Wicklow Elementary's Special Olympics

Wicklow Elementary students represented their schools with pride, enthusiasm, and great sportsmanship throughout a day filled with competition, teamwork, and encouragement. From cheering each other on to celebrating every accomplishment, the Olympics were outstanding.

We are proud of our students, staff, and volunteers who helped make the day a meaningful and memorable experience.

Hamilton Elementary's Glowing Test Prep

Third grade students, at Hamilton Elementary, have been reviewing math concepts from throughout the school year in preparation for the FAST test, sharpening their problem-solving abilities and number sense through engaging practice and review.

In addition to math readiness, students also celebrated their reading achievements through interactive reading centers designed to promote collaboration, comprehension, and a love of literacy.

Way to think outside the box, Hamilton. We anticipate "glowing" test scores across the board for our little learners!

Crooms Academy's Julia Lanham

Meet Julia Lanham, from Crooms Academy of Information Technology, one of our incredible SCPS graduates, as she reflects on the moments, memories, and milestones that have shaped her journey from childhood to this exciting achievement in this Dear Younger Me video.

SCPS Names Dividends and Partners in Education of the Year

This week, SCPS proudly celebrated the incredible impact of our Dividends volunteers and Partners in Education, whose unwavering support helps strengthen our schools and enrich opportunities for students and staff.

We are deeply grateful for the nearly 28,000 volunteers and hundreds of community partners who give their time, talents, and resources to serve our schools in meaningful ways, from mentoring students and providing reading support to stocking food pantries, fundraising, coaching, beautifying campuses, and so much more.

Their commitment reflects the power of community and reminds us that public education thrives when we work together to support every student’s success.

Congratulations to this year's Dividends of the Year

Spectrum A+ Teacher: Seminole County Virtual School's Katie Wano

We are proud to highlight one of our amazing Seminole County Virtual School educators, Spectrum A+ Teacher Katie Wano.

Ms. Wano, who teaches elective middle school courses and a high school senior-level U.S. Government class, brings 25 years of experience in education and a deep personal connection to the profession. A former Seminole County student herself, she was raised in a family of educators and credits her parents, both longtime school professionals in the Lake Brantley community, for inspiring her path.

Through SCPS Virtual School, Ms. Wano meets students where they are, supporting learners across multiple campuses through flexible, personalized instruction. She shared that the diversity of student needs is what drives her work, emphasizing the importance of believing in every student’s potential.

She also noted the benefits of virtual learning for students, balancing academics with athletics, arts, and other commitments, allowing them to stay engaged while pursuing their passions.

Ms. Wano, thank you for your commitment to student success and your lasting impact on the lives of learners across our district.

Lake Mary High Student Receives Citizen's Award and Becomes and Honorary Firefighter

SCPS proudly recognizes Lake Mary High School junior Lincoln Sharpe, who was recently honored by the Seminole County Fire Department and the Sanford Fire Department with a Citizen’s Award and Honorary Firefighter badge for his courageous actions during a home fire.

On the night of Thursday, February 12, 2026, at approximately 11:27 p.m., fire crews responded to a report of flames on a screened-in porch patio on Long Pond Drive in Longwood, FL. Lincoln, whose bedroom was located near the pool patio while the other bedrooms were on the opposite side of the home, noticed a flicker of light that appeared to be electrical in nature. He immediately looked outside, recognized the danger, and sprang into action.

Lincoln quickly moved through the home, knocking on doors and shouting “fire” to alert his family. His swift response ensured that all eight family members, along with the family’s dogs, were safely evacuated before the fire spread further.

Fire units arrived within minutes and worked to contain the fully engulfed fire, which had spread rapidly through the structure. While the home was ultimately not salvageable, the Sanford Fire Department was able to recover several sentimental belongings, including a mother’s wedding ring, a teddy bear, a military flag, and an urn.

Officials praised Lincoln’s actions, noting that his quick thinking helped save lives during a dangerous and fast-moving situation. Lincoln, who has family members in the fire service, has also expressed interest in pursuing a future career as a firefighter.

Lincoln, we commend you for your bravery, leadership, and selfless actions in a moment of crisis, and thank you to our first responders for their continued service to our community.

Oviedo High Students Head to Arizona For Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

Three students from Oviedo High School, Angela, Ankan, and Moitri, are headed to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Arizona after earning top honors at the Seminole County Regional Science Fair.

Under the leadership of science research instructor and Oviedo High alum Will Furiosi, students Moitri, Ankan, and Angela developed award-winning projects focused on robotics, mental health, and agriculture. Their research was supported by mentors from the University of Central Florida, including professors and researchers in physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Since 2017, Furiosi has expanded Oviedo High’s research program from just four students to 46, helping students pursue opportunities at some of the nation’s top universities.

The students will now compete against more than 1,700 students from around the world for awards, prizes, and scholarships at ISEF. Congratulations to these outstanding students and mentors on this incredible achievement!

Seminole County Public Schools Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

SCPS has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs. SCPS is proud to be listed as one of these awardees and one of only nine districts in Florida to receive this distinction.

“We are so grateful to receive this recognition for our arts teachers and school programs that provide high-quality arts education experiences throughout our diverse communities. SCPS remains the best choice for comprehensive music, theater, and dance programs in Seminole County.”

Dr. Lindsey Williams, SCPS Performing Arts Program Specialist

“Music education gives students an outlet to show their creativity, grow as leaders, and create a beautiful community of like-minded people.”

Ja’Neriah DeBose - Seminole High Student

This award celebrates the unwavering dedication of SCPS schools to make music education a priority for every student and providing access to quality music programs as essential for our student’s overall education. We are grateful to our teachers and school leaders for their unwavering support for the arts in our schools.

2026 SCPS Dividends and Partners in Education Celebration

We want to sincerely thank all our community partners who sponsored our 2026 SCPS Dividends and Partners in Education Celebration Breakfast. This special event would not have been possible without the generous support and commitment of our valued sponsors.

Your sponsorship strengthens our mission and helps us celebrate the incredible Dividend volunteers and community partners who are making a difference each and every day.

Thank you!

This is Kristen Ramkissoon's 11th year as a proud SCPS principal, currently serving at Winter Springs Elementary.

When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she shared, "My favorite thing about being a principal often lies in fostering collaboration with teachers, working alongside a dedicated staff, and seeing students engaged in meaningful learning. As a principal, I have the opportunity to support and inspire educators, create a positive and productive school culture, and witness the direct impact of that work on students’ growth and success. It’s an incredible honor to be part of Winter Springs Elementary, where everyone shares a common goal of nurturing students’ potential."

Interesting fact about Principal Ramkissoon: She auditioned to be on season three of The Amazing Race, and made it all the way to the final round of auditions!

Thank you, Principal Ramkissoon, for the dedication, leadership, and commitment shown each day in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for students, staff, and families.

At Seminole County Public Schools, we want to help every student find their passion and explore their interests in an academic journey that is uniquely their own. Our Controlled Open Enrollment window is open from now through May 15, 2026. This allows students from other counties or other areas within Seminole County to apply to attend a school outside of their zone. Find Your Fit today at www.scps.us/SAPA

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.

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 June 24-Aug. 5. The deadline to submit an interest form, apply for admission and submit the 2025-26 FAFSA is June 4.

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.

Seminole County Virtual School Offering Behind the Wheel Driver's Training Course - Summer 2026

Seminole County Virtual School is offering Driver Education this summer, giving students the opportunity to build essential skills and prepare for the road ahead.

As a reminder, Florida now requires teens to complete a driver education course to earn their Learner’s License. This program helps students meet that requirement while gaining valuable knowledge and experience.

The course includes behind-the-wheel training in partnership with the Florida Safety Council and allows students to earn 0.5 high school elective credit. Participants will also prepare for the Class E Knowledge Exam and earn both DETS and TLSAE certifications.

The program is tuition-free for SCVS public school students, making it an accessible option for those ready to take the first step toward driving with confidence.

To learn more and enroll, visit: https://www.scvs.us/summerdrivereducation

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 Community Ambassadors Program

If you are an avid supporter of public education, and you'd love to dive deeper into what it takes to make the Seminole County Public School District operate, this program is for you! Over the course of this journey, we will explore multiple facets of operations, curriculum, career and technical education, budget, school safety, and so much more. Space is limited and the application window closes June 19, 2026.

Apply today!