Sterling Park Elementary Sings at Tree Lighting

Sterling Park Elementary's chorus delivered a wonderful performance at the City of Casselberry Tree Lighting event. Their voices helped bring the community together and added to the festive atmosphere of the evening.

We are proud of Sterling Park's chorus kiddos for representing their school and district so well. Sounds like Sterling Park is celebrating the holidays on a high note!

Winter Springs High Celebrates Winter Springs Winter Wonderland Parade

Winter Springs High students, teachers, and staff proudly participated in the City of Winter Springs Annual Winter Wonderland Parade. Even a little rain did not stop the school community from enjoying the event and representing their school with enthusiasm.

What a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Thank you to the City of Winter Springs and all organizers and supporters who made the afternoon possible for our students. Go Bears!

Lyman High's Civil Engineering and Architecture

Oviedo High Student Named Columbia Junior Science Journal Semifinalist

We are proud to recognize Ankan Das, an outstanding research student at Oviedo High, for being named a semifinalist for publication in the highly selective Columbia Junior Science Journal, a student-led extension of the undergraduate journal produced by Columbia University. This recognition reflects both the rigor of his work and the promise he shows as an emerging young scientist.



Ankan's project introduces a groundbreaking mobile robot inspired by tensegrity structures, which are known for their strength, flexibility, and ability to withstand impact. Designed for use in hazardous environments such as search-and-rescue missions, the robot offers a unique combination of resilience and adaptability. Unlike traditional robots that rely on rigid, bulky frames, Ankan's design uses shape-memory alloy springs which enable robot to morph its shape and move in dynamic ways. This innovative engineering approach opens new possibilities for future applications, including planetary exploration and disaster response.

Congratulations, Ankan, on this remarkable achievement! Your work is an inspiring example of the incredible research being done by students across our district.

2025 SCPS Pack the Patrol Car Event

This December, we asked our Seminole County community to join School Resource Deputies with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to "Pack the Patrol Car." This annual event is such a beautiful illustration of how much our community pours into those in need. We are in awe of how everyone came together for our students! Special thanks to our School Resource Deputies who spent their day collecting toys and donations, reminding our community that they are more than law enforcement officers; they are mentors, friends, and a trusted voice for many of our students.

Jeanne McKay Recognized as A+ Teacher by Spectrum 13 News

Seminole County Public Schools is proud to celebrate Mrs. McKay, a dedicated math teacher who was recently recognized as a Spectrum News 13 A+ Teacher for her commitment to student growth, perseverance, and confidence in learning.

Mrs. McKay’s path to the classroom began with a simple realization that teaching brought her joy. After having children of her own, she discovered how meaningful it was to work with students and help them succeed. That joy has carried into her career, where she continues to make a lasting impact on every child she teaches.

Having struggled with academics as a student herself, Mrs. McKay connects deeply with learners who find math challenging. She uses her own experiences to encourage and support them, ensuring they know they are capable of mastering new concepts.

“Well, as a student myself, I struggled,” she shared. “So, I hope that the impact I have on them is that they can leave fifth grade learning all of the standards that I taught, and they will also leave knowing that they can do anything in life.”



For Mrs. McKay, teaching is about more than equations and problem-solving. It is about helping students face challenges head-on and develop the confidence to become lifelong learners.



SCPS congratulates Mrs. McKay on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the passion and heart she brings to her classroom every day.

Seminole County Public Schools mourns the loss of an extraordinary colleague and friend, Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, who dedicated 35 years of service as a School Social Worker. Dr. Nieves was a true pioneer in the field, embodying the highest standards of the National Association of Social Workers code of ethics and tirelessly advocating for students, families, and schools across our district. Dr. Nieves was more than a professional. He was a mentor, a champion for equity, and a source of hope for countless lives.

“I chose the field of Social Work because I wanted to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of my clients, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty."

- Dr. Wilfredo Nieves

Beyond his work in our schools, Dr. Nieves also served as a Supervisory Mental Health Specialist for the National Disaster Medical Assistance Team for the federal government, providing crisis intervention and assessments to individuals experiencing trauma and crisis. His unwavering commitment, compassion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community and the profession. 

As we reflect on his remarkable legacy, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

SCPS Giving Tree

SCPS is asking our community to partner with us once again in support of the annual SCPS Giving Tree program. This vital initiative is dedicated to ensuring that the most vulnerable students within the district experience the magic of the holidays by receiving gifts, including toys, bikes, and essential hygiene items. The SCPS Giving Tree directly supports students who might otherwise go without during the holiday season, offering them and their families a moment of joy and relief.

We still have a need for items for high school students including small electronics, ear buds, speakers, personal care items, toiletries, and blankets.

The deadline for Giving Tree donations has been extended. All donations must be dropped off by Monday, December 15, 2025, at the SCPS district office by 4:30 pm.

Ways to Give:

• Direct Drop-Off Donations: Bring new, unwrapped items to the Education Support Center located at 400 E. Lake Mary Blvd. Sanford, FL 32773
• Shop directly from Amazon Wishlist. Items purchased are shipped directly to Community Involvement.
• Monetary Donations: We can accept cash, checks (made payable to SCPS with the Giving Tree), or online donations to purchase items for our secondary students (middle and high school).

The success of the SCPS Giving Tree relies entirely on the kindness and generosity of Seminole County residents, businesses, and organizations. Together, we can ensure every student has a holiday to remember.

Donate a gift or make an online tax-deductible donation by visiting www.scps.us/givingtree

Oviedo Methodist Women in Mission's Ministry in Faith Partners with SCPS to Help Seniors in Need

SCPS would like to thank the Oviedo Methodist Church Women’s Mission for their generous contribution of $2,500 in support of the high school seniors in need at Oviedo High.

The continued support of community partners like the Women’s Mission strengthens the foundation of success for our students and reflects the spirit of care and collaboration that makes our district exceptional.

Thank you to the Oviedo Methodist Church Women’s Mission for making a positive difference in the lives of our seniors.

Community Organizations Partner with SCPS to Create Special Holiday Food Drive Bus

We are so thankful for our incredible community partners AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Florida Citrus Sports, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for partnering with SCPS to provide a grant for our school food pantries, and creating this special bus which will be out in our community to fill with food to ensure students have food over the holiday break. This is what community in action looks like!

Upcoming Bus Stops:

Christmas in the City Oviedo

1395 Campus View Court
Oviedo, FL 32765

Saturday. December 20, 2025

10 am - 2 pm

Interested in making a donation or attending a bus stop? Visit the AdventHealth website for more information.

Kristina Rowley-Huss is going into her second year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Crystal Lake Elementary.

When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she shared, "I enjoy being involved in shaping the school's culture and seeing the growth and development of young students, from their academic progress to their social and emotional growth."

Interesting fact about Principal Rowley-Huss, she is a mother to four children, and she enjoys spending time with her family at Disney or at the beach.

We are grateful for your dedicated service and leadership, Principal Rowley-Huss. Congratulations on entering your second year as a principal. Your commitment makes a positive impact on our district each day.

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.

• 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

Retired Educator Spotlight: Doris Duxbury

Ms. Doris Duxbury served the community as an educator for 70 years. She was a fifth-grade teacher at South Side Elementary, Pine Crest, & Goldsboro. Additionally, she taught dance to the 55+ community for 10 years. 

She is currently an active member of the Seminole County Retired Educators Association (SCREA) and handles the membership responsibilities. Ms. Duxbury served as President three times for SCREA and brought a sense of community with her ideas and style of service that remain in place today. She stays abreast of issues related to education and encourages others to remain positive and purpose-driven, always with a smile.

Ms. Duxbury resides in historic downtown Sanford and is a neighbor of the Vice Chair of the School Board, Autumn Garick. Ms. Duxbury attended Florida State College when it was a women’s college and was awarded her education degree. She married, has two sons, and now has four grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. In addition to serving SCREA, Doris remains involved with her church, cares for her pet bird, and loves spending time with family and friends.

Thank you, Ms. Duxbury, for your unwavering dedication to this district and our students. It is truly a pleasure to have you as a part of our SCPS family!