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OCPS District 1
Community Brief
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Angie Gallo speaking to a Union Park Middle School classroom early in 2024-2025 Quarter 1. UPMS has their students engaged following their "L.E.A.D." expectations: Learn to Lead, Engage in an Appropriate Manner, Accelerate Potential, and Deliver My Best Self. These four student winning behaviors, when combined, directly impact academic achievement. All of Union Park's students understand L.E.A.D. | |
Angie Gallo, D1 School Board Representative November 21, 2024 | |
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Dear District 1 Community Member,
As we prepare for this Thanksgiving break (November 25-29), it is with a tremendous amount of gratitude that I wish each of our OCPS District 1 students, families, staff and community members a wonderful Thanksgiving!
It has been an amazing fall for so many reasons throughout our District and this single Community Brief only captures a few of the highlights. In this season of thankfulness, I reflect upon our thousands of talented educators, technological resources, and systems available to help guide our students along their educational journey while at OCPS. Unfortunately, there are just too many to list in this limited space. However, here are just a few of the educational supports for which I am extremely grateful that our students have access to on a continuing basis:
* Teachers who never stop with their professional development. At OCPS, teachers are training constantly—in many schools nearly every week.
* Powerful computer application systems like Skyward, Destiny, and ADDitions to name three which allow parents to monitor their child's academic and behavior progression daily, students to access reading resources online, and community members to volunteer within our schools.
* Parents & guardians who seem to find a few dollars to attend school spirit nights, chip in for food drives, buy school gear, or to lend a hand at the holidays. Money doesn't grow on trees, but so many try to do what they can.
* Our schools' media center, health office, cafeteria, custodial team, and bus drivers. The people you find working in these positions, exactly like the classroom teachers, do not seek glory or recognition or personal gain. Much like an orchestra, they play their respective parts that when played together, produce "music" which is our students getting the quality education they deserve.
* Actively involved parents & guardians. If you're looking for a leading success indicator when it comes to student academic achievement, then this is second only to daily student attendance. I, and all of our District 1 teachers, are immensely grateful for at-home support. This also includes the many parents who devote their time with SAC, PTSA, PTSO, boosters, band, tutoring, helping in the media center, as off campus chaperones, coaching, and so much more. Thank you!
* ELL educators and paraprofessionals along with other assets like our new Global Family Welcome Center.
* The renewal of the ½ penny sales tax. The renewal will ensure that our schools are refurbished and older facilities are maintained. It also allows us to build new schools when overcrowding occurs. In fact, several schools in District 1 will be receiving comprehensive redesign that will begin next year. Thank you to all of our Orange County voters who once again supported our schools.
* So many educational choices for students. Beyond just core curriculum, advanced studies, and electives, our students have 41 magnet programs to choose from. The options and combinations for students are many and varied.
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*** Important Reminder at the Thanksgiving Break - FortifyFL ***
Speaking on the topic of campus safety at a Quarter 1 district conference. School security remains at the topic of the list for all of our principals each year as part of their ongoing school improvement efforts and of course, every school day. We have encouraged all parents & guardians to please install the free FortifyFL app on their phones in the event they witness or hear of any school related suspicious behavior.
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Examples of screens you may use if you ever need the FortifyFL app. | |
From the left: District 2 Board Member Maria Salamanca, District 1 Board Member Angie Gallo, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Vazquez, and District 3 Board Member Alicia Farrant at Lawton Chiles Elementary School where Governor DeSantis gave an update on the state's Prepaid College Program (story in this edition). | |
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At this Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you very much to our parents for the opportunity to educate your children. It is an awesome responsibility and one OCPS is proud of. To our teachers, remember you are truly national assets. Your efforts are tireless and you have the gratitude of a very large community and your country, both today and in the future. And finally to our students. You are the reason we are all here. Stay focused on your goals and please do not let up once we return from the Thanksgiving break. Never hesitate to ask for help and take advantage of all the tutoring opportunities if needed.
If you are traveling over the holiday, safe travels especially if you are out on the busy roadways. My best wishes to you and your family and thank you again for your support. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Your Partner in Education,
Angie
Angie Gallo
Orange County Public Schools
School Board Member District 1
(407) 317-3236
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OCPS School Board Highlights | |
1) Thank you Orange County Voters! | |
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2) District 1 Facilities Update
School Design and Construction Projects - Larger View
Detail by school: A/C renovation and replacement; Art and kiln replacement; Elevator upgrades; Painting; Roofing; Campus security; System upgrades; Sound reinforcement; Storm water; and Youth lots
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January Design/Construction Community Meetings: | |
3) District 1 Board Member and Vice Chair Angie Gallo recognized two OCPS employees at the October 29 board meeting: | |
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District Police K-9 Officer Coco
District Police K-9 officer Coco, a 4-year-old female German shorthaired pointer and is the district’s first K-9 officer. Coco’s crime-fighting career began in Sept. 2020. Among the responsibilities of Coco and handler Sergeant Howarth is to educate the community by doing demonstrations and presentations on how K-9s make schools safer.
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Coco and Sergeant Howarth at the October 29 school board meeting. | |
Sgt. Howarth, Coco, Ms. Gallo showing support for the University High School football team, and Chief of District Police, Bryan Holmes at the Oct. 29 school board meeting. | |
Ms. Gallo with Coco early earlier this school year in the media center of Winter Park High School. | |
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Mr. Mendez, University High School Theatre Director
University High alumnus and Theatre Director Alex Mendez graduated in 2012 and played prominent roles in “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Les Miserables.” Under his leadership, theatre students win numerous accolades and Alex himself has won the Outstanding Director Applause Award for directing University High theatre students in “Something Rotten!” and “Newsies.” His theatre students were also invited to perform “Newsies” at the Florida State Thespian Festival in Tampa in March for the first time.
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Ms. Gallo, Mr. Mendez, and Mr. Ott, University High School Principal | |
4) Ms. Gallo elected to President of the Florida School Boards Association. | |
During October, Ms. Gallo visited Washington D.C on Florida School Boards Association matters. She is pictured above with U.S. Representative Kathy Castor from the Tampa Bay region. | |
5) OCPS assists families who are new to the country; do not speak English. | |
The new OCPS Global Family Welcome Center is located at the John T. Morris complex in Orlando and is designed to help families who are new to this country with enrollment, language screenings, and academic support. Approximately 12% of students are second-language English learners. | |
6) School Board Football Challenge: Cougars vs. Lions | |
Football Challenge Vice Chair District 1 Board Member Angie Gallo (Timber Creek High) and District 2 Board Member Maria Salamanca (Lake Nona High). | |
Thank you to the Timber Creek cheer team for performing at the September 24 school board meeting. | |
7) Participating in a Housing Tour- Apopka & Colonial: Wellington Park & Palm Gardens Apartments | |
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Orange County Public Schools is hosting a virtual Magnet Fair to promote its specialized learning programs, known as magnets. All parents and students are invited to learn more about the 41 magnet programs offered in 29 sites across elementary, middle, and high schools. These award-winning, focused programs encourage academic excellence in highly specialized areas of study and often pave the road to post-secondary schools and colleges.
All OCPS magnet programs offered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are outlined in the magnet brochure. Parents must complete an application for their students to participate in a magnet program. For more information, visit www.schoolchoice.ocps.net. The application window is Nov. 1, 2024 – Feb. 17, 2025.
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Effective immediately, any Orange County Public Schools student with a weapon making a threat against a school will face full exclusion and expulsion from the district.
“The changes are in response to the increase in school disruptions caused by social-media posts and rumors about school threats over the last several weeks,” Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said in an evening phone call to parents Thursday, Oct. 17. “The changes will ensure that the individuals involved in making threats, or participating and spreading the threats, face the appropriate discipline.”
This week, the state also announced more severe consequences for making a spread or false report through the Fortify Florida app, Vazquez said.
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1) Green Schools Recognition Awards
District 1 had schools recognized for their various 2023-2024 sustainability and green conservation efforts on September 25 at a special awards ceremony. Ms. Gallo was in attendance as was able to get a few photos for our District 1 community with the principals and involved school staff (below). Congratulations to the award recipients and to all the schools who applied for their outstanding efforts. When it comes to efforts made towards energy and resource conservation, every school is a winner.
Timber Lakes Elementary:
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Timber Lakes Elementary, $750.00 Innovation Award | |
Arbor Ridge K-8 School, $5,000 Continued Excellence Award | |
Avalon Elementary, $1,500 3rd Place Award | |
East River High School is an official Special Olympics national banner Unified Champion School! | |
In September, East River was notified of their recognition as an official Special Olympics national banner Unified Champion School. This was due to East River's continuous efforts towards inclusion by both students and staff. | |
2) Governor visits District 1 Lawton Chiles Elementary School. | |
3) Lawton Chiles Elementary students have learned how to track their individual academic progress as part of their "Level UP" efforts. | |
Lawton Chiles student goal tracking at work with 5th grade student Julianne monitoring her reading scores. | |
LCE students have really locked in to their learning during the first nine weeks and are ready to continue to Level UP during this second quarter! | |
4) Legacy Middle's 'Future Flight Crew Night' exposes 5th graders to the opportunities that await them in middle school. | |
Angie Gallo addressed 5th grade students and their families at Legacy Middle's 'Future Flight Crew Night' on October 17. She is pictured above with Legacy principal Mr. Jason Jimenez. Legacy is the home of the Jets and on this evening they showcased a few of their award winning programs such as robotics and dance team along with several of their local business partnerships for their future Jets. | |
Legacy Middle's Latinos in Action students with their sponsor, Ms. Zayas-Vargas, during their Future Flight Crew Night. LIA students are a special group and we have LIA organizations in a several of our District 1 schools. LIA members, much like other District 1 students in National Junior Honor Society and Builders Club, are involved in a variety of community service and helpful school projects throughout the school year. | |
5) Congratulations to our District 1 Assistant Principal of Year Finalist, Esther Kusner from Discovery Middle School! | |
"When Esther Kusner saw that a group of Discovery Middle students were struggling with attendance, behavior and grades, she started a mentoring program that included intensive tutoring. At the end of the school year, only nine of the 94 students needed summer school. As an assistant principal with 18 years of education experience, Kusner uses data and personal relationships to drive success. Kusner “meets challenges with a cool, calm demeanor and responds to proverbial curveballs with professionalism and an opportunity mindset,” said Principal Alexander Stubenbort. Kusner has also prioritized transitioning students with disabilities into general education classrooms, expanding a tutoring partnership with UCF students and mentoring students personally.” | |
6) Thank you District 1 Cafeteria teams for what you do for our students, rain or shine! | |
Pictured above working around one of several heavy thunderstorms during Quarter 1 which led to delays on campus, Corner Lake Middle has publicly recognized their dedicated kitchen staff a couple times during the first nine weeks noting how much they LOVE their "Eagles!" As these pictures show, they always come to the rescue to make sure students are fed, rain or shine! And it is not just at Corner Lake, we have some truly wonderful support staff in our cafeterias throughout District 1. | |
7) Ribbon cutting for 3DE Junior Achievement at East River High School. | |
Standing to the far left next to Angie Gallo at the ribbon cutting event is Principal Rebecca Watson of East River High School. The 3DE program will give a tremendous edge to many of East River's "Falcons" as it revolves around current, real-world business problems with interaction from business and banking leaders who come into the classrooms on a continual basis. | |
As an example of how the 3DE program is running on another OCPS campus, Ocoee High's 9th graders recently completed a team activity led by their Senior 3DE Ambassadors. Their challenge was to propose a nonprofit organization for Regions Bank to partner with. Regions bankers are pictured above speaking to the students while below you see the "winning team" based upon Regions Bank feedback, making their final presentation. (Regions Bank is one of the largest US commercial banks with over $126 billion in deposits.) | |
Family & Student Resources | |
1) Superintendent's message on Academic Resources: | |
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Oct. 28, 2024
One of the top questions from parents is how they can help their child with academics at home. Watch this week's Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial to learn about valuable resources available.
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2) Superintendent's message on Middle School Concerns: | |
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Nov. 18, 2024
What’s your biggest concern about middle school? It might seem scary, but it’s a great time for growth! Watch this week's Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial to hear from OCPS parents and get expert advice on making this transition smooth.
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3) FREE tutoring from home: | |
5) Parent Tip: TalkingPoints | |
November's Motivational Moment | |
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10 SECRETS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
OCPS has spent years building online systems including a dynamic website, hiring the right leaders, developing the proper curriculum to support the Florida state standards, investing in the latest technology, building and maintaining high quality infrastructure, and offering numerous academic supports for our students. As a result, students today have advantages many do not in other parts of the country and certainly around the world. Therefore, with the Thanksgiving break next week, we close this issue with a list of 10 actions by parents/guardians, that when combined, can help students reach their academic goals.
1. CHECK SKYWARD REGULARLY. This is our powerful online student information system which is updated by teachers on their students all along. Stopping by once per week keeps parents up to speed with their child's progress.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING. Many schools offer free tutoring on certain days of the week. If your student needs a little extra help, take advantage of this sooner vs. later.
3. MAKE EVERY INSTRUCTIONAL DAY COUNT. When a day of instruction is missed, it can never be recovered. An attitude of "I get to go to school" vs. "I have to go to school" will absolutely pay off during the K-12 years, but as importantly after high school graduation in either the work force or in college.
4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. Every teacher, school counselor, coach, and leadership team member wants to see their students maximize their potential. Reach out for support whenever needed. Seniors and their parents should also visit their high school's College and Career Center if post graduation questions or concerns pop up at home.
5. NEVER STOP LEARNING. Our schools have incredible library systems with several easy ways to check out books or to read online using Sora App on LaunchPad or with Destiny Discover. Reading for pleasure will give any student a competitive edge while still in school and beyond.
6. SUPPORT YOUR SAC/PTSA/PTSO. These parent groups are extremely valuable to our principals and teachers. If you cannot make the meetings at school, they are frequently broadcast online. At the very least, please consider a membership which in some schools is only $5.00 for the school year.
7. BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Please remind your student: "No matter how you feel, always get up, dress up, and show up, but NEVER, NEVER give up."
8. DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS. Students should write down specific goals, and with parental help, develop a plan to reach them. When progress report grades are released for the quarter as they were this week, review 1:1 both your child's academic and personal goals.
9. EXPLORE A CLUB OR ORGANIZATION. Check out what your child's school offers keeping in mind that making even one new friend is a wonderful experience. Many of these groups will engage in community service projects which provide an excellent foundation for our students who will one day be registered voters.
10. STAY INVOLVED IN YOUR STUDENT'S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY. We are already 2/3 done with the second quarter. Being actively involved in your child's education is critical and our teachers depend upon support at home. Otherwise, Nos. 1-9 have far less impact.
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Thank you very much for reading and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
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Mrs. Gallo, District 1 School Board Representative
Orange County Public Schools
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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This communication may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure, and intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately by telephone or by return e-mail, and delete the message from their computer and any printout thereof. Please note that OCPS utilizes spam and junk e-mail filtration applications in its e-mail systems. That filtering process may prevent or delay delivery of certain e-mail communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an e-mail communication, please contact the intended recipient by phone. | |
Copyright Notice
Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and OCPS - District 1 is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially District 1. Please contact Ms. Nancy Conover at nancy.conover@ocps.net with any questions related to the program.
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