2023-2024 Informational Brochure

2023-2024

Orange Beach City Schools

Educating Paradise

#3 in the state in fifth grade math proficiency

#7 in the state for seventh grade ELA proficiency

OBMS named A+ School of Distinctiion

#2 in the state for sixth grade math proficiency

#6 in the state for eighth grade math proficiency

#1 in the state for seventh grade math proficiency #6 in the state in fifth grade ELA proficiency

MAKOS TOP IN THE STATE!

OBHS awarded Bronze designation from College Board for AP scores.

#7 in the state for sixth grade ELA proficiency

#4 in the state in overall ACAP proficiency

OBHS named A+ School of Excellence OBES named a CLAS School of Distinction US News and World Report OBES #1 in Baldwin County and #17 in Alabama

For reference, there are 143 school systems in the state of AL

Orange Beach Elementary School OBES was established in its current location in August of 1997.

From 1910 to 1914, Orange Beach Elementary School was housed in a one-room schoolhouse. This schoolhouse is now a registered National Historic Site and home to the Indian and Sea Museum. The school was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1998, and its accreditation was reaffirmed in 2004. In 2021, the US Department of Education honored Orange Beach Elementary School as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Orange Beach Middle High School Orange Beach Middle High School opened its doors to the new facility in the fall of 2020. Through a partnership with the City of Orange Beach, our facilities are state-of-the-art. From the remarkable Performing Arts Center to the security measures firmly in place, students will have tremendous learning opportunities in and out of the classroom while in a safe environment. Serving grades 7-12, Orange Beach Middle High School provides extensive academic options, including AP, dual-enrollment, Career and Technical Education courses, Arts Education, and a variety of elective offerings.

The Quick Facts: OBES serves 598 students in grades K4-6.

OBMHS serves 635 students in grades 7-12.

The system’s student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1.

Safety is a top priority for Orange Beach City Schools, which has invested over half a million dollars in safety and security measures.

At OBMHS 96% of students participate in co/extracurricular activities in grades 7-12.

68% are student-athletes in grades 7-12.

86% of students are enrolled in at least one honors-level course in grades 9-12.

Have more questions?

Orange Beach Elementary www.obschools.org

Orange Beach Middle High www.obcityschools.org

Orange Beach City Schools www.orangebeachboe.org

Our Mission Orange Beach City Schools provides a K-12 results based experience that focuses on the whole student, one that incorporates challenging academics and skills acquisition, strong character development and solid citizenship which will build our next generation.

Innovative teaching and unmatched resources create an unparalleled learning environment.

Orange Beach City Schools offers a robust academic program designed to challenge and empower students for success. With a commitment to excellence, the district provides various opportunities, including 18 advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses that allow students to engage in rigorous coursework and earn college credit while still in high school. Moreover, Orange Beach City Schools invests in career and technical education pathways, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge for their future careers. The district takes pride in its Blue Ribbon Elementary School recognition, signifying exceptional academic achievement and commitment to student growth.

Additionally, Orange Beach City Schools is recognized as an A+ College Ready School of Excellence, CLAS School of Distinction, and Bronze Award Winner by the College Board, further highlighting their dedication to academic excellence and student success at every level.

ACADEMICS

THE ARTS

Integrating the arts is essential to a wellrounded education and student experience.

Art is not just a subject; it's a way of seeing, understanding, and expressing the world around us.

Integrating art into education fosters creativity, critical thinking, and empathy, essential skills for navigating an ever-changing landscape and shaping a brighter future.

Our arts program is a vibrant tapestry, weaving together mulitple forms of expression to cultivate creativity and insight. From the captivating narratives of theater productions to the harmonious melodies of our awardwinning band, and the mesmerizing visual stories captured through photography, our students explore the world through different lenses. Through hands-on

experiences and performances, we empower our young artists to harness their talents, unlocking boundless potential for personal growth and societal impact. Our students can foster a passion for the arts through theater, band, visual arts, and photography. The award-winning theater program often incorporates our aspiring elementary school actors to create an integrated program across all school levels, giving even our youngest thespians a chance to shine in our state-of-the-art performing arts center. The band program begins in elementary school, offering students the exposure and encouragement they need to begin working with instruments.

Offering 18 varsity and junior varsity sports, the athletics program at Orange Beach Middle High School fosters both competitive excellence and holistic development. With notable achievements like threetime state champions in softball and area champs in girls' basketball, our teams exemplify dedication and skill. Beyond wins, we prioritize character development, seek to instill mental toughness and integrity that transcends the field, and equip our athletes for success in every aspect of life.

Varsity Sports Teams include: Baseball Basketball Bowling Cheerleading Cross Country Football Golf Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball Wrestling

ATHLETICS

Developing champions on and off the field

Orange Beach, located on Alabama's Gulf Coast, is a quaint city bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and accented by bays, bayous, and lagoons. This charming island paradise showcases stunning natural beauty.

Our partnership with the city and its officials is exceptional. By utilizing the city's resources fully, our students have the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in various city departments, fostering a genuine sense of community involvement and appreciation for our local surroundings.

ECO-Explorer: A STEAM Journey This program was introduced in the 2022-2023 school year to immerse students in our local environment and helped OBES to earn designation as a CLAS School of Distinction. Aligned with our mission of fostering strong citizenship, students are expected to comprehend the dynamics of local resources, understand conservation methods, and recognize how these resources contribute to our local economy and community. Our dedicated STEAM teachers collaborate with classroom teachers and specialized instructors to create a multidisciplinary approach that transforms Alabama Course of Study life science objectives into an engaging, interactive experience with a unique and physical focus on our local environment. By integrating STEAM with life science objectives, the program provides a hands-on, environmentally-focused learning experience. Students actively participate in learning through STEAM labs, outdoor classrooms, and various resources offered in our local climate. This seamlessly aligns with the school's overall curriculum and educational goals, offering learning opportunities that deepen students' understanding of life sciences while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNTIES

SEA, SAND, AND STARS

A Facility Unlike Any Other The Sea, Sand, and Stars Facility, located on the campus of Orange Beach Elementary School in beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama, features a 5,800-gallon Saltwater Aquarium, 1,500-gallon Marine Life Touch Tank, 800-ft. Nature Boardwalk with outdoor classrooms, Planetarium, and Microscope Lab. Sea, Sand, and Stars hosts field trips and serves Orange Beach Elementary students from August through May during the academic school year.

Sea, Sand, and Stars was created through generous contributions from Brett-Robinson Construction, the City of Orange Beach, and the Baldwin County Board of Education. More than a decade ago the seeds were planted for a hands-on facility for island school students to learn about the natural resources of the area.

The idea soon drew the interest of several prominent business and civic leaders. With their help, the Sea, Sand and Stars interactive facility became a reality.

The facility features a beautiful 5,800 gallon aquarium with a large variety of gulf fish and a 1,500 gallon touch tank. In addition, the facility has a 38-seat planetarium with a Digitarium Alpha II Projector, technology used in the best planetariums across the world allowing visitors a real-time look through this amazing window into space.

Just around the corner a microscope laboratory allows students to get a closer look at marine life. Outside, an 800-foot boardwalk leads to four large outdoor gazebo classrooms where students learn about birds, plants, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE In a unique partnership, the Orange Beach Board of Education and the City of Orange Beach have joined forces to champion academic excellence. This collaborative effort embodies our city's culture of excellence, extending its reach into our educational institutions. Through this unique synergy, our schools are equipped with the resources and support necessary for our students' success. From maintaining an exceptional 13:1 student-teacher ratio by adding additional educators to investing significantly in a cutting-edge athletic complex, every facet of our educational landscape reflects our unwavering commitment to student resources. The culture of excellence permeates everything in our city, including our schools, ensuring that our students are primed for a future of limitless possibilities.

classrooms, a sports-medicine rehabilitation center for student trainers to gain hands-on experience (i.e., hydrocollator, ice machine, six exam

tables,

and

two

rehabilitation

and

recovery plunge pools, etc.), and a state-of-theart strength and conditioning facility, which will be utilized by every student-athlete.

The eight-lane track will encircle the turfed soccer/football field and contain a high jump, long jump, pole vault, javelin, and discus areas.

The stadium's grandstand will seat 3,500, and its lighting is LED. Restrooms and concession areas are included. The state-of-the-art JumboTron and gymnasium's center-hung video boards will be operated by students, providing handson,

A New Athletic Complex

minds-on

learning

opportunities

for

students interested in television productions and digital media. Every physical education class may utilize new facilities.

The multi-purpose pavilion may be used for

Opening in fall of 2025, the 100-year facilities will include a

academic, co-, or extracurricular activities.

gymnasium, multi-sport pavilion, Kinesiology and Excercise

During inclement weather, the turfed surface

Science Building, track, soccer/football fields with

will be utilized by various organizations. The

grandstands, and other support facilities.

multi-purpose pavilion’s dimensions are 150' by

The gymnasium will seat 1,200 spectators for numerous

200' with a 60' apex.

academic,

activities.

Every student-athlete will benefit from the new

Extracurricular activities, such as but not limited to

facility regardless of athletic affiliation. If used

volleyball, basketball, and wrestling, will benefit from this

today, approximately 80% of all students would

addition. The center-hung video boards will be operated by

benefit directly from the facility.

students,

athletic,

providing

opportunities

for

and

co-curricular

hands-on,

students

minds-on

interested

in

learning television

productions and digital media.

The two-story Kinesiology and Exercise Science Building will consist of classroom and meeting spaces, strength and conditioning

facilities,

a

physical

therapy

room,

cheerleading, wrestling, and football locker rooms, storage, wrestler and cheerleader practice areas, and coaching cubicles and offices. Within the building, there are learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in health sciences and/or physical education via an 80-seat theatrestyle space that can be used as two

CREATING PATHWAYS Adhering to our mission of creating opportunities for challenging academics and skills acquisition, our students are given multiple venues to follow their passions and strengths. At OBMHS, students can choose several options to supplement their educational experience while gaining valuable real-life skills. Pathways to career credentialing and exploration include Hospitality and Tourism, Health Occupations, Digital Marketing, and engineering.

Preparation for Success Our Work-Based Learning courses are not just about learning; they're about fostering productive citizens ready to excel in both postsecondary education and employment. By integrating core academic content with hands-on technical expertise and real-world experiences, we prepare students to thrive in their chosen career paths.

Adapting to Industry Demands We try to stay ahead of the curve in a world of rapid change. We continuously evolve to meet the shifting needs of businesses and industries, ensuring that our students are always equipped with the latest skills and knowledge demanded by the workforce.

Rigorous Training for Career Advancement Rigor is at the heart of every course we offer. Our programs are meticulously crafted to blend academic excellence with industry-specific expertise. This ensures that our students are prepared for high-skill, high-wage careers and equipped to excel and advance in their chosen fields.

Industry-Recognized Credentials As a testament to the quality and rigor of our programs, each CTE program offers industry-recognized credentials and certifications. These credentials validate the value of our curriculum to students, parents, and members of the business community, providing tangible evidence of our commitment to excellence.

Seamless Transition to Further Education We understand that education is a lifelong journey. That's why we've partnered with local colleges and universities to develop articulation agreements, allowing our students the most opportunity to seamlessly transition to further education and continue their academic pursuits.

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS Hospitality and Tourism Experience the excitement of the hospitality industry, where every interaction is an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences.

Health Occupations Enter the rewarding field of healthcare, where compassion and skill come together to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Digital Marketing Discover the art and science of marketing in the digital age, where creativity and strategy converge to captivate audiences and drive success.

Engineering Dive into the world of innovation and technology, where creativity meets practicality to solve real-world challenges.

Clubs and Activities

Honorary Societies

Offering a wide range of organizations open for

Qualifying student have the opportunity to be

membership, students are encouraged to get

inducted into multiple national honor societies,

involved as early as elementary school.

including:

Opportunities include:

National Honors Society

Student Government Association

National Science Honors Society

Thespian

Mu Alpha Theta

Key Club

Spanish National Honor Society

STEM Club

National Junior Honor Society

Chess Club

National Elementary Honor Society

Scholars’ Bowl FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) HOSA: Future Health Professionals FCCLA: Family, Career, & Community Leaders of American Junior Leadership Peer Helpers Sail Club

Making an Impact

iLead Character Development iLead was designed by Dr. John Maxwell to develop values and leadership skills in a peer-to-peer setting. The format allows students to gain experience leading, as they take turns facilitating sessions. Each session contains a short teaching on values such as attitude, commitment, and making positive choices. Each lesson asks students to evaluate how well they practice the value and encourages them to commit to one action step for the week.

We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this initiative and proud to be the first school in the state of Alabama to implement this initiative in all grades 7-12. Character development, a pillar of our mission statement, is vital to our student's success and a priority at Orange Beach City Schools.

SPECIAL SERVICES In our gifted program, students are exploring drone technology. They have captured footage before a beach restoration project begins dredging to enhance our picturesque sandy beaches. Following the dredging process, they will return to the same location to take subsequent photos to assess and review the progress achieved for better understanding of local conservation efforts.

The Special Services Department comprises three specific areas that support students: Special Education, 504, and Gifted Education. The department's focus is on providing eligible students with the appropriate tools and resources to benefit from their educational program. Each child is evaluated, and an educational program is developed to meet that student's needs.

Orange Beach City Schools provides Special Education services to students ages three through 21. The Individuals with Disabilities

Dedicated to serving the needs of EVERY child

Education Act (IDEA) is the federal legislation that helps guide school teams and families in the qualification of students and the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Orange Beach City Schools has a continuum of services to meet the needs of our diverse student population.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a federal civil rights law. It is designed to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds.

Gifted students are those who perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Special Education, Section 504, and Gifted Education services are provided on both Orange Beach City School campuses. If you have any questions regarding any area of Special Services, please contact the Director of Special Services at 251.424.1730.

A COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Orange Beach City Schools understands the importance of financial and resource management. Our team works collaboratively with stakeholders every day to ensure that all students and teachers have access to a safe environment with top-tier facilities for receiving an excellent education. We are firmly committed to financial leadership, lifelong learning through continuing professional development, and adherence to the highest professional, ethical, and moral standards. As professionals, we are dedicated to carrying out our responsibilities in a way that best serves the public interest, honors the public trust, and demonstrates our commitment to professionalism. We believe in our ability to work together with our community to create a better future for our students and invite you to join us in achieving this shared goal.

Stakeholder Committments: Student Achievement: The average per-pupil operating expenditure is $17,150 annually Recruit and Retain Effective Teachers 73% of our teachers have advanced degrees Our teachers have an average of 14 years of experience Incentives for professional growth and achievement Investment in Security Security Camera and Door Access Controls Centigex Emergency Detection System HALO Smart Sensor Monitoring New School Bus Fleet

Investment in Facilities (Capital Plan) Facility Improvements - Painting, Furniture, New Engineering and STEM Lab New Facilities Athletics - $46.1M OBES Cafetorium/Library and Classrooms $6.1M Investment in Technology Clear Touch Boards Chromebooks IT Infrastructure

OBCS uses this online payment resource for cafeteria meals, school fees, class fees, club dues, activity fees, etc. MySchoolBucks may be accessed online at www.MySchoolBucks.com or mobile application by searching MySchoolBucks in your smartphone's app store. Parents are encouraged to use MySchoolBucks to stay up-to-date on student's invoicing account as well as for allowing a quick, and streamline way of expediting payment processing.

Student breakfast and lunch are served daily at every school location.

Students are eligible for the Free and Reduced Meals Program through direct certification or application process. Parents will be notified before the first day of school if the student qualifies for free meals. Applications can be accepted at any point throughout the school year. The Free and Reduced Meals Program application can be found at www.MySchoolApps.com/Application or a paper copy at your student's school cafeteria.

Paper Free and Reduced Meals Program applications can be turned in to your student's school front office or mailed to Orange Beach City Schools at P.O. BOX 2799 Orange Beach, AL 36561.

Cafeteria meal payments can be made with a credit/debit card at www.MySchoolBucks.com or cash/check at your student's school cafeteria.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

As we guide and support students to reach their full potential, we are creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

At Orange Beach City Schools, we are honored and r

committed to working with military families to ensure a successful transition for students.

www.orangebeachboe.org

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