January 24, 2025

What's Cool in Our Schools

Goldsboro Elementary's Annual Astronomy Night Shines Bright


Goldsboro Elementary recently hosted its annual Astronomy Night, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of around 200 students and family members. The evening kicked off with an engaging presentation by the Director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College. Following the presentation, attendees were treated to a spectacular view of three of our planetary neighbors, courtesy of the Central Florida Astronomy Society. The excitement didn’t stop there! Participants also had the chance to dive into interactive activities, including a VR experience, exploring our Giant Moon Map, and more, all made possible by our dedicated teachers and staff.


It was truly heartwarming to see our students and their families so eager to learn about the wonders of space! Go Gems!

Hamilton Elementary Student Innovators Tap into Their Engineering Skills


To kick off their new engineering unit, the first-grade students at Hamilton Elementary recalled their recess memories to design their own playgrounds!


It’s truly inspiring to see our young students engaged in such creative and exciting projects. Go Robots!

Carillon Elementary's Exciting Buddy Classes


The students at Carillon Elementary came together with their “Buddy” classes, pairing one primary class with one intermediate class. The goal was to focus on one of their "4C" expectations (Capable, Connected, Contributing, Collaborative) and its connection to a specific area of the school.

Older students partnered with younger students to listen to a story that highlighted the expectation, followed by meaningful discussions on how this concept is reflected at Carillon. From there, they brainstormed creative ideas for posters to visually represent these values.


What a great way to foster a sense of community and collaboration among students! This initiative not only strengthens the bonds between different age groups but also reinforces important values in a fun and engaging manner. Thank you, Carillon, for promoting such a positive and rich learning environment! Go Comets!

In the Spotlight

Sanford Middle School's Robotics Teams Compete at the First Lego League Regional Robotics Competition

Both of Sanford Middle School's Robotics teams competed at the first Lego League Regional Robotics Competition. It took place at SeaWorld with the theme this year being "Submerged".


Teams had to combine their innovation skills to come up with a way to assist underwater exploration. They had to be inquirers to come up with an idea, while knowledgeable of what already existed.

They communicated their innovative ideas and their robot designs and told judges about their exoskeleton idea for submarines and Tsunami Technology described their alternative solution for powering submersibles. The teams were risk-takers trying to complete as many missions as possible in two and a half minutes in the robot games. They persevered and worked through challenges that arose. After the robot games, the teams got some bonding time enjoying the rides and seeing animals at SeaWorld.


Congratulations to the Sanford Middle School Robotics teams. We can't wait to see what you will create next, perhaps an underwater society! Go Warriors!

Karla Romanik Named 2025 SCPS Employee of the Year


SCPS held its annual Employee of the Year Celebration to honor the support staff that work hard behind the scenes to keep our A-rated school district going strong!

 

It was a pleasure to have VyStar Credit Union join us once again this year as the Presenting Sponsor.


“As the presenting sponsor of the Seminole County Public Schools Employee of the Year Awards, we are honored to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our school community. VyStar believes in empowering our youth through various programs and initiatives, cultivating future leaders who will shape our community. By supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of all school staff who impact our children's lives, we highlight the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and enriching learning environment. Please join us in recognizing and thanking these extraordinary individuals who make a significant difference in our students' lives throughout the year."


- Lysa Barbano, SVP/Florida Market President at VyStar Credit Union.


Karla Romanik, a dedicated paraprofessional at Bentley Elementary, has spent the past three years with Seminole County Public Schools making a profound difference in the lives of young learners. Known for her genuine care and compassion, Karla goes the extra mile to support students’ emotional well-being. She has a gift for comforting anxious children, turning tears into laughter with a silly voice during morning routines, leaving them eager to learn and engage. Beyond the classroom, Karla’s commitment to service shines as she assists students in need. Karla’s creativity and initiative, exemplified by her successful Literacy Escape Room event, demonstrates her unwavering dedication to both student success and school community growth. Her colleagues and families admire her positivity, kindness, and extraordinary ability to uplift those around her.


Congratulations Karla and thank you for your outstanding service!

SCPS Principal Spotlight

At SCPS, we are dedicated to celebrating our schools and the exceptional leaders who guide them.

Principal Patricia Elkharchafi - Indian Trails Middle School

Principal Elkharchafi has honorably served SCPS for 24 years, and this marks her fourth year as Principal at Indian Trails Middle School. When asked about what the best part of her job is, she replied “I love seeing students grow, working with an amazing team of Trailblazers, and witnessing the positive school culture we are creating together."


An interesting fact about Principal Elkharchafi is that English is not her first language. Her first language is German!


As a district, we are so thankful for Principal Elkharchafi's dedication and leadership.

Elementary Magnet School Application Window Now OPEN

It's enrollment time for our unique elementary magnet schools. Families interested in an elementary magnet school for the 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 school year is open from January 1 through March 1. Learn more

Elementary Magnets

Goldsboro Elementary School


Hamilton Elementary School

Idyllwilde Elementary School

Midway Elementary School

Pine Crest Elementary School

Wicklow Elementary School


Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame

Do you know an exceptional Athlete, Coach, or Sports Contributor who is making a difference in our community? Nominate them to be recognized in the Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame committee is now accepting nominations, the deadline is March 31.


If you would like to make a submission, please visit the Seminole County website, seminolecountyfl.gov/hof

Seminole County Council PTA Events

Seminole County Council PTA is hosting an Ice Night at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice!

Visit any Lake Mary, Oviedo, Longwood or Casselberry Jeremiah’s on Tuesday, January 28th, from 12 PM to 10 PM.


There will be free prizes for all SCPS students that stop by the SCCPTA table at each location between 6pm and 8pm. *No purchase necessary*

Officially Introducing the First Ever SCCPTA Community Connections Event


Saturday, February 8, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lake Mary High School Stadium (655 Longwood Lake Mary Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746)


Event Highlights Include:



  • SCPS Mascot Games: Cheer on your PTA team with mascots as PTA/PTSA teams compete in fun field games for awesome prizes!


  • SCPS Student Egg Drop Challenge: Watch students drop protective containers and see if their eggs survive an **EGGSTREME** drop from the Seminole County Fire truck ladder! Register to participate at www.SCCPTA.com


  • Givebacks Online Auction: Bid on 50+ amazing items from local and national businesses.  


  • Performances by the LMHS Band & Marionettes: Enjoy music and entertainment from SCPS’s talented students.  


  • Community Business Partners: Explore a variety of local businesses offering free goodies, fun activities, and services for our schools!


  • Donate on the OneBlood Bus. All donors receive: $20 eGift Card, Long-sleeved T-shirt, Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.


Event Proceeds Support SCCPTA Senior Scholarships for deserving high

school seniors, programs, events, and enrichment for students across all

grade levels in Seminole County! Your support helps make every child’s

potential a reality.


Visit www.SCCPTA.com for more information.

Teddy Gram Valentine's Day Sale

Teddy Gram Direct is Ready to Spread Some Love! Teddy Gram Direct is a district-based student enterprise where students with disabilities work alongside their non-disabled peers and staff to create adorable stuffed animals for sale across the school district. 


Order Your Teddy Today!

Visit bit.ly/teddygramdirect to place your order through MySchoolBucks. If you are interested, make sure that you order by February 7th. The Teddy's will be delivered February 14th. Be sure to include your school location, student name, and teacher’s name to ensure proper delivery. If you have questions, email scpsteddygramdirect@scps.k12.fl.us

Free Family Events

Seminole County's Aerospace and Aviation Day event returns this year at the Orlando Sanford International Airport Million Air Hangar on Saturday, January 25th.


This event is designed to inspire SCPS students to follow their dreams in science, engineering, and aviation. Our partners at the Orlando Sanford Airport and their industry and airline partners will be on site to speak with students about career interests and options. We will also have several of our schools, physics buses, and so much more!  


Saturday, January 25, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Orlando Sanford International Airport Million Air (2841 Flightline Ave, Sanford FL 32773)


FREE!


For more information, please visit the Aviation Day Orlando/Sanford website aviationdayorlandosanford.com

Seminole County's Touch a Truck Event


Seminole County's Touch-a-Truck event returns this year at the Sanford Riverwalk on Saturday, February 1, kicking off Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week.


Kids and families of all ages can check out the trucks, boats, helicopters, and heavy equipment that local agencies use to respond to severe weather and other disasters.


Saturday, February 1, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sanford Riverwalk at the Marina (E Seminole Blvd & Palmetto Ave)

FREE!

Open House Event for Students and Families


Join Seminole State College for the Altamonte Springs Campus Open House! Stop by anytime on Tuesday, Feb. 11, between 4-6 p.m. to tour the campus, including our nursing and allied health labs. Meet program faculty and explore campus life, student resources and services. 


Whether you are ready to apply, looking to advance your career or are just considering your options, we can answer all your college questions.

Families are welcome to attend the open house.

SCPS Upcoming Performance Arts Events

Fri. 1/24 7:00 pm Children's Show: Into the Woods, Jr - Oviedo High School


Fri. 1/24 7:00 pm Children's Show: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Lake Howell High School


Fri. 1/24 7:00 pm Play: Puffs - Hagerty High School


Sat. 1/25 3:00 pm Band: All-County Band Performances - Seminole High School


Sat. 1/25 7:00pm Children's Show: Into the woods, jr - Oviedo High School

Sat. 1/25 7:00pm Children's Show: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Lake Howell High School


Sat. 1/25 7:00pm Play: Puffs - Hagerty High School


Tues. 1/28 6:45pm Musical: 101 Dalmatians Kids - Hamilton Elementary


Thurs. 1/28 6:45pm Musical: 101 Dalmatians Kids - Hamilton Elementary


Student Success Express Schedule

February 1, 2025

Vista Haven Apartment Complex

4100 Geranium Ln

Sanford, FL 32771

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.


February 15, 2025

Seminole County Public Library-Northwest Branch

580 Green Way Blvd.

Lake Mary, FL 32746

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SCPS School Board

Our Mission

The mission of the Seminole County Public Schools is to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be productive citizens.

Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  YouTube

400 E. Lake Mary Blvd. 

Sanford, FL 32773

407-320-0000

www.scps.us

Seminole County Public Schools

Educational Equity - Notice of Nondiscrimination

  

Any form of discrimination or harassment can be devastating to an individual's academic progress, social relationship and/or personal sense of self-worth. As such, the School Board will not discriminate nor tolerate harassment in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender status, or gender identity), disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively, "protected classes").


The Board also does not discriminate on the basis of protected classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students.


Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students, without regard to the protected classes, age (unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this District. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

© 2025 Seminole County Public Schools