Hamilton Elementary's Fourth Grade Flower Dissection

Science was in full bloom in Hamilton Elementary's fourth grade classrooms as students dove into hands-on learning through flower dissection. Our young scientists explored the different parts of a flower and discovered how each plays an essential role in plant reproduction. This activity allowed students to connect textbook concepts with real-world observation. Experiences like these spark curiosity in our students' inquisitive minds every day. Go innovators!

Wekiva Elementary Writing Boot Camp

Wekiva Elementary's fourth graders have been hard at work during Writing Boot Camp as they prepare for the B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment.

Students focused on planning, drafting, revising, and editing while building confidence as writers. Their determination and focus have been incredible to see, and we are proud of their hard work as they get ready to do their very best.

Winter Springs High SERVE Academy's Special Visitor

Winter Springs High School recently highlighted academic learning through an engaging experience in the SERVE Academy, where students welcomed guest speakers from the Winter Springs Police Department.

Students gained insight into law enforcement, community service, and what it means to serve and protect. The presentation, filled with real-life experiences and career advice, was both informative and inspiring.

Thank you to the officers for taking the time to connect with students and make a positive impact!

Lawton Chiles Middle's Composting Day

Composting Day was in full swing at Lawton Chiles Middle School as students engaged in hands-on learning about sustainability and the environment.

Students discovered how food scraps and organic waste break down to become nutrient-rich soil. From sorting materials to exploring compost up close, the experience brought science to life in a memorable way.

While it may have been a little messy, it was a meaningful opportunity for students to better understand the impact of their choices and the importance of caring for our planet. Great work, Panthers!

Tuskawilla Middle School Assistant Principal Named 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist

Tuskawilla Middle School is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement as its assistant principal, Ryan Garrett, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year!

This prestigious recognition highlights exceptional leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success. The 2026 finalists exemplify the very best in educational leadership across the state, making a lasting impact on their school communities.

Congratulations to Mr. Garrett for your continued dedication to supporting and inspiring Florida’s students!

The National Association of Student Councils Recognizes Seminole High as 2026 National Council of Excellence

Seminole High School is proud to celebrate an outstanding achievement by its Student Council, which has been officially recognized by the National Association of Student Councils as a 2026 National Council of Excellence.

This prestigious honor reflects the council’s commitment to the highest standards of leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Through its impactful projects, thoughtful initiatives, and dedication to service, the Student Council continues to make a meaningful difference both on campus and in the broader community.

Congratulations to the Seminole High School Student Council for exemplifying excellence and for setting a strong example of student leadership!

Keeth Elementary's Community Clean-up

Keeth Elementary recently brought its community together for a successful Playground Refresh and Cleanup Day. With the help of dedicated volunteers, more than 100 bags of leaves and yard waste were collected, making a significant improvement to the school’s outdoor spaces.

In addition to the cleanup, the playgrounds received a fresh update, including the installation of new privacy screening. Several new features now enhance the campus as well, including a beautiful rock garden created with hand-painted stones by 5th grade students and two newly planted flowering trees welcoming visitors near the media center.

This impactful day was made possible through the support of student volunteers from the ITMS Beta Club, members of Action Church, and Keeth families and staff. Their commitment and collaboration made a meaningful and lasting difference.

Keeth Elementary is proud of its strong community and all that can be accomplished when everyone comes together!

The Orlando Magic's SCPS Night

SCPS' Teacher and Employee of the Year were celebrated and recognized at an unforgettable Orlando Magic game.

Not only did the Magic take home a win, but Dr. Erickson from Geneva Elementary School and Mrs. Mitchell from Walker Elementary got to showcase their skills on the court in a friendly showdown!

We would like to thank everyone who came out to cheer and make our first SCPS Magic game such a fun and memorable event. It was a night full of celebration, school pride, and basketball excitement!

Take a look at SCPS Night!

Calling All Dividend Volunteers

Living On My Own, a financial literacy program presented in collaboration with our partners at UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, is being presented this spring at six area middle and high schools. We are grateful for the support of our Dividends, community partners, and staff who assist with hosting these events.

Living On My Own is a hands-on, real-life simulation where students learn about money management and consumer choices that can impact their future. In this activity, students role-play with an assigned 25-year-old identity (i.e. married or single, children, or without children), an occupation, and a monthly income. Students visit tables and make spending decisions on transportation, housing, insurance, rent/mortgage, utilities, etc. Stations for the simulation represent real life businesses, and volunteers assist students in understanding the costs involved and making informed choices. Please select one of the following options to register for your two-hour volunteer timeslot.

• Greenwood Lakes MS – Friday, 4/10/2026

• Hagerty HS – Monday, 4/20/2026 – Tuesday, 4/21/2026

• Indian Trails MS – Wednesday, 4/29/2026 – Thursday, 4/30/2026

Partners in Education Surprise Lake Mary High Staff with a Special Slice of "PI"

We are grateful for our SCPS Partners in Education who support our students, schools, and staff. It was a wonderful way for Lake Mary High School staff to head off to their Wednesday afternoon professional development meetings with a slice of PI!

2026 Annual Voice Survey - Happening Now

We want to hear from you! Help us serve you better by participating in our parent voice survey!

This is Robert Vanderloop's second year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Stenstrom Elementary.

When asked about his favorite part of being a principal, he shared, "Fostering a school culture where positivity, respect, excellence, and a growth mindset are at the core of everything we do. It's incredibly rewarding to see students and staff support each other in their pursuit of continuous improvement, and to watch individuals thrive in an environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential. Creating this type of atmosphere makes every challenge an opportunity for growth and success."

Interesting fact about Principal Vanderloop: he has run in over two dozen marathons or half marathons, including two Boston marathons.



Thank you, Principal Vanderloop, for your continued leadership and for the lasting, positive influence you bring to your school community each day.

The SCPS VPK application is open for the 2026-2027 school year. 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.

2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration

The Kindergarten application period for the 2026-2027 School Year at SCPS locations is currently open! For more information please visit the enrollment page on the SCPS website.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is Here – Start Saving Smarter

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is happening now with prices starting at just $29/month. Families who open a new Florida Prepaid Plan between April 1 and April 30 are eligible to receive a $50 account contribution. Use code SEMINOLE2026. 

Explore plans today!

Career and Technical Education After-School Programs for Rising 9-12th Graders Now Available for the 2026-2027 School Year

Seminole County Public Schools is excited to once again offer After‑School Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses for the 2026–2027 school year. These programs provide high school students the opportunity to explore hands‑on career fields while earning high school credit. The courses are open to all rising SCPS 9th-12th-grade students.

Course requests for introductory levels are now open. We invite our families to plan by viewing the CTE Course Information Guide. Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 - 5:30 PM, beginning the second week of school in August. No transportation is provided.

Course offerings for 2026–2027:

 • Automotive Maintenance at Oviedo High School

 • Aviation Maintenance at Seminole High School

 • Building Trades & Construction Design at Lyman High School

 • Cosmetology at Lake Howell High School

 • Welding Technology Fundamentals at Lyman High School

Please take a look at CTE's Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any additional questions, please email ePathways@scps.k12.fl.us.

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 Retired Educator: Phyllis Thrift

To know Mrs. Thrift is to know someone with a true gift for working with young children. She began her teaching journey after graduating from the University of Central Florida in 1979 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. Over the course of her 39.5-year career, she continued to grow as an educator, earning a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Reading from National University in 2007.

Mrs. Thrift began her career teaching Kindergarten and a K-1 class at Southside Elementary for 4 years before transferring to Hamilton Elementary in 1984, where she remained until her retirement in 2019. At Hamilton, she started as a Kindergarten teacher, then taught a PreK ESE self-contained class, and later K-2 ESE. Her Hamilton family, whom she calls her “Hamily," knew they could always count on the “Thrift Store” for last-minute supplies, and she never failed to greet everyone with a warm smile or a cheerful “Roll Tide” in support of her beloved Alabama football team.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Thrift volunteered as the SECME Coordinator, guiding students to success in numerous contests where they earned Regional Champion titles three times. Her dedication and excellence in teaching were recognized when she was named Hamilton’s Teacher of the Year twice. She credits the biggest change in her teaching approach to her training in Differentiated Instruction, which allowed her to present materials in ways that supported every student’s potential.

Mrs. Thrift has been married to her husband, Jesse, for 36 years, and they are proud parents to their daughter, Cassie. Now enjoying retirement, she has joined the Retired Educators of Seminole County, cherishing the laughter and camaraderie of gatherings, and looks forward to "enjoying retirement to the fullest."