Embedded Files
9/23/2026
Dear 8th Grade Families,
We hope this note finds you well.
We are currently in the fifth week of the first quarter.
Curriculum and Attendance Family Night will be tomorrow, Thursday, September 24th, from 5:30-7:00.
Join us for a school-wide family engagement event designed to help families learn more about what their students will experience this school year.
Families will follow their student’s grade-level schedule and visit classrooms to learn more about academic standards, classroom expectations, grading, and plans for student growth throughout the year.
Save time at check-in by confirming your attendance in advance. Simply complete the Registration Form linked here. Guests who do not register in advance will be asked to register upon arrival.
We’re excited to offer free afterschool tutoring in Reading and Math with our ALS teachers most weeks. We encourage students who can benefit from this opportunity to take advantage of this additional support to build skills, boost confidence, and succeed academically throughout the school year. Students interested in tutoring should reach out to their Math, ELA, EC, MLL, or AIG teacher to sign up each week. Tutoring ends at 5:00 PM, and students must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the front entrance of the school at that time. Unfortunately, school transportation is not available for afterschool tutoring at this time.
A.L. Stanback Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15
Upcoming Event: Orange County Schools Empoderando Celebration - Wednesday, October 14, 6 PM, at Orange High School
Our rich cultural heritage is reflected in the wide variety of songs, dances, and rhythms that bring our communities to life. This year, Empoderando (Empowering), with the theme Conectando con Nuestra Cultura (Connecting with Our Culture)! invites all schools, teachers, students, and families to participate by sharing a small sample of the diverse cultures that are part of Orange County Schools.
Together, we will celebrate the traditions, music, and artistic expressions that make our community unique and vibrant. We look forward to showcasing the many ways we express ourselves through rhythm and culture. This event will take place on Wednesday, October 14th, at 6:00 PM at Orange High School. All are welcome.
Important Tool for All Parents/Guardians: Download the Infinite Campus Parent Portal App
For parents/guardians, the Infinite Campus Parent Portal App is an amazing essential tool that allows you to check all of your child’s grades and assignments from your phone at any time. With the Campus Parent Portal App, parents/guardians are empowered to access their child’s attendance, grades, and important updates from teachers anytime using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Through Infinite Campus (also referred to Parent Portal or Campus Parent) you are able to access student records such as:
Grades
Attendance Records
Bus Routes
Assignments
Please see the attached instructions to (1) download the Parent Portal App; then (2) email ocs.sis@orange.k12.nc.us to get your family's unique password and account set up.
If you have any questions regarding Infinite Campus or Parent Portal, please contact our Data Manager Ms. Lopez at (919) 644-3200.
Contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Thank you for all you do,
The Teachers
Your Child's Teachers
Your Child's Teachers
Claire Capps, Math claire.capps@orange.k12.nc.us
Amanda Henry, English Language Arts amanda.henry@orange.k12.nc.us
Anna Cochrane, ELA/Math anna.cochrane@orange.k12.nc.us
Jennifer Warren, Science jennifer.warren@orange.k12.nc.us
Joseph Sharp, Social Studies joseph.sharp@orange.k12.nc.us
Shweta Ahluwalia, ML Social Studies shweta.ahluwalia@orange.k12.nc.us
Roxanne Dudley, Social Studies Student Teacher roxanne.dudley@orange.k12.nc.us
Useful Links and Communication
Useful Links and Communication
In some cases, our team will be communicating with you via text using an app called "Talking Points."
You can download the TalkingPoints Parent app and use the code 46ZTCP to join Mrs. Capps text group.
Please download the free app on computer, phone, or tablet and use code: ZW31F1 to communicate most effectively with me.
What we are studying in classes.... Parents, ask your child about what they are studying. It will help reinforce the learning!
What we are studying in classes.... Parents, ask your child about what they are studying. It will help reinforce the learning!
Science: We are finishing our Pathogens unit, and beginning our study on ecosystems.
Math 8 - We are studying exponent rules.
Math I - We are solving equations, or starting to.
Social Studies: We are studying the English Colonization of America and North Carolina
ELA--"Horror" Unit
English I-- Suspense Short Stories Unit
Create Parent Portal with Password Reset - Combined.pdfParent Portal, Dragonfly, Student Services and Attendance
Parent Portal, Dragonfly, Student Services and Attendance
Here are instructions for creating a Parent Portal Account for Infinite Campus. Set up your account and check in on your student's grades. Contact the school to get your family specific activation key.
Dragonfly Max (app used by OCS Athletics to register for sports) Note: this is REQUIRED for all athletes. Our Athletic Director (trevor.davis@orange.k12.nc.us) will be available to students to assist with registration and questions. (Parent Guide)
Here's the link to the Student Services Newsletter!
EVERY visitor is required to enter through the front office and sign in using our Ident-a-Kid computer system in the secure vestibule. Using an NC driver's license makes the process much easier.
Transportation Customer Service: Install the "Here Comes the Bus" mobile app to stay informed about your child's bus schedule. Dial the Call Center at 919-732-2531 starting at 7:00 a.m. each school day for assistance.
You can always view the current Year-Round and Traditional calendars on the OCS website.
Families of ALS. As our school community continues to work toward excellent student attendance, it is important for families to communicate to the school when a student will be absent.
In the event that your child will be out due to appointments, illness, hospitalization, death in the family, or emergency travel, it's important that we are notified. All documentation can be submitted in person at our front office, or emailed to our school data manager, Janet Lopez (janet.lopez@orange.k12.nc.us) or school social worker, Makayla Chavis (makayla.chavis@orange.k12.nc.us). If your student is absent from school due to sickness/illness, you should immediately contact the school to speak with our school nurse.
Please remember to send in a note/email if your child is absent. A student email will not count as an excuse note. A doctor's note is required in some cases.
Free School Meals
Free School Meals
If your child attends Stanback Middle School, your child can enjoy free school meals every day.
At other OCS schools, you may qualify for assistance and can apply any time at lunchapplication.com to check eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
SCHEDULE A PARENT CONFERENCE
SCHEDULE A PARENT CONFERENCE
Just email us with a date and we can set a Zoom or in person meeting, if necessary.
8th Grade Schedule
8:25 - 9:05 Exploratory 1
9:08 - 9:48 Exploratory 2
9:53 - 10:51 Core 1
10:54 - 11:54 Core 2
11:57 - 12:57 Core 3
12:59 - 1:49 Lunch/Recess
1:52 - 2:22 Bulldog Academy
2:25 - 3:25 Core 4
Quick reminders for students:
Water Bottles - Students can bring their own water bottle to school . Students may refill their bottles at the water fountain.
Meals - Students will eat in the cafeteria , but have daily rec time outside.
Be mindful that if you sign out your teenager during lunch, there may be a 15 minute wait while they retrieve their bookbag from the classroom.
Buses, and Car Riders - NO student may be dropped off at school prior to 7:55am.
Contact Ms. Capps
Contact Ms. Capps
You can download the TalkingPoints Parent app and use the code 46ZTCP to join Mrs. Capps text group.
Teenage years can be a difficult time for families. Concerns over tobacco, drugs and alcohol are real concerns for many parents. Our school nurse has prepared a few information resources concerning vaping, THC, and related topics that are concerning to familes.
Healthychildren (information for parents on edibles and THC)
Healthychildren (information on vaping)
Partnership to end addiction (information on vaping marijuana)
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