Superintendent's Weekly Update: Week of September 11, 2026

I hope this communication finds you well.  Additionally, I am hopeful each of you are in great health and spirit. As shared in the August 2026 and September 3, 2026 letters to all families, I am continuing this school year with the Superintendent’s Weekly Update.  This will allow our families and staff to stay in the know as it relates to all things Orange Public Schools.   

 

As we officially began School Year 2026–2027 on Friday, September 4, 2026, it was evident across the Orange Public School District that our schools were filled with positive energy, intentionality, and a strong focus on teaching and learning. From the moment our scholars entered our buildings, there was a clear commitment to pedagogy, academic excellence, and the social-emotional supports necessary to ensure that every student feels welcomed, valued, and prepared to succeed. 

 

I want to express my sincere appreciation to our administrators, teachers, support staff, and entire school community for the tremendous work that went into preparing for the return of our scholars. Your dedication ensured that our students were welcomed into environments that were organized, supportive, and focused on providing meaningful academic and social-emotional opportunities from day one. 

Our staff were ready to receive our scholars as the opening bell rang at each of our schools, demonstrating the preparedness, professionalism, and collective spirit that define the Orange Public School District. 

 

This is only the beginning. As we move forward together, let us continue to lead with purpose, remain focused on our instructional priorities, and create the conditions for every scholar to experience Optimal Success. 

The Orange School District celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2026, through October 15, 2026.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the United States that runs from September 15 to October 15. It honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

 

 

 

On September 1st the Orange Public School District came together in the beautiful auditorium of the Orange Preparatory Academy of Inquiry and Innovation for our annual Superintendent’s Convocation and what a way to officially begin School Year 2026–2027! 

 

From the moment our staff entered the auditorium, there was an undeniable sense of excitement, pride, anticipation & most importantly, community. This was more than the beginning of another school year. It was a moment to welcome our staff home, reconnect as one Orange family, and remind ourselves of the tremendous responsibility and privilege we have to serve our scholars. 

As we begin this new chapter, I want every member of our organization to know: Welcome Home! You are an essential part of the Orange Public School District, and your presence, passion, and commitment matter. 

I extend my sincere appreciation to our Board of Education for their continued presence and unwavering support of our district. Thank you for always showing up and for sharing powerful messages with our staff. Your words and partnership remind us that the work we do each day is important to the future of our scholars and our community. 

 

A special thank you to Dr. Yancisca Cooke, President of the Orange Administrators and Supervisors Association (OASA), and Ms. Marpessa Bell, President of the Orange Education Association (OEA), for bringing such encouraging and uplifting words to our staff as we began the school year. 

 

To our Mayor, the Honorable Dwayne Warren, Esq., thank you for always showing up and showing out for the district. To the Orange Education Foundation and the members of the Orange City Council, thank you for being present on this momentous occasion. 

 

To our Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Faith Alcantara what an amazing job you did! You brought the FIRE! Your energy, enthusiasm, and ability to engage the room helped create the atmosphere we needed to launch this school year with excitement and purpose. You set the tone and kept the energy moving! 

 

And to the Orange High School Band and Twirlers; WOW! What an incredible performance! You brought tremendous pride, energy, and excitement to the auditorium. Your talent reminded us of the extraordinary gifts and abilities that exist within our own school community. You represented Orange beautifully! 

 

To our Orange High School ROTC, under the leadership of Chief Sperduto and Major Ehrenfeld, thank you for beginning our Convocation in the right manner. Your discipline, presence, and commitment to excellence set the tone for the program and reminded us of the importance of leadership, service, responsibility, and pride. 

To our outstanding IT Team, under the leadership of Mr. Jason Cordes; simply the best! From the live feed to the sound (designed by Mr. Jonathan Clerie) throughout the auditorium, your professionalism and technical expertise ensured that our Convocation experience was seamless. Thank you for making sure our message could reach our entire Orange family, both in the auditorium and beyond. 

 

And then there was the MUSIC!...Dr. Raymond Trigg, each year you somehow manage to make it better and better. You ROCK! Thank you for bringing your incredible talent and energy to Convocation and helping create an atmosphere that was inspiring, celebratory, and uniquely Orange. 

To the Superintendent’s Convocation Team; Ms. Alcantara, Ms. Terrell, and Mr. Devone thank you! You are simply the best. The planning, coordination, attention to detail, and commitment that went into bringing this event together did not go unnoticed. Convocation is a major undertaking, and your dedication helped make it a tremendous success.

As we begin School Year 2026–2027, I challenge each of us to remember that how we start matters. The energy we bring into our classrooms, offices, hallways, cafeterias, athletic fields, and every space where our scholars learn and grow matters. Our scholars deserve adults who believe in them, challenge them, support them, and refuse to give up on them.  

This year, let us trust one another. Let us support one another. Let us hold one another accountable. Let us celebrate one another. Most importantly, let us remember that while we may have different roles, we are united by one purpose: creating the conditions for every Orangescholar to experience Optimal Success.  Convocation reminded us of who we are. 

On Friday, September 4, 2026, every school across the Orange Public School District opened its doors and proudly welcomed our scholars and families to the beginning of School Year 2026–2027. From the moment students arrived, our schools were filled with enthusiasm, excitement, and a genuine sense of community. 

 

Across the district, our dedicated staff welcomed students and families in a variety of thoughtful and creative ways, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. These moments reflected the care, commitment, and pride that our school communities have for our scholars. While the photographs below capture only a small portion of the day's activities, I encourage everyone to visit our district's social media platforms to see the full complement of opening-day celebrations and highlights from each of our schools. 

 

As we move forward 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.