Happy New Year! I hope this finds your family well after a much-needed winter break. Teachers and staff are ready to welcome our students back for the second semester of the school year! It truly is going by fast. Students should have a renewed focus and commitment as they return to finish strong in this second half. Students should be spending time outside of school to study, complete assignments, read, and practice. Create a schedule with your student to accomplish these important student tasks. Developing these habits now, will benefit your student not just now, but always.

As we move into the new year, I always pick a focus word. This year, my word is "Connection". I am striving to truly build connection with everyone in my life, including your family. Please let me know how I can connect with or serve your family. One of my life phrases is "What you offer to others, you strengthen in yourself"; so each time I truly connect with a staff member, student, or family, it makes me a stronger and more connected person as well, keeping me best prepared to be your Principal. What is your word for 2026? Share it with me! Happy New Year!

Over the winter break, the East River family suffered the tragic loss of one of our students. This can be difficult for young people to process and a range of emotions can be felt. Please note that we will have grief counselors on campus when we return to help anyone who is needing to talk about it. I know I have struggled personally with this loss and I want to be sure that each student and staff member is supported as we process our grief. Please email me if you have any questions or specific concerns.

I want to reiterate that we have regular counseling and support available on campus at all times and there are other resources available 24/7. No one should ever feel alone.

At East River:

Safe counselor

Mental Health counselor

Student Services counselors

Administrators

Outside agencies that visit campus for counseling services

Outside of East River:

Dial 211- United Way services

Dial 988- suicide/crisis hotline

Email Mrs. Watson 24/7 rebecca.watson@ocps.net

School resumes on January 6, 2026.

Report cards will be available for view in Skyward on January 15, 2026.

Please join us for the January SAC meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 pm in the media center.

Mark your calendar now for the 5th Annual School Spirit Run! East River has a team and we would love for you and your family to join us!

Register today and join the East River team, as we run/walk through Sea World. This is a fun time as we get healthy too!

Student IDs are required to be displayed while on campus. Please clip your student id to your backpack at all times. If you lost your ID please go to the media center before or after school to get a new one. Replacement IDs are $5. We have had many students now in compliance with this important safety matter. We want to be sure that our students are safe on campus!

 Continued reminders for parents and students about our parking lot:

Thank you for helping us keep our students and faculty safe by adhering to speed limits of 10 mph and following all traffic cones, barricades, and signs in the parking lot. 

It will be good to be back and get our routines back in order! Let's commit ourselves to excellence in all we do- academics, sports, clubs, the arts- let's be ready to SOAR!

Please email me with any questions or concerns at rebeccca.watson@ocps.net It is my privilege to serve at East River.

 Be safe and kind!

 Becky Watson

 Principal, East River High School