Superintendent's Weekly Update | Week of September 25, 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. 

The Orange School District is Deemed High Performing by the New Jersey Department of Education: The Orange Public School District is proud to announce that, following the New Jersey Department of Education’s Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) monitoring visit conducted through the Essex County Office in March 2026, the district achieved a score of 80% or higher in all five NJQSAC evaluation areas! 

Based on these results, the New Jersey Department of Education has designated the Orange Public School District as HIGH PERFORMING! 

Under the leadership of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, II, the Orange Public School District demonstrated continued strength across instruction, fiscal management, governance, personnel, and operations with results as 100% in select categories. 

Dr. Fitzhugh joined members of the Orange Board of Education Special Education Committee, Board Members David Armstrong and India Williams, to visit Orange Horizon to see the new K–6 Special Education Program at Scholars’ Academy in action!

It was fantastic to witness purposeful instructional practice, meaningful student engagement, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) woven throughout the learning environment. These moments remind us of the importance of creating supportive, responsive, and engaging spaces where every scholar can thrive. 

A special thank you to Supervisor Mateen for joining us during the visitation, and to our Effective School Solutions partners, Ms. Linton and Ms. Jean, for their continued collaboration and support of our scholars and staff!

Dr. Fitzhugh Hosted the September Principals’ Meeting! Strong schools begin with aligned leadership and at our first Principals Meeting of the year, our school leaders came together to sharpen priorities, strengthen instructional practice, and keep teaching and learning at the center. From improved Security practices to AI workflows and ELA testing shifts, our principals are dedicated to providing the leadership our scholars need to thrive! Thanks to our Senior Leadership Team who was also on hand, providing the coaching, resources, and support our principals need to lead their schools forward.

A heartfelt thank you to the Orange Fire Department for your generous donation of bookbags for the students at Forest Street Community School! Your kindness and generosity mean so much to our students and families. You are truly heroes in every sense of the word. Thank you for continuing to show up for our community and make a positive difference in the lives of our children. We appreciate you!

Oakwood Avenue Community School welcomed families back for an exciting and informative Back-to-School Night! Parents learned about school expectations, connected with our community partners, and received valuable resources to support their families. A special thank-you to the Orange Education Association for providing free books to help inspire a love of reading in our students! Together, we are building stronger families, brighter futures, and a thriving school community!

Heywood Avenue School kicked off our Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) Tech Take Off with photo booth fun, device care lessons, paperwork collection, and plenty of excitement. Our 4th-7th received their Verizon internet-embedded iPads and other tools that will help power their learning all year long! 

Did you know? Throughout the year, Orange Public Schools’ ELA teams (under the direction of Ms. Karen Harris) engage in ongoing professional development designed to sharpen instructional practice, strengthen collaboration & deepen the ways we support students as readers, writers, thinkers and communicators. 

These images capture just one moment in that continuous work. From summer prep to learning throughout the school year, our educators are studying, reflecting, exchanging ideas, and refining their practice with one goal in mind: stronger learning experiences for your student.

Dr. Fitzhugh conducted an instrucutional check in at Orange High School. Last week, he stopped by OHS to view one of our new staff members, Ms. Christa Orovio, while her Cosmetology class engaged in an eye-opening discussion about the world of cosmetics. Students were learning the historical aspects of how cosmetology grew into the global industry it is today. Our CTE tracks continue to grow at Orange High School, and engaged students equate to Optimal Success! 

Our Park Panther families came out ready to connect, learn, and start the school year strong! It was wonderful seeing parents and guardians meet teachers, visit classrooms, learn about school expectations, and discover the many opportunities available to support student success. Thank you to our dedicated staff, families, and school community for making the evening so meaningful and memorable. Together, we are building a school year filled with partnership, positivity, and Panther Pride! Park Avenue Panthers are on time, in uniform, and ready to lead with PRIDE!

All Back to School Nights were announced in the month of June of 2026 on our social media handles as well as district website.  Please visit the school or district website to view the calendar of programs:   

All September calendars are posted on each school’s website.  As shared, continue to stay in the know, by reviewing the school’s calendar and adding important events to your personal calendars.  

Following are the School Year Arrival and Departure Times for Staff and Students 2026-2027 School Year: