OCS Family Academy

This evening is designed for every current 5th grade student and family, including those not enrolled in OCS. Explore the exciting experiences open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Orange County Schools, as they continue their journey toward graduation and success in life.

Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones said, “We hope all rising 6th graders who reside in our district will join us to hear from experienced and supportive leaders. Come out on March 13 to ask questions and find resources to support your child’s successful transition to middle school.” 

After a brief presentation by all three principals at 6:00 p.m., principals will lead breakout sessions for students and families heading to each of the three middle schools.

Complete event details:

• Thursday, March 13, 2025, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
• Orange Middle School, 308 Orange High School Road, Hillsborough, NC
• Principals will lead the first session together at 6:00 p.m., followed by breakout sessions with question-and-answer for each school.
• Learn about available pathways and pick up practical tips. Ask all your questions!
• Dinner will be available for the first 50 people who attend.
• Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Principals and school staff are prepared to help families support their child’s educational journey with everything from course requests to navigating the unique offerings at each school in academics, cultural arts, and athletics.

In April, current 5th graders travel by bus to tour their future middle schools, then schools host a Rising 6th Grade Parent Night before opening course registration. For complete details and a timeline to prepare for middle school, see our Rising 6th Grade Transition resources: www.orangecountyfirst.com/rising6th.

Every elementary student and family residing in the Orange County Schools district is invited to attend our March 13 Family Academy event at Orange Middle School.

Learn more about the March 13 event hosted by OCS Family Academy, and find resources for students and families preparing for middle school: 

rising 6th grade resources and timeline

February 2025:
Black History Month Student Expo 

Celebrate joy and excellence of Black History through cultural and artistic expression, joining staff and students from the district in a night to remember at the Black History Student Expo!

The Black History Student Expo will feature performances by: 

• Efland-Cheeks Elementary School Chorus

• Gravelly Hill Middle School Chorus 

• A.L. Stanback Chorus

• Orange High School Step Team 

• and more! 

This event will take place at Orange High School on Thursday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please be sure to park in the student parking lot.

January 2025:
Preparing for High School

Middle School Students and Families: Spend an evening with the high school principals from Cedar Ridge, Orange, and Partnership Academy High Schools. Learn how you and your student can succeed at every stage of preparation for high school!PREPARING FOR HIGH SCHOOL: ONE NIGHT WITH OCS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

The date for this event is January 15, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30, at A.L. Stanback Middle School. Dinner will not be served at this event.

Meet High School Principals

Orange County Schools principals will lead a presentation for middle school students and families on the challenges ahead, available resources, and exciting pathways to success in high school: 

• Dr. Anna Hipps, Cedar Ridge High School
• Mr. Jason Johnson, Orange High School
• Mr. Stan Farrington, Partnership Academy High School 
   

View the Principals' Presentation

View Slides in English    View Slides in Spanish
 

 

 

 

One Night, Three High Schools

• Hear from experienced school leaders
• Explore pathways available in high school
• Discuss what helps students be successful
• Get answers to your questions
   

Event Details

• A.L. Stanback Middle School, 3700 Highway NC-86, Hillsborough, NC
• Dinner will not be served at this event.
• Session with principals, along with representatives of each high school, starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Join us to learn practical tips on making the most of every stage in your preparation for high school.
• Spanish interpretation will be provided.
   

Every student and family getting ready for high school is invited!
 

Support Your Child's Educational Journey, December 10, 2024 at Cedar Ridge

The Orange County Schools Office of Equity and Student Achievement, in partnership with Curriculum and Instruction, invites you to our December collaboration with OCS Family Academy, aimed at strengthening the bond between our schools and our community.

The date for this event is Tuesday, December 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Cedar Ridge High School, with engaging and inviting activities for every student and family in Orange County Schools, all in one location.

For middle and high schoolers, OCS will host a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fair to highlight CTE programs for grades 6 through 12. The event theme is "Exploring Future Careers." Come visit various CTE program area booths in the C-Hall at Cedar Ridge High School.

Programs you can learn about will include: Engineering, Woodworking, Adobe Certifications, Ag Science, Foods, Apparel and Interior Design, and more. CTE is "Connected To Everything" and helps ensure every student is ready to enroll, enlist, or be employed after graduation. 

Additionally, for elementary families, OCS will also host K-5 Math and Science Night at Cedar Ridge High School, concurrently. Discover what students are learning in math and science and interactively explore grade-level standards.

This fun-filled evening offers families a chance to engage in hands-on activities that bring math and science concepts to life. Come and learn how you can support your child's educational journey while sparking curiosity and excitement for these important subjects!

A food truck will be on-site beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the carpool loop. We look forward to having families join and engage with us during OCS Family Academy for the month of December! To learn more, visit orangecountyfirst.com/familyacademy.

 

"Understand Your Child's Rights"

Join Orange County Schools and OCS Family Academy on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Gravelly Middle School Media Center from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. for a family engagement session focused on The Six Pillars of IDEA.

Click below for a short video introduction with Stacey Burns, Executive Director of Exceptional Children and Pre-K Services:

via Facebook      via Instagram

The Six Pillars of IDEA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

This session will help parents understand the core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which protects the rights of students with disabilities. You’ll learn how these pillars—like Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and Parent Participation—shape your child’s educational experience and how you can advocate for the services they deserve. 

Stacey Burns, Executive Director of Exceptional Children and Pre-K Services for Orange County Schools, will share information and guide discussion with families, educators, and all who attend. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Burns said,

"You know your child better than anyone.

We are here to empower you with knowledge and answer any questions you have about your child’s educational rights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn!"

Pre-registration is not required. All are invited to attend.

Translation of all written materials will be provided in Spanish. Interpretation of the presentation and discussion will also be provided in Spanish for those who attend.

October, 2024

You are cordially invited to join OCS Family Academy for our second annual Hispanic Heritage Month event, Empoderando!

This year's celebration embraces love, beauty, and culture through the vibrant and symbolic tradition of flowers. Each bloom tells a story of the rich heritage, resilience, and passion of our Hispanic communities.

Join us on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Orange High School for a full night of fun and fellowship. OCS students and community members have prepared poems, dances, art displays, and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy!

We will also have information for families about the Career and Technical Education opportunities available for students in Orange County Schools. 

Worried about dinner? We've got you covered! The Doña Lila food truck will be on site for everyone to purchase food at the event. We can't wait to see you there!

Orange County Schools
Family Academy

_____

octubre de 2024

Están cordialmente invitados a unirse a la Academia Familiar de OCS para nuestro segundo evento anual del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, ¡Empoderando!

La celebración de este año abraza el amor, la belleza y la cultura a través de la vibrante y simbólica tradición de las flores. Cada flor cuenta una historia del rico patrimonio, la resistencia y la pasión de nuestras comunidades hispanas.

Únase a nosotros el miércoles 2 de octubre a las 6:00 p.m. en Orange High School para una noche completa de diversión y compañerismo. Los estudiantes de OCS y los miembros de la comunidad han preparado poemas, bailes, muestras de arte y actuaciones culturales para que todos disfruten.

También tendremos información para las familias sobre las oportunidades de Educación Técnica y Profesional disponibles para los estudiantes en las Escuelas del Condado de Orange. 

¿Preocupado por la cena? ¡No se preocupe! El camión de comida de Doña Lila estará en el lugar para que todos puedan comprar comida en el evento. ¡Estamos deseando verlos allí!

Orange County Schools
Academia Familiar 

September 10, 2024

This school year, OCS will hold several Family Academy events for families to learn about helpful services and support from OCS departments such as Curriculum and Instruction, Exceptional Children's Services, Student Support, and more! Several Family Academies will also include heritage events to honor the diversity that makes Orange County Schools great!

On Thursday, September 12th, the first event will be held at New Hope Elementary. Learn about academic supports and interventions offered to all K-12 students through OCS. Help is also available for you to sign up for the new Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

 

 

Also on Thursday at New Hope, OCS Math coaches will host their annual Math and Science Night, where families can learn more about Math and Science Pre-K and elementary curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year, including a presentation about new state standards for Science.

Although child care will not be provided, a station with hands-on drawing and coloring materials will be available for caregivers and students!

The “I Love Lemonade” food truck will also be available for families to purchase meals as they enjoy this informative event. 

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and presentations will start at 5:15 p.m.

We look forward to seeing all of our OCS families at New Hope Elementary School on September 12th!

Sincerely,
OCS Family Academy

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10 de septiembre de 2024

Este año escolar, OCS llevará a cabo varios eventos de Academia Familiar para que las familias conozcan los servicios útiles y el apoyo de los departamentos de OCS, tales como Currículo e Instrucción, Servicios para Niños Excepcionales, Apoyo Estudiantil, ¡y más! Varias Academias Familiares también incluirán eventos de la herencia para honrar la diversidad que hace que las Escuelas del Condado de Orange sean grandiosas.

El jueves 12 de septiembre, el primer evento se llevará a cabo en New Hope Elementary. Aprender acerca de los apoyos académicos y las intervenciones que se ofrecen a todos los estudiantes K-12 a través de OCS. También habrá ayuda disponible para que se inscriba en el nuevo Portal para Padres "Parent Portal" de Infinite Campus. 

 

 

También el jueves en New Hope, nuestros entrenadores de Matemáticas OCS serán los anfitriones de la Noche de Matemáticas y Ciencias anual, donde las familias pueden aprender más sobre Matemáticas y Ciencias de Pre-K y el plan de estudios de primaria para el año escolar 2024-2025, incluyendo una presentación sobre los nuevos estándares estatales para la Ciencia.

Aunque no se proveerá cuidado de niños, habrá una estación con materiales para dibujar y colorear para los cuidadores y estudiantes.

El camión de comida «I Love Lemonade» también estará disponible para que las familias compren comidas mientras disfrutan de este evento informativo. 

Las puertas se abrirán a las 5:00 p.m. y las presentaciones comenzarán a las 5:15 p.m.

Esperamos ver a todas las familias de OCS en New Hope Elementary School el 12 de septiembre.

Atentamente,
Academia Familiar de OCS

For recordings and slides from OCS Family Academy events through the spring of 2024:

OCS Family Academy Archives