Midway School of the Arts Creates Memorable Reading Experience

Mrs. Edwards’ fifth-grade class recently embarked on an exciting braille reading journey that brought history, literacy, and hands-on learning together in an unforgettable way.

As part of their reading unit, students dove into the life of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system. Students explored how Braille overcame adversity to create a revolutionary reading and writing system for the visually impaired.

To deepen their understanding, students practiced reading Braille and used it to crack secret codes. They also wrote reflections about Braille’s inspiring life and the impact of his invention.

The highlight of the project was when students created their own names in braille, combining creativity and tactile learning to connect with the material in a personal way.

It sounds like these fifth-grade students are having quite the reading adventure! Go Midway!

Lake Mary Elementary Remembers 9/11

On September 11, Ms. Johnson's fourth-grade class, at Lake Mary Elementary, took time to reflect on one of the most significant days in American history by remembered the lives lost and honored the heroes of September 11, 2001.

The class read The Man in the Red Bandana, the incredible true story of Welles Crowther, a young man who saved many lives through his brave actions. The book sparked a heartfelt classroom discussion about the selflessness it takes to make an extraordinary impact.

To honor Welles Crowther and others who showed courage that day, students created their own red bandanas. These bandanas serve as a symbol and reminder to always be a hero and help others in need.

Ms. Johnson shared, “I’m so grateful to teach our youth about this important day in U.S. history. May this generation of students always remember that they have the power to be heroes in any situation, just like so many were 24 years ago.”

Thank you to Ms. Johnson, and the students at Lake Mary Elementary. Here at SCPS, we will continue to honor the lives lost, the heroes who rose, and the resilience that united our nation on September 11, 2001.

Sanford Middle School Presents

CSI: Warrior Edition

In Mr. Nelson’s Research class, students became investigators during a Deductive and Inductive Reasoning Crime Scene Lab.

Throughout the activity, students pieced together evidence, analyzed key details, and used logical thinking to solve a mock case. By stepping into the role of detectives, they had the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a hands-on and engaging way.

The lab was a powerful example of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in action, giving students a memorable experience that brought reasoning strategies to life.

Lawton Chiles Civics Students Take Part in "The Amazing Race"

Civics students at Lawton Chiles Middle School recently took part in an exciting and educational activity inspired by the TV show "The Amazing Race" that brought history to life!

As part of their unit on the foundations of American government, students raced through the hallways to complete six challenges and three roadblocks. Along the way, they analyzed how Enlightenment thinkers and early government documents helped shape the United States Constitution.

Our schools continue to prove that learning can be educational, engaging, and innovative, all at the same time. Keep up the great work! Paws up, Panthers!

Lake Mary Elementary Celebrates 100 Years

Lake Mary Elementary School just celebrated a major milestone...100 years of serving the Lake Mary community!

While the school is now celebrating a century, the story of elementary education in Lake Mary began even earlier. The first elementary school in the area was built in 1885 on one acre of land donated by Miles and Charlotte Tanner. Located southeast of what is now Lake Mary Boulevard and Country Club Road, the original school site was accessible only by horse and buggy, as neither road existed at the time. At that point, the town of Lake Mary had a population of fewer than 100 people.

The original school building was a modest wooden structure, just 20 by 20 feet, with a living space upstairs for the teacher. Construction was overseen by Dr. William H. Evans and cost $449.50.

By 1925, Lake Mary’s population had grown to around 300, prompting the need for a larger facility. The school was relocated to its current site after Axel and Tilda Sjoblom sold one acre of land to the school board. Initially, the new building was planned as a wooden structure costing $6,500, but Dr. Lawton of the school board requested a loan from Frank Evans to build with block and concrete instead. Frank Evans agreed, providing an additional $6,000 to support the sturdier construction.

The original school at the current location included an office, a gym, a lunchroom, and four classrooms. In 1934, Frank and Stella Evans donated another five acres to allow for future expansion.

Over the years, the school’s lunchroom served as more than just a place to eat. It hosted PTA meetings, Chamber of Commerce gatherings, voting events, and more. Many notable citizens in Lake Mary’s history have attended or taught at the school.

Now, 100 years later, Lake Mary Elementary continues to be a proud cornerstone of the community.

What a privilege it is to celebrate a full century of education, growth, and lasting impact. Congratulations, and Happy Birthday, Lake Mary Elementary!

Watch Lake Mary Elementary's 100 Year Celebration Video!

Watch Lake Mary Elementary's New Campus Groundbreaking Ceremony!

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.

This is Principal Brian Blazewitz's seventh year as an SCPS principal, currently serving at Lake Brantley High School. When asked about his favorite part of being a principal, he replied, "My favorite part of the job is being able to interact with and provide guidance to our future generations of leaders. Being with the kids, and the amazing faculty and staff of people at Lake Brantley who guide them each day, are why I do what I do."

One surprising fun fact about Principal Blazewitz is that he is married to his high school sweetheart, Ashley! They have been together for almost 24 years and have been married for 16. They met playing sports in high school and continued their athletic journey together at Florida State University. They now have three amazing children.

Principal Blazewitz, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and passion for shaping young minds. We could not be more proud to have you apart of our SCPS family!

GROW Healthy Kids Partners with SCPS to Bring Excitement to Recess

Schools across Seminole County received generous donations from GROW Healthy Kids in the form of GROW Recess Kits!

We are grateful for community partners like GROW Healthy Kids who help make amazing things happen by connecting with our community to support our schools.

Thank you GROW Healthy Kids for keeping our playgrounds in style, and for your continued commitment to the students of Seminole County.