Weekly Update

Throughout the day, the group got the chance to release Monarch butterflies through the Monarch Watch citizen science program, go on a hike in search of native coastal plants, paddle a 14-person canoe, help collect turtle data, and practice dip net and cast net techniqes.

The teachers even visited the newly renovated Gertrude Hurst Hall, which once served as headquarters for the African American Teachers of North Carolina, a meaningful piece of history for a room full of educators.

These are experiences our teachers can bring right back to their students, giving them the chance to take part in real science happening in their own backyards.

Thank you to Hammocks Beach State Park, specifically Schools in Parks Specialist Jason Vanzant and park rangers, as well as Rachel Bisesi of the N.C. Coastal Federation, for spending the day with our teachers and showing them the possibilities of hands-on outdoor education.

We are so proud of our teachers for stepping outside the classroom and into the field to provide more opportunities for our students!

Congressman Greg Murphy, who represents North Carolina's 3rd congressional district, stopped by Northside High School on Tuesday to meet senior Matthew Smoot, who is an applicant for the U.S. Naval Academy.

Matthew is a star athlete on the NHS football team, and he's also active in his school community in other ways. He's the student body president, president of the school's Student 2 Student club, a member of the National Honors Society and a member of the state's Student Athletic Advisory Council.

It meant a lot to him that Murphy stopped by just to meet him on Tuesday.

"That's the congressman," he said. "That's really, really crazy. I would never have thought two years ago that the congressman would be coming to my school, coming to talk to me."

Matthew said he decided to apply for the Naval Academy because it would guarantee his future and teach him leadership responsibilities, among other skills.

"You really can't ask for a better, more guaranteed future," he said. "You would get a guaranteed job right out of college. It would teach you how to be a better person in general."

We are so proud of Matthew and can't wait to see what he does after graduation!

The Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers will host a College Fair on Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Jacksonville High School cafeteria.

OCS juniors and seniors are invited to attend to meet colleges, explore majors, and discover opportunities available to them after graduation. A total of 45 colleges and universities from N.C. and surrounding states are planning to participate.

Students interested in attending are required to register for a StriveScan QR code in advance, as colleges will scan students' codes at the fair. Students can register by going to strivefair.com or by clicking or tapping on the button below.

N.C. College Application Week begins on Monday, with more than 40 colleges and universities, as well as all 58 community colleges, planning to waive their application fees.

College Application Week will kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, and will end at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. For more information, including a full list of participating schools, click or tap on the link below.

The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Students planning to pursue postsecondary education should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered for federal, state and institutional grants, as well as scholarships, work-study opportunities and loans.

For North Carolina public high school seniors, FAFSA completion is an important next step after exploring NC College Connect, which provides eligible seniors with direct admission to colleges and universities where they already meet admissions requirements without having to go through the traditional application process.

After reviewing and accepting their college offers, students should consider exploring the FAFSA to learn what financial assistance may be available to help make college more affordable.

Keeping your contact information up to date helps ensure that your child's school can reach you when it matters most. Especially in an emergency, having current phone numbers and email addresses on file is essential so that you can receive important information and updates without delay.

If your phone number, email address or other contact information has changed, please contact your child's school to make sure your records are updated.

Know someone who isn't receiving OCS email updates or phone calls? Please encourage them to contact their child's school, as well. A quick check of their contact information can help make sure they don't miss important news and information throughout the school year.

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's poll asking, "Which fall sports experience do you enjoy the most?" The winner, with 56% of the votes, was "Attending a live game!"

Did you know: Our middle and high schools have live sporting events that students and families can attend. From football to basketball, soccer, cross country and everthing in between, there's something for everyone. Some of our high schools even have their big homecoming games tonight! Good luck, all!