OHS Panther Tracks
Weekly Newsletter for Orange High School Families
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21 - 25
Upcoming Dates/Events
February 14-25 - Registration window for the OHS administration of PSAT for 10th graders (see information below)
February 25 - Teacher Workday - No School for OCS Students
March 1 - ACT test administration begins at OHS (see information below)
April 27 - PSAT 10 test administration at OHS
You Belong at OHS
Thank you Beck for your dedication to ensuring that everyone belongs at OHS!!
Good news...
+ Students are enjoying having time to socialize with peers and attending clubs during lunch
+ Students can now attend activities they couldn't before!
+ Students like being able to have choice and make their own appointments in the app!
+ Students really like being able to make up work with the teacher and having quiet places to study
+ Club attendance is up!!
+ Students and staff are staying positive and overall like the new change!
Let's keep working on...
* Checking your schedule! Make sure you know if/when you are assigned to a location to see a teacher
* Go to ONE location and remain there for the 30 min. block. Students should not be moving through the halls during Block A or Block B
* Be reminded that during their Lunch time, students CAN be in cafeteria, outdoors, front lobby, or classroom spaces (w/ teacher approval); students CAN NOT be in Panther's Den, bathrooms, connector, or halls
* Talk to your teachers to see if they are open for other study hall / quiet spaces too!
* Enriching Students = good time management! Use the app!!
Using Enriching Students to Sign Up for SMART Lunch
COVID Meal-time Guidance
MEAL UPDATES (Effective 1/11/22)
- Meal times (actual time eating) shall be no more than 15 minutes for all students indoors and outdoors.
- Once students are masked, they may talk.
- Students will not talk while masks are off during meal times.
- Students will maintain 3 ft of physical distance to the extent possible when consuming meals.
- When temperatures and weather permits, students will eat outdoors when temperatures are above 40 degrees.
- Students will eat indoors when temperatures are below 35 degrees.
- Schools will check conditions and make daily decisions on eating meals outdoors when temperatures are between 35-39 degrees.
- When there is a need to eat indoors, OHS staff and students will follow the district’s meal procedures located here.
COVID Vaccine Pop-Up Clinic
See flyers for the upcoming COVID 19 vaccination event for ages 12+.
This will be held at OHS in the front lobby on Thursday February 24 from 5-9 pm with a follow up clinic 3 weeks after.
Effective Monday there will be new guidelines per NC StrongSchools Toolkit k-12. Individual contact tracing will end and change in the definition of fully vaccinated. This change will immediately impact athletes and any students participating in extracurricular activities required to "test to play"- fully vaccination definition will include a booster for those 12+ eligible.
OCS 2022-23 Academic Calendars
FAFSA Night
6 - 8 pm
Emily K Center, 904 W Chapel Hill Street
Durham, NC 27701
FAFSA priority deadlines are coming up with many being as early as March 1st! Looking for a time to complete your FAFSA? Check out this event! On Tuesday the 22nd from 6pm-8pm at the Emily K Center in Durham college advisors from Orange and Durham County will be available to help you complete your FAFSA. This is the perfect chance to submit your FAFSA in less than an hour! Sign up for this event using this link. See the attached flyer for more information and email Ms. Butner if you have any questions.
PSAT for Grade 10
This test session is open to students in Grade 10 who are interested in taking the PSAT 10 to measure readiness for college, access scholarships, and practice for the SAT.
Students interested in taking this test must REGISTER by Feb. 25. Access registration form HERE.
The test fee is $18. Students can bring payment to the front office in an envelope labeled as follows:
Student First Name & Last Name
PSAT 10
Attn: Crystal Medlin
Online Tutoring Program! Grades 5-12
Beyond Expectations, in partnership with Grow Your World, Reintegration Support Network, and Boomerang Youth have started an online tutoring program. Their volunteers have received training and extensive background checks. They are here to help with homework, work on projects and sharpen study skills. Please encourage students to utilize this FREE service and please share it with parents. The registration link and flyers are below and please let me know if you have questions!
They have over 40 tutors ready and waiting to tutor 5th through 12th graders on Mondays and Thursdays, 6-8pm online! Families only need a way to connect to Zoom.
Please spread the word! Fliers attached. Sign ups here: bit.ly/homeworkhelpOC
Senior Spirit Committee
Are you interested in helping make this semester more exciting for all seniors? Do you want to be involved in planning and making major senior events like Prom happen? If so, join the new Senior Spirit Committee! This group will be in charge of planning senior activities throughout the semester. Help plan events that seniors actually want to go to so that this senior spring can be amazing for everyone. Sign up using the google form below to have your voice heard!
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/8V1BCeodzA1KvNZQ8
Orange County Summer Camp Jobs
Orange County Recreation is currently seeking applicants for two roles in support of their summer camp program (www.orangecountync.gov/summercamps). If you need help filling out the application, please Mr. Montgomery (Room 310) know!
- Camp Counselor – Executes age-appropriate activities for summer camp participants ages 4-12, ensuring a fun and safe enrichment environment. This is a paid position with complete position description and link to apply available at www.orangecountync.gov/jobs. Position closes February 25. rate of pay: $14.95/hr.
- Counselor in Training (C.I.T.) – This is a volunteer position for youth ages 13-15-years-old to assist Summer Camp Staff with implementing camps for campers ages 4-6-years-old and 7-9-years-old. The C.I.T. program provides opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, customer service, programming, and supervisory skills while providing on-site staff support. There is a nominal fee to participate, and C.I.T.s are selected through an application (due March 4) and interview process. More information available at http://www.orangecountync.gov/2072/Counselor-in-Training
Summer Careers Academy
- General Construction
- Heating and Air
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Grading
- Landscaping
- Plumbing
- Architecture
Completion of this program may lead to full-time employment. This program is open to graduating seniors as well, as well as recent graduates. You must apply and meet all the requirements to be considered (space is limited). To apply, see Mr. Montgomery for an application. Attached is a flyer in both English and Spanish (Spanish page 2).
- Must be 16 prior to 7/1/2022
- Have a "C" average or better and excellent school attendance
- Must have parent/guardian permission
- Must have reliable transportation
- Must have valid picture ID
- Must be able to obtain a NC DOL Youth Work Permit and adhere to all NC DOL Youth Labor Requirements
Deadline to apply is March 7, 2022.
US Naval Academy Summer Program
The United States Naval Academy is hosting two programs for high school students in June 2022, the Summer STEM program and the Summer Seminar. Applications for both programs are due by March 31, 2022.
NOW HIRING!
- Vinny's is hiring bussers and cashiers. To apply, please stop by the store and ask for Dejah McKnight.
- Subway is hiring sandwich artists. To apply, go online to www.mysubwaycareer.com and enter store address 129 N. Scotswood Blvd. Hillsborough, NC 27278
Career & College Promise (CCP) Information
CCP provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills.
Summer and Fall Information sessions have begun. College liaisons have posted their dates. The main office Information Sessions are posted online: https://www.durhamtech.edu/dual-enrollment/ccp-information-sessions
If you are interested in CCP please plan to attend an information session which is the first step in the CCP application process. Attending an information session is mandatory.
The Durham Tech College Liaison that serves Orange High School is Patricia Gould and her contact information is listed below.
Patricia Gould
Director, College Recruitment and High School Partnerships
Cedar Ridge High School, Orange High School (11th and 12th grades), Eno River Academy
ccp@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 1417
919-943-5439 (cell)
Durham Tech Corning Apprenticeship
SENIORS -
Corning is hiring and paying employees to attend college full-time! You get paid $30,000 to attend college and work 8 hours a week during the school year and work full-time in an internship during the summer. You will be enrolled in Durham Tech's Electronics Engineering Technology AAS program. Corning will pay your tuition, books, and fees! This is an awesome opportunity.
Watch the recorded info session here. The password is: L0E&$@Fx
The application is due February 25th. Students must be at least 18 years old by December 31, 2022. If you are interested, email nick.montgomery@orange.k12.nc.us
QuestBridge 2022 College Prep Scholars Program
The 2022 College Prep Scholars Program application is now open for high school juniors! The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 24.
We are looking for high school juniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we do not have absolute criteria or cut-offs for GPA, standardized test scores, income, or other factors.
Eligibility
- Any high school junior, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. is eligible for the College Prep Scholars Program. Additionally, U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad are eligible for the program. International students living outside the U.S. are not eligible.
- Applicants must be high school juniors who are planning to apply to college during the fall of their senior year. A full description of the eligibility requirements can be reviewed at the link below.
Academic Achievement
- We seek students who have demonstrated high academic achievement.
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to learn more please click here: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars/who-should-apply
Application link HERE
College Visits @ OHS
Students should set up an account at Scoir asap to sign up for visits throughout the year!
WHO'S COMING TO OHS??
See Ms. Butner's list of upcoming college visits!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d3ki-pA5a43b2LiO5TBsuujLypU50pL0z1Om_zYCrVc/edit#gid=0
Below you will find a link to many scholarship opportunities with deadlines between December 17th and February 28th, 2022.
Please read the eligibility criteria carefully and reach out to me at jakara.scurry@orange.k12.nc.us if you have any questions or need assistance.
You can also book an appointment with me here: https://jakarascurry.youcanbook.me/ .
Remember, no amount of money is too small, so apply!
Scholarship Opportunities: Deadlines DECEMBER 17 - FEBRUARY 28th, 2022
Creative Civitan - Withrow Memorial Scholarship
The Creative Civitan Club of Durham is accepting applications for our annual Creative Civitan Withrow Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a senior high school student toward the cost of higher education. Residents of Durham, Orange, Person and Vance Counties are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
The scholarship is targeted to students who are involved in community service or volunteering in any capacity. The applicant does not have to be involved in Civitan to apply. Attached please find a file copy of the 2022 scholarship application in pdf format. Eligibility requirements, procedures, criteria and instructions are listed on page two.
Please note that transcripts must be sent by a school representative via USPS to PO Box 61941, Durham NC 27715-1941 or emailed to murphieatduke@yahoo.com. If you are interested in this scholarship please let me know.
Application deadline is Friday, April 29, 2022. All mailed or emailed applications must be postmarked by April 29, 2022 or earlier to be considered for this year’s award.
Application link HERE
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Application for the 2022-23 academic year opened on January 1 and will close on March 1, 2022.
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to eligible children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists. Our scholarships are for children pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school—whether that be a trade school, career training school, community college, or four-year university. We’re the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. To put our size in perspective, this year we awarded over $9.2 million to more than 2,500 students, and 10% were CTE students!
All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, which can be found at www.mcsf.org/eligibility. For more information regarding the Career and Technical Education Program, feel free to take a look at the CTE brochure, and to apply, please visit www.mcsf.org/apply.
SECU Foundation - People Helping People Scholarship
Seniors,
SECU Foundation established the People Helping People four-year scholarship program to help North Carolina public high school students attend college. SECU Foundation takes an active role in assisting communities across North Carolina and truly believes in “People Helping People.” Each of the 115 North Carolina Local Education Agencies (“LEAs”)/School Districts will receive a minimum of one scholarship for a senior to attend one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina System. Although the SECU Foundation Scholarship program recognizes academic achievement, the People Helping People Scholarship has a much broader purpose - recognizing leadership, integrity and community involvement.
Please read the attached documents for more detailed information. You can also learn more here: https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/Projects/Scholarships.html
Eligibility
All eligible high school seniors must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a senior at a North Carolina public high school
- Must be an SECU member or is eligible for membership through a parent/guardian
- Must be a United States citizen, a resident of North Carolina, and eligible for in-state tuition
- Must be accepted to attend one of the 16 UNC system universities as a full-time undergraduate
- Must have demonstrated scholastic achievement with a 2.5 or higher unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Must have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity and community involvement
- Must file FAFSA as part of the application
I have attached documents that will help you in the application process. Please read through each document in its entirety and return the Consent Form and Application, along with your transcript and letter of recommendation (if needed). All student applications and supporting documents need to be turned in to me no later than March 24, 2022.
Attached are the following Documents:
Please contact Ms. Scurry (Jakara.Scurry@orange.k12.nc.us) if you have any questions.
Monsignor Thomas P. Hadden African American Reparative Scholarship
The Monsignor Thomas P. Hadden African American Reparative Scholarship provides an award of up to $5,000 per year (dispensed $2,500 per semester) for a 2-4 year college or trade school. The award may be renewed each year. It is open to an African American high school senior whose family ancestor(s) was either enslaved or worked at the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill from its creation to 1950. An explanation of the student's ancestral connection to UNC/CH is required. Note that priority during application evaluation will be given to students with financial need. This scholarship is open to students of any or no religious faith and all majors are welcome.
More information on this scholarship such as eligibility requirements and the application process, can be found at https://stmchapelhill.org/hadden-scholarship
Application Deadline is March 1, 2022
Monsignor Hadden played a key role within the Raleigh Catholic Diocese in bringing white and black Catholic communities together. This scholarship is sponsored by St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, NC.
Longleaf Scholars Program
Please check out the link below regarding free tuition for NC Community Colleges through the Longleaf Scholars Program.
Northeastern's Accelerate Pre-College Program
We are excited to share that Northeastern's Accelerate: Pre-College Programs application is open for Summer 2022. The Accelerate programs feature our exceptional faculty delivering courses that combine innovative content, experiential learning, and a world-class environment—giving talented high school students a true Northeastern experience.
Our Boston campus programs are planned to be in-person experiences, adhering to local and federal health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19, including vaccination mandates. Accelerate: Pre-College Programs for Summer 2022 include:
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Engineering programs, including Bioengineering Immersion as well as Engineering Innovation and Design
- Ethics and Human Connection in a Digital World
- Experiential Entrepreneurship
- Innovations in Health Professions
- Interaction and Games in Extended Reality
- And more!
Please check out the links below for more information.
- The Accelerate: Pre-College Boston Campus Programming page for students to review our full list of Summer 2022 programming opportunities.
- Our inquiry form for students to express their interest in Accelerate: Pre-College and receive emails about future pre-college programming and virtual events.
- The application for Summer 2022 programming, which includes a financial aid section for consideration of our need-based aid awards. The application deadline is March 14 or until programs reach capacity. Students that apply by the early deadline of February 28 will receive a $500 discount on tuition.
Phi Beta Sigma & Delta Zeta Sigma Scholarships
The Durham Alumni Chapter Of Phi Beta Sigma in partnership with the McNair-Harris Crescent Foundation would like to announce that our 2022 Scholarship Application is now open.
The McNair-Harris Crescent Foundation Scholarship is offered to any high school student residing in the Durham, Wake, and Orange County Communities meeting the eligibility noted on the flyer.
The Delta Zeta Sigma Legacy Scholarship is offered to a son or daughter of a Delta Zeta Sigma Chapter Brother residing in the Durham, Wake, and Orange County Communities.
Please take the time to share with all of your social outlets, as all scholarship applications are due no later than April 1st, 2022.
Apply Now! Application is located at www.mnhcf.org and click on Scholarship.
Efland Ruritan Club Scholarship
The Efland Ruritan Club is offering two $750 scholarships, one each for a student pursuing an academic path and one each for a student pursuing a career in a trade. This is available to graduating Seniors from each of the three area High Schools. You must apply by COB on the last Friday in April.
The Trade Scholarship has only been awarded once due to low application numbers so if you are on the trade path this is a great scholarship for you!
See the linked documents here for
Questions? Email Ms. Butner at raquel.butner@orange.k12.nc.us.
HBA (Home Builders Association) Scholarship
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
HBA is awarding a minimum of ten $1,000 scholarships this Spring!
This opportunity is open to all to graduating seniors in Durham, Orange, & Chatham Counties pursing a degree related to the construction/building industry.
For more information on the Scholarship Program, click here.
Questions? Contact Selina Day
OCS Student Athlete Onsite Testing
In partnership with the state contracted vendor, MAKO Medical, will begin on-campus COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated student-athletes. COVID-19 testing is an effective way to reduce the risk associated with the transmission of the virus in addition to other strategies being used in schools to keep students and staff safe.
As a reminder regarding student-athlete testing, all student-athletes and students that participate in off campus non-graded extracurricular activities must be fully vaccinated or participate in biweekly COVID-19 testing. This includes the ability to practice, play or travel with the team. Student-athletes are encouraged to submit proof of vaccination status in order to be exempt from the COVID-19 testing protocol. Proof of vaccination status should be submitted to the school Athletic Director or Athletic Trainer. Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination status include a copy of the CDC vaccination card or letter from a medical provider.
There are no exemptions to the COVID-19 testing requirement for unvaccinated student athletes. Unvaccinated student-athletes must be registered by Wednesday, February 16th or be deemed ineligible to practice, play or travel with the team. A parent or guardian must register any student under 18 years old in order to participate. All parents or guardians will need to register their child separately using the sign-up registration links below for each school. Testing for COVID-19 on the school campus will be conducted by MAKO Medical designated test administrators, the school nurse, or a member of the school’s COVID-19 testing team that have received the proper training to administer COVID-19 tests. The test administration involves a nasal swab. If permitted by the Health Department for older students(non-elementary) and adults, self-swabbing may be authorized. The school district explored, but was unable to move forward with the proposed testing plan to provide cheek swab testing. Nasal testing with the state vendor MAKO Medical for COVID-19 testing is the only authorized testing method and will include both onsite rapid antigen and PCR analysis.
- Fully Vaccinated - an individual is fully vaccinated 2 weeks after final dose in primary series for Pfizer or Moderna. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, fully vaccinated is 2 weeks after the one dose.
- Fully Vaccinated 18+ - an individual 18 years of age and have received their primary series AND booster, if eligible, and it has been 2 weeks after booster. If not eligible for booster, then they are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 2 weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson.
- Pfizer or Moderna - Booster Dose eligible 5 months after a second dose
- Johnson & Johnson - Booster dose eligible 2 months after initial dose.
TO REGISTER AT OHS, FILL OUT AN INDIVIDUAL FORM FOR EACH CHILD USING THE LINK BELOW:
Orange High COVID-19 Testing Registration
Note: If the registration link does not work, try again in 24-48 hours as the links for Orange County Schools are being activated by the vendor for our families.
Test results will be reported directly to each student’s family and the Orange County Health Department. The school district also participates in the Test to Stay program with the ABC Science Collaborative which includes sharing of non-identifiable case data by school site. Positive results will result in a contact tracer reaching out to the individual. Please return any calls or messages left from contact tracers as it’s imperative to respond quickly to those completing contact tracing.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing in Orange County Schools, visit www.MAKOstrongschoolsNC.com.
We appreciate your time and attention to this important COVID-19 testing update. We anticipate onsite testing being conducted the week of February 14.
OCS COVID-19 Testing Administration Team:
Sylvia Compton, District Lead Nurse
Dwayne Foster, Director of Athletics, School Health & Operations
Patrick Abele, Deputy Superintendent-Operations
OHS Spring Sports Schedules
Athletic & Extracurricular Health & Safety Updates
NEW Updates to OHS Athletics - High School Fan/Spectator Attendance Policy (Updated 1/31/2022)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptRpHZC3eR54Y1GBFiH3KBjePOxtl6NY/view?usp=sharingThis Week's Athletic Events:
OHS Athletics Webpage:
PURCHASING HOME TICKETS:
Reminder of OHS Athletic Masking Requirements:
Orange County Schools update regarding masking during wrestling competition:
Indoor Sports
- Orange County Schools require that athletes, coaches, and spectators wear face masks at all indoor events at all times.
- Concessions are not sold for inside events.
Wrestling Mask Exception
- All wrestlers are required to wear a mask/face covering when off the mat and not competing.
- Wrestlers may compete unmasked if they are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 within 24 hours prior to the match.
Other OHS Newsletters
OTHER OHS NEWSLETTERS
Guidance Counselor's Grade 9 Newsletter:
October - https://www.smore.com/setzb-ohs-freshmen-newsletter
November - https://www.smore.com/h4xsg-ohs-freshmen-newsletter
December - https://www.smore.com/bjy92-ohs-freshmen-newsletter
Guidance Counselor's Grades 10 - 11 Newsletter:
October - https://www.smore.com/vq043
November - https://www.smore.com/5x1ey
December - https://www.smore.com/skdex
Ms. Butner's Scholarship Newsletter:
Ms. Butner's Senior Newsletter:
Ms. Butner's OHS College Advising Webpage:
https://ohscollegeadvising.wixsite.com/orange2college
Mr. Montgomery's Career Center Newsletter: