SCPS Prepares for Second Half of 2025-2026 School Year

On Monday, teachers and staff across the district prepared for the second half of the school year through collaborative professional learning. These sessions provided educators with the opportunity to reflect, share ideas, and strengthen instructional practices in support of student success.

Through discussion, hands-on activities, and shared reflection, teachers explored practical strategies to increase student engagement, persistence, and academic rigor. The focus remained on ensuring every student has access to meaningful and supportive learning experiences.

By working together and preparing intentionally for the months ahead, educators are continuing their commitment to meeting the needs of all students and creating classrooms where learning thrives.

Volunteers Bring Interactive 'Healthy Hands' Activity to Layer Elementary

The Healthy Hands program recently brought interactive, hands-on learning to students at Layer Elementary School, thanks to the support of an amazing team of volunteers. The program helped students learn the importance of staying clean and healthy in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

During the presentation, students explored proper handwashing techniques and personal hygiene practices. One of the highlights was the “glitter bug” activity, which allowed students to see simulated germs on their hands before washing. This visual experience helped reinforce why thorough handwashing is essential for preventing the spread of germs.

The Healthy Hands program supports student wellness by teaching lifelong habits in a fun and memorable way. Through strong partnerships with community volunteers and programs, Seminole County Public Schools continues to provide meaningful experiences that support student health and learning.

With Healthy Hands and other community initiatives, the adventure truly awaits.

Seminole High 9th Grade Center's 3D Art

Step inside Seminole High School’s 9th Grade Center 3D Art class, where creativity builds confidence and students discover what they are capable of. With encouraging instruction and hands-on projects, students grow more confident, think creatively, and apply these skills beyond the art room. Watch to see how art is shaping student success.

English Estates ESE Pre-K Teacher Recognized as A+ Teacher by Spectrum News 13

Seminole County Public Schools is proud to recognize Mary Stratton, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Pre-K teacher at English Estates Elementary School, who was recently honored as an A+ Teacher by Spectrum News 13.

Stratton’s passion for teaching is deeply rooted in her own educational journey. As a young student, she faced challenges with reading and writing and received support similar to that of an ESE student. A dedicated fourth-grade teacher took the time to work with her, an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately inspired Stratton to become an educator herself.

Now in her 27th year with Seminole County Public Schools and her sixth year at English Estates Elementary, Stratton strives to provide her students and their families with that same sense of support and encouragement. As an ESE Pre-K teacher, she often serves as a child’s first teacher, working with students ages 3 to 5 to build a strong foundation for future learning.

Stratton sets high expectations for her students, each of whom has an Individualized Education Program (IEP with academic, social, behavioral, and independent functioning goals. She focuses on helping students learn classroom routines, develop essential skills, and prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten.

Building strong relationships is central to Stratton’s approach. She partners closely with families, recognizing that collaboration is key when supporting students with diverse and sometimes challenging needs.

“The students are my motivation,” Stratton shared. “This is my happy place in my classroom.”



Stratton’s dedication and compassion continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her students, and Seminole County Public Schools is proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition.

Take a look at Ms. Stratton's Spectrum News 13 "A+ Teacher" Article

Lake Mary High Celebrates Historic Season with Top State Football Honors

Lake Mary High School’s unforgettable football season earned statewide recognition as both its star quarterback and longtime head coach were honored with Florida’s highest individual football awards.

Senior quarterback Noah Grubbs was named the 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football, following a final round of voting by a statewide panel of high school football coaches and media representatives. Grubbs, who was also selected as the Class 7A Player of the Year, led Lake Mary to a 12–3 record and the program’s first state championship. During the season, he completed 234 of 402 passes for 3,250 yards and 40 touchdowns. Grubbs concluded his four-year varsity career with 11,537 passing yards and 143 touchdown passes and has signed to play collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame.

Adding to the historic achievement, Scott Perry, a Lake Mary High alumnus and the program’s head coach for 20 years, was named the 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Football Coach of the Year. Perry guided the Rams to the Class 7A state championship just one year after the team finished as state runner-up in its first championship game appearance. Over two decades at the helm, Perry has compiled a remarkable 153–72 record while building one of the state’s most respected football programs.

Together, these honors reflect a season defined by leadership, dedication, and excellence, and a milestone year for Lake Mary High School football that will be remembered for generations.

Lawton Elementary Teacher Raises Awareness for Rare Disorders

Story Courtesy of Oviedo/Winter Springs Life Magazine

Johanna Cilenti, a teacher at Lawton Elementary School, recently ran in a New York City marathon to raise awareness and support for the rare disease community. Johanna recently ran in the TCS New York City Marathon to benefit the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a nonprofit that serves as a voice for individuals and families affected by rare diseases.

Johanna’s motivation for supporting NORD is deeply personal. Her nine-year-old daughter, Ava, has a rare condition called anophthalmia, a birth defect characterized by the absence of one or both eyes. Ava was born without her right eye and now wears a prosthetic eye and protective glasses. She also has a disability called a thin corpus callosum that makes bilateral movements, such as walking or riding a bike, more challenging.

Although doctors initially provided worst-case scenarios, Ava has continued to defy expectations. Johanna says, "She is thriving, has friends, has a funny sense of humor, loves to dance, is so artistic, and has a bubbly, spunky personality. She's very sassy. We feel like she's a walking miracle."

For the marathon, Johanna joined a NORD team of 19 runners from across the country. Together, they raised more than $100,000, with Johanna raising $5,000 through contributions from friends, family, and colleagues.

Johanna shared what motivated her to take on the challenge, saying, "I felt like running was my way of showing Ava, 'If you can do hard things, so can mommy. If you can do these daily things that are a struggle and are hard and you're overcoming this, then a marathon is passing, right?"

Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February. On February 28, SCPS encourages students, staff, and families to stand in solidarity with Ava and others who have rare diseases by wearing zebra stripes.

Thank you to Ava, Johanna, and the entire Cilenti family for being an inspiration to the SCPS community and beyond.

Read the entire story in the January-February '26 edition for Oviedo/Winter Springs Life Magazine!

Hagerty High Teacher Partners with Seminole State College to Serve Underserved Communities

SCPS is proud to highlight Matthew Thompson, an educator at Hagerty High, whose passion for creativity and real-world learning has led to a meaningful partnership with Seminole State College that is changing lives in the community.

After being featured in Winter Springs/Oviedo Life Magazine for his innovative approach to teaching, Mr. Thompson connected with the Associate Vice President of Resources and Economics at Seminole State College, who was exploring new ways to expand the college’s Seminole Commits program. Together, they developed a new initiative designed to bring career-focused classes directly to underserved populations.

The result is a beginner culinary and hospitality program that emphasizes employability and life skills. While students are introduced to basic culinary techniques, the course focuses heavily on hospitality principles and the importance of food safety and sanitation in professional settings. The goal is to prepare participants for success in the workforce.

A key component of the program is the opportunity for students to earn the ServSafe Food Handler certification during the seventh week of class. This credential helps open doors to employment in the hospitality industry and supports long-term career growth.

The program has already demonstrated a powerful impact, helping students build confidence, develop practical skills, and see new opportunities for success. Demand continues to grow, with the third cohort already full and a waiting list forming for the spring session.

This partnership between Seminole County Public Schools and Seminole State College showcases how collaboration and innovative teaching can expand access to education and create pathways to meaningful careers.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for your dedication to service and giving back to your community. We appreciate the passion you share with our students.

Oviedo High Student Recognized Among Nations Top 300 Young Scientists

Please join us in congratulating Moitri Santra of Oviedo High School for being named one of the Top 300 young scientists in the nation in the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition.

Moitri’s research project, which focuses on developing treatments for citrus greening disease, earned national recognition and a $4,000 award to support both her work and Oviedo High School.



Moitri, your SCPS family is extremely proud of you and encourages you to continue using your creativity, curiosity, and passion for discovery as your scientific journey continues!

We Need Your Voice!

Thank you to the students, families, staff, teachers, and community members who shared their voices through our initial Strategic Plan Survey. Your feedback plays a critical role in ensuring a high-quality education for more than 60,000 students. 

This fall, SCPS partnered with DeliverEd to gather community input through focus groups, interviews, surveys, and data review. We invite you to explore the initial Strategic Plan Survey results to see our top takeaways and key strengths.

We’ve made meaningful progress on our five-year strategic plan, and now we want to share where we are and hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey at https://tinyurl.com/SCPSStrategicPlan and help shape what’s next for SCPS. The survey is open through January 21, 2026.

SCPS Thanks Partners in Education for Exceptional Support of Giving Tree 2025

Seminole County Public Schools would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Partners in Education for your overwhelming support of the 2025 SCPS Giving Tree!

For our first Principal Spotlight of 2026, we would like to highlight Jodi Gonzalez. She is a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Highlands Elementary. Principal Gonzalez has been with SCPS for 20 years, and a principal for four years.

We asked Principal Gonzalez what her favorite part as a principal is. She shared, "My favorite thing about being a principal is watching kids grow into leaders and supporting teachers, staff and families to make a lasting impact."

Fun fact about Principal Gonzalez, she loves to dress up for school events! Theme days, crazy costumes, or spirit gear, you name it, she's dressing up for it!

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

The on-time VPK application period for the 2026-2027 School Year at SCPS locations is January 10 to February 10. 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.

It's 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

Interested in Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a one-year, hands-on transition program that prepares students with disabilities for employment after high school through real workplace experiences. Students defer receipt of their standard diploma while building job skills, confidence, and independence with the support of school staff and job coaches. The application deadline is quickly approaching on January 16, 2026; don’t wait! Apply now, and if you have questions, please reach out to your school’s Transition Resource Teacher for support.

Learn More

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

Class of 2026, a new year brings new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Start 2026 by investing in your future. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now open, and take the next step toward your goals.



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 2026-2027 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.

SCPS Foundation Senior Scholarship Application

The Foundation's Senior Scholarship application is now live! It will award over 45+ scholarships to the Seminole County Public Schools Class of 2026 this spring, with recipients from all 10 high schools! Foundation scholarships range in value, and while most are available to all SCPS High Schools, some are specific to Hagerty, Lake Brantley, Lyman, and Seminole. Some opportunities focus on Areas of Study such as Trade Programs, Education, Nursing, the Arts, Engineering, and STEM fields, or to students who’ve participated in athletic programs, arts programs, extracurricular activities, and community service. Other factors are considered, such as students who have overcome challenges, experienced homelessness, or demonstrated financial need.

SCPS seniors can begin their senior scholarship application at the FSCPS AwardSpring site. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Review detailed scholarship descriptions at FSCPS.AwardSpring.com.

• 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!

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!

SCPS Retired Educator:

Lisa Brandes

Lisa Brandes retired just a few short years ago after teaching kindergarten for 37 years! Although she retired from Seminole County Public Schools, her heart remained with the children, and she has decided to continue her passion by volunteering almost all day, twice a week, in an SCPS classroom.

During her career as a full-time teacher, Lisa continued her own education and received her M.S. in Education. Her expertise continued to shine, and she was voted Teacher of the Year at Idyllwilde Elementary in 2021 and was also recognized as the McDonald’s Feature Teacher.

When she is not volunteering in the classroom, Lisa enjoys supporting the Seminole County Retired Educators group with projects that help SCPS and other community endeavors. Her favorite hobby is traveling, and she has already completed the famous Rte. 66 adventure plus Abbey Road. In addition to river cruises, she recently returned from Helen, GA, and will be going to California in February. She also has plans to visit Italy in the near future.

Thank you, Ms. Brandes, for your sincere passion and dedication for building success in our students, and staff!