Reopening of Schools - We're Back!

The Orange Township Public School District shares highlights of the reopening of schools as students were welcomed back to in-person instruction on Monday, April 19, and Thursday, April 22.

Dr. Fitzhugh's NJQSAC Announcement
"We Did It TEAM!"
This is how we are MOVING FROM "GOOD TO GREAT"

I am pleased to announce that the Orange Public School District obtained a score of 83% in Curriculum and Instruction on the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) report for the school year 2019-2020. NJQSAC is the Department of Education's monitoring and district self-evaluation system for public school districts. In SY 2018-2019 and as reported to the Board of Education earlier in SY 19-20, our score in Curriculum and Instruction was 74%. Throughout the school year, the Curriculum Directors, Supervisors, teachers, and I embarked on a revision process of all district curriculums. In that particular area of the report, we received a perfect score of 40 out of 40. Per the New Jersey Department of Education, the district has satisfied at least 80% of the weighted indicators in each of the five areas of the NJQSAC review process (Instruction and Programs, Operations, Personnel, Governance, and Fiscal) and has been designated as "high performing. The Commissioner will recommend to the State Board of Education that the Orange Township Public School District be certified as providing a thorough and efficient system of education for three years or until the next NJQSAC review. Congratulations on this accomplishment.

Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education Letter of Commendation

Special Announcement from the Superintendent of Schools:

Orange School District Families,

Should you have any questions about returning to school, you are encouraged to send an email to reopeningofschools@orange.k12.nj.us. You will receive an email response within 24 hours. Thank you for your continued support of the Orange Township Public School District.

Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Special Announcement from the Superintendent of Schools

Orange School District Families,

Thank you for submitting your requests for your children to return to Hybrid Learning on Monday, April 19, 2021, or the continuation of Remote Learning through Thursday, June 24, 2021. After extending our time frame for parents and guardians to respond, schedules are now complete for students returning to Hybrid Learning. Effective March 10, if you have not responded, it is assumed that your child will continue with remote learning.

We thank you for your continued support of the Orange Township School District.

Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Latest District News and Information

STAFF ONLY - Daily COVID-19 Employee Survey Form Link

Beginning April 12, as staff return to the district, a daily questionnaire in Google must be completed by 8:30 AM, at all district locations, by staff members reporting to the building. The information collected from the form will be maintained as confidential.

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Congratulations to Dr. Blanton and Ms. Alcantara on Their New Appointments

At the June 8, 2021 Board of Education Meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ftizhugh announced Principal Faith Alcantara and Principal Dr. Jacquelyn Blanton as the new Executive Director of the Office of Innovation and the Executive Director of the Office of Early Childhood Learning, respectively.

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The Orange Public Schools - School Reopening Plan Summer Edition - Summer 2021

The "School Reopening Plan - Summer Edition" for the Orange Public Schools outlines guidelines and details over 50 school, district, and partner-based programs for Summer 2021.

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The Orange Public Schools Summer Programs

The Orange Public Schools will be offering a variety of summer programming options in Summer 2021 that serve the purpose of remediation, enrichment, credit recovery, and extended learning opportunities for our students. The registration deadline for all the programs is June 18, 2021.

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"TAP into East Orange/Orange" Online Newspaper Article: East Orange and Orange High School Athletes Inducted Into the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center

For nine years, the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center honors student athletes from Essex County. This year the honor took place virtually on May 25th. In the Super Essex Conference, Orange High School all-star player Celine Jobson shined bright.

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Math & Science Summer Exploration Parent Information Fair

The Mathematics and Science Department invites parents to hear more about summer learning opportunities available to students. The department has collaborated with schools to develop the overall strategy to support school-based summer offerings and will host a Virtual Parent Information Fair by grade levels.

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Special Services - Extended School Year 2021

The Orange Township Public School District's Extended School Year (ESY) Program will occur from July 1 through August 13, 2021. This program will be held in person (location to be determined) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please note, Wednesday sessions will be conducted through our virtual platform.

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Last "Snow Day" Will be Used on Friday, June 18, 2021

Superintendent Dr. Fitzhugh announced on May 25 that the district would use the last snow day not taken during the school year on Friday, June 18, 2021. The selection of this day is in recognition of Juneteenth, observed on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The day before will allow for reflection and celebration of an important time in our country's history, and the district will be closed.

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COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Survey

Rev. Melvin E. Wilson from St. Matthew Church has an opportunity to administer vaccinations to children ages 12-15. Before putting plans in place, he would like your response to a one-question survey to determine if families are interested. Kindly note that this is not a district mandate for school attendance. In partnership, we want to provide options for our families.

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Congratulations to CORESSWC's Financial Literacy Honoree Glenn Gamble

The Circle of Rainbow Sisters Seeking Spiritual and Wellness Connection (CORESSWC) is honoring Mr. Glenn Gamble, Orange Preparatory Academy business education/financial literacy teacher, with a Financial Literacy in Education Award at their 1st virtual awards ceremony on Sunday, May 23, 2021, 5 pm to 7 pm.

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Orange Public Schools Request for Proposals

The Orange Township Public School District has issued two Request for Proposals for Custodial and Grounds Operations Management Services and a Comprehensive Plan of Curriculum and Professional Development Support in Science Education.

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I Am Gifted - A Scholars Academy Presentation

During Gifted and Talented month, parents and students who participate in the district's Gifted and Talented program at Scholars Academy shared their thoughts, perspective, and ideas about gifted education.

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Scholars Academy Grade 1 - 2 Life Science Unit - The Life Cycle of Butterflies

Students in Grades 1-2 began their Lifecycle Science unit for the Scholars Academy Gifted/Talented program the week of April 12, when they picked up their caterpillar kits to study the life cycle of butterflies. Science teacher Ms. Dorman shared her interactive remote class lesson complete with observations under a microscope.

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Message form the Superintendent of Schools - The Reopening of Schools, April 19, 2021 (in English, en Español, ak Kreyòl Ayisyen)

The Superintendent of Schools shared important information for families returning to in-person instruction on April 19, 2021, in a phone message. Please review the detailed letter to all families.

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Town Hall Meeting Presentation - Return to School Plan: Welcome Back to Our Staff and Students

At the Virtual District Town Hall meeting on April 13, Superintendent of Schools, Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D., and Director of Math and Science, Tina Powell, Ed.D. outlined guidelines for the Return to School Plan, welcoming back staff and students to in-person instruction.

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