OCS Family Academy

In addition to our special performances, we'll have students art presentations and displays, vendors, community organizations and food trucks for families to enjoy!

OCS Student Art Displays:  

• Orange High School's Minority Achievers Program (MAP) Trivia and Painting Table 
• Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary School Art Display 

Vendors:

• Gina's African Boutique 
• Kristy Hawkins Soaps and Candles
• Joyful Intentions
• Bright Black Candles
• Andrews Counseling 
• Nasher Museum
• Virginias Henry's Art 

Community Organizations:

• Orange Partnership
• Grow Your World 
• Boomerang
• American Heart Association
• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Chapter
  • BIPOC Medical students and resources 

Food Trucks:

• I Love Lemonade 
• Fiya Pitt

Families will learn about:

• Vaping and trends in tobacco and THC usage among today's youth.
• How to spot paraphernalia hidden in plain sight in your child’s belongings.
• Tobacco and vaping cessation programs (support for quitting) for adults and youth.
• How to have healthy conversations with your children about vaping and tobacco usage.
• “Support Without Consequences” Youth Substance Use Prevention Program at OHS.
• Try the Information Vending Machine filled with tips and strategies for dealing with and talking about youth substance abuse.

Students will join the adults in leading these interactive presentations, including small groups facilitated by ADAPT Youth. A food truck will be on site for meal purchasing.

Click the images below for more information, and browse helpful resources at the bottom of this page.

 

Here are just some of the displays and performances you will see:

• Student dancers from our elementary, middle, and high schools
• Vocal and guitar music, poetry, and celebrations of historical figures 
• Displays from classroom and club activities celebrating art, culture, and science!
• Art displays on the theme "Roots of Strength: Growing Together," including flower portraits
• Mural painting, recipe sharing, ofrendas for Día de Muertos, and more... 

You do not want to miss this event! 

Food trucks and vendors will be on site in the lobby and front of the school. Parking for guests will be in the student parking lot. Everyone is invited. We hope to see you there!

What You Need To Know

OCS invites you to the first Family Academy of the 2025-2026 school year to join the conversation and help shape the future 2026-2031 OCS Strategic Plan!

Enter a dialogue open to our whole community about Priority Four of the OCS Strategic Plan — with goals focused on making students and families feel safe, seen, and supported in Orange County Schools! Learn how schools and families partner to increase student attendance, and gain deeper awareness of issues related to ADHD. We hope to see you there!

• Location: Gravelly Hill Middle School Media Center (4801 W. Ten Rd., Efland, NC 27243). Parking is available in front of the school.
• Time: Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Food and Children's Activities: Fiya Pit Food Trailer will be available with BBQ and more. Children's activities will also be available (engaging and interactive puppet show and story time, led by the OCS Family Engagement team).

 

How This Helps Your Family

Join the Conversation about OCS Strategic Plan, Priority Four

• Learn from district leaders about the 2021-2026 OCS Strategic Plan, with goals updated over the 2024-2025 school year to increase positive student outcomes.
• Share your input on Priority Four, with goals for reducing suspensions, reducing chronic absenteeism, and connecting with families through two-way communication that enhances student support.
• Dive deep into Goal Two, aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism. Learn how consistent attendance supports positive student outcomes vs. the effects of chronic absenteeism (missing 10% of school days, or 2 days per month). 

Understand Strategies to Increase Student Attendance

• OCS Student Engagement and Student Support staff will open a dialogue to gain public input on the OCS Strategic Plan.
• Learn how OCS engages and partners with families to address attendance issues, as defined in Priority Four, Goal Two.
• Find out what current and future programming supports are available to families to help decrease the negative effects of missing school.

Hear from Experts on ADHD Awareness and Support

• Experts from El Futuro will present answers to questions such as these:
  • What is ADHD, and what are some signals of challenged related to ADHD?
  • What are some roadblocks to identifying children with ADHD?
  • What are the differences between accommodations and modifications, or an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and a 504 Plan?
  • How can parents support students at home and advocate for supports at school?

 

Join the OCS Family Academy in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month at our Health and Wellness Fair—an afternoon filled with fun, relaxation, and meaningful moments!

Key details: 

• Saturday, May 3, 2025, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

• Orange High School, 500 Orange High School Rd., Hillsborough, NC 

• Families will be able to collect resources from a variety of vendors that pertain to mental, physical and financial health and wellness 

• Food will be available for purchase through a food truck

Here's the full story:

Come one, come all to the Second Annual OCS Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 12:00-3:00pm at Orange High School!

Everyone is invited to join OCS Family Academy for the day to Refresh, Recharge, and Reconnect with fitness classes, abundant resources for family wellness, and a community-wide celebration to enjoy options available to everyone for healthful living.

Learn more about this year’s Health and Wellness Fair, offered in partnership with Alliance Health, and all OCS Family Academy events provided by OCS Student Engagement and Support Services and OCS Family Engagement, at orangecountyfirst.com/familyacademy. 

Here are some highlights of events and exhibitors for Saturday:

Refresh:

Bring family and friends to get moving with fitness classes, including Xtreme Hip Hop Step (1:00 p.m.) and Zumba (2:00 p.m.), and a DJ playing music all afternoon! 

Vendors will also offer items that reflect rich culture and support self-care, self-esteem, and building a positive self image. Find natural, handmade, sustainable products that help nurture self-care rituals and foster love, healing, and peace.

Recharge:

Meet and learn more about organizations that support children and families, including Family Success Alliance, Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug-Free Youth, and Orange County Health Department. Explore mental health and wellbeing support available through El Futuro, Alliance Health, and others. 

Orange County Health Department Tobacco Cessation will be available to speak with individuals seeking support. State Employees Credit Union and Legal Aid of North Carolina will also be on hand to offer support toward financial wellness.

Reconnect:

Meet teens and adults who work to support youth substance use awareness and prevention, including ADAPT (“Youth Empowerment,” a student-led prevention program). Connect with youth and family mental health providers in our community, such as Youth Villages, Youth Extension, Boomerang Youth, Renaissance Wellness Services, and KidSCope. Learn about Medical Expansion from Orange County Social Services, and much more.

Bags of goodies to take home will be provided by Alliance Health, a mental health partner of Orange County Schools and event sponsor for this OCS Family Academy program.

Free chicken sandwiches will be available for the first 50 individuals who arrive, thanks to a grant from Student U in Durham. Sabor Olancho food truck will provide food for purchase throughout the day.

Park on either side of the gymnasium (in student parking or baseball field parking areas) and enter the Orange High School gymnasium to drop in and join any of the activities. Plan to spend the afternoon with fun and supportive experiences for the whole family!

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

---

 

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