6-27-2024

Dear Park Maitland Families,

I hope this message finds you and your family well as you enjoy the summer months. I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2024-25 school year.  I am beyond humbled to serve as the Head of School at Park Maitland. Although I did not attend Park Maitland, my roots in the Winter Park area and long standing connections with the school led me to join this incredible team in 2012. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various aspects of the school, which has culminated in my current role.

My husband and I are proud parents to three girls: two of whom graduated from Park Maitland, and our youngest will be entering 4th grade this year. My tenure here has been exceptionally rewarding. I am excited for the year ahead as we continue to uphold the mission, traditions, and values of Park Maitland while charting a course forward.

With great pride, I reflect on an extraordinary 2023-24 school year filled with significant milestones and achievements. I would like to take a moment to share and celebrate these accomplishments with you.

Firstly, we successfully added an 8th grade to our school, and proudly graduated our first class of 8th graders!  This group of students has set a high bar, leaving with various high school credits and demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. Many of our graduates tested into Level 3 and Honors Level 3 Spanish, performed strongly in their End-of-Course exams, and some are pursuing their passion for the performing arts in high school. Their hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and they inspire our entire school community.

Additionally, we expanded the Park Maitland brand to include our South campus and transitioned them to our departmentalized model, which has proved to be a success. Just a couple of weeks ago, we opened a second building at our Preschool campus. Come August, we look forward to welcoming our largest incoming 6th and 7th grade classes in over five years. This growth is a testament to our program's outstanding reputation and appeal.

This past school year was not without its challenges, but thanks to our dedicated staff and our families' unwavering support, we navigated these obstacles successfully. Together, we emerged more robust and united, showcasing our community's resilience and spirit. 

As we look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, I am excited about the new opportunities and accomplishments that await us. Our theme for the year will be RESPECT. We look forward to the many ways that we will apply this important theme to all aspects of our school community. This theme serves as more than just a word; it symbolizes a set of values and principles that we aim to integrate into every aspect of our educational journey, and it will guide our interactions, decisions, and initiatives. Whether promoting kindness, encouraging empathy, or championing inclusivity, respect will be the cornerstone of our efforts. Furthermore, we look forward to exploring how this theme will manifest in academics, athletics, arts, and beyond. It will inspire us to strive for excellence while maintaining integrity and compassion. By emphasizing respect, we aim to empower our students to succeed academically and become responsible global citizens who value and uphold the dignity of others.

In alignment with our commitment to respect and excellence, I am pleased to announce several updates and initiatives designed to enhance our student's educational experience for the upcoming school year:

• Return of Homeroom: We will reinstate homeroom across both Lower and Upper School daily, providing students with a consistent and supportive start to their school day. Here, we will focus on social-emotional learning, building friendships that strengthen bonds throughout our school community. Your partnership will be invaluable in ensuring your child's timely arrival each day to maximize the benefits of this critical time together.

• Continuation of Math Lab: To bolster our math instruction, we will continue offering Math Lab for grades 1-5, allowing additional instructional minutes to enhance students' overall mathematical performance.

• Spanish Instruction Expansion: We are excited to add Spanish instruction for 3rd-grade students twice a week, continuing our commitment to language learning from 3rd grade through middle school. In grades K4 through 2nd, we have developed a comprehensive plan to introduce students to the language and its cultural aspects. For example, students will have opportunities for exposure to Spanish through interactive activities and resources within our tinkering lab.  This approach aims to familiarize students with the basics of the language and aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures.

• Swim Instruction: Our swim instruction program will now be available for K4 through 2nd-grade students, promoting essential swimming skills for this age group.

• Middle School Lab Hour: We are introducing new lab programs in middle school, to include the National Junior Honor Society, Student Government Association, and specialized Writing, Math, and Science Labs. These initiatives will provide our middle school students with enriching opportunities for leadership, academics, and personal growth.

• 7th Grade Field Trip: This year we will introduce a fascinating East Coast STEM trip to Boston in the Fall, where our students will have the opportunity to take part in a STEM tour of Fenway Park, Whale Watching Tour, as well as participate in a StageOne Robotics and Coding Helicopter Workshop, and visit the Franklin Zoo.

• Middle School International Trip: In the Spring, our middle school students will embark on an Emerald Isle tour, traveling through the lush green countryside of Ireland and examining the country's unique landscapes and culture.

As part of these exciting changes, we are pleased to introduce new members to our administrative team for the 2024 - 2025 school year.

• Dr. Christina Langdon has joined the Park Maitland family and will serve as our new Lower School Principal. Dr. Langdon brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role, having previously led several successful initiatives in elementary education. Her background includes over 15 years of experience in educational leadership, during which she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Dr. Langdon’s innovative approach to curriculum development and her dedication to promoting student engagement will be invaluable assets to our community. We are confident that her expertise and passion for education will significantly contribute to our Lower School program's continued growth and success, making her an integral part of our team.

• Ms. Lauren Fondo has been promoted to Lower School Assistant Principal. Throughout her time at Park Maitland, Ms. Fondo has excelled in various classroom roles, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to our students. Most recently, she taught 1st grade ELA, where she was celebrated for her innovative teaching methods and ability to connect with young learners. Last school year, she also stepped up as Interim Administrator in the Lower School, showcasing her strong leadership skills and commitment to maintaining a positive and productive school environment. Ms. Fondo’s deep understanding of our school’s culture and proven track record in teaching and administration make her exceptionally well-suited for this new role. We are excited to see the continued positive impact she will have on our Lower School community.

Together, Dr. Langdon and Ms. Fondo will provide exceptional leadership and support to our Lower School, which now encompasses grades K4 through 3rd.

• Ms. Christina Triano has been promoted to Upper School Assistant Principal. During her tenure at Park Maitland, Ms. Triano has demonstrated exceptional dedication and versatility as an educator. She has been a devoted 5th-grade language arts teacher, where she inspired her students with her passion for literature and effective teaching strategies. More recently, she has been teaching 6th and 7th-grade social studies, bringing history to life for her students and fostering critical thinking and engagement with the material. Ms. Triano’s eagerness to transition into this leadership role reflects her commitment to our school’s mission and her desire to contribute to the broader school community. Her deep understanding of our students' academic and social needs, combined with her proven leadership abilities, will make her an invaluable asset as Upper School Assistant Principal. We are confident that Ms. Triano will excel in her new position and continue to drive excellence and innovation within our upper school.

Ms. Triano, will work collaboratively with Ms. Valerie Kennedy, our esteemed Upper School Principal, who has dedicated 15 years of exemplary service to our school. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to academic excellence and student development. Ms. Kennedy's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Upper School's robust educational programs, fostering an environment where both teachers and students thrive. Ms. Kennedy's unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive school culture has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and parents. Her 15 years of service are a testament to her passion for education and tireless efforts to nurture and guide the next generation of learners. With their combined experience and commitment, our Upper School, encompassing grades 4th through 8th, is in capable and experienced hands.

These changes in our administrative structure allow us to better support our staff, students, and families, ensuring that each level receives the focused attention and resources needed to thrive. Staying connected with our school community is crucial. Throughout the rest of the summer, you will receive additional updates and information from our team. We look forward to being in touch with you. Your involvement and feedback are vital to our continued success.

As we move forward, I am confident that our dynamic team of experienced educators and administrators will continue to provide an exceptional experience for all of our students. Together, we will achieve even greater heights in the 2024-25 school year. 

We look forward to seeing you at our Meet & Greets:

Friday, August 9th:

8:30 am - 10:00 am - K4

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - K5

Monday, August 12th:

8:00 am - 9:30 am - 3rd Grade

10:30 am - 12:00 pm - 4th Grade

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm - 5th Grade



Tuesday, August 13th:

8:30 am - 10:00 am - 1st Grade

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm - 2nd Grade

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Middle School Orientation

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Park Maitland. Here is to another fantastic year ahead!

Best Regards,

Bianca Moore

Head of School

Park Maitland North: 

1450 S. Orlando Avenue

Maitland, Florida 32751

Park Maitland Preschool:

2240 Howell Market Lane

Winter Park, Fl 32792

Park Maitland South: 

1776 Minnesota Ave

Winter Park, Florida 32789

https://www.parkmaitland.com