OCS Family Updates - February 15, 2026

Calendar Notes

Remember that Monday, February 16 is a student day for all OCS schools. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

(See our first announcement from February 2, due to closures for winter weather). Visit orangecountyfirst.com/calendar for up-to-date school calendars for this year as well as 2026-2027.

Classified Employee of the Month, New Hope Teacher Assistant Joanna Cannone

Congratulations to Joanna “Miss Jo” Cannone, OCS Classified Employee of the Month for February!

 

Classified employees (in non-certified roles) provide essential support in every school and department. We are proud to celebrate how our valued staff make a difference for every student in every classroom, every day! See more here on the OCS website. 

Ready, Set, Kindergarten! Enroll Now for 2026-2027

We loved meeting students and families excited and ready to start kindergarten in 2026!

 

 

Orange County Schools is now enrolling for kindergarten and all grades K-12.

• Visit orangecountyfirst.com/enrollment for details (required documents, and more) and to enroll online.
• See our special Kindergarten page orangecountyfirst.com/k for “Let’s Get Ready!” Kindergarten Readiness Resources and more.

“Love the Bus” Month, Bus Driver Appreciation Week

Thank you to everyone on the OCS Transportation team who helps children arrive safely at school every day, and especially our bus drivers who deserve a special shout-out during Bus Driver Appreciation Week, February 9-13.

 

Schools showed their appreciation all week. Stay tuned for more photos throughout "Love the Bus" Month in February!

Let's Build the Future of Orange County Schools Together!

Join us at the Orange Grove Community Center on February 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

 

 

We are committed to building a strategic plan for 2026-2031 that reflects the values, hopes, and voices of our entire Orange County Schools community. Listening Sessions give you an opportunity to hear about the state of our schools, and district leaders time to hear and discuss your input on key focus areas. Sessions are open to all, and interpretation is always provided. Learn more about the OCS 2026-2031 Strategic Plan on our website.

Attendance Week Videos

Being in school consistently matters in every grade, and can help students stay on track to graduating with options in employment, enlistment in the military, and enrollment in higher education and trade schools.

 

 

Learn more and see why we encourage every high school senior to complete the FAFSA, all in short videos here on the OCS YouTube channel!

Learn About CTE Pathways, “Speaking of Schools”

Tune into WCHL (chapelboro.com) for a discussion on air featuring Director Shannon Braxton and Board Chair Will Atherton about Orange County Schools Career and Technical Education programs, including pathways for students to explore, partnerships with community businesses, and more! 

COLLEGE CORNER

Seniors: Complete the FAFSA in February!

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to helping students and families afford college.

 

 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is open and ready for you to claim grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid, including need-based aid and other funds not dependent on financial need. Starting is the most important part! Visit studentaid.gov/fafsa to get started and learn more here on the OCS website.

Graduation Information, Class of 2026

For the complete list of dates, times, locations and more for both rehearsals and ceremonies for all three OCS high schools, visit orangecountyfirst.com/graduation.