OCS Weekly Update

Weekly Update - Friday, December 6, 2024

Hello, OCS Family! Check out the update below for all the latest from the district.

DR. COLLINS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Onslow County Schools announces the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Barry Collins from the Onslow County School District, effective March 1, 2025. Superintendent Collins’ retirement will mark the end of a 36-year educational career serving students in the state of North Carolina. Collins has spent nearly 6 years successfully leading the Onslow County School District as superintendent.

In a letter notifying board members of his decision, Collins simply shared, it has "been an honor and privilege to serve as the superintendent of the Onslow County School System.”

Read more about Dr. Collins and his career on the OCS website: Collins Announces Retirement.

The Board of Education will soon move forward with the process of selecting a new superintendent.

BOARD MEMBERS SWORN IN

In a Swearing-In Ceremony held before the regular Onslow County Board of Education meeting on December 3, four members were administered the oath of office.

Newly elected members Michele Halley, Susanne Long, and Phillip Williams, as well as recently elected sitting Board member Elbert Garvey, were sworn into office, surrounded by family and friends. The four of them now start their 4-year terms, joining sitting BOE members Bradley Williams, Angie Todd, and Bill Lanier.

We welcome our new Board members and look forward to serving the children of Onslow County under your leadership!

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR 2024

Students sell products at the craft fair

The holiday season is upon us, and OCS knows how to celebrate: learning opportunities!

On Friday, December 6, OCS hosted its annual Holiday Craft Fair, which is put on by school-based enterprise students and staff from across the district. The fair featured products like t-shirts, ornaments, plants, jewelry, greeting cards, and more... all handmade by our students!

Our school-based enterprise programs allow students to get hands-on experience with the ins and outs of running a business. Students are involved in the process from start to finish, not only making the items they sell, but also working on advertising their products, facilitating transactions, and handling money.

Thank you to all who made this wonderful opportunity possible for our students!

CHRISTMAS CHEER DONATIONS

OCS maintenance staff take a photo with the central office's donations to Christmas Cheer

On Friday, the OCS Central Office sent 2,000 food items and nearly 150 toys to Onslow Community Outreach's Christmas Cheer program!

To help meet our community's needs, Onslow Christmas Cheer helps provide meals and gifts for the families that struggle to afford them, and we are grateful to have such generous employees who recognize the importance of giving back. Thank you to all who donated!

If you would like to contribute to Christmas Cheer this season, please see their website for information on needed items and drop-off times: Onslow Christmas Cheer.