Evans Elementary Sunrays Create Tasty Structures

In art class, Evans Elementary's talented fifth grade students are bringing creativity to life, one delicious detail at a time!

As part of their latest unit, students are designing and sculpting realistic clay food creations. From colorful fruits and vegetables to sweet treats and favorite meals.

We are proud of the imagination and craftsmanship our students are demonstrating as they turn simple clay into eye-catching works of art. Go Sunrays!

Goldsboro Elementary's Kindergarten Chemists

This week at Goldsboro Elementary, kindergarten scientists participated in an exciting, hands-on experiment!

Students explored what happens when baking soda and vinegar react by creating their very own “lava lamps.” As the bubbles fizzed and flowed, they carefully observed the chemical reaction and discussed what they noticed. After the experiment, students recorded their observations in their science journals using pictures and words to describe what they saw.

We love seeing our youngest learners think like scientists, asking questions, making predictions, and documenting their discoveries. Great work!

Rainbow Elementary Students Bring History to Life

History came to life at Rainbow Elementary as students proudly showcased the achievements of their selected historical figures for their history project. Through their presentations, students highlighted important contributions and demonstrated the learning and effort they put into their projects.

What a modernized way to experience history! We are so proud of their hard work and the thoughtful way they brought history to life!

Sterling Park Elementary and Tuskawilla Middle Celebrate 50 Year Anniversaries

This year, we celebrate a major milestone for two of our district’s cherished schools! Sterling Park Elementary and Tuskawilla Middle School each marked their 50th anniversaries, honoring five decades of learning, growth, and community.

For 50 years, these schools have been more than buildings; they’ve been places where students grow, friendships are formed, and memories are made. Alumni, staff, and community members came together to celebrate the rich history, achievements, and enduring impact of these schools on generations of learners.

We are proud to recognize the dedication of teachers, administrators, and families who have made Sterling Park Elementary and Tuskawilla Middle such lasting pillars of our community. Here’s to the next 50 years of shaping bright futures!

Two Lake Mary High National Honor Society Seniors Named National Semifinalists

Two Lake Mary High School Seniors are among the very select group of National Honor Society (NHS) scholarship national semifinalists this year! Kendal Burg (pictured left) and Anna Patterson (pictured right) both received news on Thursday that they were selected for this highly competitive honor, from approximately 17,000 scholarship applicants.  

Kendal Burg is delighted to be attending the University of Florida next Fall, where she will be studying Advertising, focusing on digital strategy and content creation in sports. She is an Eagle Scout, Student Body Social Media President & County Representative for Lake Mary High's Student Government, as well as the Copy & Co-Layout Editor for Lake Mary High's Yearbook. Additionally, she is involved in many other clubs and organizations at Lake Mary, including NHS, Beta Club, Key Club, and Thespians, where she is a two-time Top Honor winner in Theater Marketing. 

Anna Patterson has applied to several universities, but Howard University is the school she is leaning toward attending at this time in order to pursue her goal of becoming a surgeon. Her interest in medicine is driven by a desire to serve others and make a meaningful impact in the community. Throughout high school, Anna has taken on leadership roles that reflect this commitment. She has served as the president of Young Women for Excellence for two years, and she is the current president of our NHS chapter. She also serves as an Executive Officer and Unarmed Exhibition Drill Commander in Lake Mary High's NJROTC program. Additionally, she is a senior member of the Lake Mary Unity Step Team.

Anna and Kendal are the first NHS scholarship recipients in Lake Mary history. Chapter adviser Dayle Peabody notes that "Anna and Kendal are truly well-deserving of this honor. They are so involved in NHS, in our school, and in the community. Both of them are exceptional student leaders and I expect that they will do fantastic things in college. Ramnation, and our chapter of NHS especially, is so proud of them both!"

Congratulations, Kendal and Anna, on this wonderful accomplishment!

Walker Elementary Student Receives Best Science Project FAST Award

We are proud to share that, Heidi Wang, a Walker Elementary student, has been awarded the Best Science Project Special Award from the Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST) for her project, Sound Sculptures.

She was the only student selected for this prestigious recognition, and her hard work, creativity, and scientific inquiry truly stood out to the judges.

Award Details

Congratulations, Heidi, on this outstanding achievement!

Millennium Middle School Students Attend The City of Eatonville's 2026 Zora Neale Hurston Education Day Event

From the classroom to Eatonville, our Millennium Middle School's "Falcon Culture Crew" students spent the day immersed in history, culture, creativity, and STEAM at Eatonville's Zora Neale Hurston Education Day event.

Students heard from Young Zora with Orlando Shakes, toured the Zora Neale Hurston Museum, created crafts with the ladies of Seminole County Zetas, and participated in hands-on engineering experiences with eSTEAMed Learning, Inc.

This is what great learning looks like! We are grateful for the opportunity that our students have to learn more about historical figures such as Zora Neale Hurston!

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.

• Sanford MS – Thursday, 2/26/2026 – Friday, 2/27/2026

• 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

Partners in Education Come Together to Support Longwood Elementary

SCPS Partners in Education recently came together to support Longwood Elementary School. There are so many ways for our SCPS Partners in Education to collaborate with our schools! A heartfelt thank you to these community partners who supported Longwood Elementary and read a favorite book with the students. We appreciate the time and support of our schools!

This is Robert Navarro's 17th year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Lawton Elementary.

When asked about his favorite part of being a principal, he responded, "I love working with students, teachers, and families to help children become the best versions of themselves, especially when I see that "lightbulb moment" when a child grasps something new and their excitement shines through."

Fun fact about Principal Navarro: he loves collecting nostalgic toys and memorabilia from his childhood, such as Star Wars, G.I. Joe, He-Man, Buck Rogers, McDonald's glass cups, and vintage metal lunchboxes.

Thank you, Principal Navarro, for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to your school community. Your dedication, vision, and steady guidance create an environment where students and staff can thrive!

The SCPS VPK application is now 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 now open! For more information please visit the enrollment page on the SCPS 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

2025-2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Seminole County students are invited to participate in this year’s National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest, themed “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.” The contest encourages students to think about what safety means to them and to recognize bus drivers and community members as everyday heroes who help them get to school safely.

Students can showcase their creativity while highlighting the important role bus drivers and other community members play in keeping school transportation safe. This annual contest is a fun way to express artistic talent while reinforcing the critical message of school bus safety throughout our schools and neighborhoods.

Submit your poster and join us in celebrating the everyday heroes who make safe rides possible for everyone!

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.

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.

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

SCCPTA Mascot Games & Egg Drop

All Seminole County families are invited to join SCCPTA for their Mascot Games, a fun, free community event bringing families, schools, and mascots together for an afternoon of excitement and connection. The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, from 12:00 - 3:00 pm.

As part of the event, students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in our popular Egg Drop Challenge, where creativity and problem-solving take center stage as students design a way to protect an egg from a high drop. If you plan to participate in the Egg Drop Challenge, please register for the event. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 18th.

Where:

Lake Mary High School

655 Longwood Lake Mary Rd

Lake Mary, FL 32746



If you have any questions about this event, please email vp2@sccpta.com for more information.

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!

SCPS Retired Educator: Gretta Edwards

Gretta Edwards happily devoted over 40 years to teaching! After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from South West Missouri University she first taught kindergarten in Mountain Cove, Missouri, then first grade in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After moving to Florida, Mrs. Edwards continued her education and obtained a Master’s in Learning Disabilities from the University of Central Florida and Certifications in both Early Childhood and Gifted Studies. She loved teaching first and second grade and taught both levels at Lawton Elementary in Oviedo for over 35 years before her retirement.

Mrs. Edwards’ love of supporting student education extended into her personal life, where she opened her home as a host mother to exchange students. She has hosted two girls from Japan, two boys from Germany, one boy from Russia, and one boy from Turkey.

Mrs. Edwards has been married to her husband, Tom, for 55 years, and they are the parents of one son. They have traveled extensively and have had the pleasure of attending the special occasions of weddings in Russia, Germany, and Turkey. They enjoy remaining active together, and Mrs. Edwards still enjoys spending time with other retired educators as a member of the Seminole County Retired Educators group.

Thank you, Mrs. Edwards! Your life’s work is a beautiful testament to the power of teaching, connection, and lifelong service.