OCS Family Updates - February 21, 2025

Dear Orange County Schools Community,

Your voice matters!

We invite you to share your feedback about school bond construction projects through our survey and two options for public input sessions. See the survey and meeting reminder below, and check your calendar for exciting events coming up soon!

• School Bond Construction Priorities: Join us February 25 or March 3
• Black History Student Expo: February 27 @ OHS
• Attention Seniors and Families! Virtual FAFSA Night March 5, via Zoom
• Rising 6th Grade Students & Families: Join us March 13 @ OMS

School Bond Construction Priorities: Join us February 25 or March 3

Help shape the future of school construction in Orange County Schools! All students, families, staff, and community members are invited for interactive public input sessions on Tuesday, February 25 and Monday, March 3 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Whitted Human Services Building (300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough NC 27278). All are welcome to attend. Each meeting will feature the same presentation and activities.

Learn about school construction and help decide options for future construction projects funded by the 2024 School Bond, starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Everyone in the community is also invited to take our public input survey through March 4. Let us know what you want to see in the future of Orange County Schools. Your voice matters!

Black History Student Expo: February 27 @ Orange High School

Celebrate joy and excellence during Black History Month through cultural and artistic expression, joining staff and students from the district in a night to remember at the Black History Student Expo! The Department of Student Engagement, Equity and Support and the OCS Family Academy will be hosting the third annual Black History Month Student Expo on Thursday, February 27 at Orange High School from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 

Enjoy art and performances by:

• Efland-Cheeks Elementary School Chorus
• Gravelly Hill Middle School Chorus
• A.L. Stanback Middle School Chorus
• Orange High School Step Team
• and more, including the NC A&T Aggie Dog mascot!

Find more information and further updates here.

Attention OCS HIgh School Seniors and Families: Join us for a Spring Virtual FAFSA Night on Wednesday, March 5th!

This is your chance to get guidance on completing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and securing financial aid for college.

This event will be led by Ms. Zion Thompson, College Adviser for Cedar Ridge High School, and Ms. Jania Richards, College Adviser for Orange High School, with support from our partners at MyFutureNC and CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina).

The English session will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. There will be a dedicated Spanish session from 7:00 to 8:00 pm to ensure all families have access to resources they need.

This virtual event is perfect for seniors preparing to attend any 4-year college or university or 2-year community college after high school. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to get your questions answered and start your college journey with confidence!

For more information, reach out to your school’s College Adviser.

Rising 6th Graders and Families: Join us March 13 @ Orange Middle School

Let’s get ready for middle school! Fifth graders and families are invited for a fun evening with counselors, school leaders, and current middle school students at Orange Middle School on March 13 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Find answers to your questions, and learn how to make the most out of moving up to middle school next year. Save the date and plan to bring a friend. We hope to see you there!