School Board meeting highlights (Sept. 22)
The School Board of Orange County held its regularly-scheduled board meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center. These are the highlights:
School Board approves name change for Stonewall Jackson Middle to Roberto Clemente Middle
The School Board unanimously approved the renaming of Stonewall Jackson Middle School to Roberto Clemente Middle School. On February 25, 2020, the School Board met and directed the following four action items involving the renaming of Stonewall Jackson Middle School:
1. Requested to have the School Advisory Council (SAC) restart the renaming process.
2. Ensure that the school community was informed about the reason for the renaming effort, prior to surveying the school community.
3. Make certain the SAC understands that the renaming recommendations should not include the current name.
4. Bring three potential recommendations for renaming the school to the School Board at the completion of the process.
As a result, Stonewall Jackson Middle School SAC restarted the renaming process. The SAC received input regarding potential school names from community members, school faculty and students. In addition, students were given the opportunity to conduct research and write essays on possible school names. The SAC reviewed the most popular essay name submissions and narrowed the names down to the top five most popular. A survey was then developed with the top five names for consideration by the school’s community stakeholders. The SAC received nearly 4,000 survey responses. After considering three of the most favored options, Roberto Clemente Middle School was the requested new name by 70.2 percent of stakeholders. Roberto Clemente was one of the first Latin American and Caribbean professional baseball stars to win a World Series as a starter. He was named most Valuable Player and inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He worked to promote accessibility for Latino Americans and is known for his humanitarian efforts.
District will recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women. During the month of October, the district will have the opportunity to help raise community awareness about the importance of early detection. View the
Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation.
School Board proclaims October as LGBTQ+ Awareness Month
LGBTQ+ Awareness Month is when we come together to encourage students and staff to create awareness and understanding on issues facing LGBTQ+ children and youth. It is a time when communities can unite nationwide to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and provide support through events, activities, outreach and education. View the
LGBTQ+ Awareness Month proclamation.
District observes October as National Bullying Prevention Month
The School Board proclaims October as National Bullying Prevention Month in Orange County Public Schools. For the month of October, individuals and community members across the district and our nation unite and are encouraged to raise awareness of bullying prevention, outreach and education. Everyone is encouraged to wear the color Orange on October 21, to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, tolerance and acceptance. View the
National Bullying Prevention Month proclamation.
October proclaimed as National Principals Month
The School Board honors and recognizes principals for their positive impact on learning by setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character development. Principals serve as the educational leaders of their schools and, as such, they have provided the leadership necessary to confront challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. They demonstrate knowledge of effective instructional strategies and provide for the learning needs of both students and teachers. Principals establish inclusive, supporting learning environments where all children learn, and gaps are narrowed. National Principals Month highlights the important work of principals and encourages our nation to honor these leaders. View the
National Principals Month proclamation.
October 1-16 recognized as Disability History and Awareness Weeks
The 2008 Florida Legislature declared the first two weeks of October to be observed as Disability History and Awareness Weeks.
The goals of disability and awareness instruction include:
•. Emphasize better treatment of individuals with disabilities and increase attention to preventing bullying or harassment of students with disabilities.
•. Provide encouragement to individuals, to develop their self-esteem, resulting in having confidence to pursue and obtain postsecondary education, enter the workforce and contribute to their communities.
• Reaffirm a commitment to the full inclusion of and equal opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.
View the
Disability History and Awareness Weeks proclamation.
September 2020 proclaimed as National PTA Membership Month
September 2020 has been declared “National PTA Membership Month” by the National PTA. Today, the PTA’s role is more important than ever in connecting parents, teachers and administrators, and supporting critical school needs. During the 2019-20 school year, Orange County Council of PTAs/PTSAs had 19,395 PTA members and 129 units. Throughout the month of September, the OCCPTA will be encouraging every family to join their local school’s PTA/PTSA. The proclamation will bring recognition to "National PTA Membership Month," as well as emphasize that the School Board values the important work of Orange County’s parent-teacher organization. View the
National PTA Membership Month proclamation.
*Reminder* All board meetings are live-streamed on the School Board’s YouTube page and will be accessible from web browsers on computers or mobile devices.