SCPS Celebrates MLK Day

Seminole County Public Schools celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by recognizing the lasting impact of Dr. King’s vision for equality, service, and community. Across the district, students and staff participated in events and activities that reflected Dr. King’s legacy, including parades across our district.

SCPS is proud to honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue his mission of service, leadership, and equality for all.

Hamilton's Innovators Travel to St. Augustine

Engineering meets exploration! Hamilton Elementary's fourth graders have been studying St. Augustine’s history and designing their own forts. They recently experienced real-world inspiration firsthand, visiting the Castillo de San Marcos and the Lightner Museum.

The trip provided a hands-on connection between history and innovation, showing students how creativity and design come to life in the real world. Awesome work, Innovators!

Goldsboro Students Explore the World of Engineering Design

Goldsboro Elementary students are exploring the engineering design process in the Robotics and Computer Science lab. Using Legos, they are designing and building structures that can safely descend a zip line, combining creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

This activity encourages critical thinking and innovation while giving students a fun, real-world application of STEM concepts. Great work, Explorers!

Sanford Middle School's Star-filled Movie Night

Sanford Middle School recently hosted a Movie night under the stars! From cozy blankets to warm cups of hot cocoa, Friday night was filled with laughter, glowing screens, and smiles all around.

The evening brought students, families, and staff together for a memorable night of connection and fun.

Events like this highlight the strong sense of community at Sanford Middle School. Go Warriors!

Longwood Elementary's Makerspace

Learning truly comes to life in Longwood Elementary's Makerspace program!

Through building, experimenting, and problem-solving at their own pace, students explore concepts like mechanical energy, conductors, and circuits using materials of their choice. Students share that the experience is engaging, fun, and helps them learn visually, while their teacher hopes the Makerspace sparks a lasting love for science and continued growth.

Don’t miss this inspiring look at how hands-on learning is empowering students and shaping future innovators. Let's watch!

DUDA Clears $200,000 in Seminole County Student Lunch Debt

As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, DUDA, an Oviedo-based, fifth-generation, family-operated agriculture and real estate company, recently donated $200,000 to ‘All for Lunch’ to eliminate lunch debt for Seminole County students who qualify for free or reduced meals.

During a check presentation on January 20th, representatives from DUDA and its family foundations, All for Lunch, and Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) gathered at Pine Crest Elementary to announce the clearing of $200,000 worth of unpaid balances – lifting a financial burden for thousands of local students' families.

DUDA’s contribution will clear the outstanding lunch balances for more than 3,600 Seminole County students who qualify for free meals and will support or eliminate debt for an additional 1,425 students receiving reduced-price meals – ensuring that more than 5,000 children can focus on learning.

"The extraordinary generosity of DUDA exemplifies that community partnerships make a significant impact on the lives of our students and families," said SCPS Superintendent, Serita Beamon. "This support provides a fresh start for many of our families and helps to ensure students and their families can focus on learning. On behalf of our students, families, and staff, thank you for making such a meaningful difference."

Anyone in Central Florida wishing to also help eliminate school lunch debt in Seminole County can contribute by visiting Red Apple Cares.

Sanford Middle School Student to Represent SCPS in National Magnet Schools of America's Student Poster Contest

We are proud to share that Seshna Janagam, a Sanford Middle School student, has been selected to represent Seminole County Public Schools in the National Magnet Schools Month Student Poster Contest, sponsored by Magnet Schools of America.

Sanford Middle School's magnet program embraces creativity, innovation, and student voice, values that are reflected in the poster contest. The program is built on key pillars that shape meaningful learning experiences for students, including innovative curriculum featuring hands-on, real-world STEM and interdisciplinary experiences, academic excellence, student leadership, and strong partnerships.

SCPS is excited to see Seshna showcase not only her artistic talent, but also the strength of our magnet program and what it means to be a Sanford Middle School Warrior. We wish her the best in this national competition.

Longwood Elementary Teacher Receives City of Longwood Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award

We are proud to congratulate Mrs. Uliano, a teacher at Longwood Elementary, for receiving the City of Longwood's Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award!

This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership, and a commitment to improving their community.

Mrs. Uliano's dedication reflects the values embodied by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including service, compassion, and positive community impact.

Congratulations, Mrs. Uliano! Please continue to make an impact on our community.

SCPS Schools Earn Magnet School of Distinction Honors

Congratulations to the following schools on earning the prestigious recognition of being a Magnet School of Distinction, as awarded by Magnet Schools of America.

We want to say a special "Way to Go" for Wicklow Elementary Global Pathways Magnet School for their first-time recognition in this category.

We love being a choice district and giving our families the ability to customize their educational experience in a way that connects their child to their interests and passions.

English Estates' Rockin' Roadies Perform at Orlando Solar Bears Game

English Estates Elementary's Rockin’ Roadies were recently in the spotlight as they performed at a recent Solar Bears game under the guidance of their teacher Mrs. Sheldon. Their energy, talent, and enthusiasm made the performance a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

SCPS extends a sincere thank you to our parents and families for their continued support and for helping make this special opportunity possible. Experiences like this strengthen our school community and create lasting memories for our students.

SCPS Employee Becomes Published Author

Grace Gonzalez, Executive Manager for the Office of the Superintendent, recently realized one of her lifelong dreams of becoming a published author.

While her journey to this moment was not planned, like so many things in life, the time was right, and destiny intervened. Ms. Gonzalez became a caregiver for her mother, and began journaling her thoughts, challenges, triumphs, and fears...all of it becoming a story that reflected a life of love, purpose, and healing. The title of her book was born from her realization that she truly is stronger than she felt.

“Some of the strongest people are carrying invisible battles with visible grace — may we meet them with compassion, not assumptions.”

-Grace A. Gonzalez

We are so proud of Ms. Gonzalez and excited to share that she is already working on her second book!

SCPS' Partnership with GROW Healthy Kids

Thanks to GROW Healthy Kids, our elementary running clubs have the opportunity to shine, and we are grateful for the incredible support that makes this program possible, and for the many volunteers who helped make the meet successful for our students at a recent cross-country meet held at Lake Howell High School. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and commitment created an unforgettable experience for every student who laced up their shoes.



Behind the scenes and at every finish line, GROW Healthy Kids has remained a vital partner in helping our runners thrive. Their support provides the structure, resources, and positive energy that keeps our clubs moving forward. From championing healthy habits to helping students feel confident and supported, GROW Healthy Kids plays a key role in making our running community vibrant and welcoming.

Lynn Tilley has been going strong with SCPS for 30 years! This is her fourth year as a proud principal, currently serving at Keeth Elementary.

When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she shared, "seeing students become part of our Keeth Cougar Family, and the joy they develop for learning in a positive, supportive environment."

Interesting fact about Principal Tilley: She has been with SCPS...since Kindergarten! Her mom, dad, and sister have all retired from SCPS. She is a fourth-generation educator.

30 years of service and four generations truly speak volumes about the purpose and passion your family has for education, and personally for SCPS. Thank you, Principal Tilley, for all that you do, and for your continued impact on our community.

The on-time VPK application period for the 2026-2027 School Year at SCPS locations is January 10 to February 10. To be eligible for VPK, a child must be four years of age by September 1, 2026. SCPS VPK offers a high-quality program designed to prepare students to enter Kindergarten ready to learn! Full-day and half-day programs are available. For more information, visit the SCPS VPK website.

It's enrollment time for our unique elementary magnet schools. Families interested in an elementary magnet school for the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 school year is open from January 1 through March 1. Learn more

2025-2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Seminole County students are invited to participate in this year’s National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest, themed “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.” The contest encourages students to think about what safety means to them and to recognize bus drivers and community members as everyday heroes who help them get to school safely.

Students can showcase their creativity while highlighting the important role bus drivers and other community members play in keeping school transportation safe. This annual contest is a fun way to express artistic talent while reinforcing the critical message of school bus safety throughout our schools and neighborhoods.

Submit your poster and join us in celebrating the everyday heroes who make safe rides possible for everyone!

Learn more

Attention Class of 2026: The FAFSA Application is Now Open!

Class of 2026, a new year brings new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Start 2026 by investing in your future. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now open, and take the next step toward your goals.



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 2026-2027 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.

Class of 2026: Show us the Money!

Hey Seniors! Have you earned scholarship money for college? We want to celebrate your hard work and achievements! Make sure Seminole County Public Schools knows about your scholarships by completing the scholarship reporting form.

Sharing your scholarship awards helps us recognize your accomplishments and highlight the incredible success of our graduating students.

Don’t miss the chance to have your achievements celebrated, let us know about your scholarships today!

SCPS Foundation Senior Scholarship Application

The Foundation's Senior Scholarship application is now live! It will award over 45+ scholarships to the Seminole County Public Schools Class of 2026 this spring, with recipients from all 10 high schools! Foundation scholarships range in value, and while most are available to all SCPS High Schools, some are specific to Hagerty, Lake Brantley, Lyman, and Seminole. Some opportunities focus on Areas of Study such as Trade Programs, Education, Nursing, the Arts, Engineering, and STEM fields, or to students who’ve participated in athletic programs, arts programs, extracurricular activities, and community service. Other factors are considered, such as students who have overcome challenges, experienced homelessness, or demonstrated financial need.

SCPS seniors can begin their senior scholarship application at the FSCPS AwardSpring site. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Review detailed scholarship descriptions at FSCPS.AwardSpring.com.

The Orlando Magic Classroom Makeover Contest

Have an exceptional teacher in your life? Help us recognize them by nominating them for a chance to win a classroom transformation from The Orlando Magic! All you have to do is share why they deserve it. Submit your nomination by January 31, 2026.

Kidzone & Beyond's Spring Enrichment Registration -

LAST DAY TO REGISTER

Spring Enrichment is a 10-week, after-school, extracurricular program for all SCPS students in grades K-5. With the support of several elementary campuses and our KidZone & Beyond partners, we will be offering 1-hour weekly courses in dance, STEM, basketball, soccer, and more. SCPS students may attend classes at any school where classes are offered. Registration for enrichment ends Friday, January 23, 2026.



Learn More

Join Special Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a FREE SCPS Parent Class on Internet Safety. Discover practical information and tools for protecting your kids online. There will be an opportunity for Q & A and a special guest in attendance. Special thanks to our partners Altamonte Springs Police Department for bringing this opportunity to life!

Unity Youth Organization's Father Daughter Dance

Calling all fathers and daughters! The Unity Youth Organization is hosting a Father-Daughter dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 6 - 9 p.m. This will be a magical evening to make memories that last a lifetime. You won't want to miss it!

Location

Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center

919 S. Persimmon Ave.

Sanford, FL 32771

Register Now!

SCPS Retired Educator: Julius Francis

Julius Francis is not only an accomplished educator and community advocate, but he is also a poet with a purpose.

Mr. Francis was born and raised in Brunswick, GA into a family of eight children, which he attributes to learning how to sacrifice and share at an early age. After graduation he continued his education and received degrees from both Albany State University and Rollins College. He was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. Mr. Francis devoted 32 years to the educational field before retiring in 2005. He has also been selected several times for the “Who’s Who Among America’s Educators”.

His community mindedness led him to volunteer as a judge at the annual Oratorical contest for the Elks State Convention, to serve on the Orange City African American Heritage Celebration Committee, and to become a member of the Pastor’s Peer Learning Group of West Volusia County. He has served on the board of the Sanford Seminole Jaycee’s, the Seminole Educators Association, the Central Florida Freedom School, and the Seminole County NAACP. He served as President of the E. E. Minott Scholarship Foundation and the Seminole County Retired Educators Association (where he remains and is actively serving in chapter positions).

Mr. Francis is passionate about poetry and is hopeful his voice might give the silent, a chance to be heard. His poetry has been featured in the first edition of “Down by the River Side” by Janeia R. Daniels and in the release of his book “Standing in the Shade”, a collection of poems and short stories. Mr. Francis states that if you reach for his words, you’ll find his heart!

Mr. Francis is also a licensed and ordained minister and has enjoyed being a co-owner of Lightfoot Antiques with his wife, Rudene, also an educator. The Francis' say they have been blessed with four children, eight grandchildren, and a full life.

A full life indeed! Thank you, Mr. Francis, your long-lasting impact on our district will benefit our community for years to come!