Midway Elementary School of the Arts' Campsite Inspired Classroom Transformation

Mrs. Ebersole, a dedicated teacher at Midway Elementary School of the Arts, transformed her classroom into a magical, campsite under the stars! Her young learners, also known as, the "Jedi's", gathered around a cozy “campfire” for an engaging reading time.

As the students gazed upon the stars, they explored key concepts in history and literacy. They engaged in lively discussions about the differences between primary and secondary sources and practiced comparing and contrasting these two books: Camping with a President, and A Walk with Teddy.

The creative classroom setup combined the joy of storytelling, created an unforgettable educational experience. It was the perfect blend of camping fun and academic adventure!

What an exciting and engaging way for our kiddos to learn! Midway, keep up the great work!

Crystal Lake Elementary Students Collaborate to Answer the Question "Should Kids do Chores at Home?"

Mrs. Bilu’s second graders are sharpening their reading skills by tackling the big question: “Should kids do chores at home?” Students are learning how to find supporting evidence in the text to better understand and analyze the author’s opinion.

To support this learning, the class used the SCPS Collaborative Structure “Heads Together”, a strategy that encourages peer collaboration. Working together, students identified key supporting details in the text, making learning both interactive and engaging.

It’s exciting to see these young readers developing critical thinking skills while collaborating with their peers!

Winter Springs Elementary's Fifth Graders Attend the Orlando Philharmonic's Young People's Concert

Our fifth graders had an unforgettable musical experience this week at the Orlando Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concert!

The students represented Winter Springs Elementary School with pride, showing exceptional respect, and attentiveness as audience members.

Thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Goode, students were well-prepared to fully enjoy and engage with the performance. She introduced them to the concert’s songs in advance, helping them understand the music on a deeper level and making the event even more meaningful.

This memorable experience not only deepened students’ appreciation for the performing arts, but also showcased the power of preparation, respect, and joyful learning outside the classroom. Bravo to Mrs. Goode's class! We hope this was an experience to remember!

South Seminole Academy of Career Exploration Students Explore the Art of Sewing

It was a day of creativity, focus, and hands-on for students at South Seminole Academy, as they stepped into the Sewing Studio for the very first time. The students were nothing short of amazing! From mastering straight stitching and locking their stitches to pivoting corners and using seam rippers with precision, students quickly picked up essential sewing techniques. They also learned about the different parts of a sewing machine.

We would like to sincerely thank, Sew Fairy Fun, for providing infographics, tutorials, and supplies that helped make this experience possible. We can't wait to see what our young sewists create next!

Lyman High Academy of Engineering Environmental Sustainability Courses' "Sole Purpose Design Challenge"

Lyman High School students recently put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test in the Sole Purpose Design Challenge, a hands-on project that emphasized sustainability and the Engineering Design Process. The challenge focused on process over product, allowing students to explore real-world engineering practices through each stage of design.

To begin, students examined the "Grand Challenges for Engineers" as outlined by the National Association of Engineers. One of those challenges, reusing materials, became the foundation for their task.

The challenge: Design and build a wearable shoe using only materials found in a recycling bin, glue, and/or tape. The final product had to:

• Fit and be wearable
• Be stable enough to walk in
• Be constructed entirely from recycled materials
• Be fully documented using the AEMEE Design Process in their engineering notebooks

The AEMEE process, used throughout all engineering courses, guided students through each step of the Engineering Design Process. Students were graded not on how their shoes looked, but on how well they followed and documented each step, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design and real-world engineering thinking.

This innovative project gave students the opportunity to explore sustainable design, collaborate with peers, and engage in meaningful, process-based learning that mirrors the challenges faced by engineers today. Great work, Greyhounds!

Lyman High School Reveals their La La Land-Inspired Homecoming Theme "City of Stars"

Ladies and gentlemen, get your dresses and suits ready because...It’s Homecoming season!

High schools across our district are getting ready for the unforgettable traditions and celebrations that make this time of year so special. Lyman recently revealed their La La Land–inspired theme, “City of Stars”, with a show-stopping performance.

To reveal the blockbuster Homecoming theme, two theatre students put on a showstopping performance that had students anticipating their Homecoming event now more than ever!

We can’t wait to see the memories our students create and wish everyone a safe and fun Homecoming!

Watch Lyman High's Homecoming theme reveal video!

Two Lake Brantley High Students Selected as Class of 2026 National Merit Semifinalists

We are proud to announce that Lake Brantley High School is home to two National Merit Semifinalists for the Class of 2026: Layla Gold, and Matthew Ham!

Out of more than 1.3 million students nationwide who entered the competition by taking the PSAT, these outstanding students scored among the top 1% (a group of approximately 16,000 students), earning them this prestigious recognition.

As semifinalists, they now move forward in the competition for a chance to become National Merit Finalists, making them eligible for some of the most competitive and esteemed scholarships offered across the United States.

Congratulations, Layla and Matthew! This incredible accomplishment reflects your dedication, academic excellence, and hard work. We anticipate the bright future you both have ahead of you!

Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Hispanic Heritage Month Competition

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida encourage students to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay with the theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15 each year.

The Hispanic Heritage Month art Competition is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive $100 for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks.

The Hispanic Heritage Month essay is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and $100 for school supplies.

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

 For more information, please visit the Florida Hispanic Heritage Website!

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.  

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.

SCPS invites you to the 2025 Transition fair! This event is for families of all students with disabilities that have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, in grades K-12, who want information on a path to support their child' s journey through school and beyond. The resources provided by community agencies at the Transition Fair help families and students plan their future as they transition to adult life, educational, and/or work environments. The event will take place November 1, 2025, from 9am to 1pm at Lake Brantley High School. If you would like to pre-register for this event, please complete the google form. For more information, please visit the Student Support Services Transition Fair page.

Location:

Lake Brantley High School

991 Sand Lake Rd,

Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714

This is Principal Amy Barone's eighth year as an SCPS principal, currently serving at Bear Lake Elementary School. When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she replied, "One of the most rewarding aspects of being a principal is the ability to positively impact an entire school community. It is a unique opportunity to guide students, support teachers and create an environment where everyone can thrive academically, emotionally and socially. Seeing students achieve their goals and watching teachers grow in their craft makes the work deeply fulfilling. Plus, building relationships with families and knowing you're contributing in shaping future leaders is incredibly inspiring."

One surprising fun fact about Principal Barone, she has begun working to obtain a private pilot license. Principal Barone also has a secret desire to be a park ranger. Sounds like we have an adventurist on our hands!

Thank you, Principal Barone. Your radiating passion for staff and student success, combined with your continued effort to making a positive impact on our community, is the key formula for a school to thrive!

Subaru North Orlando Partners with SCPS to Provide Teachers with Classroom Resources

SCPS would like to thank Subaru North Orlando for their generous support of Pine Crest Elementary Magnet of School of Innovation through the Subaru Loves Learning Program!

Because of their kindness, 10 of our teachers received funds to spend on classroom resources that will directly benefit our students. This partnership helps ensure Pine Crest students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and shine.

We are grateful for community partners like Subaru North Orlando who invest in education and the future of our students.