Embedded Files
2/4/2026
Dear 8th Grade Families,
We hope this note finds you well. It looks like we are returning to school on Thursday with a 2 hour delay. Please remind your student to complete their homework from the remote learning days. Please contact us if there are reasons your teenager is unable to complete assignments. Students should visit Canvas to access their assignments.
There have been some adjustments to cancelled events and upcoming events:
8th Grade Rising 9th Grade events at both CRHS & OHS have been rescheduled for this Monday night 2/9 at 5:30 PM.
ALS 8th Grade field trips to the high schools during the school day have been rescheduled for Tuesday 2/10.
The Winter Dance has been rescheduled for Friday 2/13.
Monday 2/16 has been converted from a workday to a regular school day.
On Tuesday, February 10, students will be going on field trips to their assigned high school. Permission slips were sent home during the MLK week. Please return these permission slips on the first day we return to classes.
Recently, students began pre-selecting classes for ninth grade, and creating a Four Year plan for their high school years. You should discuss your teenager's course selections and options before their selections are finalized in February.
Attached is the PE Newsletter from Coach Capps and Coach Noren.
Cedar Ridge High School is hosting an IB information night on February 11. See the attached flyer for the online meeting link.
Interested in IB? Check out our website: http://cedarridgeib.weebly.com/
English I--In Quarter 3 we are starting Lord of the Flies by William Golding In addition to Lord of the Flies, students will be reading short stories, poems and non-fiction that address themes and motifs present in Lord of the Flies. Students have been encouraged to purchase their own texts so they may directly annotate in the text. Here is a link to purchase the version we are using.
Remember to email or send in note for student absences. Emails from students do not count as official excuses, and the absence will be legally recorded as "unexcused."
Thank you for all you do,
The Teachers
Gym Newsletter JAN 26 (1).pdf2025-26 IB Info Nights flyer.pdfYour 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
Steve Kirby, Science steve.kirby@orange.k12.nc.us
Joseph Sharp, Social Studies joseph.sharp@orange.k12.nc.us
Free or Reduced-Price School Meals
Free or Reduced-Price School Meals
If your child attends Central Elementary, Efland Cheeks Elementary, New Hope Elementary, or Partnership Academy, 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.
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: Students are studying the properties of water and the hydrosphere.
Math 8 - finishing linear functions and slope, test next Friday.
Math I - finishing linear functions, starting two variable statistics next week
Social Studies: We are finishing our unit on the development and expansion of the United States. Next, we'll examine the Antebellum Era and the factors that led to division and the Civil War.
ELA--we are working through Unit 5 that focuses on "Finding Your Path". The texts primarily focus on adolescents and the challenges they face and overcome. Students usually enjoy these texts. Towards the end of this unit, we will be writing an argumentative essay that examines the arguments presented in essays concerning adolescent social media and technology use.
English I--In Quarter 3 we are starting Lord of the Flies.by William Golding In addition to Lord of the Flies, students will be reading short stories, poems and non-fiction that address themes and motifs present in Lord of the Flies. Students have been encouraged to purchase their own texts so they may directly annotate in the text. Here is a link to purchase the version we are using.
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, Tayler Potoczny (tayler.potoczny@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.
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 - 9:25 Core 1
9:28 - 10:08 Bulldog Academy
10:11 - 10:53 Exploratory 1
10:56 - 11:38 Exploratory 2
11:41 - 12:36 Core 2
12:39 - 1:29 Rec Time/Lunch
1:32 - 2:27 Core 3
2:30 - 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.
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.
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)
Report abuse