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Follow our news and events to learn what's happening and how you play a part in the success of every student and member of the Orange County Schools learning community. Reach your maximum potential!
We look forward to adding new stories here to celebrate our students and our school all year long.
![OCS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year José Hidalgo and Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745606794/orangecountyfirstcom/xnjbkqapirjvkqbqzbhe/IMG_5036.jpg","width":631}])
Known for his 'unconditional' support of students and staff, Mr. José Hidalgo has been named OCS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year.
![Dr. Sheldon Lanier, Orange County Schools and Mr. Jack Hoke, NC School Superintendents Association]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744059342/orangecountyfirstcom/ykeayr8fgphlvoqzs3nh/LanierandHokeThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744059342/orangecountyfirstcom/ykeayr8fgphlvoqzs3nh/LanierandHokeThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744059342/orangecountyfirstcom/ykeayr8fgphlvoqzs3nh/LanierandHokeThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744059342/orangecountyfirstcom/ykeayr8fgphlvoqzs3nh/LanierandHokeThumbnail.png","width":1080}])
Dr. Sheldon Lanier, Chief Equity and Student Achievement Officer, recently completed the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendents Program.
![What kind of math person are you? Question on the board at one of our Orange County Schools elementary schools, because everyone is a math person!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743705450/orangecountyfirstcom/lzmn3vvluqmvr8tvnzw7/IMG_1874Copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743705450/orangecountyfirstcom/lzmn3vvluqmvr8tvnzw7/IMG_1874Copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743705450/orangecountyfirstcom/lzmn3vvluqmvr8tvnzw7/IMG_1874Copy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743705450/orangecountyfirstcom/lzmn3vvluqmvr8tvnzw7/IMG_1874Copy.jpg","width":952}])
On four full days between April 8 and April 15, the community is welcome to share feedback on curriculum resources to help shape the future of math instruction in Orange County Schools. Read on to learn how you can participate.
![Jason Johnson, Alexis Cates and Shannon Braxton posing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742906259/orangecountyfirstcom/ucda0qeds4tugg263dpu/Showcase3TemplateSixStory24.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742906259/orangecountyfirstcom/ucda0qeds4tugg263dpu/Showcase3TemplateSixStory24.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742906259/orangecountyfirstcom/ucda0qeds4tugg263dpu/Showcase3TemplateSixStory24.png","width":800}])
Orange High School Agriculture Teacher Alexis Cates has been named North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year for Orange County Schools!
![Collage of the Orange County Schools Teacher of the Year nominees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742305926/orangecountyfirstcom/n4kqcl0gbsqknuewk26y/Showcase3TemplateSixStory23.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742305926/orangecountyfirstcom/n4kqcl0gbsqknuewk26y/Showcase3TemplateSixStory23.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742305926/orangecountyfirstcom/n4kqcl0gbsqknuewk26y/Showcase3TemplateSixStory23.png","width":800}])
The results are! We are very pleased to announce our Orange County Schools 2025-26 Teacher of the Year nominees!
![Collage of three OCS middle school principals]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741010882/orangecountyfirstcom/gokv8o5pbtqt9daeiouq/MSPrincipals.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741010882/orangecountyfirstcom/gokv8o5pbtqt9daeiouq/MSPrincipals.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741010882/orangecountyfirstcom/gokv8o5pbtqt9daeiouq/MSPrincipals.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741010882/orangecountyfirstcom/gokv8o5pbtqt9daeiouq/MSPrincipals.png","width":1080}])
For our elementary school students, the transition to middle school is steadily approaching and OCS is prepared to support families during this time. Click here to learn more!
From Our School Community
![Rising 6th grade parent night presentation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745411293/orangecountyfirstcom/dzjqbnaq1dyglzhcmspt/IMG_6317.jpg","width":227}])
Rising 6th grade parent night presentation and resources
![Tour of GHMS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744849546/orangecountyfirstcom/crtvgeqlkenkartljgic/IMG_0369.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744849546/orangecountyfirstcom/crtvgeqlkenkartljgic/IMG_0369.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744849546/orangecountyfirstcom/crtvgeqlkenkartljgic/IMG_0369.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744849546/orangecountyfirstcom/crtvgeqlkenkartljgic/IMG_0369.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744849546/orangecountyfirstcom/crtvgeqlkenkartljgic/IMG_0369.jpg","width":1290}])
Elementary students from all over Orange County Schools got to tour Gravelly Hill MS today!
![Parents attending the 2nd Annual Student Showcase]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742394889/orangecountyfirstcom/qxncbvpplxd0wwtvnuff/ghmsstudentshowcase-10.jpg","width":2200}])
Parents, staff, and community stakeholders came out to GHMS Wednesday for our 2nd Annual Student Showcase.
![Band fundraiser at Moe's]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741783178/orangecountyfirstcom/zb6c6vp8beebvytf4jj7/IMG_1315.jpg","width":2200}])
The GHMS band hosted a fundraiser at Moe’s in Mebane last night and it was a great success!
![GHMS Battle of the Books team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741363513/orangecountyfirstcom/vmy0rn7qj1u9xqm9xoan/IMG_1429.jpg","width":1658}])
Congratulations, Battle of the Books team!
![GHMS longevity awards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1740757129/orangecountyfirstcom/eudxnal6zgpj1mn6uvfd/IMG_9860.jpg","width":2200}])
Teachers receive pins for consecutive years of service to Gravelly Hill
News & Events
![2025 GHMS Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741965546/orangecountyfirstcom/makkws74kquln9dnv5ru/IMG_8086a.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741965546/orangecountyfirstcom/makkws74kquln9dnv5ru/IMG_8086a.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741965546/orangecountyfirstcom/makkws74kquln9dnv5ru/IMG_8086a.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741965546/orangecountyfirstcom/makkws74kquln9dnv5ru/IMG_8086a.jpg","width":1053}])
Ms. Cheryl Ramsey was named 2025 GHMS Teacher of the Year!
![Lineup for GHMS' living wax museum]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741363152/orangecountyfirstcom/f636aj9zjgiv2zzpaajz/waxmuseum.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741363152/orangecountyfirstcom/f636aj9zjgiv2zzpaajz/waxmuseum.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741363152/orangecountyfirstcom/f636aj9zjgiv2zzpaajz/waxmuseum.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741363152/orangecountyfirstcom/f636aj9zjgiv2zzpaajz/waxmuseum.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741363152/orangecountyfirstcom/f636aj9zjgiv2zzpaajz/waxmuseum.jpg","width":1574}])
8th graders showcase notable STEAM figures in a living wax museum gallery walk.
![Teacher workday on 2/28]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1740753555/orangecountyfirstcom/a0bzlaz9dqlkxu8vvzuf/IMG_9855.jpg","width":2200}])
We had a teacher workday today, and our Grizzly staff gathered in our Media Center to talk about a myriad of student-focused things.
![GHMS Hires New Head Custodian]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1733927888/orangecountyfirstcom/i2lfarw7w9fn9kux7eeu/IMG_9321.jpg","width":2200}])
GHMS hired a new head custodian, Mr. Jerry Enoch.
![Ms. Aguayo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1727114446/orangecountyfirstcom/pkloulewa1wo9fz1s3kb/IMG_8674.jpg","width":2200}])
Ms. Amanda Aguayo was named NCAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year.
![GHMS Athletics Picture Day Flyer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725627266/orangecountyfirstcom/ijbenv4mm3eokzxwwnxo/108192GravellyHillMiddleSchoolSPORTS1463685Run1Poster.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725627266/orangecountyfirstcom/ijbenv4mm3eokzxwwnxo/108192GravellyHillMiddleSchoolSPORTS1463685Run1Poster.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725627266/orangecountyfirstcom/ijbenv4mm3eokzxwwnxo/108192GravellyHillMiddleSchoolSPORTS1463685Run1Poster.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1725627266/orangecountyfirstcom/ijbenv4mm3eokzxwwnxo/108192GravellyHillMiddleSchoolSPORTS1463685Run1Poster.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725627266/orangecountyfirstcom/ijbenv4mm3eokzxwwnxo/108192GravellyHillMiddleSchoolSPORTS1463685Run1Poster.jpg","width":1275}])
Calling all Gravelly Hill Middle School Athletes: Strawbridge will be on campus on Friday, September 13 for both team and individual pictures.
all day
Orange County, NC, USA
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Orange High School, 500 Orange High School Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
all day
Orange County, NC, USA