District News
![David Hughes Named December 2025 Classified Employee of the Month!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764695464/orangecountyfirstcom/b3hubmcjrk6ejixpxbvl/DavidHughesEOM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764695464/orangecountyfirstcom/b3hubmcjrk6ejixpxbvl/DavidHughesEOM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764695464/orangecountyfirstcom/b3hubmcjrk6ejixpxbvl/DavidHughesEOM.png","width":800}])
Congratulations to David Hughes, OCS Transportation Technician, for being named OCS Classified Employee of the Month for December 2025!
![Alli Couch Named NCDPI Exceptional Children's Educator of Excellence for Orange County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763670264/orangecountyfirstcom/ajceubigciws9alxcibg/Untitleddesign38.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763670264/orangecountyfirstcom/ajceubigciws9alxcibg/Untitleddesign38.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763670264/orangecountyfirstcom/ajceubigciws9alxcibg/Untitleddesign38.png","width":800}])
Alli Couch, Exceptional Children’s (EC) Teacher at River Park Elementary School, has been named the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) EC Educator of Excellence for Orange County Schools!
![Christi Hemingway Named November 2025 Classified Employee of the Month!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763566186/orangecountyfirstcom/jmrcqrbvsj5zerem7b39/ChristiHemingway_ALS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763566186/orangecountyfirstcom/jmrcqrbvsj5zerem7b39/ChristiHemingway_ALS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763566186/orangecountyfirstcom/jmrcqrbvsj5zerem7b39/ChristiHemingway_ALS.png","width":800}])
“Christi has fostered a positive and welcoming cafeteria environment where students and staff alike enjoy coming together for meals. Her ability to sustain high levels of performance and morale, even in challenging circumstances, exemplifies her commitment to excellence and service.”
![Board Notes - Regular Meeting for November 17, 2025]([{"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 November 17, 2025.
![Three OCS Educators Receive Couch Oil Cares "Fueling Education" Teacher Grant]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763066246/orangecountyfirstcom/vpywsplmk5ubjr8gcvur/CouchOilgrantwinners.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763066246/orangecountyfirstcom/vpywsplmk5ubjr8gcvur/CouchOilgrantwinners.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763066246/orangecountyfirstcom/vpywsplmk5ubjr8gcvur/CouchOilgrantwinners.png","width":800}])
What would you do with an extra $1,000 for your classroom? Starting this year, teachers were invited by the “Couch Oil Cares” program to share their vision for such an award, and three Orange County Schools educators are among the first-ever winners of a “Fueling Education” Teacher Grant worth $1,000
The Orange County Board of Education held a regular business meeting on October 20, 2025.
!["Superheroine with a Caring Heart”: Teacher Rebeckah Goras Named OCS Beginning Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760124798/orangecountyfirstcom/cattiioq1mcnjxrdguik/RebeckahGoraswJones.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760124798/orangecountyfirstcom/cattiioq1mcnjxrdguik/RebeckahGoraswJones.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760124798/orangecountyfirstcom/cattiioq1mcnjxrdguik/RebeckahGoraswJones.png","width":800}])
Described as a “superheroine,” praised for her compassion and dedication to her students, Rebeckah Goras, Exceptional Children’s (EC) teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle School (ALS), was named Orange County Schools 2025-26 Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY).
![“Home of the Stars”: Principal Kristin Mattison-Williamson of Pathways Elementary Named OCS 2025-2026 Principal of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759343821/orangecountyfirstcom/exiwrxk1ic57ebr1m6e0/KristinMattisonWilliamson-POY.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759343821/orangecountyfirstcom/exiwrxk1ic57ebr1m6e0/KristinMattisonWilliamson-POY.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759343821/orangecountyfirstcom/exiwrxk1ic57ebr1m6e0/KristinMattisonWilliamson-POY.png","width":800}])
At the "Home of the Stars," Pathways Elementary School (PES) students and staff were shining bright on Friday, September 26, when Principal Kristin Mattison-Williamson was announced as the OCS 2025-2026 Principal of the Year.
![Life-Saving Actions with “Courage, Skill, and Compassion”: A.L. Stanback Middle School Recognitions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759263911/orangecountyfirstcom/sqzblb7wilfejvjvfn7s/ALStanbackRecognition.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759263911/orangecountyfirstcom/sqzblb7wilfejvjvfn7s/ALStanbackRecognition.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759263911/orangecountyfirstcom/sqzblb7wilfejvjvfn7s/ALStanbackRecognition.png","width":800}])
In light of their actions, and the heroic courage of student David Gonzalez Rubio and his family, staff and first responders who helped save a student’s life were recognized by the school board and county government.
![OCS Finance Earns Award for Transparency in Reporting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754597778/orangecountyfirstcom/prxfyrwmf9jusderhxrn/IMG_1458.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754597778/orangecountyfirstcom/prxfyrwmf9jusderhxrn/IMG_1458.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754597778/orangecountyfirstcom/prxfyrwmf9jusderhxrn/IMG_1458.jpg","width":518}])
OCS Finance earned the Fiscal Year 2024 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for transparency, awarded annually by ASBO International.
![2025-2026 Lunch Application and CEP Qualified Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754424404/orangecountyfirstcom/qr7jlj5yb7fxxivppvta/IMG_9831EAT.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754424404/orangecountyfirstcom/qr7jlj5yb7fxxivppvta/IMG_9831EAT.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1754424404/orangecountyfirstcom/qr7jlj5yb7fxxivppvta/IMG_9831EAT.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754424404/orangecountyfirstcom/qr7jlj5yb7fxxivppvta/IMG_9831EAT.jpg","width":953}])
View our latest menus plus 2025-26 applications for Free and Reduced Price Meals! Students at approved Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools are approved for meals at no cost. Learn more!
- all-schools
![Have a Great Panther Day, North Carolina!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747434398/orangecountyfirstcom/dfewee23ppmyoweffmrd/JasonJohnson2025NCPOYCeremony-4.jpg","width":2200}])
Mr. Jason Johnson of Orange High School is the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year!
![OCS Family Updates - National Teacher Day, Teacher Leadership]([{"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 (OMS) First-Ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year]([{"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
- spotlight
!['Unconditional' Hidalgo Named OCS 2025-26 Teacher of the Year]([{"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.
- spotlight