Happy National School Social Work Week

This week, our district proudly celebrates National School Social Work Week, honoring the dedicated mental health professionals who strengthen the connections between school, home, and community. School social workers play a vital role in helping students overcome barriers to learning by providing support that nurtures academic success, mental health, emotional well‑being, and personal growth.

Throughout the year- and especially during March 1st–7th- we recognize the compassion, commitment, and expertise our school social workers bring to our schools each day.

Our School Social Workers...

• Support students through personal, mental, emotional, and academic challenges
• Partner with families to ensure their children receive needed services
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments
• Connect families to community resources and critical supports
• Advocate for equity, access, and student well‑being across all grade levels

Our school social workers are truly the heart of the district; steady, caring, and

dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. Their work creates safer, healthier, and more connected school communities.

Please join us in thanking and celebrating our incredible School Social Work Division for the positive difference they make each and every day. We appreciate you!

Hamilton Elementary Students Explore the Units of Measurement

Hamilton Elementary's second-grade Innovators measured up to the challenge! From centimeters to yards, they explored every inch of their classroom while learning about units of measurement. Students used a variety of measurement units to better understand length and size, turning their classroom into a space for discovery as they practiced measuring and comparing different objects.

Great work, Innovators!

Winter Springs High's "Bear Brigade"

Exciting things are happening at Winter Springs High's newly created Fire Academy, The Bear Brigade!

This week, students trained using a fire extinguisher simulator, practicing the proper PASS technique in a safe, controlled environment. Through hands-on repetition, they are building the skills and preparedness needed for real-life situations.

Students also put their creativity to work with a Firefighter Bottle Project.

As part of their Black History Month learning, they designed and built firefighter models using recycled water bottles, combining creativity with career exploration. In addition, students researched the legacy and impact of African American firefighters who paved the way in the fire service, helping them better understand the history and contributions that have shaped the profession.

Our Fire Academy students are also gaining practical skills as they learn how to properly roll, deploy, and manage fire hoses, just like professional firefighters. They are also practicing essential ropes and knots used in rescue and safety operations, building precision, confidence, and teamwork along the way.

We are proud of these future first responders as they continue developing valuable skills through hands-on learning!

Keeth Elementary's Winter Olympics

Students at Keeth Elementary participated in their own Winter Olympics during the games!

Students learned some of the history of the Olympics, were placed in Villages based on the meanings of the Olympic Rings (Africa, Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe), and earned points during each of nine events. Each village was comprised of students from each class in grades K-5. Points were awarded based on the Olympic ideals of excellence (their finishing place), respect (sportsmanship), and friendship (teamwork).

The Olympic events Keeth’s students participated in, Florida-style of course, were Olympic Torch Relay, Cross Country Skiing, Speed Skating, Bobsled, Hockey, Biathlon, Snowboarding, Downhill Skiing, and Curling.

We are so proud of all of Keeth Elementary's Winter Olympians!

Lake Mary Elementary's Fifth Grade STEM Challenge

Recently, Lake Elementary's fifth graders took their District Benchmark Assessment. Students who earned 80% or higher celebrated their achievement with a spontaneous STEM Challenge.

Students participating in the change were placed into teams. Each team was put to the test with a timed mystery-bag build challenge. First, team captains had 30 seconds to open the mystery bag and reveal the materials. Only captains could touch the material provided. Teams then had 90 seconds to plan their design and strategize together before the build began. Once the timer started, there was no adult assistance.

Teams had nine minutes to build the tallest possible structure using only the materials in their bag. Structures had to remain standing for measurement, with no second chances. Teams could use all or any of the materials provided; replacements were not allowed if something broke, and every team member had to participate while adults cheered them on.

These students demonstrated incredible teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance. We are so proud of their hard work on the assessment and their enthusiasm during the challenge. Go Dolphins!

Members of the Community Read to Goldsboro's Littlest Learners

We’re so thankful for the wonderful members of our community who have spent time reading and sharing their kindness with our students throughout the year. These friends made a special visit to Goldsboro Elementary to surprise kindergarten students with a thoughtful gift, a book, and a stuffed animal.

Our young learners were thrilled, and it was a joyful reminder of the impact of community involvement. Thank you to our SCPS family for your tremendous support!

2026 SCPS Elementary Music Festival

The annual SCPS Elementary Music Festival, hosted at Millennium Middle School, brought together nearly 300 elementary students from 31 schools.

The performance featured students selected to participate in choir, recorder, orff (mallets), and string ensembles, culminating in a grand finale that included all student performers.

We would like to highlight our elementary Music faculty for making this incredible event possible and for their unwavering, passionate work with students as they help them discover and develop new ways to express themselves through music and movement.

This event was made possible by the Department of Teaching and Learning Visual and Performing Arts and The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools.

Sanford Middle School Student Named National Finalist in Magnet Schools of America's Student Poster Contest

We are thrilled to announce that Sanford Middle School is officially representing SCPS on the national stage.

Seshna Janagam, a Sanford Middle School student, has been named a national finalist in the Magnet Schools of America Student Poster Contest! Out of thousands of entries from across the country, Seshna’s amazing artwork, inspired by the five MSA Pillars, has risen to the top.

With that said, SCPS family, Seshna needs our vote! It’s time to rally and help Seshna claim the #1 spot and bring this win home!

You can cast your vote now by visiting the 2026 Magnet Schools of America Student Poster Contest voting page.

• Find the Middle School Category.
• Select Entry #5: Sanford Middle School.

Vote now!

Calling All Dividend Volunteers

Living On My Own, a financial literacy program presented in collaboration with our partners at UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, is being presented this spring at six area middle and high schools. We are grateful for the support of our Dividends, community partners, and staff who assist with hosting these events.

Living On My Own is a hands-on, real-life simulation where students learn about money management and consumer choices that can impact their future. In this activity, students role-play with an assigned 25-year-old identity (i.e. married or single, children, or without children), an occupation, and a monthly income. Students visit tables and make spending decisions on transportation, housing, insurance, rent/mortgage, utilities, etc. Stations for the simulation represent real life businesses, and volunteers assist students in understanding the costs involved and making informed choices. Please select one of the following options to register for your two-hour volunteer timeslot.

• Greenwood Lakes MS – Friday, 4/10/2026

• Hagerty HS – Monday, 4/20/2026 – Tuesday, 4/21/2026

• Indian Trails MS – Wednesday, 4/29/2026 – Thursday, 4/30/2026

Millennium Middle School Receives Grant from Walmart Giving

We are excited to announce that Millennium Middle School received a grant from Walmart Giving, Walmart Neighborhood Market #525. This generous donation will help provide incredible opportunities for our students.

A special thank you to Store Manager Steven for supporting local schools, teachers, and the community. Together, we can make a difference!

Coming Soon - Annual Voice Surveys

Coming soon, the annual voice surveys for parents, students, staff, and community!

This is Dr. Ryan Gard-Harrold's eighth year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Pine Crest Elementary School of Innovation.

When asked about his favorite part of being a principal, he shared, "seeing the students embrace creativity and critical thinking in everything they do. It's incredible to witness how our innovative approach to learning empowers them to think outside the box and take ownership of their education. I also love the sense of community we've built here—our teachers and staff are so passionate about fostering a positive environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to grow.

Fun fact about Dr. Gard-Harrold: he once shared a Broadway stage with Bryan Cranston.

Thank you, Dr. Gard-Harrold, for your outstanding leadership, support, and dedication to our students and school community. Your guidance continues to make a meaningful difference every day!

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.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is Here – Start Saving Smarter

Saving for college just got easier! Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment is now live, and new tools make planning simple and affordable.

Here’s what’s new:

• A redesigned website to help you build a personalized plan in minutes
• Flexible Prepaid Plan options - pay for one year at a time or choose what fits your budget
• Low monthly payments starting at just $29

The sooner you start, the more you save. Lock in today’s college costs and take the first step toward your child’s future with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan.

Learn more

After-School CTE Courses

Seminole County Public Schools is excited to once again offer After‑School Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses for the 2026–2027 school year. These programs provide high school students the opportunity to explore hands‑on career fields while earning high school credit. The courses are open to all rising SCPS 9th-12th grade students.

Course requests for introductory levels will open on March 24, but families can begin planning now by viewing the CTE Course Information Guide. Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30–5:30 PM, beginning the second week of school in August. No transportation is provided.

Course offerings for 2026–2027:

 • Automotive Maintenance at Oviedo High School

 • Aviation Maintenance at Seminole High School

 • Building Trades & Construction Design at Lyman High School

 • Cosmetology at Lake Howell High School

 • Welding Technology Fundamentals at Lyman High School

Please take a look at CTE's Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any additional questions, please email ePathways@scps.k12.fl.us.

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.

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!

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.

SCPS Night with the Orlando Magic - Tuesday, March 31st at 7:00pm

Get ready for an unforgettable night, SCPS Families! Join us at the Kia Center as the Orlando Magic take on the Phoenix Suns for a special SCPS Community Night packed with school spirit, exciting moments, and fun surprises. Visit the SCPS District Night page for discounted tickets and a portion of every ticket sold goes back to the school you select. Share with your friends and join us for this fun family event!

Retired Educator: Ruth Crowell

Mrs. Ruth Crowell is yet another proud SCPS' retired educator! During her professional career, her mantra was to “foster the love of reading, support curricular goals, and empower students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners”. She dedicated 44 years to students and all members of the learning community in support of this goal.

Mrs. Crowell received her Bachelor's Degree in Library Science from Florida State University. She later continued her education, obtaining a Master's Degree from the University of South Florida, graduating with a degree in Library, Media, and Information Science.

Mrs. Crowell was the Library Media Specialist at Lyman High School for 43 years. During Mrs. Crowell’s career, she devoted a multitude of hours to volunteer activities, some of which included co-sponsoring the National Honor Society, serving on the Building Committee, the Technology Committee. She also served many years as the department chair for the Library, the Fine Arts Department, PE, and ROTC. Mrs. Crowell was also involved with Accreditation, serving multiple times on subcommittees that collected data and wrote reports for the visiting team from the Southern Association. She was excited to serve one time on the team for her Alma Mater in the late 80s.

Mrs. Crowell stated that the changes in technology have been significant. She remembers starting her career with primarily print materials, changing to computer databases, and finally gaining access to the Internet.

Since retiring, Mrs. Crowell volunteers for the Winter Park Library Archives Department, where she digitizes clipping files, creates reference lists of files, and assists with the Annual Maker Day. She enjoys creating and donating crocheted items to various organizations and fundraisers. Additionally, Mrs. Crowell is quite active in the Seminole County Retired Educators Association, where she has served in numerous areas; she currently serves as the Literacy Chairperson. She recently represented the chapter in a “ Cupid Crew” volunteer project delivering roses and Valentine’s cards to residents and employees at the Veterans Nursing Home.

Mrs. Crowell is a proud native of Florida and enjoys each day with her husband Bob and their two cats.

SCPS would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Crowell for dedicating over four decades to supporting our district!