Our School

Welcome to Otto-Eldred High School. Our students range from seventh graders to seniors, and we find that this age span makes for a fun and dynamic academic environment. Because of our small class sizes and excellent student-teacher ratios, we offer the kind of personalized educational experience that might not be possible for students attending larger high schools.

With an eye on the future, our teachers and staff cultivate an atmosphere of growth that empowers our students to learn with purpose and take ownership of their choices. We encourage you to review the mission and values that drive our actions as teachers, staff, and students

Our Values

  • We believe all students can learn and succeed given appropriate standards-based curriculum and researched-based instruction.
  • We believe staff and physical facilities should provide a supportive, safe, and secure environment in which to learn.
  • We believe each student is unique and that the educational experience should encourage and develop creativity and innovation.
  • We believe educational excellence must be supported by continuous evaluation of facilities and resources, engaging instructional practices, and effective use of technology.
  • We believe education is a lifelong pursuit, and students must be equipped with the skills for success to compete and thrive in a technology-driven global society.
  • We believe in dedication to excellence and high academic expectations while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • We believe academic excellence is achieved through innovative and engaging instruction that is supported through continual and individualized professional development.
  • We believe education should promote gratitude over entitlement, character development, ethical behavior, and a positive self-image leading to being responsible citizens.
  • We believe effective leadership at all levels is essential to the success of our educational program.
  • We believe encouragement and support of innovation, flexibility, and creativity is necessary in order to successfully adapt to change.
  • We believe that the school, students, family, and community should have shared responsibility and shared decision-making in the educational process through collaboration and communication.
  • We believe excellence in all areas is identifiable, measurable, achievable, and worthy of pursuit.

A Message from Our Administration

August 17, 2026

Welcome Back to School!

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

On behalf of the board of education and our entire school staff, I am delighted to welcome you back for another exciting school year. As summer comes to a close, we look forward to opening our doors and partnering with families to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for every student.

The start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. It also brings several important updates that I would like to share with our school community.

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Update

This year, we will implement updated cell phone restrictions for students during the school day. Research and experience show that reducing distractions helps students remain engaged in their learning, build stronger relationships with peers and teachers, and improve academic outcomes. Similarly, ear-pod devices will not be permitted during the school day.

Our goal is not to eliminate technology but to ensure that personal devices do not interfere with instruction. We appreciate families working with us to support this effort as we create classrooms focused on learning and achievement.

Parents may call either building office 814-817-1380 to leave a message for their students or email students directly during the day. We also ask that parents update contact information regularly so that our School Messenger system calls and texts updated phone numbers.

Backpack Use Update

To enhance safety and improve movement throughout our buildings, the district has adopted new backpack restrictions. Students will be required to store backpacks or any bookbags in lockers during the day.

These measures are intended to create a safer and more secure learning environment while minimizing disruptions during the school day.

Student Independence and Resiliency

One of our district-wide priorities this year is helping students develop greater independence and stronger problem-solving skills.

While we will continue to support students every step of the way, we also want to encourage them to advocate for themselves, persevere through challenges, and take ownership of their learning. These life skills are essential not only for academic success but also for future careers and personal growth.

We encourage parents and guardians to partner with us by allowing students opportunities to solve age-appropriate problems, communicate directly with teachers when needed, and develop resilience when faced with challenges.

E-Bike Safety Reminder

As electric bicycles (e-bikes) become increasingly popular among students and families, we ask everyone to prioritize safety. Additionally, please be sure your family us current with state law regarding e-bike use, especially for students under 16 years of age.

E-bikes can travel at speeds much higher than traditional bicycles, creating additional concerns for riders, pedestrians, and motorists. Families should ensure that students understand traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and operate e-bikes responsibly.

We also ask parents to review district transportation and parking expectations with their children before school begins. Student safety remains our highest priority. As always, student parking spaces at the high school are a privilege, we will continue to monitor student driving habits around the school and buses to ensure safe habits are developed.

Student Health Screening Updates

Parents should also be aware of a recent change in state law regarding student health information.

Under the new law, schools are restricted from collecting and maintaining student height and weight information for body mass index (BMI) reporting purposes as previously required. As a result, parents and guardians will only receive BMI information upon request.

Additional information regarding student health screenings will be provided by our school nurses and health services staff throughout the school year.

Looking Ahead

Our faculty and staff have spent the summer preparing for a successful school year, and we are eager to welcome students back into our classrooms. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools. We value the strong partnership between our families, staff, and community, and we look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Best wishes for a successful school year,

Matthew D. Splain

Superintendent
Otto-Eldred School District