District News
![Jason Johnson Principal of the Year with Superintendent Dr Danielle Jones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728509418/orangecountyfirstcom/miy80h0jncy0epjlqfv2/Johnson_POY5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728509418/orangecountyfirstcom/miy80h0jncy0epjlqfv2/Johnson_POY5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1728509418/orangecountyfirstcom/miy80h0jncy0epjlqfv2/Johnson_POY5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728509418/orangecountyfirstcom/miy80h0jncy0epjlqfv2/Johnson_POY5.jpg","width":919}])
There must be something special about a school that makes you want to return, after a five-year absence, to a place everyone knows as your “happy place.”
For Jason Johnson, that happy place is Orange High School.
His experience and leadership in that place have led to his being named Orange County Schools Principal of the Year for the second time, to serve during the 2024-2025 school year.
![Two students posing outside side by side in front of a tree]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728417234/orangecountyfirstcom/e4bdrtmuhbvqjkf7vmym/WhiteAdkins.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728417234/orangecountyfirstcom/e4bdrtmuhbvqjkf7vmym/WhiteAdkins.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728417234/orangecountyfirstcom/e4bdrtmuhbvqjkf7vmym/WhiteAdkins.png","width":800}])
Two students from Efland-Cheeks Elementary have been selected to participate in the NC Elementary Honors Chorus in Winston-Salem this November.
![Orange County Board of Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725002967/orangecountyfirstcom/f02vmivpapi06cn0ouqu/board-meeting-gavel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725002967/orangecountyfirstcom/f02vmivpapi06cn0ouqu/board-meeting-gavel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725002967/orangecountyfirstcom/f02vmivpapi06cn0ouqu/board-meeting-gavel.png","width":800}])
The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting on October 7, 2024, the first of two meetings scheduled for this month. View all the business items below here.
The Board posts all meeting materials to Simbli, and also displays a calendar of Board and committee meetings. Visit the Board’s page on Simbli for agendas and minutes. Minutes are attached to each meeting, after approval by the Board at a future meeting.
![Collage of photos. two teachers sitting at their desks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727722102/orangecountyfirstcom/shjj0rz1vepofpwfvevl/NCAEA-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727722102/orangecountyfirstcom/shjj0rz1vepofpwfvevl/NCAEA-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727722102/orangecountyfirstcom/shjj0rz1vepofpwfvevl/NCAEA-1.png","width":800}])
The North Carolina Art Educators Association released the names of their Arts Educators of the Year - two of those names are Orange County Schools teachers.
![Collage of two images, 8 in top row 6 in bottom row]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727798386/orangecountyfirstcom/rnzcgdrub4bct51iihzu/Principals-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727798386/orangecountyfirstcom/rnzcgdrub4bct51iihzu/Principals-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727798386/orangecountyfirstcom/rnzcgdrub4bct51iihzu/Principals-1.png","width":800}])
October 1st marks the start of National School Principals month, a time for staff, students, families and other school community members to recognize school leaders across the nation.
![Layla Allen, Beginning Teacher of the Year poses]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727791648/orangecountyfirstcom/r93e5nddrjwkg68hqsok/btoy2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727791648/orangecountyfirstcom/r93e5nddrjwkg68hqsok/btoy2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727791648/orangecountyfirstcom/r93e5nddrjwkg68hqsok/btoy2.png","width":800}])
“Ms. Allen also has a unique gift of creating a safe and unifying student community with her kind demeanor and inclusive leadership”
![Flip Your Ballot, Don't Skip the 2024 School Bond Vote]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727470295/orangecountyfirstcom/mb3b2vgfplaypvgijdmf/2024OrangeCountySchoolBondSticker.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727470295/orangecountyfirstcom/mb3b2vgfplaypvgijdmf/2024OrangeCountySchoolBondSticker.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727470295/orangecountyfirstcom/mb3b2vgfplaypvgijdmf/2024OrangeCountySchoolBondSticker.png","width":745}])
During the upcoming general election, Orange County voters will consider a $300 million bond referendum to fund facility replacements, renovations, and repairs for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and Orange County Schools (OCS). The information here will educate voters about the bond — so you can vote with confidence.
- bond
The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting on September 23, 2024, the second of two meetings scheduled for this month. View all the business items below here.
![Calla Lundberg standing in CRHS Gym]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727101099/orangecountyfirstcom/ajzwatw5ghzolhud4sqg/CallaLundberg.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727101099/orangecountyfirstcom/ajzwatw5ghzolhud4sqg/CallaLundberg.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727101099/orangecountyfirstcom/ajzwatw5ghzolhud4sqg/CallaLundberg.png","width":800}])
Tonight, September 23, Cedar Ridge High School sophomore Calla Lundberg will be recognized at the Board of Education Meeting for being nominated as one of 24 members of the NCHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
![Board Notes - Regular Meeting for September 9, 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722464969/orangecountyfirstcom/zgz6yds546rejxtyfcgx/orgmeeting2024fs4x3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722464969/orangecountyfirstcom/zgz6yds546rejxtyfcgx/orgmeeting2024fs4x3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722464969/orangecountyfirstcom/zgz6yds546rejxtyfcgx/orgmeeting2024fs4x3.png","width":800}])
The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting on September 9, 2024, the first of two meetings scheduled for this month. View all the business items below here.
The Board posts all meeting materials to Simbli, and also displays a calendar of Board and committee meetings. Visit the Board’s page on Simbli for agendas and minutes. Minutes are attached to each meeting, after approval by the Board at a future meeting.
![Clear Bags Only Orange County Schools 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725005661/orangecountyfirstcom/orjo1xl4mwdwjisudevs/ClearBagsOnly.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725005661/orangecountyfirstcom/orjo1xl4mwdwjisudevs/ClearBagsOnly.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725005661/orangecountyfirstcom/orjo1xl4mwdwjisudevs/ClearBagsOnly.png","width":800}])
As first announced for Graduation 2024, for the safety of all our students, staff, volunteers, and guests, Orange County Schools will follow a Clear Bag Policy for all athletic and public events starting with the 2024-2025 school year. All guests will be permitted to carry ONLY CLEAR BAGS into the stadium or venue. Bags must be no longer than 12 inches and made of clear plastic. Bags which do not comply will NOT be allowed under any circumstances.
- all-schools
![A.L. Stanback Cafeteria Staff]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722870895/orangecountyfirstcom/hqoujqgvfljcyzhqbaaw/Showcase3Template1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722870895/orangecountyfirstcom/hqoujqgvfljcyzhqbaaw/Showcase3Template1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722870895/orangecountyfirstcom/hqoujqgvfljcyzhqbaaw/Showcase3Template1.png","width":800}])
New this year! Students who attend an approved Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) do not need to fill out an application as they are approved for meals at no cost. Learn more and view the application for Free and Reduced Price Meals!
- all-schools
![Keep Calm and Rock the Test]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725482369/orangecountyfirstcom/g1nzoaedi5s8wba9xvza/KeepCalmandRocktheTest.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725482369/orangecountyfirstcom/g1nzoaedi5s8wba9xvza/KeepCalmandRocktheTest.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725482369/orangecountyfirstcom/g1nzoaedi5s8wba9xvza/KeepCalmandRocktheTest.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1725482369/orangecountyfirstcom/g1nzoaedi5s8wba9xvza/KeepCalmandRocktheTest.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725482369/orangecountyfirstcom/g1nzoaedi5s8wba9xvza/KeepCalmandRocktheTest.jpg","width":1542}])
Ten out of 13 schools in Orange County Schools earned a school performance grade of C or higher for the 2023-2024 school year, and 12 out of 13 schools met or exceeded growth targets, well above the state averages for both achievement and growth.
![Back To School Orange County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725009781/orangecountyfirstcom/anwuwpmyasgct9auzoj0/456916021_902427131913099_4589425873187231412_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725009781/orangecountyfirstcom/anwuwpmyasgct9auzoj0/456916021_902427131913099_4589425873187231412_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725009781/orangecountyfirstcom/anwuwpmyasgct9auzoj0/456916021_902427131913099_4589425873187231412_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725009781/orangecountyfirstcom/anwuwpmyasgct9auzoj0/456916021_902427131913099_4589425873187231412_n.jpg","width":900}])
Monday, August 26, 2024 was the first day for students on the traditional calendar! Buses and car riders are back on the road, cafeterias are filled with nutritious and delicious food, and classrooms are packed with students and educators making the most of every moment for learning and building stronger relationships!
- all-schools
![Orange County Schools Open House, August 22 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725012766/orangecountyfirstcom/umcvtqilknngiwvlqp9m/OrangeCountySchoolsOpenHouse2024-16.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725012766/orangecountyfirstcom/umcvtqilknngiwvlqp9m/OrangeCountySchoolsOpenHouse2024-16.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725012766/orangecountyfirstcom/umcvtqilknngiwvlqp9m/OrangeCountySchoolsOpenHouse2024-16.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725012766/orangecountyfirstcom/umcvtqilknngiwvlqp9m/OrangeCountySchoolsOpenHouse2024-16.jpg","width":946}])
The doors were wide open for students and families to kick off the school year on August 22 with Open House at traditional calendar schools. Thank you to parent groups for helping to support our educators and staff, as these events make a huge difference for the first day of school, and all year long!