Congratulations, Class of 2026

SCPS would like to congratulate the Class of 2026! Your hard work, determination, and accomplishments have made your school communities proud. As you begin this exciting new chapter, remember that the future is full of endless possibilities.

Continue to lead with courage, pursue your passions, and make a positive impact wherever life takes you. Best wishes for continued success in all that lies ahead!

Rainbow Elementary's Second Grade "Informances"

Second-graders at Rainbow Elementary recently welcomed parents and family members into the music room for special “Informances," interactive musical experiences where students had the opportunity to perform and teach.

Students proudly demonstrated the musical skills they have been learning in class and then invited their families to participate alongside them. Watching students confidently guide their parents through activities created many smiles and memorable moments for everyone involved.

These special events are a wonderful way to celebrate student growth and keep parents involved in the process!

Midway Elementary's Reading Recovery Hospital

Mrs. Hill’s first grade students at Midway Elementary recently stepped into the “Reading Recovery Hospital” for a creative and engaging classroom transformation designed to strengthen important reading skills.

Through hands-on literacy activities, teamwork, and interactive learning experiences, students practiced foundational reading strategies in a fun and memorable environment. The themed activities encouraged students to build confidence as they worked together and explored new ways to grow as readers.

What an outstanding way to keep our students reading!

Indian Trails Middle School's Harvest Fresh Eats

Indian Trails Middle's Sustainable Living class celebrated a fresh harvest from their hands-on learning experiences!

Throughout the school year, students explored green living practices while gaining real-world skills through planting, growing, and harvesting. This engaging work helps them understand the importance of sustainability and caring for the environment.

Go Trailblazers!

English Estates Elementary Celebrates FAST achievement with Carnival Experience

Last week, English Estates Elementary celebrated student progress and achievement on the FAST assessment with great enthusiasm.

The media center was transformed into a vibrant “filling carnival” atmosphere, creating a joyful and engaging space for students to recognize their hard work and success.

The celebration highlighted student growth and perseverance, and included a variety of fun activities that made the day both memorable and meaningful.

We are proud of our students for their dedication and continued academic progress!

Lawton Chiles 8th Graders Leave Their Legacy

Lawton Chiles Middle's eighth-grade Panthers had the opportunity to paint "Legacy Rocks" as part of their meaningful campus tradition.

Each rock symbolizes a piece of every student that will always remain part of the LCMS Panther family. Once they were complete, the rocks were displayed in the Lawton Chiles Unity Garden, where future Panthers can view and reflect on the legacy of those who came before them.

Congratulations to all of our rising high schoolers as they continue their academic journey!

Carillon Elementary's Buddy Bences

Carillon Elementary's amazing fifth-grade students have officially completed their Legacy Project: Buddy Benches!

Each bench was thoughtfully created and painted by the fifth-grade students. The benches are meant to be more than just a place to sit; they spark conversations and new friendships and remind students that being kind is always cool. These benches are a lasting reminder that once a Comet, always a Comet.

This is an exciting way for students to leave a mark on the place that's given them some of their fondest memories. Go Comets!

Crystal Lake Elementary's "Strict Judge Judy" Writing Activity

Crystal Lake Elementary students recently took part in a creative and engaging learning experience as they stepped into the courtroom with the “strict Judge Judy” to practice their argumentative writing skills.

Students were tasked with writing an argumentative paragraph addressing whether students should or should not be required to complete community service at Crystal Lake Elementary. After preparing their written arguments, students presented their cases and supported their positions with evidence and reasoning.

The activity concluded with a class deliberation, where students evaluated different viewpoints and considered which arguments were most compelling. This hands-on approach made learning both fun and meaningful while strengthening students’ critical thinking and writing skills.

We look forward to seeing how these young advocates continue to grow as writers and thinkers!

Millennium Middle's Eighth Grade Farewell Stroll

Millennium Middle School students said their final goodbyes to their eighth-grade students during the annual 8th Grade Stroll, a tradition celebrating their transition to high school.

Sixth and seventh-grade students, along with staff, lined the courtyard to cheer on our outgoing 8th graders as they made their final stroll through campus. The event marked a meaningful moment of celebration, pride, and support as students prepared for their next chapter.

We are incredibly proud of all our eighth-grade students and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in high school and beyond. Go Falcons!

Endeavor Center Support Facilitator's Heroic Save

Seminole County Public Schools is proud to recognize a Support Facilitator from Endeavor Center, Jena Vozzella, for her bravery and selfless actions during a dangerous beach rescue in Brevard County this past weekend.

While visiting the beach with her daughter, Ms. Vozzella witnessed a man being pulled under by rough surf after a large wave struck him while he was using a boogie board near Indialantic Beach.

Without hesitation, Vozzella and her daughter rushed into the ocean to help keep the man above the surface until additional assistance arrived. Battling strong waves and dangerous surf conditions, they worked to support the man and keep his head above water.

Another beachgoer later joined the rescue effort, helping bring the man safely to shore, where emergency responders provided medical assistance before transporting him to a hospital.

Vozzella’s courage, quick thinking, compassion, and willingness to step forward in a moment of crisis reflects the dedication and character SCPS staff members demonstrate both inside and outside the classroom.

SCPS applauds Ms. Vozzella for her heroic actions and joins the community in wishing the individual involved a full recovery.

As families continue enjoying Florida’s beaches this summer, SCPS also encourages everyone to remain aware of ocean conditions, follow beach safety guidance, and swim near lifeguards whenever possible.

Hagerty High School Deputies Named Seminole County Sheriff's Offices' Deputies of the Quarter

Congratulations to Deputy Paris and Deputy Cerullo on being recognized as Deputies of the Quarter!

We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to supporting our school community. Their hard work and positive presence make a meaningful difference each day, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our team.

Thank you both for your service and for all you do to help keep our schools safe and supported!

Markham Woods Middle School Students Receive National Recognition at Project Invent Demo Day

Students from Markham Woods Middle School earned national recognition at the 2026 Project Invent Demo Day in Houston, Texas, receiving the prestigious Explorer Award for their innovative project, Neurotune.

This honor celebrates not only a successful invention but also the students’ deep commitment to research, empathy, and problem-solving throughout a year-long development process. As part of the school’s Biomechatronics Capstone program, students designed and built a wearable proof-of-concept device that integrates advanced sensors and adaptive feedback technology to provide real-time support tailored to their community partner’s needs.

The project began with an intensive empathy phase, guiding students to understand real-world challenges before moving through each stage of the engineering design process. Throughout the year, students engaged in complex technical work, including sourcing specialized components, assembling circuits, programming microcontrollers, and developing custom-coded interfaces.

Neurotune evolved from a conceptual idea into a functional prototype with the potential to positively impact quality of life, highlighting the power of project-based learning where students actively design, test, and solve authentic problems.

Their Explorer Award win reflects the creativity, perseverance, and collaboration of these young innovators and serves as an inspiring example of how students can use knowledge and compassion to create meaningful solutions.

SCPS proudly celebrates their achievement and looks forward to their continued success as emerging leaders and innovators.

Seminole High's Exceptional ServSafe Pass Rate

Congratulations are in order for 135 ninth grade Seminole High students who successfully passed the ServSafe exam!

With an outstanding 88% pass rate, students demonstrated strong preparation, focus, and commitment to their learning.

We are proud of both the students and the hard work they've done to earn this outstanding achievement!

Sanford Middle Student Selected as Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator Challenge Nominee

Congratulations to Sanford Middle School student Lilay Mulugeta for being selected as a nominee for the prestigious Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school STEM competition.

This remarkable achievement places Lilay among a select group of students, as only about 10% of science fair projects nationwide are chosen for this honor. As a nominee, Lilay now has the opportunity to be named one of the Top 300 Junior Innovators, with the potential to advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C. this October. Finalists will showcase their research, collaborate in hands-on STEM challenges, and compete for top awards and educational opportunities.

We are proud to celebrate Lilay’s curiosity, innovation, and dedication to scientific research. Sanford Middle continues to shine as a place of learning, discovery, and STEM excellence. Go Warriors!

Teague Middle's Impactful Food Distribution Efforts

As we close out this school year, we would like to take a second to celebrate Teague Middle School. Through compassion, collaboration, and dedication, the school has continued to make a meaningful difference for students and families throughout the community.

This year, Teague Middle School’s food pantry distributed 10,724 pounds of food through its partnership with Second Harvest, including support provided through a monthly FRESH Market. The total is equivalent to 8,937 meals for students and families in need. In addition to these efforts, the school also hosted several other food drives throughout the year that were not included in this calculation, further expanding the reach of support provided to the community.

The success of the program reflects the hard work and commitment of the school’s coordinators, student market managers, volunteers, and community partners. Their leadership and dedication helped ensure that families had consistent access to food and resources in a welcoming and supportive environment.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the program has been seeing students and families comfortably and confidently access the support they need each week. Families regularly visited the pantry to receive prepared bags to take home, helping foster a culture of care and support without stigma.

Teague Middle School’s efforts have also gained the attention of community organizations. The American Heart Association has expressed interest in partnering with the school next year to help meet additional student and family needs, further strengthening the school’s impact in the community.

Congratulations to everyone involved on an outstanding year of making a difference for students and families.

Team Super 7 Excel at FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship

Team Super 7 brought home top honors at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship in Houston, Texas, earning the prestigious Inspire Award for the Edison Division.

Representing Florida, the Space Coast League, Seminole County, and the City of Oviedo, the team competed among approximately 342 teams at the championship level, selected from thousands of FTC teams worldwide through the season.

The Inspire Award is the highest honor in FIRST Tech Challenge, recognizing the team that best embodies the values of innovation, teamwork, professionalism, and impact within the robotics community. The Edison Division included roughly 60 of the world’s top qualifying teams.

This achievement reflects years of dedication to STEM learning, collaboration, and outreach through FIRST Robotics programs. Team Super 7’s success highlights the power of hands-on engineering experiences in preparing students to become confident problem-solvers and leaders in STEM.

We celebrate Team Super 7 for their outstanding accomplishment and for representing our community with excellence on the world stage.

SCPS Partners in Education Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Seminole County Public Schools extends its heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding SCPS Partners in Education who helped make this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week in May truly memorable. Thanks to your generosity, thoughtfulness, and community spirit, our teachers and staff felt recognized, valued, and celebrated for the incredible work they do each day.

We would like to give special recognition to the businesses and organizations that went above and beyond to support our South Seminole Academy staff: SSA PTSA, Addition Financial, Coach Kelly Live, Evelyn Alicea with EXP Realty, Tammy Powers with Waterstone Mortgage, Tim Sanders with Credit Repair of Florida, and the “Sisters in Faith” Women’s Group in Winter Springs.

We are truly grateful for all you do!

This is Deirdre M. Garnes' 5th year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Eugene Gregory Academy.

When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she shared, "Nothing pleases me more than to watch my students take accountability for both their choices and their learning, while pushing forward towards a positive, productive future."

Interesting fact about Principal Garnes: she loves rollercoasters and collecting plants.

Thank you, Principal Garnes, for the consistent leadership, hard work, and care that you display each day in creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere for students, staff, and families.

The SCPS VPK application is open for the 2026-2027 school year. To be eligible for VPK, a child must be four years of age by September 1, 2026. SCPS VPK offers a high-quality program designed to prepare students to enter Kindergarten ready to learn! Full-day and half-day programs are available. For more information, visit the SCPS VPK website.

2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration

The Kindergarten application period for the 2026-2027 School Year at SCPS locations is currently open! For more information please visit the enrollment page on the SCPS website.

Graduating SCPS Seniors - Free Summer College Class Opportunity at Seminole State

SCPS graduating seniors planning to attend Seminole State in the fall are invited to get a jumpstart on their college education by taking two classes this summer with no out-of-pocket costs during the Summer B Session from June 24-Aug. 5. The deadline to submit an interest form, apply for admission and submit the 2025-26 FAFSA is June 4.

The Summer Bridge program helps first-time-in-college students easily transition to college and develop crucial skills for success.

No matter whether a student plans to go all the way to a bachelor's degree, use a university transfer pathway such as DirectConnect to UCF®, or is just trying to see if college is right for them, the Summer Bridge program can help set them on the right path!

To learn more, sign up to attend a virtual information session or email summerbridge@seminolestate.edu.

Seminole County Virtual School Offering Behind the Wheel Driver's Training Course - Summer 2026

Seminole County Virtual School is offering Driver Education this summer, giving students the opportunity to build essential skills and prepare for the road ahead.

As a reminder, Florida now requires teens to complete a driver education course to earn their Learner’s License. This program helps students meet that requirement while gaining valuable knowledge and experience.

The course includes behind-the-wheel training in partnership with the Florida Safety Council and allows students to earn 0.5 high school elective credit. Participants will also prepare for the Class E Knowledge Exam and earn both DETS and TLSAE certifications.

The program is tuition-free for SCVS public school students, making it an accessible option for those ready to take the first step toward driving with confidence.

To learn more and enroll, visit: https://www.scvs.us/summerdrivereducation

Class of 2026: Show us the Money!

Hey Seniors! Have you earned scholarship money for college? We want to celebrate your hard work and achievements! Make sure Seminole County Public Schools knows about your scholarships by completing the scholarship reporting form.

Sharing your scholarship awards helps us recognize your accomplishments and highlight the incredible success of our graduating students.

Don’t miss the chance to have your achievements celebrated, let us know about your scholarships today!

Summer BreakSpot

Seminole County Public Schools has partnered with Summer BreakSpot to provide free, nutritionally balanced meals to children and teens (ages 18 and under) throughout the summer. Families are welcome to visit any Summer BreakSpot location to enjoy a meal.

Scan the QR code or visit the Red Apple Dining website to find menus, dates, times, and locations.

SCPS Community Ambassador Program

If you are an avid supporter of public education, and you'd love to dive deeper into what it takes to make the Seminole County Public School District operate, this program is for you! Over the course of this journey, we will explore multiple facets of operations, curriculum, career and technical education, budget, school safety, and so much more. Space is limited and the application window closes June 19, 2026.

Apply today!