Oxford City Schools

10/22/2026

Oxford City Schools continues to work closely with the Oxford Police Department regarding the concern reported at Oxford Middle School earlier this week.

We appreciate OPD and our neighboring law enforcement agencies for their continued support and the additional precautions taken today.

At this time, there is no known threat to Oxford City Schools. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we will continue to take every concern seriously.

Oxford Police Department School Safety Update

This morning, the Oxford Police Department was made aware of messages circulating on a messaging platform referencing an incident we responded to at Oxford Middle School on Tuesday (10/20/26).

Our investigators are actively investigating the matter and speaking with the juveniles involved. At this time, there is no known threat to Oxford City Schools.

As an additional precaution, K9 Officer Havoc, along with K9 units from the Jacksonville and Florence Police Departments, conducted safety sweeps at Oxford Middle School and C.E. Hanna Elementary School.

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains a top priority. We take all potential threats seriously and will continue to use every available resource to ensure our schools remain safe.

We appreciate the continued cooperation of our school system, law enforcement partners, and community as we work together to protect our students and staff.

10/22/2026

Next up for Principal Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating Lorrie Owens from CE Hanna Elementary School🐝

Here are a few things her staff and students shared about her:

😊 Always has a smile to share
🛠️ The queen of problem-solving
🐶 Loves spending time with her puppy, Gracie
💛 Genuinely cares about her staff

Thank you for the positivity, compassion and support you bring to CE Hanna each and every day. Happy Principal Appreciation Month🖤🐝

CE Hanna Elementary School

10/21/2026

Oxford City Schools takes every report involving a potential threat to our students or schools seriously. We understand that reports circulating on a social media post may cause concern among parents and families, and we want to address those concerns.

When school administrators were made aware of this situation at Oxford Middle School on Oct. 20, the Oxford Police Department was contacted immediately. The matter is under investigation, and school officials are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the appropriate steps are taken.

We want to be very clear: This situation has not been ignored, dismissed or taken lightly.

We also recognize that parents want answers. However, schools are bound by federal and state student privacy laws that limit what we can share about individual students, investigations and disciplinary actions. While we understand the desire for more information, our inability to share specific details should never be mistaken for a lack of action.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. If an immediate threat is identified, Oxford City Schools and the Oxford Police Department will take appropriate action without hesitation.

We appreciate the students and families who bring concerns to our attention. We encourage anyone with information about a potential threat to report it directly to school administrators or law enforcement so it can be properly investigated.

We will always take concerns about the safety of our schools seriously, even when the details of our response cannot be shared publicly.

Chief Daniel Phipps Oxford Police Department

10/21/2026

First Place All-Around! Congratulations, runners 🐝🐝🐝

10/21/2026

It’s a beautiful evening to come out and support Flag Football🐝🐝🐝

🏈 SENIOR NIGHT. REGION CHAMPIONSHIP. LET’S GO! 🐝

Come celebrate our seniors and get loud as Oxford flag football battles for the region championship!

📍 Lamar Field
⏰ 6 p.m.

Pack the stands! Bring the energy! GO BIG O! 🖤💛

Graphic: Connor Syer

10/20/2026

Today we’re celebrating Mr. Thompson from Dearmanville Elementary School💛🖤

If you know Mr. Thompson, you know he’s:

🏈 A Georgia Bulldogs fan
😄 Extremely quick-witted
🤍 An expert “girl dad”
🙌 A great encourager who’s always ready with a high-five

From his quick wit to his encouraging spirit, Mr. Thompson always brings positivity to Dearmanville Elementary🐝💛

DeArmanville Elementary School

10/20/2026

Joicelyn Armbrester Named Director of Federal Programs and Student Services

Oxford City Schools has formally named Joicelyn Armbrester as Director of Federal Programs and Student Services, recognizing the scope of the work she has been leading in these areas.

Armbrester has served in a coordinator role at the district’s central office since 2024. Her updated title reflects her existing responsibilities and continued work supporting students, families and schools across Oxford City Schools.

“Joicelyn brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and heart to her work,” said Dr. Todd Haynie, Superintendent of Oxford City Schools. “She understands our schools, knows our community and genuinely cares about doing what’s best for students. We’re thrilled to have her serving on our district leadership team, and she’s an incredibly valuable asset to Oxford City Schools.”

Armbrester’s career in education includes previous service with Oxford City Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. Before returning to Oxford in 2024, she also served in a leadership role with Calhoun County Schools.

“Returning to the Yellow Jacket family has been such a rewarding experience,” Armbrester said. “Oxford City Schools has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside our incredible teachers, staff and administrators. I look forward to continuing to serve our students, families and schools in this role.”

In her role, Armbrester continues to oversee federal programs and student services, helping coordinate resources and support for students and schools throughout the district.

She and her husband, Shane, have been married for 24 years and enjoy traveling and home improvement projects.

10/20/2026

Make plans to to to Public Safety Night Out this Thursday (10/22) at the Exchange from 6-8p.

Join Us This Thursday for Public Safety Night Out! 🚓🚒🚑

Bring the family out for a fun evening with our local first responders!

The first 100 children will receive a toy patrol Tahoe.🚓
Candy will be handed out during the event.
Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes!

Come meet your local first responders, explore their equipment, and learn more about the services they provide to our community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/19/2026

We appreciate the many ways JSU supports our students 💛🖤💛