Lake Howell PTSA's Winter Arts Festival

Lake Howell High School’s PTSA hosted a highly successful Winter Arts Festival on Saturday, December 13th, bringing students, families, and community members together to celebrate the school’s outstanding Arts Department.

The festival transformed the campus into a lively showcase of creativity and talent. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of crafts, local vendors, live music, dance performances, games, and interactive activities, creating an engaging and festive atmosphere throughout the day.

The event highlighted the incredible work of Lake Howell’s arts students and educators, while also providing an opportunity for the community to come together in support of arts education. Performances and displays reflected the passion, dedication, and talent that make the school’s Arts Department such an important part of campus life.

The PTSA’s efforts were instrumental in making the Winter Arts Festival a memorable experience, and the strong turnout demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm for celebrating student creativity.



Thank you to the Lake Howell High School PTSA, staff, students, performers, volunteers, and families who helped make this event such a wonderful success. Go Silverhawks!

Lawton Chiles Middle's Ferris Wheel Engineering Project

Engineering class at Lawton Chiles Middle took a hands-on approach to learning by exploring the history and engineering behind the Ferris wheel.

The project began with students researching the origins of the first Ferris wheel and studying famous Ferris wheels from around the globe. Working in teams, students then designed and built their own working Ferris wheels using popsicle sticks, applying key engineering concepts such as structure, balance, and motion.

Through collaboration, testing, and redesign, students refined their creations to ensure smooth movement and stability. The project encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork while providing an engaging, and real-world application of engineering principles.

This hands-on experience allowed students to deepen their understanding of engineering concepts while developing critical thinking skills and a passion for innovation. Great work, Panthers!

From Classroom to Ocean: Sanford Middle's Marine Biology Class

Hands-on learning took center stage in Sanford Middle's Marine Biology classes as students explored starfish and squid through guided dissections.

This immersive experience allowed students to closely examine anatomical structures, compare adaptations, and deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems.

By engaging directly with real specimens, students strengthened essential scientific skills such as observation, analysis, and critical thinking. The activity also encouraged curiosity and meaningful discussion as students connected classroom concepts to real-world marine life.

Experiences like these bring science to life and help students develop a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean while building a strong foundation in scientific inquiry. Looks like we've got some Marine Biologists on our hands!

Sweet Success at Hagerty High: Holiday Cake Wars Returns

The spirit of the season was on full display at Hagerty High School’s Holiday Cake Wars, where Chef Thompson’s Culinary Arts students took on the ultimate challenge: creating cakes that were as delicious as they were dazzling.

Student teams worked collaboratively to bring their visions to life, showcasing impressive creativity and technical skill. As we walked around the classroom, we were inspired by the teamwork and craftsmanship on display. Students sculpted fondant, piped intricate icing designs, carved gingerbread details, and even engineered a stunning isomalt sugar snow globe.

We were thrilled to welcome several SCPS Ambassadors to assist with judging, making the event even more special. In a historic moment for the competition, one team swept both top honors, winning Best Taste and Best Visual Appeal, a true testament to their talent and hard work.

Congratulations to all of our culinary students for an outstanding competition, and special thanks to Chef Thompson, who brings learning to life in such an engaging and fun way while teaching skills students will carry far beyond the classroom.

Walker Elementary's "Balloons Over Broadway" Bridge Between Holiday Traditions and Classroom Learning

To give students a deeper understanding of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Walker Elementary teachers, including Mr. Charles Greenberg, created Balloons Over Broadway. Through this engaging project, students design their own unique balloons, write about their creations, and proudly present them in a school parade. The experience not only enriches learning for first graders but also builds excitement among kindergarten students as they look ahead to the wonders of first grade. Take a look!

Director of School Safety and Security Receives Everyday Hero Award

Congratulations to Captain Ron Shaw of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Department of School Safety and Security on receiving the Everyday Hero Award from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Florida Youth Foundation.

This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to protect, support, and enrich the lives of youth and families. Captain Shaw oversees school safety across all SCPS campuses and also serves as a panelist and speaker for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s G.A.A.P. Program (Gaining Appreciation by Adjusting Perspectives), which works to build meaningful bridges between youth and law enforcement.

Captain Shaw is known not only for his unwavering dedication to keeping students and staff safe, but also for his kindness, approachability, and, perhaps most famously...his warm hugs. In fact, we’re convinced he’d be great friends with Olaf from Disney’s Frozen, who is equally known for his love of warm hugs.

If you see Captain Shaw out in the community, please take a moment to congratulate him on this well-deserved honor, and you just might experience one of his famous hugs along the way.

Lake Mary Rams Win FHSAA Class 7A Football State Championship in Historic Fashion

The Lake Mary High School Rams have made history with an unforgettable victory, capturing the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A Football State Championship in dramatic fashion.

In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the Rams sealed the championship with an incredible Hail Mary touchdown in the final seconds, stunning the crowd and cementing their place among Florida’s elite football programs. With the clock winding down and the pressure at its peak, the perfectly executed play, referenced as "The Lake Mary Miracle," showcased the team’s resilience, trust, and determination.

The thrilling finish quickly gained national attention. Following the game, several Lake Mary High School players were interviewed on ESPN’s SportsCenter, bringing well-deserved recognition to the athletes, coaching staff, and the entire school community. The feature highlighted not only the dramatic final play but also the hard work and dedication that fueled the Rams’ championship season. Players also received recognition from prominent celebrities in the world of football.

To honor the players and coaches for this historic win, Lake Mary High School, along with the City of Lake Mary and Seminole County Government, hosted a community championship celebration on campus, giving students, staff, families, and community members the opportunity to come together and honor the Rams’ remarkable achievement. The event was filled with school spirit and pride as the community reminisced about a season for the record books.

This championship is a testament to the leadership of the coaching staff, the commitment of the players, and the unwavering support from students, families, and fans. The Lake Mary Rams have truly exemplified excellence, teamwork, and school pride on the biggest stage.



Congratulations to the Lake Mary High School Rams on an extraordinary season and a championship victory that will be remembered for generations! 

SCPS Giving Tree 2025 Serves Nearly 1,000 Students in Need

Seminole County Public Schools would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for the overwhelming support of this year’s SCPS Giving Tree. Your generosity truly made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.

Thanks to the kindness and support of Seminole County residents, the Giving Tree helps provide gifts to students from families who are economically disadvantaged.

This initiative is more than just gifts. It is a reflection of a community that comes together to uplift and support its students. Because of you, families facing financial challenges felt the warmth and compassion of a community that truly cares.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, donated, volunteered, and helped make the SCPS Giving Tree such a success. Your generosity reminds us of the power of community and the impact we can make when we work together.

Thank you, Seminole County, for showing up for our students and helping make the season brighter for so many.

SCPS Thanks Partners in Education for their Giving Tree Support

We are so grateful for Seminole County residents and our SCPS Partners in Education who have generously donated thousands of toys for our students in need to help make wishes come true this holiday season! 

In addition, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued business partners and community members who generously supported our annual SCPS Giving Tree with a financial contribution.

These donations have made a significant impact on the lives of many young people, and we are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Happy Holidays!

SCPS Partners in Education:

Heathrow Country Club

Saydah Law Firm

Graef Engineering

For our final Principal Spotlight of 2025, we would like to highlight Martina Herndon. She is a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Eastbrook Elementary.

After 13 years of being a principal, we asked Principal Herndon what her favorite part as a principal is. She shared, "A daily highlight as a principal is interacting with my students, staff, and families. I love seeing classes as caring learning communities where students thrive. I also enjoy creating a school culture where staff enjoy working. Witnessing students reach their personal academic goals and fostering a climate where staff feel connected brings me joy!"

Interesting fact about Principal Herndon, her family takes an international vacation every year. Their family goal is to visit six of the seven continents. So far, they have visited four continents! Sounds like the Herndon's are on the move!

We are sincerely grateful for your dedicated service and leadership, Principal Herndon. Your guidance, commitment, and care help our community thrive!

We are quickly approaching enrollment time for our unique elementary magnet schools. Families interested in an elementary magnet school for the 2026-2027 School Year are encouraged to attend the upcoming Magnet Nights to interact with school teams, and learn more about program offerings. The on-time application period for Elementary School Magnet Programs for the 2026-2027 school year is open from January 1 through March 1. Learn more

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

Class of 2026, the holiday season is here, and it is the perfect time to wrap up something important for your future. Give yourself the gift of opportunity by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is now open.



Filling out the FAFSA is an important step in exploring federal, state, and institutional financial aid options for college, career school, or trade programs.



We encourage all seniors to stay proactive this season. Start your FAFSA application today and take the first steps toward your post-secondary goals.

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

Understanding FFAA vs. FAFSA

We want to remind students and families about the difference between the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


• FFAA is used to apply for state financial aid, including the Bright Futures Scholarship.
• FAFSA is completed for federal financial resources, such as grants and loans.


Important: If you are applying for Bright Futures, you must submit your application through the FFAA website floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org.

Join Special Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a FREE SCPS Parent Class on Internet Safety. Discover practical information and tools for protecting your kids online. There will be an opportunity for Q & A and a special guest in attendance. Special thanks to our partners Altamonte Springs Police Department for bringing this opportunity to life!

• 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