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OCS Connections for February 10, 2023
OCS Connections 2023 #3
for February 10, 2023
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This Week’s Top 10!
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Life-Saving Heroes at New Hope
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CTE Month Resolution, Special Weeks
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Bus Driver Appreciation Week
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Jaki Shelton Green, HS Poet Laureate
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Two Historic 50-Point Games for Ware
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3A State Record for Sikes, State Meet Saturday
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Mendez, Super Bowl LVII Experience “Por La Cultura”
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Summer Meals Count On Community
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Feb. 24 Workday Camp & Calendar News
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Choice Schools – Meet Señor Moreno, HES
Board of Education
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“More Than Robots”
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Buzz About Spelling Bees
Notes from Our Community
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Historical Museum Exhibit Opens February 11
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Durham Tech, Career & College Promise
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Our State’s Progress in Education
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Lady Cardinal Mentorship for Girls in STEM
Black History Month Student Expo February 22
OCS Career Fair April 15, Pre-Register Now
Important Reminders
“Social Scene”
TOP TEN STORIES!
Recognizing Heroes at New Hope Elementary
On February 2, music teacher Andrea Perrone and OCS custodial supervisor Lorenza Eason were in the right place at the right time – not just to transform lives, but to save the life of a New Hope student. The Board of Education invited NHES principal Dr. Meredith Maier to help them recognize Perrone and Eason for their quick thinking and professional actions. This is their story.
CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month Resolution
Governor Cooper has proclaimed February 2023 as Career and Technical Education Month. Follow OCS CTE on Twitter and Instagram for shoutouts about programs that work for students in Orange County Schools, and the highly-qualified staff who make the courses possible.
This year’s CTE Month also features:
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SkillsUSA Week February 6-10
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National FCCLA Week February 13-17, and
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National FFA Week February 18-25
Learn more about how CTE works for schools and students at NC Department of Public Instruction and ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education).
Bus Driver Appreciation Week, February 13-17
“Love The Bus” Month is celebrated throughout the month of February, to promote the safety and wellness that school buses contribute to our schools, with huge thanks to drivers, technicians, and all our Transportation staff.
This week (February 13-17) we celebrate Bus Driver Appreciation Week. Driving a school bus is so much more than transportation. We want to shine a light on the drivers who greet students every day, deliver them home safely, and help our schools deliver on the promise of a safe, inclusive environment for education.
Staff joined the Board of Education for recognition on February 6, as seen above. Help us celebrate bus drivers this week, and any day of the year! Learn more about Love The Bus at the American School Bus Council, download coloring sheets, and find other fun ideas to share a word of thanks with our bus drivers.
Jaki Shelton Green Kickstarts Poet Laureate Programs in OCS
Orange County’s own Jaki Shelton Green was named North Carolina’s first Black poet laureate in 2018. She is an ambassador for poetry, history, and diversity in the ways we express ourselves, our stories, and the world we all experience as individuals and in community.
We are excited that Ms. Shelton Green has chosen to partner with OCS district literacy programs and all three OCS high schools to launch the first High School Poet Laureate program in Orange County Schools!
Learn more in this video (also linked below). Poetry clubs are starting at each high school, and an upcoming “poetry intensive” will offer select students a master class with the premier poet of our state, whose roots are here in Orange County. Stay tuned for news to celebrate and enjoy this new program as it grows!
If you would like to support the OCS High School Poet Laureate program, please contact Ambra Wilson, Executive Director of Literacy, and Mariah Morris, K-12 Director of Literacy, for more information.
Amiyah Ware Breaks 45-Year Record, Not Finished Yet
Breaking an Orange County scoring record that stood for 45 years, Cedar High School’s Amiyah Ware went out and scored 54 points on February 3 vs. Western Alamance, one day after celebrating “National Girls and Women in Sports Day.”
The previous record for all county basketball players (53) was set by Ronnie McAdoo of Orange High School in 1978.
Photo credit: Mason Lynde, hillsborough-sports.com
Two games later – one day after an NBA scoring mark was shattered – Ware became the only Orange County basketball player in history to score two 50-point games in the same season when she scored 51 against Durham School of the Arts in the last game of the regular season.
Amiyah recently netted her 1,000th point as well! While her scoring average is rising, so are the Red Wolves heading into the conference tournament.
Katie Belle Sikes Nabs 3A Record Before Heading to States
Orange High School’s Katie Belle Sikes is peaking at the right time. Along with a growing shelf of regional titles and school records, she has a new 3A state record in the 50-yard freestyle as well, with a time of 22.88 that she may yet eclipse with one more attempt during Saturday’s state championship.
Follow OHS Swimming on Instagram for the latest with photos of all the team’s swimmers, and congratulations to Coach Ron Geib on earning conference Coach of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.
Chris Mendez Previews Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix – NFL and Hispanic Heritage Foundation “Por La Cultura”
Cedar Ridge High soccer player Christopher Mendez Ulloa was chosen as one of 10 finalists nationwide for the 24th Annual Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, in the Sports & Fitness category. He was flown into Phoenix, AZ for a special ceremony on February 7 as part of the NFL and Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s “Por La Cultura” campaign which highlights Latino excellence and community stories.
Congratulations to Chris and his supporters for representing CRHS and OCS in this highly competitive program! See the press release on our website.
Photo: Instagram @hispanicheritage NFL #SBLVII week celebration
“Por La Cultura” aims to amplify Latino voices on and off the football field. Student-athletes from all sports who win this award receive a grant from the NFL and HHF to help fund their education or support an idea or project in the health and fitness space. See Chris Mendez’ biography to learn more about his story and his future plans.
Help OCS Provide Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens
Your organization can help OCS School Nutrition and the Summer Food Service Program by connecting our staff with potential host sites for free summer meals, served to all children 18 years old and under. Here are some details with a press release from the NC Department of Public Instruction:
To learn more about NC Summer Nutrition Programs and how your organization may become involved in providing summer meals to children in your community, please contact Sara Pitts with OCS School Nutrition Services.
You may also visit the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program website or contact the NCDPI Summer Nutrition Program team.
February 24 Teacher Workday Camp Open for Registration
Download and return this form to enroll your K-5 student in a one-day camp on the traditional and year-round calendar teacher workday for Friday, February 24, 2023. Available at Central and Grady A. Brown Elementary Schools.
Choice Schools, Hillsborough Elementary – Meet Señor Moreno
What are you looking for in an elementary school? Learn more about the year-round calendar and school culture from students and staff at HES.
This week’s video features Mr. Manuel Moreno (in Spanish), who taught middle school and coached basketball until he decided to teach Spanish language and Latin American culture to young students!
Stay tuned for future videos as students talk about the balanced schedule, positive culture, and sense of belonging among students and their teachers.
Experience the video in Spanish. Here is the translation:
“For the students who speak only Spanish, for the Hispanic families – I'm from Mexico. As a Mexican man of Hispanic background, I'm always curious about how I'm going to be received. Here I have been welcomed with open arms, and the reason is because I have spent time visiting the school, I have spent time asking in the community about the educational program – about the family that exists here in Hillsborough Elementary School.
“For me, it was a surprise to have received that welcome that I had not only when I visited but at the interview and now that I'm working full time as a teacher. The support I have had from all my teachers here, both female and male, has been magnificent. From the administration, from the principal, from the assistant principal, even better.
“Welcome, take the time and come and investigate what the school is all about, it is the education of your children; it is the education of themselves for a better future.” – Mr. Manuel Moreno, Spanish teacher at Hillsborough Elementary
Stay informed of school board action. BOARD Matters is not meeting minutes, which must be approved at a later board meeting. Find meeting minutes HERE. Visit the OCS website to view the most current BOARD Matters.
“More Than Robots”
FIRST Robotics Competition Team 587 Hedgehogs is the long name for an amazing group of students and mentors at Orange and Cedar Ridge High Schools who are busily preparing to defend their 2022 state championship but – while also doing “more than robots” as they serve the community. Check out their February 6 School Board appearance with the “Go Baby” mobility device.
Buzz About Spelling Bees and more…
February 20 will feature the recognition of our OCS spelling bee winners and much more. Meeting agendas become official when posted here. Plan to join the Board, or to watch online (in English, or with live Spanish interpretation). Interpretation is available for speakers of other languages who wish to address the Board.
Upcoming Board Meetings
The Board of Education’s next regular business meeting is Monday, February 20, 2023 at the Whitted Building, 300 W. Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC. Closed session begins at 6:00pm. Open session begins at 7:00pm. See details here.
NOTES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Orange County Collectors’ Exhibit Opens
Orange County Historical Museum’s newest exhibit, “Treasure Hunters,” opens Saturday, February 11. Learn more about the unusual items on display (armor, anyone?) and stop by between 11:00am and 4:00pm for the opening reception, with refreshments provided.
Career and College Promise, Durham Tech
Attention 10th grade students and families! Durham Tech's Career & College Promise (CCP) dual enrollment application is now open for Fall 2023 (and Summer 2023 for current 11th graders).
To apply, students must register for and attend an information session to receive important details regarding application requirements and program eligibility. Durham Tech's CCP team has multiple info session options available:
Questions? We can help! Contact Career Coach Lena Miller (919) 943-1503 or College Liaison Chase Harris (919) 943-0509.
North Carolina’s Progress in Education
A better educated North Carolina is the key to economic prosperity and upward mobility for all citizens. However, according to myFutureNC, for every 100 ninth-grade public school students in North Carolina, only 28 earn a degree or credential within six years of graduating high school.
This week, myFutureNC presented findings from North Carolina's State of Educational Attainment Report and proposed solutions to increase awareness and urgency around building up workforce talent and the education pipeline in NC.
myFutureNC aligns and coordinates local, regional, and state actions to dramatically increase the attainment of industry-valued credentials and post-secondary degrees to achieve the state's attainment goal of two million North Carolinians aged 25-44 to hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. Learn more: “This Is Our Future”
High School Girls in STEM – NC’s Lady Cardinal Mentorship
The Lady Cardinal Mentorship is a 4-week summer enrichment opportunity for North Carolina high school girls (grades 9-12) interested in exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics within state government.
Started based on recommendations from the 2018 Status of Women in NC Report, the mentorship program is part of the state’s initiative to reduce the growing disparity in employment and earnings among women and men in North Carolina, particularly in STEM-based careers.
Learn more and apply here by February 24, 2023.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
STUDENT EXPO
FEBRUARY 22 @ OHS
Witness brilliant young minds expressing rhythm and joy in their performances – for this important month, and for every day of the year! Learn more about the event on February 22 in this short video.
Performances will include step team, speeches by elementary and middle students, spoken word as well as music, filled with beauty, joy, and excitement!
OCS JOB FAIR
APRIL 15, 2023
Register Now! Orange County Schools District-Wide Career Fair
Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Location: Cedar Ridge High School
Candidates for classified and certified positions will be able to apply, interview, meet supervisors and principals, and learn about potential job offers all in one day!
Pre-register today and share this newsletter.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Kindergarten and All New Student Registration, Grades K-12: Visit our enrollment page to learn more and use our new, easy registration process.
Pre-K Registration Now Open!: Download an OCS Pre-K application for high-quality early childhood education.
Bivalent Booster Clinic, February 24 at River Park ES: Schedule your appointment here for Friday, February 24 at River Park ES.
Update Your Contact Information: Complete this form to update your contact information easily.
Choice School Application Extended: Application to transfer to a Choice School deadline February 28, 2023. For Cedar Ridge IB, or Year-Round Hillsborough Elementary, apply here!
Rising Ninth Grade Registration: Tours for current 8th graders February 9 and parent nights February 16. Learn more and start marking your calendars with information in our flyer!
Equity Task Force: Next meeting Monday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center (920 Corporate Drive, Hillsborough NC). For more information, contact Chief of Equity and Student Support Lee Williams II and Equity Facilitator Kumar Sathy.
Temporary Remote Learning Expectations: Learn more in our OCS “Temporary Remote Learning Expectations” guide.
Adult ESL Classes at New Hope, March: Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 pm starting in March 2023. Child care provided. Classes and childcare are free. Contact Sandra Blefko at OCS,
(919) 644-3200 x15508.
SOCIAL SCENE
Enjoy inspiring posts at the accounts pictured below. Follow and share your favorite accounts, and help us connect with you. Let us know what we’re missing… and use hashtag #OCSInspires or tag Orange County Schools to join the conversation!
Our mission at Orange County Schools is to educate students in a safe, inclusive environment where we engage, challenge, and inspire them to reach their maximum potential.