Superintendent's Weekly Update | Week of September 18, 2026

I hope this communication finds you well and in good health and spirits.  It has certainly been a busy and productive few days across the Orange Public School District as we continue to build momentum and begin the new school year with purpose. There is much to celebrate, much to accomplish, and, as always, much to be grateful for.

I invite you to take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy reading this week’s update from the Office of the Superintendent. Within these pages, you will find highlights of the meaningful work taking place throughout our schools and the many ways our scholars and staff continue to move us forward.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to the success of our scholars and staff. Your support makes a difference, and together, we remain One Orange Strong.  In closing, I encourage each of you to have an exceptional weekend; rest, recharge, and embrace every moment on PURPOSE.

Thank you for being champions of Opportunity, Equity, and Success!

During the September Board of Education meeting, Dr. Fitzhugh II shared his monthly Superintendent's Report, highlighting updates on district goals, student achievement via AP (advance placement) performance, the significance of the opening of Orange Horizon at Scholars Academy, plus more exciting work underway throughout the district.

Teacher Enrichment Success Periods serve as the professional development hub of the Orange Public School District, and this week Dr. Fitzhugh, Superintendent of Schools, visited Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation as well as Orange High School and observed sound practices at the CAMPUS! The Campus is the sound partnership between Orange High School and Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation. Our instructional teams were engaged in sound practices that will be utilized during the instructional blocks districtwide. Thank you to our teacher teams for being present at each development session and charging our staff with the tools to impart onto our scholars!

As we continue to walk together into School Year 2026–2027, I ask that we remain committed to trusting one another, working collectively as one team, and providing unwavering support to both our scholars and our colleagues. Over the course of the past four years, we have continued to build relationships, strengthen our collective understanding, and grow together as an organization. That foundation matters, and it will continue to be essential as we pursue our shared vision of Optimal Success.

I also want to remind everyone that our reopeningofschools@orange.k12.nj.us email address will remain active throughout the school year. This resource provides an opportunity for staff, families, and community members to ask questions and receive accurate, timely responses from the Superintendent's Team.

Please know that this is a safe and supportive space to seek clarification, share concerns, and obtain information. Our commitment is to ensure that the information you receive is accurate, transparent, and provided in a timely manner.

Let us continue to move forward together with trust, purpose, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to our scholars.