District News
![Orange County Schools (NC) Logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729718292/orangecountyfirstcom/juvvcfomrsylomoqbw2v/ocs-logo-color-rgb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729718292/orangecountyfirstcom/juvvcfomrsylomoqbw2v/ocs-logo-color-rgb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729718292/orangecountyfirstcom/juvvcfomrsylomoqbw2v/ocs-logo-color-rgb.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1729718292/orangecountyfirstcom/juvvcfomrsylomoqbw2v/ocs-logo-color-rgb.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729718292/orangecountyfirstcom/juvvcfomrsylomoqbw2v/ocs-logo-color-rgb.png","width":1475}]){kind=logo}
Graduation, Senior Spotlights, Sports Physicals... and the 2025 NC Principal of the Year Announcement. See all this and more in tonight's updates!
![Orange Middle School Battle of the Books Team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747255643/orangecountyfirstcom/qxs4hdaly3wonftyo5x1/Untitleddesign1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747255643/orangecountyfirstcom/qxs4hdaly3wonftyo5x1/Untitleddesign1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747255643/orangecountyfirstcom/qxs4hdaly3wonftyo5x1/Untitleddesign1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747255643/orangecountyfirstcom/qxs4hdaly3wonftyo5x1/Untitleddesign1.png","width":880}])
Going head-to-head with regional winners from across North Carolina, the Orange Middle School Battle of the Books team claimed the top spot in the state-level competition on May 1, 2025, making them State Champions!
The team of 12 OMS Chargers traveled to the Unity Center in Statesville (contest hosted by Iredell-Statesville Schools) and earned a perfect score in four out of eight rounds, finishing the competition with 155 overall points.
![Cybersecurity Update Orange County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736809345/orangecountyfirstcom/b2bbrv9siy8yeviqqhas/CYBERSECURITY1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736809345/orangecountyfirstcom/b2bbrv9siy8yeviqqhas/CYBERSECURITY1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736809345/orangecountyfirstcom/b2bbrv9siy8yeviqqhas/CYBERSECURITY1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1736809345/orangecountyfirstcom/b2bbrv9siy8yeviqqhas/CYBERSECURITY1.png","width":1080}])
New information was shared with OCS by the NC Department of Public Instruction on May 7, 2025, concerning the data breach at PowerSchool reported in January of 2025.
![You Are IRREPLACEABLE Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Orange County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746571022/orangecountyfirstcom/iiacubxyuuwrgt1lyfun/13ThankYouTeachers2025IrreplaceableFlowers.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746571022/orangecountyfirstcom/iiacubxyuuwrgt1lyfun/13ThankYouTeachers2025IrreplaceableFlowers.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746571022/orangecountyfirstcom/iiacubxyuuwrgt1lyfun/13ThankYouTeachers2025IrreplaceableFlowers.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746571022/orangecountyfirstcom/iiacubxyuuwrgt1lyfun/13ThankYouTeachers2025IrreplaceableFlowers.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746571022/orangecountyfirstcom/iiacubxyuuwrgt1lyfun/13ThankYouTeachers2025IrreplaceableFlowers.png","width":1600}])
Share the good news about teacher leadership in Orange County Schools as we celebrate National Teacher Day!
![Selena Masse, Orange Middle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746566088/orangecountyfirstcom/lbi7zcs3wmjtupysg6z3/masseheadshot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746566088/orangecountyfirstcom/lbi7zcs3wmjtupysg6z3/masseheadshot.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746566088/orangecountyfirstcom/lbi7zcs3wmjtupysg6z3/masseheadshot.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746566088/orangecountyfirstcom/lbi7zcs3wmjtupysg6z3/masseheadshot.jpg","width":1080}])
Selena Masse has been named the first-ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year, by the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education of North Carolina
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![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 May 5, 2025.
![New Principals Named for Grady A. Brown Elementary - Kimberly Griffis - and A.L. Stanback Middle - Austin Morris]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746539189/orangecountyfirstcom/qrxze3vrtjaasaervjs3/newprincipalsGABALS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746539189/orangecountyfirstcom/qrxze3vrtjaasaervjs3/newprincipalsGABALS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746539189/orangecountyfirstcom/qrxze3vrtjaasaervjs3/newprincipalsGABALS.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746539189/orangecountyfirstcom/qrxze3vrtjaasaervjs3/newprincipalsGABALS.png","width":1080}])
Two new principals have been named to lead A.L. Stanback Middle School and Grady A. Brown Elementary School.
![Thank You So Much! Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Digital Card, with pencil and apple design]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746451388/orangecountyfirstcom/wobnbig7tywkk3qykmam/01ThankYouTeachers2025Apple.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746451388/orangecountyfirstcom/wobnbig7tywkk3qykmam/01ThankYouTeachers2025Apple.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746451388/orangecountyfirstcom/wobnbig7tywkk3qykmam/01ThankYouTeachers2025Apple.png","width":738}])
Our updates for May 5 are short in words, but full of joy and appreciation. Please read, share, and participate in whatever way you can!
Latest news and highlights from Orange County Schools, including state champions from OMS in Middle School Battle of the Books!
![Collage of Middle School students in Battle of the Books]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746124169/orangecountyfirstcom/gyyxlpesdnviafernqxo/Untitleddesign.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746124169/orangecountyfirstcom/gyyxlpesdnviafernqxo/Untitleddesign.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746124169/orangecountyfirstcom/gyyxlpesdnviafernqxo/Untitleddesign.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746124169/orangecountyfirstcom/gyyxlpesdnviafernqxo/Untitleddesign.jpg","width":1080}])
Students from A.L. Stanback, Gravelly Hill and Orange Middle School went head to head in the Battle of the Books Competition!
![NC Department of Public Instruction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746023062/orangecountyfirstcom/k3kt437r4u2sjpv8noqx/NCDPI_shaded.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746023062/orangecountyfirstcom/k3kt437r4u2sjpv8noqx/NCDPI_shaded.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746023062/orangecountyfirstcom/k3kt437r4u2sjpv8noqx/NCDPI_shaded.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746023062/orangecountyfirstcom/k3kt437r4u2sjpv8noqx/NCDPI_shaded.jpg","width":1080}])
Take this brief survey to help us understand how your student uses technology at home, and help OCS provide high-quality digital learning opportunities.
![OCS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year José Hidalgo and Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":631}])
Known for his 'unconditional' support of students and staff, Mr. José Hidalgo has been named OCS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year.
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![Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year Finalists]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745441545/orangecountyfirstcom/ywxqwnuxbkhthmxqob1u/Showcase3TemplateSixStory.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745441545/orangecountyfirstcom/ywxqwnuxbkhthmxqob1u/Showcase3TemplateSixStory.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745441545/orangecountyfirstcom/ywxqwnuxbkhthmxqob1u/Showcase3TemplateSixStory.png","width":800}])
Following the announcement of the school-level Teacher of the Year (TOY) nominees, three teachers have been selected as TOY finalists, all in the running to be named the Orange County Schools District Teacher of the Year at the TOY Banquet on April 24, 2025.
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View updated family resources. Share input on math curriculum. Join us Thursday for OCS Night of Poetry!
The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting and annual budget public hearing on April 7, 2025.