As the summer winds down, Okmulgee County schools are revving up for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. With school doors opening across the county in early August, families, students and educators are preparing for a busy and exciting back-to-school season filled with events, orientations and welcome-back activities.

— Start Dates Across the County School start dates vary slightly by district, but most students will be back in the classroom by mid-Aug. :

• Aug. 7 – The Academy of Okmulgee • Aug. 8 – Wilson Public Schools

• Aug. 13 – Henryetta Public Schools

• Aug. 14 – Okmulgee, Beggs, Schulter, Morris, Preston and Twin Hills Public Schools Each district has also planned a variety of orientation events and open houses to help students and families get ready. Here are a few of those events: — Henryetta Public Schools Welcome Back Events

Henryetta Public Schools is kicking off the school year with a full slate of events to ensure families are informed and students feel supported.

• Monday, Aug. 4 – Class Announcements & Enrollment (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – Elementary Class Announcements & Enrollment will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the elementary office. Parents can call 918-652-6587 to find out classroom placements. Pre-K Through 5th Grade Enrollment will be held at the Kindergarten Building, also from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Monday, Aug. 11 – HPS Open House (4-7 p.m.) – A major backto- school event, the open house includes multiple orientation sessions to help families understand academic expectations, school procedures and extracurricular offerings.

• 5 p.m. – 6th Grade Orientation (MS/HS Cafeteria)

• 5:30 p.m. – HS Online Student Meeting (HS Library)

• 6 p.m. – 9th Grade Orientation & Parent Handbook Meeting (HS Auditorium)

• 6:30 p.m. – 10th–12th Grade Parent Handbook Meeting (HS Auditorium)

• 4–7 p.m. – JOM School Supplies Pickup (HS Gymnasium) -Henryetta’s first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 13, with a regular schedule from 8 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Bus routes will resume as normal.

— Twin Hills School Events

Twin Hills is welcoming students back with several key activities: • Back-to-School Bash – On Friday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, students can receive free haircuts, backpacks, shoes and school supples.

• Meet the Teacher Night Monday, Aug. 12, from 4-7 p.m.

• First Day of School – Thursday, Aug. 14 In addition, free student meals will continue to be provided under the Community Eligibility Provision, ensuring no student goes hungry.

— Morris Public Schools Events Morris Public Schools is hosting several orientation and support events leading up to the Aug. 14 start date:

• High School Schedule Release Week – Seniors Aug. 4, Juniors Aug. 5, Sophomores Aug. 6 and Freshmen Aug. 7

• JOM Elementary Supply Distribution – Thursday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

• Meet & Greet Night – Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 5-7 p.m. for all students Pre-K through 12th grade

• Softball Season Opener Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 4:30 p.m.

— Dewar Public Schools Events Dewar Public Schools is organizing both academic and schedule support events to prepare students: • Graduation Requirements Meeting – Monday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. at the cafeteria for freshmen and sophomore students and parents/guardians, covering key graduation and concurrent enrollment information.

• Schedule Pickup at the Main Office: – Wednesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m. 12th grade, 10 a.m. 11th grade, 11 a.m. 10th grade, 1 p.m. 9th grade – Thursday, Aug. 7: 9 a.m. 8th grade, 10 a.m. 7th grade, 11 a.m. 6th grade, 1 p.m. schedule change requests (by appointment only) Students needing schedule changes must submit a request form to the counselor; no changes will be handled during pickup.

— Countywide Back-to-School Prayer Walk Before classes officially begin, the community is invited to unite in support of students and educators. The Okmulgee County Prayer Walk will take place Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. at Brock Gym.

This community-wide gathering offers a moment of reflection and hope, bringing together families, teachers, and school staff to lift up every school in the county in prayer as the academic year begins.

– As the 2025-26 school year begins, schools across Okmulgee County are working hard to ensure that students, staff and families are informed, supported and ready for a fresh start. From supply giveaways to open houses and orientations, districts are placing a strong emphasis on communication, preparation and community spirit.

Stay connected with your local school’s website or Facebook page for any last-minute updates or additional information. Here’s to a safe, successful and inspiring new school year for all!