Oak Ridge Schools named Level 5 district; preschool garden yields 214 pounds; enrollment trends noted
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Summary
The Oak Ridge Board heard reports that the district earned a Level 5 designation for reading growth, Oak Ridge Preschool—s garden produced more than 214 pounds of vegetables for families, and enrollment showed elementary declines while middle school enrollment rose by about 27 students.
The Oak Ridge Board of Education received reports highlighting student achievement, school garden activity and early enrollment and attendance figures.
Board members were told the district has received a Level 5 designation for district-level reading performance and that Oak Ridge High School earned a Level 5 designation for student growth. Oak Ridge Preschool reported its garden has produced "over 214 pounds of vegetables" since last spring and has used produce in classroom activities and family outreach.
Why it matters: The Level 5 designation signals the district—s reported reading-growth results; the preschool garden supports hands-on learning and family engagement while attendance and enrollment trends inform staffing and planning decisions.
Preschool garden and school celebrations Oak Ridge Preschool staff reported the garden yielded more than 214 pounds of vegetables available to parents and students. Staff described activities in the garden including planting, watering, harvesting, weighing, washing, cooking and tasting items such as purple potatoes and air-fryer preparations.
School recognitions and community partnerships Board members shared several school recognitions: Glenwood Elementary honored custodian Jimmy Smith for military service through an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.; Oak Ridge High School librarians arranged free library cards for all district employees with the Oak Ridge Public Library; and Oak Ridge High School students earned Microsoft Office Specialist certifications and entered a media partnership with the Courier News for athletic photography credit and bylines.
Enrollment and attendance Lauren Dean reported enrollment and attendance for reporting period one (July 28—Aug. 22). Elementary schools showed the largest enrollment declines; Oak Ridge High School—s headcount was unchanged from the last day of school, and the middle schools were up by about 27 students. Attendance across schools was reported as meeting or coming in under the district goals for the period; Linden Elementary led school attendance performance for the period.
Staff attendance and recognition Staff attendance for August showed 43% of staff with perfect attendance for the month. The district plans department-level recognition (a trophy and certificates) for departments with strong attendance; maintenance and operations were named the top department and Linden Elementary was recognized among schools.
Other notes Board members reviewed upcoming meetings and engagement opportunities, including a Linden visit and a truancy meeting scheduled for Oct. 26. The board also noted participation and awards at the TSBA fall district meeting.