Seminole County Virtual School's Art Club Explores New Techniques

We are proud to highlight the incredible work taking place in Seminole County Virtual School's Art Club, where students are exploring new artistic techniques.

At the elementary level, students engaged in a mixed media project focused on understanding foreground, middle ground, and background. They learned how to layer patterns within a single composition and used model magic to create 3D flowers adding both texture and creativity to their final works.

Middle school students took on the challenge of foreshortening by illustrating figures using their own hands and feet as references. Their artwork depicted people falling through doors or holes, allowing students to explore facial expressions, motion, and depth. By paying close attention to details in hair and facial features, they brought their characters to life in dynamic and expressive ways.

SCPS is proud of the creativity, effort, and artistic growth shown by these students. Their work is a powerful reminder of the value of the arts in education and how creative expression helps students deepen connections with their learning.

Hamilton Elementary's Students are Sensing Science

Our young scientists at Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology put their five senses to work. Using only their sense of touch, students explored mystery objects and drew what they felt. This hands-on activity encouraged careful observation and showed how our senses help us learn about the world around us.

We can "sense" a learning extravaganza taking place at Hamilton!

To Dissolve, or Not Dissolve: Crystal Lake Elementary's Experiment

There is some exciting hands-on learning happening in Mrs. Price’s 5th-grade classroom at Crystal Lake Elementary. Students took on the role of scientists as they explored the question, to dissolve or not dissolve?

In this “Dissolving Lab” activity, students made predictions about whether various substances would dissolve in water. Through observation and experimentation, they tested their hypotheses and recorded their results, thereby building critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and fostering curiosity!

These types of interactive lessons spark deeper understanding of science and how it shapes our everyday lives. We are so proud of our young scientists at Crystal Lake. Their excitement is a testament to the wonderful learning going on across our campuses.

Goldsboro Elementary's Hands-On Bioscience Lab

Goldsboro Elementary's second graders are getting hands-on learning in their Bioscience Lab as they explore the numerous parts of plants. This interactive experience helps students connect with science in a meaningful way.

Just look! The curiosity and enthusiasm is radiating from the students minds as they discover the wonders of the natural world around them. Go Gems!

Rainbow Elementary's September-Saurus Success

SCPS is proud to congratulate Mrs. Dershimer’s class, at Rainbow Elementary, on their outstanding achievement! Their published book, September-Saurus, earned 3rd place in a recent competition, highlighting the students’ creativity, teamwork, and outstanding storytelling talents.

This truly shows that the sky is the limit when our educators encourage, empower, and, equip our students to utilize their creative minds at all times. We applaud Mrs. Dershimer’s class, and we are excited to see what they accomplish next!

Read Mrs. Dershimer's Class' Book "September-Saurus"!

Recent Hagerty High Graduate Featured in Oviedo-Winter Springs Life Magazine

Hagerty High class of 2025 grad, Grace Jackson, was featured in the September issue of Oviedo-Winter Springs Life Magazine, highlighting her exemplary accomplishments at such a young age!

Recently, Grace earned top honors from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), placing second out of 25,000 speakers and receiving the prestigious title of Top Speaker in the Senate, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Black female speaker in the NSDA’s 100-year history.

As a former SCPS student, Grace attended Heathrow Elementary and Sanford Middle before finding her passion for speech and debate at Hagerty High. Grace’s journey is not only one of excellence but of indescribable perseverance. Unlike many individual competitors who rely on private coaching, Grace taught herself by watching videos of past champions. Her mother, Lora, worked tirelessly driving for Uber and DoorDash to help cover Grace's competition costs.

Grace's commitment to her craft grew through adversity. In fifth grade, her family escaped a domestic violence situation, spending 47 days at SafeHouse of Seminole. That experience ignited her belief in the power of speaking up and laid the foundation for her advocacy work today.

Her winning speeches tackled global and national issues such as foreign troop withdrawal, intelligence gathering, and firearm legislation demonstrating not just skill, but deep thought and conviction.

“She represents the very best of what speech and debate can cultivate not just competitive excellence, but a deep sense of purpose,” said Abraham López, President of the Florida Debate Initiative. Grace’s leadership extends beyond the podium. With her mother and sister, she co-founded Bake it Forward, a nonprofit that donates baking supplies and hosts events for domestic violence shelters.

“Continuing to speak up is really important,” she said. “I believe everyone should use their voice to teach and advocate.”

- Grace Jackson

Now attending the University of California, Berkeley, Grace plans to triple major in business, data science, and applied mathematics with the goal of advocating for and consulting with nonprofits, especially those focused on homelessness and domestic violence.

SCPS is incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and the meaningful legacy she is building. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience, passion, and education can change the world.



Read more about Grace's Journey in Oviedo-Winter Springs Life Magazine!

A library card is one of the most valuable school supplies a student can have. It opens the door to free access to books, digital resources, homework help, and so much more, both in school, and at your local public library.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. This September, we encourage all families to visit their local library and sign up for a card. It’s a simple step that supports literacy, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Let’s work together to empower every student with the tools they need to succeed, starting with a library card!

Need a Library Card? Stop by your nearest branch and sign-up today.

This is Principal Melissa Laudani's sixth year as an SCPS Principal, currently serving at Lawton Chiles Middle School. When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she replied, "Getting to see students mature over the three years they are on campus, connecting with families to get to know the whole student, and working with the best faculty and staff in SCPS to create an environment where all students can succeed."

One surprising fun fact about Principal Laudani, she is a second-generation product of SCPS. Her mother attended Altamonte Elementary School, South Seminole Academy, and Lyman High School. Principal Laudani attended English Estates Elementary School, Lake Howell High School, and graduated from Lake Mary High School. 

Principal Laudani, thank you for your outstanding leadership. SCPS appreciates your dedication to giving back!

Mathnasium of Lake Mary Partners with Goldsboro Elementary for an Engaging Math Tutorial

We would like to sincerely thank the Mathnasium of Lake Mary for visiting Goldsboro Elementary School and turning math into a fun, engaging, and hands-on experience for all. The event offered a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of education together.

Oviedo City Church's Women's Small Group Partners with Endeavor School

SCPS would like to sincerely thank the Oviedo City Church Women’s Small Group for providing our students with clothing and food items to help them feel comfortable and confident.

Our students in the Developmental program worked hard sorting and organizing these donations to stock our Community Closet, ensuring these resources are available to those who need them most.

We deeply appreciate the community partnerships that make these programs possible and the positive impact they have on our students’ lives every day!