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Check out what's been in the local news recently.

Local news features educators, students

You might not always see them but they are teaching, taping, training, and taking care of student-athletes all day, every day.

Step into a day in the life of an athletic trainer

Over 1,500 Trend Micro employees helped beautify OCPS schools. Watch to learn how this kind gesture will have lasting benefits.

Trendy project has much more than micro impact

More than 170 students representing 10 OCPS high schools and the OTC South Campus competed in the 13th annual OCPS Culinary Competition.

Cooking up some friendly competition

Community leaders came together to celebrate The HUB at Evans High School's decade of success. Watch this story to see how this major milestone is proof that removing barriers can help students achieve new heights.

Celebration worthy of a perfect 10

Castle Creek Elementary has a great example of an efficient process that has safety at the forefront.

Dismissal process pleases parents

The Orange County School Board reviewed policies related to instructional and library materials.

Board work session reviews processes and policies

The Florida Department of Education released the 2021-22 graduation rates for the state, school districts and high schools.

Traditional schools outperform state grad rate

Cooking up opportunity. Students in Wekiva High School’s Culinary Arts Magnet recently prepared and served lunch for more than 400 people during a mayor’s luncheon. Check out this story to see the real world opportunities these students receive.

Cooking up opportunities

The School Board of Orange County held its regularly-scheduled board meeting.

School Board meeting highlights (Jan. 10, 2023)

*OCPS Exclusive* Superintendent Maria Vazquez discusses the letter families received over winter break addressing the bathroom practice on school campuses.

Supt. Vazquez discusses bathroom practice

Nemours Children’s Hospital and Scholastic Book Fairs teamed up to provide free book fairs for three OCPS schools.

Nemours sponsors book fair

Palm Lake Elementary’s Kids Who Care Club is helping the school’s Kindness Matters initiative by spending time with the residents at Brookdale Senior Living across the street.

Palm Lake Kids Who Care Club

Check out what's been in the news . . .

What's News (Dec. 2, 2022)

December02,2022

Progress reports posted

Parent Tech Tips (Nov. 19, 2022)

November19,2022

Check out what's been in the news lately

What's News (Nov. 12, 2022)

November12,2022

Helping your child with homework

Parent Tech Tips (Nov. 5, 2022)

November05,2022

Celebrate Family Engagement month with these ideas

Purposeful ideas to engage your family

November01,2022

Check out what's been in the news lately . . .

What's News (Oct. 29, 2022)

After three years of virtual dedications, attendees enjoyed being at the venue.

In person dedication brings joy • by Lauren Roth

District and UCF awarded for their innovative collaboration.

Urban Teacher Pipeline Project earns national recognition

Schools participate in annual Rock Your School

Level Up to Learning

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet performances return

Overture Players Only

Hopeful shoppers filled their bags with educational materials.

Grab 'n' go • by Alexis Ramos

September27,2022

Schools participate in "Start with Hello" week.

Five letters make large impact

September23,2022

Adding to its already successful agriculture program, the school now hosts doggie day care two days a week.

Ocoee HS adds PAWSitive program

September13,2022

Play 100 games to test your skills and possibly win prizes

Test your Bobby Fischer moves • by Nancy Golden

September07,2022

Dance students attended a performance by the National Ballet of Ukraine in the Steinmetz Hall.

Dancers embody beauty and strength

Baldwin Park Elementary's fifth grade safety patrols sworn in for duty.

Called to duty • by Nathan Hay

Kyra Bandy, from Colonial HS, is a national finalists in the FFA Small Animal Production and Care Proficiency Award area.

Not your normal GEICO commercial • by Danny Garner

Dr. Maria Vazquez began the first day of school at Edgewater HS.

Superintendent Designate visits 7 schools

A heroic team sprang into action after a co-worker suffered a heart attack and collapsed.

Quick-thinking heroes save co-worker's life • by Sandra Carr

New year, renewed focus

PLC extravaganza

Christine Taylor won a classroom makeover. See the reveal.

Super heroic classroom makeover 🎦

Eight OCPS high school girls participated in EA STEAM summer camp.

Girls get in the game

New schools add student capacity in growing areas, including Horizon West, Apopka and Meadow Woods.

OCPS opens 5 new schools August 2022 • by Lauren Roth

The Safety and Emergency Management Team conducted a two-day training on emergency management and safety issues.

District conducts Preparedness Days

Dr. Maria Vazquez will be the first Hispanic superintendent in OCPS.

Board selects Dr. Vazquez as next superintendent

Students and teachers attended statewide conference.

FFA students, programs earn state honors • by Danny Garner

Vote for University HS to earn architectural recognition

University HS nominated for architectural award • by Lauren Roth

Six Edgewater High School graduates received post-secondary education scholarships.

Hand up provides educational opportunities

Close to 450 students competed in an in-person chess tournament

Players seek royalty status

Lake Nona High School won the district's inaugural High School Smash Bros District Championship

Esports championship reaches next level

Harrison Lintner lobbied for and received a greatly missed cafeteria menu option.

Berry awesome activism • by Ashley Sabat

Edgewater High School’s Red Fins First Robotics Team competed in the national competition in Houston, Texas

First rate FINish • by Shannon Latimer

The Orlando Museum of Art hosted Portfolio Day for Advanced Placement Art Portfolio students.

Quick on the draw • by Christy Garton

Whispering Oaks students more than doubled their fundraising goal.

Filling buckets for a cure • by Cathy Moore

OCPS hosted the first UCF TQP Signing Day

Signing event secures top quality practitioners • by Kimberly Wood

Board approves names for the new schools, bringing district to 210 total schools.

Five new schools open in August • by Lauren Roth

The Orlando-Colonial HS FFA earned the Livestock Evaluation and Selection state champions title.

Taking stock in student success • by Danny Garner

FFA students from across Florida competed for state honors in the Aquaculture Career Development Event.

One fish, two fish, big fish achievement • by Danny Garner

Three students in Wekiva HS' culinary magnet program will compete in NASA HUNCH competition

Ready to launch

TCHS's FFA Veterinary Science team won the Career Development Event State Championship.

Is there a vet in the house? • by Danny Garner

Meadow Woods Middle School became the first OCPS school to earn a Lighthouse School certification.

Lighting the path for others to follow

For the first time in OCPS’ history, two students scored Top Learner Awards in the USA.

Students AICE their exams

West Orange High School FFA won the high school Floriculture Career Development Event State Championship

Students blossom with success • by Danny Garner

OCPS celebrates Arts in Our Schools Month

Students upcycle vinyl banners into works of art • by Scott Evans

On Friday, Feb. 25, OCPS students and teachers participated in the first OCPS FFA Florida Capitol Day.

Ag-vocating for agriculture education • by Danny Garner

February28,2022

FNS created a Heritage Museum to celebrate Black History Month

FNS event celebrates Black History Month • by Julia Hamilton

February25,2022

February is “Love the Bus Month.”

Love is in the air

February10,2022

More than 100 student competitors brought their A-game to the annual competitions.

Seeing a sliver of their talent 🎦

February04,2022

20 high schools earn a graduation rate over 94 percent

Graduation rate continues above state average

Orange County Fire Rescue donated key pieces of equipment to East River High School

Donations de-light first responder students

December08,2021

Mayor Jerry Demings bestowed the “Mayor’s Cup” trophy to Apopka High School

Apopka HS wins Mayor's Cup

November30,2021

McDonald's selected Lake Nona High School to participate in the Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources Education Tour.

Golden opportunities

November19,2021

Chief Facilities Officer John Morris died Tuesday, Nov. 2.

OCPS remembers Chief Facilities Officer

November16,2021

'Nichole' wins Best of Show

November15,2021

Working in teams, students collaborated to build the perfect battle bot.

They're alive: Bots battle for bragging rights 🎦

Students listened intently as guest readers shared the book, Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang.

Read for the Record embraces creativity

Hospitality and Tourism students visited venue sites in downtown Orlando.

Hospitality students tour downtown venues

As part of the annual Rock Your School event, elementary students throughout the district engaged in space-themed lessons

Students rocket into space exploration

Students had an opportunity to hear from and have hands-on interaction with officers from four different divisions.

Learning extends beyond the classroom walls

The Orlando Magic celebrated 150 students with an exclusive event.

Picking reading provided MAGICal reward 🎦

In honor of the district’s Start WIth Hello Week Proclamation, Sally Ride Elementary School hosted a Social Hour.

Social Hour promotes inclusivity

September30,2021

In a partnership with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, students planted seeds for various plants

Getting dirty has healthy benefits

September29,2021

For the eighth consecutive year, the OCPS’ Environmental Compliance and Sustainability department hosted a Green Schools Recognition Program Awards Ceremony.

Gre8t to be green

September24,2021

Avalon Middle School is a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.

Avalon MS named National Blue Ribbon School

September22,2021

To celebrate Melissa Hall for going above and beyond for her school community, Vera Bradley redecorated the teacher workroom.

Teacher workroom receives surprise makeover 🎦

September17,2021

Eleanor Fisher created and directed the Orange County ADDitions school volunteer program.

The right ADDition

September10,2021

10 OCPS teachers received a $300 gift card to purchase physical education supplies for their schools

Academy Sports earns A+ 🎦

Kicking off the 2021-22 school year, students at Hungerford Elementary walked the “red carpet” as an excited school staff welcomed them back.

Extra special first day

Undeterred, Food and Nutrition Services staff worked through the summer heat, rain and evening hours to feed students throughout the summer.

FNS serves close to 2 million meals

Superintendent Barbara Jenkins will chair the Council of the Great City Schools’ Board of Directors for a one-year term.

Dr. Jenkins serves as CGCS' chair

Students prepare BBQ to thank firefighters, police officers and healthcare staff.

Culinary students cook for first responders 🎦

These Minority Leadership Scholars are aligned to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Competition awards innovation 🎦

Three eighth grade girls at OCPS Academic Center for Excellence K8 School are being inspired and mentored by someone younger than them.

The pandemic made it impossible to hold new school dedications in the traditional way.

Seven schools conduct virtual dedications

Andover Elementary School's Food Service Manager is one of four national School Lunch Heroes.

Filling bellies is his super power

This program is open to all students and, so far this year, it has awarded $34,500 to 70 OCPS juniors.

Students earn funds preparing for college

Students intentionally committed random acts of kindness throughout the week, April 26-30.

Random acts promote kindness

Students from 62 schools put their social studies learning to practice.

Readers cast ballot for favorite SSYRA book

Multilingual Services continued to celebrate students, teachers and principals at the annual Spirit of Excellence award ceremony.

Multilingual Services' ceremony honors excellence 🎦

Roberto Clemente Jr. rounded the corner outside Roberto Clemente Middle School and spotted the mural of his father painted on an exterior wall.

Roberto Clemente's sons visit RCMS mural

Like with most events this year, Multilingual Services had to rethink the district’s Spanish Spelling Bee competition

Celebrating Arts in our Schools Month, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra offered performing and visual arts educators a free concert

Harmonic celebration

Five new Orange County Public Schools set to open in August 2022.

New K-8, middle school start construction

Students at Hunter’s Creek Elementary School participated in World Read Aloud Day, March 2.

A good day for a stroll

Schools throughout the district celebrated Black History Month through movies, music, visual arts, dramatic interpretations, writing, reading and research.

Taking a walk through Black history

February26,2021

Students throughout the district showcase their artistic talents

Colorful creations celebrate Black History Month

February24,2021

Parent and Family Engagement liaisons foster relationships with parents to help them learn how to be active participants in their child’s education.

Ventura ES extends their impact

February19,2021

In addition to showcasing their talents on their campuses and district buildings, students also compete and earn recognition from various organizations.

Stroke of perfection

February12,2021

School districts throughout Florida recognize School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Friday, Feb. 5.

Schools show crossing guards appreciation

February05,2021

Orange County Public Schools received 46 wheelchairs for school use.

The love moves us

February04,2021

This week provides an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.

OCPS recognizes Severe Weather Awareness Week

February01,2021

Jones and Lake Nona high schools will offer a Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program beginning August 2021.

Program offers pathway to law enforcement

Since you couldn’t go to them this year, here’s a sampling of streamed shows. Enjoy.

Virtual concerts provide holiday entertainment

December21,2020

More than 300 students submitted pieces to the second annual Ninth Circuit Court’s Exhibit A: Family Court Art Challenge.

Students exhibit artistic talent

December16,2020

The Curriculum and Digital Learning department hosted the third annual Orange Educational Technology Conference - virtually.

Bytes of knowledge

November04,2020

The Florida Arts Education Association recognizes two outstanding educators for their dedication to their craft and service to others.

Art educators earn state recognition

Jillian Sutton, Windermere High School, received the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida’s award for her unwavering dedication.

Athletic trainer earns state recognition

Congratulations to Scott Evans and School Board for their well-deserved arts education awards.

Orange County considered leader in arts education

The 20 pieces of art in the “Through their eyes: 2020” exhibit at the RBELC provides a window into students’ perspectives of COVID-19.

Art in the time of COVID-19

OCPS celebrates 14 schools for their green efforts.

Green teams make impact

To help kick off this year’s Magic Fit 4-week challenge, the Orlando Magic generously donated more than 2,500 basketballs.

Donation encourages healthy lifestyle

September28,2020

Dr. Kathleen “Kat” Gordon received a plaque of appreciation from the Orange County Farm Bureau.

Legend leaves legacy

September25,2020

With an intense focus on student achievement, the Curriculum and Digital Learning department created IMPACT professional development for content area teachers.

PD initiative IMPACTs teachers, earns recognition

September22,2020

A team of college students created the MaskON Project, wellness kits for Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

Alumnae help young learners get their MaskON

Chair Jacobs and Supt. Jenkins kicked off the first day of face-to-face instruction with a visit to several schools.

Students return for Face-to-Face instruction

Keshara Cowans, staff attorney, named the OCBA's Lawrence G. Mathews Jr. Young Lawyer Professionalism Award recipient

Professionalism and kindness define staff attorney

WUCF and OCPS teamed up to provide engaging lessons for kindergarten through second-grade students.

OCPS partners with WUCF

Meadow Woods Elementary School prides itself on providing meaningful activities to engage its families.

Meadow Woods earns recognition for engagement

OCPS accelerated its cohort distribution plan

ITS has distribution under control

Recognizing the unprecedented circumstances, each OCPS high school found ways to create in-person drive-by celebrations that showcased school spirit.

Graduates parade through campuses

Middle and K-8 schools in the district celebrated students who are heading off to high school.

Middle schools celebrate 8th graders

Schools across the district came up with creative ways to celebrate their fifth-graders and send them off to middle school.

Schools celebrate 5th graders moving up

While schools are closed, front line heroes are serving meals to almost 28,000 students daily.

Essential staff help families

Students throughout the district competed in the OUC's annual Water Color Project.

Virtual display celebrates student artists

Students in Lockhart Middle School’s CASE magnet program enjoy seeing their schoolwork come to life.

Student projects highlight hands-on learning 🎦

Frank Brogan, USDOE, toured three OCPS Title 1 schools to celebrate their successes.

Three schools showcase student-centered learning

February21,2020

Deciding the best courses to take in middle and high school to prepare for one’s life goals can be overwhelming.

Middle, high school parents attend Parent Academy

Local students shine in our annual Hospitality and Culinary Competition.

Hospitality & Culinary Student Competition

55 students competed in the annual competition.

Multilingual Services hosts Spanish Spelling Bee

Students attend ‘Spreading the Dream’

Freedom High students visit Universal Orlando

Freedom High students visit Universal Orlando 🎦

December17,2019

Celebrating #OCPS150 with some special guests

150th VIP celebration 🎦

December12,2019

U.S. Navy Lt. surprises son at school 🎦

November18,2019

District celebrates scholars

November14,2019

Thousands of 4 year olds throughout OCPS participated in the 14th annual Read for the Record Campaign.

Read for the Record entertained students 🎦

November08,2019

“Is this how you do the floss?,” the U.S. Surgeon General asked a fidgety female in the front row, as he swung his arms from his frontside to his backside to mimic the modern dance move.

U.S. Surgeon General inspires students

The Professional Learning Department received Learning Forward Florida’s 2019 Outstanding Professional Learning Practices Award.

District earns state PD award

Dove invited school administrators and middle school students to the Los Angeles County Office of Education to attend a Town Hall discussion around the issue of hair discrimination in schools.

A CROWNing achievement

Completing college scholarship applications can be a laborious process. From filling out the application to financial aid forms to writing the essay, each one may take hours to submit.

Colonial HS first in national scholarships

September24,2019

Students at Andover Elementary School enjoyed their guest teachers. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s community hockey department, Lightning Made, taught students, grades one through five, the basic skills to play street hockey.

Lightning Made receive thunderous applause

September11,2019

With a growing United States population and lack of additional farmland, as well as an unpredictable climate, experts believe traditional farming needs an overhaul.

Students win awards in their school FFA program

To kick off the school year, Dr. Jenkins visited schools throughout the district.

Superintendent visits students, teachers

To kick off the school year, Shingle Creek Elementary teamed up with Gatorland, the City of Orlando Fire Department and The Central Florida Urban League to host a Welcome Back Community Event. With live animals, fire trucks, haircuts and free food, what’s not to love?

Shingle Creek hosts Welcome Back Party

Having previously won the Governor’s Sterling Award in 2015, a first for a Florida public school human resources division, the department proved its standout status winning its first Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award.

Human Resources receives prestigious award

Hurricane Season begins June 1

Hurricane Preparedness Resources

The 18th annual OCPS and Kessler Grand Bohemian Hotel Scholarship Awards luncheon recognized the outstanding efforts of 10 visual or performing arts teacher finalists.

Awards luncheon celebrates visual, performing arts

They were ready to roll. Strapping on their helmets, students across the nation participated in the annual Bike to School day.

Cruisin' down the street on their two wheels 🎦

Each year the Multilingual and Corrective Programs hosts the Seal of Biliteracy awards ceremony. On May 1, MCP honored 93 students at Timber Creek High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Ceremony honors bilingual literacy 🎦

What do old clothing, a butterfly memorial garden and paper recycling have in common? They are examples of environmental projects that engaged students in hands-on, authentic learning, that broadened students understanding of “being green.”

12 schools earn ‘green’ rewards 🎦

Seeking to gain insight into the United States’ education system, 32 students and five chaperones from the Royal Concorde International School in India spent part of a school day at Boone HS.

Cultural immersion photo examples

On April 24, the Multilingual and Corrective Programs departments hosted their annual Spirit of Excellence Awards at Evans High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Spirit of Excellence awards celebrates ELLs

Students from Cornell University spent their spring break, April 1-5, participating in a service learning project in Tangelo Park to heighten social awareness, enhance personal growth and advocate lifelong social action.

College students spend break helping students

At Tuesday’s board meeting, Harold Border, chief of high schools, recognized 36 students for their work toward improving their SAT score.

District rewards 36 students for SAT prep

The OCPS District Level Math Olympics provided four competitions for teams to showcase their knowledge of Math Fluency, Math Tasks, Math Models and in a Math Application Challenge.

District Level Math Olympics

Hunters Creek ES, Chickasaw ES and LakeView MS hosted more than 75 teachers and administrators from across the nation to learn about the district’s two-way dual language programs.

Three schools hosted The National Association of Bilingual Education conference attendees

Students in SunRidge Middle School’s physical education classes love pickleball.

Pickleball anyone?

February27,2019

On a professional development trip,