Skip to main content

DISTRICT CLOSED: NJEA Convention

Please keep-in-mind that Orange Public Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th for the NJEA Convention.

All schools will reopen Monday, November 10th at regular time!

3 days ago

Orange Public Schools

Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

Schools

Popular Links

DISTRICT NEWS: Orange Public Schools Awarded $226,000 In State Literacy Grants

Posted Date: 10/29/25 (1:08 PM)
View Original Post

A teacher reads to a group of children wearing Cat in the Hat hats.

Orange Public Schools Has Been Awarded $226,000 In State Literacy Grants 

ORANGE, NJ – October 29, 2025 – Orange Public Schools has been awarded three New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) literacy grants totaling $226,430, a recognition of the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence in literacy education and equity-driven innovation.The COACH, LIFT, and FOCUS grants - each funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program - will support Orange’s mission to strengthen literacy from early childhood through secondary education.

“These awards are a reflection of the incredible work happening across our district,” said Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Superintendent of Schools. “Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and success. We are committed to ensuring every student in Orange has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive as readers, writers, and thinkers.”

The district will receive:
  • $150,000 (COACH Grant) annually for five years to fund a Secondary Literacy Coach supporting teachers in grades 6–12
  • $60,000 (LIFT Grant) for family literacy outreach and early learning initiatives for children from birth through age four, including workshops and book giveaways
  • $16,430 (FOCUS Grant) for K–3 literacy screening and intervention programs
Karen Harris, Executive Director of Humanities, shared that these awards were earned through data-driven planning and a collaborative effort:

“Our Literacy teams worked diligently to submit extensive and comprehensive grant responses. These competitive grants give us an opportunity to continue realizing our five-year strategic plan of 'Optimal Success' in increasing literacy achievement. These grants allow us to take a significant step forward in reaching those goals.”

This multi-grant achievement represents both recognition and reinvestment that positions Orange Public Schools as a model for innovation and excellence in literacy instruction across New Jersey.

###

For more information, contact:

Tenin Terrell, Communications Officer

Phone: (973) 677-4000

terrelte@orange.k12.nj.us
Website: www.orange.k12.nj.us