Hamilton Elementary's Pumpkin Day

The first graders at Hamilton Elementary truly had a great time celebrating Pumpkin Day! The hands-on learning and autumn excitement filled the room as students explored the life cycle of a pumpkin, conducted a sink-or-float science experiment, and practiced measurement skills using pumpkins of all sizes.

Creativity also took center stage as students decorated and painted their pumpkins, combining art with science and math in one STEM-tacular celebration.

Pumpkin Day was the perfect example of how learning can be both educational and fun at Hamilton Elementary!

Forest City Elementary Gifted Students' Attend the Solar Bears STEM Game

Forest City Elementary's gifted students enjoyed an exciting field trip to the Solar Bears School Day STEM Game, where learning met live-action hockey! The special event combined STEM-focused educational experiences with the thrill of the game, giving students a unique opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in action, both on and off the ice.

It was a day full of discovery, teamwork, and fun as our students saw how STEM connects to real-world careers and sports. What an unforgettable way to learn!

Does Anybody Need a Helping Hand?

2026 SCPS Employee of the Year Finalists

SCPS is proud to congratulate our five outstanding District Finalists for Employee of the Year!

Each of these individuals represent the dedicated professionals who go above and beyond each day to support students, staff, and our community. Their hard work, positivity, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact across the district, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions.

We look forward to celebrating all of our finalists and announcing the District Employee of the Year at our upcoming Recognition Ceremony on Friday, November 14, 2025!

From Injury to Success: How Oviedo High Student Perseveres to the Finish Line

Oviedo High School senior, Noah Mott, is showing what true perseverance looks like both on and off the track. After an impressive 2023 season running for Hagerty High School, where his team placed second in the 4A state championship and he earned an 11th-place individual finish, Noah had big goals heading into his senior year.

But just before the season began, Noah faced an unexpected challenge: surgery on his left knee to repair a broken patella. The recovery required extensive physical therapy and patience as he rebuilt his strength and endurance. “It’s frustrating not to rush it; it’s tempting to go back into everything quickly,” Noah shared. “I definitely learned that patience comes with it. You have to plan ahead and take care of your body.”

Despite the setback, Noah’s determination never wavered. He began the season running with the Junior-Varsity squad, using each race as a step toward recovery. In his first race, he clocked a 24:22, but through hard work and persistence, he shaved over seven minutes off that time in his most recent meet.

Noah credits his progress to his commitment to both individual growth and team success. “We always want to work together to get the win as a team,” he said. “But you also have to work on individually getting your times up there to help your team place higher.” Now, as he nears full strength, Noah is focused on finishing the season strong, just in time for the state tournament.

We are immensely proud of you, Noah! Your journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, discipline, and the spirit of teamwork that defines our athletes.

Watch Noah's Spectrum News Interview!

Students Prepare for Life After SCPS

SCPS students are taking the next big step in their journeys by shadowing employers in fields they’re passionate about and preparing for meaningful, competitive employment.

Thanks to the generous support of the Heathrow Women’s Club, Inc. and our partnership with Men’s Wearhouse, students received professional business attire to help them look and feel confident as they begin their internship experiences across the community.

These outfits represent more than just clothing, they symbolize confidence, opportunity, and empowerment as our young adults build independence and step boldly into their futures.

SCPS extends heartfelt thanks to all who invest in our students’ success and help prepare the next generation of leaders.

Longwood Elementary Educator Recognized as Spectrum A+ Teacher

A Longwood Elementary School third-grade teacher, Ms. Nicely, gives her best to every student, every day.

“I love it,” Ms. Nicely says. “It’s challenging, and it keeps things from getting stagnant. I have students reading on, above, and below grade level, but my job is to get them all to grade level by the end of the year.”

Ms. Nicely’s passion for teaching began when she was just 19. Unsure of her path after high school, she took a job as a teacher’s assistant in a special education classroom. That experience became a turning point. “Working as a teacher’s assistant for two years was what made me decide that I wanted to be a teacher,” she recalls.

Her love for her students continues long after they leave her classroom. “I tell them, ‘I don’t care when you’re 45 and have kids of your own, you’re still my baby,’” she says with a smile. Many of her former students still reach out, sharing how her care and encouragement made a lasting impact.

One former student recently told her, “I remember when you read this book to me in third grade, and I just bought it for my daughter who’s in third grade.” For Ms. Nicely, moments like that make teaching truly rewarding.

Ms. Nicely, SCPS truly appreciates your dedication to making a lasting impact on each and every one of your students. Teachers like you, are the reasons why we are an A-rated district!

Watch Ms. Nicely's Spectrum News 13 Interview!

SCPS Celebrates National School Psychology Week

It’s National School Psychology Week, and Seminole County Public Schools is proud to recognize the incredible work of our school psychologists who help students grow, learn, and thrive every day.

This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” highlights how school psychologists support students, families, and educators in setting goals, overcoming challenges, and building brighter futures. From helping students manage emotions and develop resilience to collaborating with teachers and families, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

School psychologists play a vital role in fostering success and well-being for all learners. This week, we celebrate their dedication and encourage everyone to take a moment to thank these professionals for the positive difference they make in our schools and our community every single day.

Barnes & Noble® Book Fair

Join us, today, at Altamonte or Oviedo Mall for the Barnes & Noble® Book Fair! A percentage of all purchases will benefit the SCPS Giving Tree.

You can also purchase books at bn.com/bookfairs through November 12, 2025, with the code 12918702 and a portion of your purchase will come back to support our SCPS Giving Tree!

With your help, we can help make holiday wishes come true for our students in need!

Two Locations:

Barnes & Noble®

Altamonte Mall

451 E Altamonte Dr STE 2165,

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

B. Dalton®

Oviedo Mall

1260 Oviedo Mall Blvd,

Oviedo, FL 32765

HCA Florida Healthcare Oviedo Medical Center Partners with SCPS to Host Healthy Hands Training

Thank you to our partners at HCA Florida Healthcare Oviedo Medical Center for hosting a Healthy Hands training on your campus. We can’t wait to partner with you and UF IFAS Extension Seminole County to bring this fun handwashing program to our students! 

Elizabeth Darcy has been an SCPS principal for two and a half years, currently serving at Carillon Elementary.

When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she shared, "My favorite part of being a principal is fostering a community focused on students' academic and personal growth by helping them discover and celebrate their passions, strengths, and successes."

Interesting fact about Principal Darcy, she grew up on a farm in Ohio, and raised sheep. What an exciting childhood!

Thank you, Principal Darcy, for creating a welcoming and inspiring environment where students can thrive. Your passion for education and your care for every child makes Carillon Elementary a wonderful place to learn and grow!

Attention Class of 2026: The FAFSA Application is Now Open!

Class of 2026! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Completing the FAFSA is a critical step in accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college, career school, or trade programs.

We encourage all seniors to be proactive. Start your FAFSA application today, and take the first steps in your post-secondary journey!

Please visit https://studentaid.gov/ to access the 2025-2026 FAFSA application!

Take Stock in Children's Class of 2030 Scholarship Applications Now Open

Take Stock in Children - Class of 2030 scholarship applications are open for 8th graders! Take Stock is a scholarship and mentoring program of The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools. 8th grade SCPS students who qualify for free/reduced lunch and have a minimum 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply. Students accepted into Take Stock are matched with a mentor who provides support throughout high school and awarded a 2-year Florida Prepaid college tuition scholarship upon high school graduation. Applications are due by November 21, 2025 and can be found at https://foundationscps.org/apply-tsic/.

We are accepting 30 new students this year to provide deserving, low-income students with scholarships, mentors & hope! For more information, email us at tsic_seminole@scps.k12.fl.us.

Seminole County Student Art Showcase

The Seminole County Student Art Showcase presented by the Seminole Cultural Arts Council will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 2 pm - 9 pm and Sunday, November 9 from 12 pm - 4 pm! Expect to see amazingly creative art pieces from students across our district.

Location:

Lake Concord Park

95 Triplet Lake Drive,

Casselberry, FL 32707

Grow Healthy Kids' 10th Morning of Wellness Event

For ten years, GROW Healthy Kids has worked to ensure every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. This November, they are inviting the community to join them in celebrating this exciting milestone on November 15, 2025 from 9 am - 12 pm.

Location:

Reiter Park

311 W Warren Ave,

Longwood, FL 32750

The event is free to participate. Register today to attend!

Pack the Patrol Car 2025

Join Seminole County Sherriff's Offices' School Resource Deputies on Saturday, December 6 from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm, in support of our homeless and economically disadvantaged SCPS students. Please consider purchasing a toy for a student in need of a little holiday magic. Gifts will be provided to SCPS Community Involvement to be matched to families on our annual Giving Tree.

Two Locations:

Walmart Supercenter

1601 Rinehart Rd

Sanford, FL 32771

Walmart Supercenter

5511 Deep Lake Rd

Oviedo, FL 32765

Big Wheels, Bright Futures: VPK & Kindergarten Kick-Off Event

Get ready to roll into a Bright Future with Seminole County Public Schools! Join us for Big Wheels: VPK & Kindergarten Kick-Off Event, a fun-filled morning for families of incoming VPK and Kindergarten students!

📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026

🕘 9 am – 12 pm

📍 Educational Support Center, 400 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford

• Enroll your child for VPK or Kindergarten on-site
• Explore fire trucks, police cars, SWAT vehicle, school buses & more
• Free backpack and supplies for the first 100 VPK and Kindergarten students who enroll onsite.
• Learn about school choice options, kindergarten readiness tips, and navigating IEPs and 504 plans

Plus - Storytime, giveaways, food, and a visit from Clifford, the Big Red Dog!

Reserve your free tickets today at https://tinyurl.com/BigWheelsBrightFutures