
“We are excited to show you what we have been planning for several years. It’s finally happening!!” said Lori Cox, Director of Library Services for Olney ISD and the City of Olney.
The upgraded space will reflect the library’s ongoing commitment to serving the community with comfort, accessibility, and pride. Patrons are encouraged to follow the library’s Facebook page for updates, sneak peeks, and reopening announcements as progress unfolds.
Olney readers can look forward to a brighter, more functional space when the library reopens in the new year — a place that continues to bring people, ideas, and stories together in the heart of the community.
|
|
A huge THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers who helped make our recent school events such a success!
From the Olney Athletic Booster Club and Olney Band Boosters to our dedicated Parent Volunteers from the JH & Elementary PTO, our school couldn’t have done it without you.
Special thanks as well to our Community volunteers from Virginia’s House and the amazing Parent Coaches supporting our youth sports programs. Our students are so blessed to have you!
Your time, energy, and heart keep our Olney community strong. Together, we’re making a difference for our students every day! #OlneyPride #CommunityStrong #ThankYouVolunteers
|
|
The holiday season is often filled with joy and togetherness, but for many families, it can also bring challenges — financial, spiritual, and emotional. At Olney ISD, we recognize that some of our families may be struggling during this time, and we want to ensure parents are aware of the resources and programs available right here in Olney to help provide support and relief.
Several local organizations and churches offer holiday assistance, including food programs, counseling, and spiritual encouragement. Families can find information about these programs through:
- First United Methodist Church Food Pantry – providing groceries and essentials. Open every Thursday from 9-11 am at the annex on the corner of Elm Street and Grand Ave.
- FUMC Olney will be hosting a Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday, Nov. 27 110 W. Elm in the fellowship hall. You must call to make reservations. 940.564.3261 or 940.206.0744
- Virginia’s House – offering family and youth support services.
- First Baptist Church Ministry of Helps – providing groceries and essentials. The Ministry of Helps is open every Monday, except on holidays, at 929 Bluebonnet from 9-10:30 am. The produce truck is also present the second Monday of the month. They will deliver in special circumstances. Please call the church at 940.564.5494 to coordinate delivery.
- For Thanksgiving, we will give out turkeys and/or whole chickens along with a bag of groceries to complete a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This event will take place in the parking lot of First Baptist Church from 9am to 10:30am on November 10th. The vehicle line up will be on S. Ave. D facing north toward Main St.
- A similar meal give-away for Christmas will be at the same location (church) and time on December 8th. However, they will probably be giving out hams instead of turkeys.
- Olney Volunteer Fire Department’s Toys for Tots program – For children up to age 12. Applications can be picked up at Olney Elementary and the deadline for signup is December 12. Items will be ready for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the fire station.
If someone is qualified for most forms of government assistance such as SNAP, SSI, SSDI, school lunch program, etc., they automatically are qualified for the food pantries. Additionally, many are also qualified based on the size of their household combined with their income level.
If your family or someone you know could use a helping hand this season, please reach out. No one should feel alone during the holidays — help is available, and your Olney community cares deeply.
Together, through awareness and compassion, we can make this season brighter for every family at Olney ISD.
|
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
- (940) 564-3519
- webmaster@olneyisd.net
- www.olneyisd.net
|
|
|
|
