Former SCPS Teacher Returns to Pine Crest Elementary for her 104th Birthday

This week, Pine Crest Elementary School of Innovation welcomed Doris Duxbury back for a tour of Pine Crest Elementary School of Innovation. Ms. Duxbury, a retired Seminole County educator, taught at Pine Crest for ten years in the 1960’s. 

Dr. Ryan Gard-Harold, Principal, began her experience by welcoming her with a bouquet of flowers and a special banner to welcome her to Pine Crest. Ms. Duxbury was escorted by her son and grandson, both former Pine Crest students as well. She toured the robotics lab and met “Nao,” one of the many robots students work with at Pine Crest. She was also treated to an inside look at how students learn coding beginning in Kindergarten, their e-sports lab, and all about the K-12 pathways for students interested in e-sports.

While many of the amazing things this school offers were surprising to Ms. Duxbury, the biggest surprise of all was for the SCPS team when we learned that Ms. Duxbury was also celebrating her 104^th birthday that very day. Upon hearing this, Dr. Gard-Harrold gathered a group of Kindergarteners to assist him in surprising Ms. Duxbury with their rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

It was both heartwarming and exciting to host a former teacher and share all of the changes that have occurred since her time with Pine Crest Elementary.  Ms. Duxbury truly embodies the heart of Seminole County educators and is still actively involved in the Seminole County Retired Educators Association.

SCPS would like to wish Ms.Duxbury a Happy Birthday! We truly appreciate your dedication to our community.

Keeth Elementary's Fifth Graders are on the Case

The fifth-grade students at Keeth Elementary stepped into the role of detectives during a fun and engaging two-day review activity. Students worked through 10 academic challenges designed to reinforce key concepts and standards in preparation for their upcoming unit assessment.

Each challenge brought them closer to solving an exciting mystery: Who stole their special treat? Students collaborated, problem-solved, and reviewed essential content in a creative and memorable way.

This unique approach not only helped build confidence and readiness for the test but also brought a new level of excitement to the classroom. In the end, the mystery was solved, the treat was found, and our fifth-grade detectives showed that learning can be both meaningful and fun.

Casselberry Elementary's Enchanting Neon Reading Session

Fifth-grade students recently lit up their learning during a vibrant, neon-themed reading lesson focused on identifying central ideas.

Students practiced highlighting the topic and key supporting details in a text to help determine the central idea. By using these strategies, they learned how to better understand what a passage is mostly about and how authors build meaning through evidence and structure.

The colorful and interactive lesson kept students engaged and made the learning process both effective and fun. With their highlighters in hand and strategies in mind, our fifth graders are now better equipped to tackle challenging texts with confidence.

Sanford Police Department Information Officer Visits Millennium Middle

Thank you to Officer Michael Hernandez, Public Information Officer with the Sanford Police Department, for visiting Millennium Middle School again this year!

Officer Hernandez shared how he organizes community events that build positive connections between citizens and law enforcement, and showed students the high-tech camera equipment he uses to film, photograph, and create content for Sanford PD’s social media.

Students enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes tools, asking questions, and learning how technology and communication are part of modern policing. Officer Hernandez answered every question and even took professional photos that will be shared soon!

Thank you Officer Hernandez. We appreciate you connecting with our students and encouraging them to give back to their community!

Sanford Middle School Students' Take Flight

Sanford Middle School’s Aeronautics Warriors recently completed an exciting mission, where classroom learning took flight. Students applied the flight principles they have studied to a real-world simulation that tested both their knowledge and their skills.

From navigation to mission planning, students stepped into the roles of aviation professionals, demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving, and technical abilities essential for success in STEM fields. Mission not only reinforced classroom concepts but also gave students a glimpse into potential future careers in aeronautics and aerospace.

Sanford Middle is proud of these future ready learners for aiming high and proving that when students are encouraged to explore, innovation takes off.

Geneva Elementary Student Receives Fox 35 Care Force Award

Geneva Elementary School is proud to recognize third-grader Gracie Decelles, who was recently awarded the FOX 35 Care Force award for her outstanding efforts to help families in need. Gracie is the youngest recipient ever of this recognition, and her dedication to giving back is truly inspiring.

Gracie has been raising funds to buy backpacks and school supplies for students who may not have access to these essentials. Her commitment to supporting others shows the power of kindness and the impact one student can make in their community.

We are incredibly proud of Gracie and the example she sets for others. Her passion for helping her community, at such a young age, is truly astonishing.

Congratulations, Gracie!

Watch Gracie Decelles Receive Fox 35 Care Force Award!

Classroom Close Up: Greenwood Lakes Middle's Civics Play Technique

SCPS goes to Greenwood Lakes Middle School to take a closer look at the Civics program. They have a unique method to help students engage in history, take a look.

Watch Greenwood Lakes Middles' Classroom Close Up Video!

Reunited and It Feels So Good

At a recent Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A, Dr. Thacker, Principal at Red Bug Elementary, had a heartwarming encounter with a Red Bug Elementary alum Sonny. The unexpected meeting turned into a special moment that highlights the lasting impact of our school community.

During their conversation, Coach Segrest's (a Red Bug Elementary teacher) name came up. Sonny’s face lit up, and he shared, “I always loved Coach Segrest when I was little!”

Sonny's response is a reminder of the importance that comes with connecting with our students, and providing welcoming environments for them to thrive in.

The SCPS family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Bauer, former School Board Member (2014-2017), who was a lifelong resident of Seminole County and a passionate advocate for educating all students. Mr. Bauer also served as Chairman of the Seminole County Early Learning Coalition, a member of the Seminole State College Board of Trustees, a member of the Seminole State College Foundation, and a Representative on the Florida Early Learning Council.

Mr. Bauer was a product of the Seminole County Public School system, proudly attending Sterling Park Elementary, South Seminole Middle School, and Lake Howell High School. He continued his education at Seminole Community College (now Seminole State College), earning his Associate of Arts degree before transferring to Stetson University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History.

As a Seminole County School Board member, Mr. Bauer was committed to ensuring all students had opportunities to prepare for their futures. He was a champion for career, technical and vocational opportunities so that students could choose to follow a path to the workforce, pursue higher education, and/or join the military or enter a career in a public service field. He was particularly proud of supporting his alma mater, Lake Howell High School, during the construction of their swimming pool.



Mr. Bauer was the beloved son of Frederick and Diane Bauer, the latter a former School Board Member for District One, who served for fifteen years until her passing in 2013. Upon being elected to fill his mother’s seat, Mr. Bauer proudly continued her legacy of visionary leadership that ensured every Seminole County Public School student was given the opportunity to receive a high-quality education and a meaningful high school diploma.



Jeffrey Bauer’s life was a testament to the power of civic duty, education, and community leadership. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of Seminole County students and residents.

Heart of Florida United Way Provides Volunteer Opportunities for SCPS Students

Looking for a way for your high school student to complete Bright Future hours or an opportunity for your family to volunteer together? Our Partner in Education, Heart of Florida United Way, has many opportunities for teens and families to volunteer!

On Monday, October 13th (a Teacher Work Day), from 1:00-4:00p.m. students can assist packing hurricane preparedness kits and kit boxes for community members, organizing items, and assisting with different projects. For this event, volunteers must be over 14 years old. Register for this event today!

Want to volunteer with the whole family? Families can volunteer together to help Central Florida families in need by assembling Thanksgiving meal kits.

The Friends and Family Packing Party is on Wednesday, Nov. 19th from 6:00-8:00p.m. Register for The Friends and Family Packing Party!

Heart of Florida United Way will also be hosting a Meal Kit Distribution Day is Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 8:30am-2:00p.m. in Sanford. Your entire family can volunteer and make a difference! Register for the Meal Kit Distribution Day!

This is Principal Yashicka Mims' 22 year with SCPS, and her first year as a principal, currently serving at Greenwood Lakes Middle School. When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she replied, "My favorite part about being a principal is building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while creating a school culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow."

Principal Mims has a deep passion for helping people in their time of need. This passion originally led her to pursue...Mortuary science! She says that she spent a year working toward a Mortuary Science degree, before ultimately deciding to become an educator.

Principal Mims, we are immensely glad to have you leading Greenwood Lakes Middle School. We support you every step of the way as you encourage, empower, and equip your students and staff. We hope you have an excellent school year!

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

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.