The Central Florida Indian Community's Partnership with Seminole High

SCPS would like to thank the Central Florida Indian Community for their generosity and partnership with Seminole High School. Their goal is to help the local community and provide necessities to the students and families in need, while enabling kids to achieve their full potential in schools. Their support has transformed the school's food pantry, taking it from nearly empty shelves to a fully stocked pantry for students in need. The collaboration between Seminole High and the Central Florida Indian Community exemplifies the power of community and the importance of coming together to support one another.

Thank you to The Central Florida Indian Community. Your efforts have made a world of difference for so many students.

Bentley Elementary's STEAM Night Art Gallery

Bentley Elementary School recently hosted its annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEAM) Night. One of the school's dedicated teachers, Mrs. Eacret, created an amazing Art Gallery that captivated both students and parents. The event not only celebrated the students' artistic achievements but also emphasized the importance of integrating arts into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum.

Thank you to Mrs. Eacret for her outstanding contribution to Bentley's STEAM Night!

Two Oviedo High Students Selected for 2025 FHSAA Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the 31st annual Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team. This is a recognition program that honors 24 graduating student-athletes who excel in both athletics and academics. Congratulations to Colin Gibbons and Stevan "Trey" Ridder, both from Oviedo High, for making the team!

“Florida’s dairy farmers are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these dedicated student-athletes. We are honored to support a program that upholds a strong tradition of excellence both on the field and in the classroom. These students exemplify the hard work and determination needed to succeed in both arenas, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments."

- John Larson, Board President of Florida Dairy Farmers

To be eligible for this award, students must be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade point average and have earned a minimum of two varsity letters in at least two different sports during their junior and senior year. The 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee evaluated scholarship nominees based on their athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, and essay.

Each Florida Dairy Famers Academic All-State Team member will be recognized at a banquet on Monday, June 2 where they will receive a $1,700 scholarship and a commemorative medallion. Out of the 24 All-State Team members, one male and one female will be named the Ronald N. Davis Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the FHSAA’s most prestigious honor bestowed on any active student-athlete. The winners of this award will earn a commemorative trophy and an additional $4,600 in scholarship funds – $6,300 in total.

Collin Gibbons holds a 4.0 GPA and is ranked second in his senior class. He is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Beta Club Science State Champion and a National Finalist. Throughout his high school career, Gibbons has excelled in athletics, earning varsity letters in swimming and diving as well as water polo. He helped lead his water polo team to a district championship and served as captain of the swimming and diving team while securing a regional championship in the sport. Beyond athletics, Gibbons has played a significant role in student government, serving as Parliamentarian and Vice President of the Student Government Association, in addition to representing his school as the Lion mascot. Gibbons is deeply committed to community service, accumulating over 400 hours, including 250 hours as an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and 150 hours as a USA Swimming Athlete Representative. He plans to study engineering at the University of Notre Dame.

Trey Ridder holds a 4.0 GPA and is the Salutatorian of his senior class. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Ridder has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement throughout his high school career. In athletics, he has been a standout in both football and lacrosse, serving as the three-year varsity lacrosse captain and earning the title of varsity lacrosse MVP. Ridder was also named First Team All-Conference Attack for lacrosse. In student government, Ridder has served as Junior Class President and Senior Class President, as well as a member of the Student Government Association, further exemplifying his dedication to leadership and service. He co-founded and co-presides over the Engineering Club and is also the coach and leader of the Pickleball Club. Ridder is committed to community service, volunteering with UA Rise Flag Football, and First United Methodist Church of Oviedo. He plans to study engineering at either Georgia Institute of Technology or the University of Florida.



We are overwhelmed with joy for Collin and Trey! Congratulations to you both for this amazing accomplishment. You've earned it!

SCPS Steps it Up with Annual Strolling with Serita 5K Event

SCPS Wellness held its annual Strolling with Serita event, which is the largest employee health event of the year. This 5k is free, and open to all SCPS employees and their families! Each year, the event continues to grow and positively impact our employees. This year we had over 2,000 employees who registered!

We extend our sincere gratitude to HCA Florida Healthcare for their continued sponsorship and unwavering support. Their partnership plays a vital role in making this event possible and meaningful for our SCPS community.

Young Men and Women of Excellence, Distinction, and Promise Held Their Annual End-of-the-Year Celebration

The Young Men and Women of Excellence, Distinction, and Promise celebrated their 13^th Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 16^th, at Winter Springs High School.

Students were recognized for their achievements in leadership, citizenship, and academics. Representatives from Seminole State College presented six scholarships for $1,100 each, made possible through the Edward Blacksheare endowment.

Additionally, students from elementary, middle, and high school participated in a discussion forum where they answered questions on how these programs have impacted their lives. Featured schools included: Idyllwilde Future Ready Academy, Midway Elementary School of the Arts, Millennium Middle, Indian Trails Middle, Jackson Heights Middle, Seminole High/Ninth Grade Center, Lake Brantley High, Lake Mary High, Lyman High, and Winter Springs High.

SCPS Parent Creates Visionary Girl Event at Hamilton Elementary

Olayide Apanpa is passionate about helping young girls discover their confidence and embrace the power of their voice. Through her passion, she partnered with Hamilton Elementary to create the "Visionary Girl" event. This program is designed to empower young girls, ensuring that each one feels seen, valued, and heard. The goal is for every girl in attendance to leave knowing that she matters, her voice is powerful, and her dreams are achievable.

We are so thankful for the many departments and sponsors who came together under the guidance and direction of Ms. Apanpa to make a difference for these young ladies.

This is a beautiful example of how important having parent and community support are to helping our students thrive.

The Super 7 Robotics Teams' First Robotics World Championship

Just in time for their 15th anniversary, the Super 7 Robotics Team has qualified to represent the State of Florida at the Houston World Championship!

This is a great honor, as they are one of just five teams selected to represent the State of Florida at this prestigious event. The team includes ten middle and high school students from Sanford Middle, Lawton Chiles Middle, and Hagerty High.

Congratulations, Super 7, we can't wait to see how far you go!

Eastbrook and Spring Lake Elementary schools recognized as Imagine Learning Schools of Honor

Congratulations to Eastbrook and Spring Lake Elementary for being recognized as an "Imagine Learning School of Honor!"

Only a select number of schools across the State of Florida receive this honor. This prestigious award is a testament to the incredible progress our English Language Learners are making in English and the outstanding achievement of our Dual Language students in mastering Spanish.

Our teachers and paraprofessionals do an amazing job teaching our students. We are proud of you!

Seminole County Virtual School Student Selected to Represent SCPS for the Sunshine State Scholars Program

Eshan Marneedi is a full-time Seminole County Virtual School 11th-grade student. He was recently interviewed, and then selected as the SCPS representative for the Sunshine State Scholars Program!

Each of Florida’s school districts select their top 11th-grade students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Each scholar, along with their parents, will travel to Orlando for a program that brings together scholars from all around Florida. During the event, students will connect with employers that specialize in STEM fields for a networking opportunity between the scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System.

The two-day program honors each scholar for their significant academic accomplishments and celebrates the potential they represent for our communities and state. In addition, the Commissioner of Education, the Senior Chancellor, and representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities meet with the students to discuss higher education opportunities available to them, and include workshops for college applications and informational sessions on college funding for students and their parents!

Congratulations to Eshan for this exciting opportunity!

This is Principal Jakob Jarzyka's first year as principal, currently serving at Endeavor School. When asked about his favorite part of being a principal, he replied, “One of the best parts of being a principal is getting to work with an amazing team of educators! The energy that comes from a group of passionate, dedicated teachers and staff is contagious. Everyone’s on the same page, working together to create a positive, inspiring environment where students thrive. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the whole team come together to make a real impact and support each other along the way!"

A surprising fact about Principal Jarzynka, he attended Jackson Heights Middle School. In sixth grade, he participated in the Tropicana Speech Contest. Unfortunately, he was disqualified in the final round for using a prop during his presentation. He says that's something that still bothers him to this day.

It is an honor to have such a hard-working, and dedicated principal like Mr. Jarzynka in our district!

The Pathways to Possibilities Career Fair/Internship Expo is an opportunity for employers to meet bright, motivated individuals ready to make an impact, and for SCPS 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to look for potential internships and employment opportunities. We strongly encourage SCPS students to join us at this networking event. Students register here. Registration for students ends April 18, 2025.

Spring Has Sprung and So Have Scholarship Opportunities! 

Now is the perfect time for students to explore postsecondary scholarships. SCPS offers a one-stop shop for finding local, state, and national scholarships.

Students have two helpful tools for their search:

1. SCPS District Scholarship Page
2. Visit the Scholarship Database for a list of scholarships available to all SCPS students, organized by deadline.
3. Xello: Use Xello to search for local, state, and national scholarships customized to your interests.

• Access Xello through your Clever portal (look for the Xello tile).
• Use the Xello Scholarships Guide to learn how to search for scholarships in Xello.
• Check out these additional Xello Scholarship Resources 

Bright Futures & Florida Student Scholarships

The Bright Futures application also serves as the application for Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs. Students do not need to have met all eligibility requirements before applying. Once submitted, the state periodically reviews student information to determine eligibility. Please note: Eligibility requirements may change each year based on legislation. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Bright Futures website.

FAFSA 

Don’t forget to complete the FAFSA—essential for many scholarships and financial aid opportunities!

Students, please see your school counselor for support with all your postsecondary planning. 

Graduating SCPS Seniors - Free Summer College Class Opportunity at Seminole State



SCPS graduating seniors planning to attend Seminole State in the fall are invited to get a jumpstart on their college education by taking two classes this summer with no out-of-pocket costs during the Summer B Session from Jun 25 - Aug 6. The deadline to submit an interest form and apply is May 30.

The Summer Bridge program helps first-time-in-college students easily transition to college and develop crucial skills for success.

No matter whether a student plans to go all the way to a bachelor's degree, use a university transfer pathway such as DirectConnect to UCF®, or is just trying to see if college is right for them, the Summer Bridge program can help set them on the right path!

To learn more, sign up to attend a virtual information session or email summerbridge@seminolestate.edu.  

The SCPS Living on My Own program, is a financial literacy program developed by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The goal of the program is to help students understand the cost of living for one month of their adult life and some of the ways their adult life can be impacted by the choices and decisions they make. After receiving information in class, students attend a 90-minute simulation where they are randomly assigned a job or career and family situation. They receive information about the education and training required, annual and monthly salary, and make transactions at the 10 “storefronts” in the Living on my Own “city”.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming Living on My Own opportunities, and what better time to volunteer then during Financial Literacy Month! If you are interested in volunteering at one of the dates below, please follow the link provided to sign up! In order to volunteer you must be a registered SCPS Dividend. Find our Dividend application on the SCPS Dividends/Volunteers website.

Upcoming Seminars:

• Indian Trails Middle School – Wed 4/23 – Thurs 4/24

• South Seminole Academy – Tues 4/29 – Wed 4/30 - Help greatly appreciated!

Interested in become a teacher in the #1 A-rated School district in the state of Florida? Attend our Teacher Career Fair on April 26 from 9am - 12pm! Administrators from all schools will be interviewing potential candidates and offering on-the-spot contracts!



Location Details:

Lake Brantley High

991 Sand Lake Road

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

For more info and interview scheduling, visit the career fair site. Walks-ins are welcome. If you have any questions, please email SCPS-Recruit@scps.us

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment Offers Plans with Prices Starting at Just $29/Month 

Focused on encouraging families to save as early and affordably as possible, our partner Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans has reduced Prepaid Plan monthly prices for newborns and infants to the lowest in more than a decade.

Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in the cost of college with fixed monthly payments. A risk-free 1-Year University Plan now starts at just $29/month for the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period from February 1 - April 30, 2025. The reduced prices result in savings of up to $850 per plan for a 1-Year University Plan – up to $3,400 in savings for four years.

Prepaid Plans are made to fit growing families:

• Use in-state or nationwide at public, private, trade and technical schools
• Complements scholarships and financial aid
• Transfer to another student or cancel anytime
• Earnings grow tax-free

Every child deserves higher education. Florida Prepaid’s goal is to make it possible for every Florida family to save simply and affordably.

Learn more