Welcome back, OCS Family! We hope you had a healthy and restful holiday break. You can catch up on the latest district news and updates below.  

DES NAMED LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL 

Onslow County Schools is excited to announce that Dixon Elementary School has been certified and named as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education! This recognition is evidence that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, by implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence. It is also because of the extraordinary impact the school is having on staff, students, parents, and the greater community. 

Principal Glenn Reed said, “The Leader in Me process has had such a profound effect on students and staff alike at Dixon Elementary. We have been able to provide students with the tools to make a difference in their own lives, as well as those around them. Students set goals, monitor their own achievement and are empowered with a voice in how Dixon Elementary operates on a day-to-day basis. After five years of work, we are so very proud to be recognized for our work around student leadership development and empowerment.” 

Congratulations, DES!  

OCS INSTRUCTIONAL COACH RECOGNIZED 

OCS Instructional Coach Elizabeth Neuendorff was recently named part of the Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educators Class of 2021 and awarded the Curriculum Associates Inspire Award. Ms. Neuendorff was recognized for her work to improve mathematics instruction and successfully implement i-Ready in her classroom.  

“I was the sixth grade math lead at HCMS in the 2019–2020 school year,” Neuendorff said.  “While in this role, I led campus-level and district-level professional development in regards to mathematics instruction.  In the 2020–2021 school year, I was given the opportunity to further my leadership role by becoming an Instructional Coach.  While in this role, I have already led professional development and provided coaching cycles to teachers.” 

Congratulations, Ms. Neuendorff and thank you for all you do for OCS! 

BOE NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN 

In its January 5 meeting, the Onslow County Board of Education held its annual election for chairperson and vice-chairperson. Board members voted using a ballot system and elected member Bob Williams as Board chairman and member Jeffrey Hudson as vice-chairman.  

Williams has served on the Onslow County Board of Education since May of 2014. In addition to his school board duties, he is a community leader, holding active roles with the Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Onslow County, the New River Rotary Club, as well as several other community organizations and committees.  

Hudson has been a member of the Board since December of 2018 and has previously served as an assistant superintendent of Onslow County Schools. His community leadership extends beyond the Board of Education through his involvement with organizations such as the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, Trail Life USA, and his church, Tar Landing Baptist. 

NEWS FROM THE BOARD 

A summary and video from the Onslow County Board of Education meeting held on January 5 can be found here: News from the Board.  

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS family! Please read below for the latest district updates and announcements.  

HOLIDAY REMINDERS 

We would like to remind our families that OCS will be closed for students from December 21 to January 4 for the holiday break.  

During this time, the OCS School Nutrition Department will be pausing meal service. In the meantime, families in need can contact local food banks to inquire about operating hours and the availability of services. You can find a list of food banks and their contact information here, on the OCS website: School Nutrition Updates.

During this time, there will also be a pause in Weekly Updates. Regular updates will resume on Friday, January 8, however, the district will remain dedicated to getting our families any information they may need over the holiday break, should the need arise.  

Remember to observe the 3 W’s (Wash, Wait and Wear) as you celebrate the season, and have a happy and healthy holiday break! 

CALENDAR REVISIONS

Given the rising number of COVID-19 cases not only in Onslow County, but across the state and nation, we want to remind our school community that OCS will continue using Wednesdays as remote student days for grades K-5 through the end of March 2021. The appropriate adjustment to the elementary school calendar will be made as part of the Board of Education’s regularly scheduled meeting on January 5. For additional information, please visit the OCS website: Calendar Revisions. 

BOE MEMBERS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE 

We extend our congratulations to Mrs. Melissa Oakley, Mr. Ken Reddic and Mr. Eric Whitfield for taking their oaths of office to serve on the Onslow County Board of Education on Tuesday, Dec. 15.  

Another oath of office ceremony will be held for Mr. Joseph Speranza on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center. Seating in the room will be limited to Board members, OCS staff and invited guests. A monitor will be available for viewing.  

ART IN THE AIRPORT 

The latest installment of Art in the Airport is now hanging on the walls of Albert J. Ellis Airport. Fitting for the times, the theme of the exhibit is resiliency.  

To see the 15 pieces of chosen student artwork and to read more about the exhibit, please visit the OCS website: Art in the Airport.

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION RECOGNITION 

Congratulations to Ms. Angie Dutton, a Title I coach with Southwest Elementary School, for recently being awarded her National Board certification.  

The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards’ mission is to advance the quality of teaching and learning through a voluntary advanced certification. That vision is inspired by the model from other professions, such as medicine, where board certification symbolizes accomplished practice, both within the profession and in the larger community. 

Achieving National Board certification is a great accomplishment in the teaching field, so congratulations, Ms. Dutton, and thank you for all you do!

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello OCS Family! Thank you for a great week of learning. Below, you can check out the latest district news and updates.  

EC HOLIDAY CATALOG 

The OCS Exceptional Children Division’s School Base Enterprises are student-led businesses that are conducted at the school level. Students are involved in every step of the process from creating business plans to product development and sales. The EC Division provides classes with startup materials and continuous organizational assistance needed in order for the enterprises to be self-sustaining.  

This holiday season, you can support our EC School Base Enterprises by purchasing items, handmade by students across the county, from the 2020 Holiday Catalog!  

You can find the full catalog and links to purchase here: 2020 Holiday Catalog.  

BRIGHT IDEAS GRANTS AWARDED 

We would like to congratulate Onslow County Schools’ 43 Bright Ideas grant recipients for this year!  

Each year, Jones-Onslow provides grant applications to teachers and principals, grades K-12, in Jones and Onslow counties, as well as the Topsail area of Pender County. This year, educators in Onslow County were awarded a total of $47,535.95! 

Bright Ideas grants help students learn through innovative scholastic projects that are not covered by regular school funds. Educators submit proposals for what they would like to do with a Bright Ideas grant, such as projects, activities, etc., and may apply for individual grants up to $500 or in teams for grants up to $2,000.  

You can find a list of this year’s Onslow County Bright Ideas grant recipients here: Bright Ideas Grant Winners 2020. 

Congratulations to all winners and thank you to JOEMC! 

BOE UPDATE 

The oath of office to serve on the Onslow County Board of Education will be administered to Mrs. Melissa Oakley, Mr. Ken Reddic and Mr. Eric Whitfield on Tuesday, December 15 at 6 p.m. at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center.  

The business portion of the December BOE meeting has been cancelled.  

The oath of office to serve on the Onslow County Board of Education will be administered to Mr. Joseph Speranza on Tuesday, December 29 at 4 p.m. at the ENCRSC.  

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family! Another week of excellence is in the books! Read below for the latest district news and updates.  

OCS IT CHIEF REGIONALLY RECOGNIZED  

We would like to congratulate Mr. Jeff Pittman, OCS chief technology officer, for being named the 2021 Southeast Regional Technology Director of the Year!  

NCDPI’s Digital Teaching and Learning team has partnered with NCET, NCCoSN, and NCTIES to recognize the accomplishments of education technology leaders. All regional candidates, including Mr. Pittman, will be recognized at the Annual State Technology Directors Meeting held at NCTIES on March 4, 2021. The NC State Technology Director of the Year will also be announced at this time. 

Thank you for all you do, Mr. Pittman! 

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN 

This week, schools across the county were recognized for their great contributions to United Way of Onslow County during the 2019-2020 school year!  

Employees of Heritage Elementary, Onslow Early College, and Onslow County Learning Center had 100% Participation; Heritage Elementary, Jacksonville Commons Middle and Jacksonville High had the largest donations per employee; and Teresa Creech and Jessica Horne were named Coordinators of the Year! 

The 2020-2021 United Way Campaign is happening now for Onslow County Schools staff! If you work for OCS and are interested in making a donation to support United Way of Onslow County and the agencies and organizations they support, please see your school or department’s coordinator for more information. If you are not an OCS employee, but would still like to support your community through United Way, you can learn more about how to donate at https://www.uwonslow.org/.  

STUDENT CHESS TOURNAMENT 

SBHS TEACHER RECOGNIZED 

Chrissy Taylor, an EC teacher at Swansboro High School, has been recognized as an Extraordinarily Exceptional Educator by the NCDPI Exceptional Children Division.  

Those given this recognition have been identified as leaders in service to their schools through innovative instructional programs or methodologies that have demonstrated positive outcomes for students with disabilities during this unprecedented time. 

In her nomination letter, SBHS Principal Dr. Helen Gross said that Ms. Taylor has not missed a beat during the pandemic and has embraced all the challenges presented by COVID-19 with a positive attitude.  

Thank you for all you do, Ms. Taylor! 

ICYMI: OCS IN MICROSOFT AD 

In case you missed it, we would like to share with you a recent Microsoft ad that featured one of our OCS teachers. The national ad, which ran during a Ravens and Patriots game in November, highlights teachers using technology to connect with their students for remote learning.  

Northwoods Park Middle School teacher Jena Eure is featured in the ad using Microsoft Teams to reach her students at home when they could not be in her classroom physically.  

It is exciting to be a part of this ad, as it is a reflection of all great work being done to engage students virtually in Onslow County through Microsoft Teams, the district's learning management system (LMS).  

You can view the ad here: https://bit.ly/2IdQz09 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family!  

We would like to remind you all that Wednesday, November 25 is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, OCS schools and offices will be closed for staff and students on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.  

Going into the holiday season, we urge our families to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. Please remember to practice the 3 Ws (Wait, Wash, and Wear) to protect your health and the health of those you love.  

OCS wishes you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE 

Dear OCS Family, 

Over the coming days, people across our nation will be taking time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for this holiday season. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my faith and my family. Together, they have kept me grounded and focused during this most challenging time. I am also thankful for our school family – the hard-working staff of our great school system. These outstanding men and women have been going above and beyond throughout the pandemic to keep our schools clean and healthy and provide supportive and engaging in-person and online learning environments for our students. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication.   

I am thankful for our Board of Education and their support and leadership over the past months. They have been faced with many difficult decisions, but in every situation, they took the time to listen and did what was going to be in the best interest of our students and staff. 

The decision to reopen schools to in-person instruction in August was not an easy one. I am thankful for the support of all those throughout our community who have come together and accepted the ongoing challenge of doing what it takes to keep moving forward for our children. 

This Thanksgiving season, I hope each of you takes the time to reflect on what you are thankful for. Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving break! 

Sincerely, 

Barry D. Collins, Ed.D. 
Superintendent, Onslow County Schools 

BOE MEETING DECEMBER 1 

The oath of office to serve on the Onslow County Board of Education will be administered to Mrs. Melissa Oakley, Mr. Ken Reddic, Mr. Joseph Speranza and Mr. Eric Whitfield on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 5 p.m. at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center (ENCRSC), located at 261 Northwest Corridor Blvd., Jacksonville, NC. 

The regular Onslow County Board of Education meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.  

Due to COVID-19, the number of participants present in the meeting room will be limited. Face coverings will be required. A monitor will also be available at the Regional Skills Center for viewing. 

Agenda items include the approval of the NCSTAR School Strategic Plans for School Improvement and a presentation on the Selection and Implementation of Reveal Math. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello OCS Family! Thank you for another great week. You can catch up on all the latest district news and updates below.  

HOLIDAY REMINDER 

We would like to remind our families that Wednesday, November 25 is a teacher workday, and there will be no school for students. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, OCS schools and offices will be closed for staff and students on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.  

OCS wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday. Going into the holiday season, we urge our families to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. Please remember to practice the 3 Ws (Wait, Wash, and Wear) to protect your health and the health of those you love.  

OCS NMSI EXPANSION 

OCS is celebrating the expansion of the National Math and Science Initiative in Onslow County!  

NMSI is a program that often partners with the Department of Defense to improve educational opportunities for military children and the communities those children live in. The program works to improve STEM education by partnering with schools to provide training and support for teachers and give students the resources and technology they need to develop lifelong skills. NMSI offers teachers course-specific training, online curricular resources and support from AP experts, while students can benefit from focused study sessions, equipment upgrades and exam fee subsidies.    

In January of 2019, the NMSI program was first introduced to the district, and was implemented at Richlands and Northside high schools. The last expansion brought the program to Swansboro High and Southwest High. The program will now roll out at Jacksonville and White Oak high schools, thanks to a generous $322,158 grant from the Department of Defense. 

We thank our NMSI and DoD partners for all they have done to expand opportunities for our students! 

TECC IS BEST OF THE BEST 

We would like to congratulate Thompson Early Childhood Center for being named the Best of the Best Preschool by the Jacksonville Daily News! 

This honor is well-deserved, as TECC staff work day in and day out to provide a quality education to Onslow County’s youngest minds. 

Thank you, TECC, for all you do, and congratulations! 

INTERESTED IN TEACHING? 

MEAL BENEFIT APPLICATION 

OCS is still accepting meal benefit applications for the 2020-2021 school year! In addition to helping families receive meal benefits, qualifying school meal applications may help with securing potential emergency EBT benefits, as well as waivers for school fees, testing fees, college applications, and more. 

If you feel your family may qualify, please complete and submit a school meal benefit application today! 

Online applications are processed within 24 hours and can be accessed here. Paper applications can be found here and can be mailed to P.O. Box 99, Jacksonville NC, attention School Nutrition Department. Spanish applications can be found here. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family! Thank you for another great week of learning! Read below for the latest district news and updates.  

CALENDAR UPDATE 

Tuesday evening, during their regular November meeting, the OCS Board of Education approved revisions to the 2020-2021 elementary school calendar. These revisions only impact the elementary (K-5) calendar, and reflect ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and the transition of the district’s elementary schools to Plan A. The district is still awaiting information from the state regarding any potential plans for secondary grades (6-12). 

The Board addressed ongoing COVID-19 concerns by approving to return the three Wednesdays in December (December 2, 9 and 16) to Remote Learning Days. This revision will allow for the continuation of established cleaning, instructional and planning routines through the end of December. 

Other revisions include Friday, February 19, 2021 becoming a Remote Professional Development Day, and Friday, January 15 and Friday March 12 becoming Early Release Professional Development Days. 

Further details and the new calendar can be found here on the OCS website: Calendar Revisions.  

OCS SCIENCE TEACHER RECOGNIZED 

Earlier this month, OCS teacher Tracy McIntyre, of Queens Creek Elementary School, was named the winner of the District 2 Elementary Outstanding Science Teacher Award by the North Carolina Science Teachers Association.  

NCSTA gives this award to recognize excellence in science teaching in North Carolina, to teachers who exemplify excellent, creative, innovative teaching of science. The winners of this award demonstrate exemplary teaching through creativity in use of science teaching materials; design and use of innovative teaching plans and ideas; development and implementation of department, school, and/or school-community programs for the improvement of science instruction or the stimulation of interest in science and the learning of science; high performance in the use of supplementary materials in an exemplary manner to integrate science with other subjects; and fostering student, school, and school-community instruction programs in science.  

Congratulations, Ms. McIntyre! We are proud to have wonderful teachers like you at OCS! 

ATHLETICS UPDATE 

In light of the information shared by Governor Cooper during his press conference on Tuesday, we would like to update our families on the status of upcoming competitions for some of our OCS student-athletes.  

Beginning next week, volleyball and cross country contests will begin, and there are state guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of participants and spectators. Spectator allowances for indoor events, such as volleyball contests, remain at 25. Spectator allowances for outdoor venues remain at 100.   

We urge you to remain vigilant in the efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, waiting 6 feet and washing your hands often.  

OCS HIRING BUS DRIVERS 

Onslow County Schools is hiring bus drivers for the 2020-2021 school year. Applications for the December 1-3 class are due no later than Monday, November 30. You can find more information on the application process here: OCS Bus Driver Classes.

NEWS FROM THE BOARD 

A summary and video from the Onslow County Board of Education meeting held on November 10 can be found here: News from the Board. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family! Thank you for a great week at Onslow County Schools. You can find the latest district news and updates below.  

HOLIDAY REMINDER 

We would like to remind our families that schools and OCS offices will be closed for staff and students on Wednesday, November 11 in observation of the Veterans Day holiday.  

Thank you to all who have served! 

OCS HIRING BUS DRIVERS 

Onslow County Schools is hiring bus drivers for the 2020-2021 school year. Applications for the December 1-3 driver class are due no later than Monday, November 30. You can find more information on the application process here: OCS Bus Driver Classes. 

OCHD FLU SHOT CLINIC 

BOE MEETING NOVEMBER 10 

On Tuesday, November 10, the Onslow County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center.  

Due to COVID-19, the number of participants in the meeting room will be limited. Face coverings will be required. A monitor will also be available at the Regional Skills Center for viewing.  

Agenda items include the Annual Independent Audit Report, the NCSTAR School Strategic Plans for School Improvement, discussion on the Pearson Virtual Curriculum for OVS, an 2020-2021 Athletics Update, and revisions to Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy 1320/3560. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family! See below the latest district news and updates.  

ONSLOW COUNTY VOTING INFORMATION 

Early voting is now open in Onslow County! You can cast your votes and make your voice heard before Election Day at any of the following locations: 

1. Board of Elections, Georgetown Road 
2. Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center 
3. Onslow County Museum 
4. Swansboro Rotary Center 
5. Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church 

Early/One-Stop voting will be open at the designated locations until 7 p.m. on October 30. Polling sites will be open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on October 31.  

You can learn more about early voting or prepare to vote on Election Day by finding your polling place on the Onslow County Board of Elections website.

See you at the polls! 

OLD RICHLANDS ELEMENTARY MEMORIAL PLANNED 

An important chapter in the history of Onslow County education came to a close this week. On Monday, crews began demolition on portions of the Old Richlands Elementary School which will not be utilized by Trexler Middle School. Located on Foy Street, the original RES building was constructed in 1926. Over the years, the facility grew, and at various times served students in grades PreK through 12. Before closing to students at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year, the school hosted an Open House and Remembrance Ceremony. Held on April 20, 2018, this event was well-attended and attracted large numbers of former Richlands students. Presented in cooperation with the Onslow County Museum, members of the community had the opportunity to walk through the old school and view displays of yearbooks, athletic uniforms and other memorabilia from the school’s past.  

On August 23, 2018, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new Richlands Elementary School. The Bobcats welcomed their first group of students a few days later, ushering in a new chapter in the history of Richlands Elementary School.   

Plans are being finalized to carry the old RES over to the new. An outdoor learning station will be constructed at the new Richlands Elementary using bricks from the old school. The station will be designed and built by Richlands High School drafting and masonry students. Additional bricks from the old school will be salvaged and made available for members of the community. More details on distribution locations, dates and times for these bricks will be announced following completion of the current work at the old school site.  

Thank you to everyone who has shared their memories of the old Richlands Elementary School this week! 

BUSINESSES ASSISTING SCHOOLS IN EDUCATING STUDENTS (BASES) 

Educating our students takes strong relationships between our schools and the local community. For the past 27 years, BASES – Businesses Assisting School in Educating Students – has worked to encourage stronger relationships with parents, volunteers, businesses, and the entire community. OCS believes it is important to recognize our community businesses and volunteers for their support. 

During the 2019-2020 school year, businesses and organizations came together to contribute more than $230,000 and 4,000 volunteer hours. In a typical year, OCS and the Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber of Commerce host a breakfast to recognize and honor those who have generously given to the district’s schools. Unfortunately, to protect the health and safety of our schools and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold our annual BASES reception. However, community affairs staff have been delivering plaques to our partners in recognition of their support during the past school year.  

Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and other organizations who have supported our schools during the past year. OCS is proud to carry on the strong tradition of recognizing our partners through the BASES recognition program. 

More information on the program, pictures from this year’s presentations and a list of BASES recognition recipients can be found here: BASES - 2020.

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT 

On November 4, as part of National Scholarship Night, families are invited to tune into a local information session on the possibility of paying for post-secondary education with scholarships. See the flyer below for more information.  

A Spanish information session will be held on November 2.  

ONSLOW COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FLU SHOT CLINICS

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools 

Hello, OCS Family! See below the latest district news and updates.  

ONSLOW COUNTY VOTING INFORMATION 

Early voting is now open in Onslow County! You can cast your votes and make your voice heard before Election Day at any of the following locations: 

1. Board of Elections, Georgetown Road 
2. Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center 
3. Onslow County Museum 
4. Swansboro Rotary Center 
5. Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church 

Early/One-Top voting will be open at the designated locations 8 a.m.-7 p.m., October 15-30, except for Sunday. Polling places will be open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on October 31.  

You can learn more about early voting or prepare to vote on Election day by finding your polling place on the Onslow County Board of Elections website. [LINK] 

See you at the polls! 

OCS CTE DIRECTOR RECOGNIZED 

Earlier this month, the Association for Career and Technical Education announced that OCS CTE Director Chris Bailey has been named the 2020 ACTE Region II Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education professionals for their outstanding leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and making significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective CTE programs.  

Beginning his career as an agricultural education teacher, Bailey has served as a CTE teacher, career development coordinator, elementary assistant principal, high school assistant principal and CTE Director. He was the recipient of the Dave Berryman Leadership Scholarship in 2016 and the NC Southeast Region CTE Director of the Year in 2015 and 2018. Bailey is one of five finalists for the 2021 national title. 

Congratulations, Mr. Bailey! 

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN 2020 

This week, the OCS Human Resources Department was recognized for going above and beyond for the 2019 OCS United Way Campaign and winning the Central Office donation competition. We would like to thank HR and all other employees that helped us support United Way of Onslow County last year! 

If you would like to donate to the 2020 United Way Campaign, be sure to keep an eye out for more information from your school or department’s United Way coordinator in the coming weeks! 

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT 

On November 4, as part of National Scholarship Night, families are invited to tune into a local information session on the possibility of paying for post-secondary education with scholarships. See the flyer below for more information.  

A Spanish information session will be held on November 2.  

CONTACT INFORMATION  

In order to stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the district, we encourage our families to ensure that their most recent contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is on file at their schools. Having current and accurate information is essential in our effort to provide the OCS family with important notices and updates.     

If you or someone you know has not been, or has stopped, receiving district notices, please contact your school's data manager to confirm that your contact information is entered correctly.  

FOLLOW OCS ON SOCIAL MEDIA  

Keep up with even more OCS happenings on the following platforms:    
Facebook - @OCSNC    
Twitter - @OnslowSchools    
Instagram - onslowcountyschools