Skip to main content

District Newsletter

Posted Date: 12/01/25 (04:00 PM)

District Newsletter

News and Updates

December 1, 2025
Christmas at Olney ISD - Under Cub-struction

Dear Olney ISD Community,

As the holiday season arrives, Olney ISD is buzzing with excitement, celebrations, and opportunities to come together as a school community. This December is filled with meaningful events that showcase the talents of our students and the generosity of our families and staff.

Our campuses are celebrating in wonderful ways. Olney JH’s One Act Play cast and crew brought home First Place at the District 9AA contest with their performance of One Stoplight Town, earning numerous individual awards and recognition for an outstanding crew. At the elementary level, the PTO is preparing for a festive week with the Tip Top Holiday Shop on December 10–12, where students can shop for gifts during their specials time. On December 11, the PTO will also host a special catered luncheon for our elementary teachers and staff, provided by Confetti Affairs of Graham.

Families can also look forward to the heartwarming Second Grade Christmas Program on December 12th at 2:30 p.m. in the old gym. Our second graders have been working hard and are excited to share their Christmas songs and holiday cheer.

Make sure to enjoy some Olney Cub and Lady Cub basketball this season - it promises to be a great season with our fantastic athletes and coaches.

As we wrap up the fall semester and move into this season of joy and gratitude, we wish all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful Christmas season. May your holidays be filled with warmth, rest, and time spent with those you love. Merry Christmas from all of us at Olney ISD!

 
Christmas greenery on white board background - OHS band concert information. Sunday, Dec. 7 - 2:30 pm

Olney ISD Band Program Presents Annual Christmas Concert

The Olney ISD Band program invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at its 18th annual “Sounds of the Season” Christmas concert on Sunday, December 7, at 2:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium.

The festive afternoon will begin with a performance by the 5th Grade Beginner Band, followed by musical selections from the 6th Grade Band, the 7th–8th Grade Band, and concluding with the talented High School Band. Each group has been working diligently to prepare a joyful lineup of Christmas music sure to put audiences in the holiday spirit.

Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to attend and support these hardworking young musicians. Come enjoy an afternoon of music, celebration, and Christmas cheer!
 
Academic UIL with Texas symbol and red star

Olney ISD to Host District 9AA Junior High & Elementary UIL Contest

Olney ISD is proud to host the District 9AA Junior High and Elementary UIL Academic Contest on Friday, December 5. Events will take place across all campuses in the district as students showcase their academic skills in a wide range of competitions.

Teams from Archer City, Seymour, Windthorst, Petrolia, Nocona, and Electra will join Olney students for a full day of exciting and challenging UIL events. Participants will compete in disciplines such as writing, speaking, math, fine arts, and more, highlighting the hard work and dedication of students and coaches from across the region.

Olney ISD is honored to welcome visiting schools and looks forward to a day of spirited competition and academic excellence.
 

Olney Elementary PTO Prepares for a Festive December

The Olney Elementary PTO is gearing up for a cheerful and busy holiday season with two special events planned for students and staff.

From December 10–12, the annual Tip Top Holiday Shop will be open for students to enjoy. Each class will visit the shop during their regular specials time, giving students the opportunity to browse and purchase small gifts for family and friends. The shop provides an affordable, fun, and independent shopping experience that many students look forward to each year.

In addition to supporting students, the PTO is also showing appreciation for campus staff. On December 11, the PTO will host a catered holiday luncheon for all elementary teachers and staff. This year’s meal will be provided by Confetti Affairs of Graham, bringing a delicious and festive touch to the celebration.

The Olney Elementary PTO continues to enrich the school community through events that spread joy, gratitude, and holiday spirit. Families are encouraged to thank PTO volunteers for their time and dedication during this busy season.

 

Title goes here

The Olney Junior High One Act Play team shined brightly at the District 9AA contest held Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Archer City, earning First Place with their performance of “One Stoplight Town.” Competing against schools from Archer City, Electra, Nocona, Petrolia, Seymour, and Windthorst, the Olney cast and crew delivered a standout production that impressed the judge and audiences alike.

Seymour took Second Place with “Any Body for Tea?” and Petrolia placed Third with their adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.”

Olney students were celebrated with several individual honors. Magnolia Caffey and Emerald Edgington earned Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, while Leigha Hampton was named to the All-Star Cast.

The technical crew also earned the Outstanding Crew Award. Pace Hargis received Best Light Technician. Additional crew members included Caroline Jeske, Farrah Keeter, and Kate Santibanez, whose efforts helped bring the production to life.

Those in the cast were: Leigha Hampton, Ella Richards, Trent Berngen, Denalee Wales, Clara Symank, Miles Branum, Carleigh Symank, Chloe McPhie, Keela King, Magnolia Caffey, Jessa Branum, Emerald Edgington, Jacob Horner, Palmer Hargis, Zeph Tejada, and Samuel Ickert.
Serving as alternates were Laney Kimbro, Pace Hargis, Caroline Stewart, and Harper Watson.
The show was directed by Lauren Sullivan and Erik Cuba.

Congratulations to the entire Olney JH OAP cast and crew for their dedication, teamwork, and excellence in theatre.


 
Dr. Greg Roach with dark background in red and black suit coat.

Olney ISD Honors the Retirement of Dr. Greg Roach

Olney ISD announces the retirement of Dr. Greg Roach, whose distinguished career in education has spanned more than three decades and left a lasting impact on students, staff, and communities across North Texas.

Dr. Roach’s path to education was anything but traditional. A 1974 graduate of Shamrock High School, he spent several years working in the petroleum industry before completing his mathematics degree at West Texas State University in 1991. His diverse professional background brought a unique perspective to the classroom when he began his teaching career.

His first year in education was at Big Pasture ISD in Oklahoma, where he taught mathematics and physics. In 1994, Dr. Roach moved to Seymour ISD, beginning a 20-year chapter devoted to the students and families of Seymour. While teaching high school mathematics, he pursued his graduate studies, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Midwestern State University and ultimately a Doctor of Education from the University of North Texas.

Throughout his teaching and administrative career, Dr. Roach became known for his competitive spirit in the world of mathematics, computer science, calculator applications, and number sense, as well as his passion for all things TMSCA. His leadership and dedication to academic competition guided numerous students to multiple state appearances, and he coached three teams that brought home State Championship titles. His influence in these programs inspired countless students to strive for excellence and discover their own love of problem-solving.

Dr. Roach’s leadership abilities quickly elevated him in Seymour ISD, where he served as Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. His commitment to strengthening academic programs and supporting educators helped shape a culture of achievement.

In May 2014, Dr. Roach brought his experience, dedication, and steady leadership to Olney ISD, where he has served as Superintendent for the past decade. Under his guidance, the district has experienced notable growth, stability, and continued commitment to excellence. His thoughtful decision-making, warm leadership style, and unwavering support for students and staff have left a profound mark on the Olney community.

As Dr. Roach enters retirement, Olney ISD extends heartfelt gratitude for his many years of service, leadership, and devotion to public education. His legacy—academic, competitive, and personal—will continue to inspire the district for years to come.

Congratulations, Dr. Roach, on a remarkable career and well-deserved retirement.

 
2nd grade christmas program - dec 12 2:30 pm in old gym.

Second Grade Christmas Program Set for December 12th

Olney Elementary is excited to announce the Second Grade Christmas Program, coming up on December 12th, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the old gym.

Families and community members are invited to join us for this festive celebration as our second-grade students take the stage to perform a selection of beloved Christmas songs. The program is always a highlight of the season, showcasing the hard work, enthusiasm, and holiday spirit of our young performers.

We look forward to sharing this joyful afternoon with parents, grandparents, and friends as we celebrate the magic of Christmas through music.


 
Early release Friday, Dec. 19 at 12:30. Classes will resume January 6, 2026
 
 

Contact information

Block O with paw
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