November 2023 Vol. 49, Issue 3
An Orange County Public Schools Employee Publication
OCPS
By
Samantha Weiss
Veterinary Programs: Shaping Future Animal Care Professionals
F
or students with a love for animals, the Veterinary Science and Animal Science programs being offered at several OCPS high schools are making tails wag with excitement!
“Our goal is to turn students’ passion for animals into a meaningful career,” says University High School’s Veterinary Science program leader Kimberly Acton. “We want to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion to make a positive impact in the lives of animals.” Doggie daycares - where school staff can drop their dogs for the day - are a unique aspect of the program. Having a mock veterinary clinic allows students to learn the business and canine side of working in the pet care industry.
“Students create medical records for each dog attending daycare, manage daily schedules, and even provide services like bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming,” Acton explains. The students also send monthly invoices to the teachers and the funds raised help pay for program supplies.”
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ike University and Timber Creek, Ocoee also has a thriving doggie daycare program! Interacting with the dogs in the program provides students with invaluable skills and knowledge. They learn to read animal behavior, manage kennels, and understand the importance of safety and handling. To ensure the safety and well-being of both the dogs and students, stringent protocols are put in place, including temperament assessments, vaccination records, and safety waivers. With owner permission, students perform physical exams on the dogs, honing vital skills such as taking temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time. They also gain practical experience in restraint techniques and processing lab samples. “We stress to students that some owners consider their dogs to be their fur-baby,” Zuleika Hubble, Timber Creek’s Vet III and IV teacher says. “So it is very important that we treat each dog the way we would want our dog to be treated: with tender love and care.”
Spanning four courses, the Veterinary Assisting program at University and Timber Creek high schools covers a wide range of topics. From animal safety to anatomy and physiology, students delve into the intricacies of animal care. They also learn about clinical practices, including parasitology, pharmacology, surgical preparation, and even office management. The program is designed for students to enter as freshmen and complete their senior year with a set of clinical skills and hours under their belt.
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Students who stay in the program, through Vet III, have the opportunity to take the Certified Vet Assisting certification exam. “This is a great resume-builder and allows students the opportunity to acquire knowledge that any future employer, in the field of veterinary medicine, would value,” said Timber Creek Assistant Principal Daphne Flakes. But it’s not just about cute doggies. The Animal Science program at Colonial and Ocoee high schools offer a different curriculum, preparing students for a range of animal-related careers in the livestock, wildlife, and zoological industries.
At Colonial, Agriculture instructor Caela M. Sause said their animals include cattle, sheep, goats, and a variety of reptiles that are included in the curriculum. At University High School, students take turns feeding and training animals on a farm filled with ducks, chickens, goats, and a pig. They also manage a feed budget and learn about depreciation when it comes to supplies and equipment. “Many of our students have gone on to become practicing veterinarians, while others have found fulfilling careers as technicians, assistants, or receptionists in the veterinary industry,” Acton said. “Approximately 80% of the veterinary clinics on the east side of Orlando employ University High School alumni.” University and Timber Creek also have partnerships with Pet Alliance where student volunteers can earn certification hours and gain industry experience by assisting at the clinic, helping prepare vaccinations, and monitoring animals after surgery. “You leave knowing a ton more than you thought you could,” said University student Madison Revels.
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Beyond Reality OCPS Employees on Reality TV and Game Shows You’re at home after a busy day at work. Dinner has been eaten and your daily responsibilities are complete. Now it’s your time. You turn on the television to watch one of your favorite escapes… reality TV and game shows! You’re not alone. According to Nielsen Ratings, more than 52% of Americans watch at least one reality program a week. And millions tune in regularly to game shows. Now, imagine that while you binge-watch your favorite show you recognize the guy who teaches math down the hall or the woman that helped you down at Human Resources. You may have, because several members of the Orange County Public Schools team have appeared on a reality or game show or are currently competing on one. One of them is me – Andy Orrell. I’m the Senior Manager of Facilities Communications for OCPS, and I’m appearing on the current season of Relative Race on BYUtv. I’m a member of Team Green with my wife, local artist Lizzy Heutmaker Allen (the show can be watched on Charter Spectrum Orange County channel 228, through the BYUtv App, or online by clicking here). The program follows four teams over 10 weeks as they travel across America to meet relatives for the first time and compete against each other to stay on the show. The eventual winning team takes home $50,000. I had a very specific motivation to audition for season 12 of the show - I’m adopted. From a very young age, I decided that I wasn’t going to actively search for my birth family. However, after my first wife, Shannon, passed away, I realized that life was short and it was important to do things while you still have the opportunity. After marrying Lizzy, she encouraged me to find my biological family. Unfortunately, I hit several dead ends. That’s when I saw the auditions for Relative Race and realized that they would have more resources and expertise to locate my birth family than I had. This strategy paid off. I met several members from my biological family on the show, which runs through Nov. 19.
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By
Andy Orrell
Not all appearances on reality shows are as fulfilling. In 2010, Bruno Riberon, a Visual Arts teacher at Endeavor Elementary, and his wife Lisette, a visual art teacher at Bay Lake Elementary, appeared together as Team Corvette on the final season of The Speed Channel’s program Bullrun. Bullrun, which aired three seasons, followed 12 teams competing in a 4,100-mile road race across America to win $200,000. The series was hosted by professional wrestler Bill Goldberg. “My wife and I really enjoyed watching the first two seasons of Bullrun and loved the idea of being on the show and traveling around the country with other car enthusiasts,” said Bruno. “However, being on the show opened our eyes even more about ‘reality TV’ and how what happens behind the cameras and with the editing process can make you look like a totally different person when the show is on television.” Although the Riberons were eliminated from the program early in their season under what Bruno believes were “suspicious” circumstances, the couple left the experience with a few positives. “We created strong friendships, saw beautiful places and learned to be smart and critical about what ‘reality’ programs want to show us,” said Bruno (click here to view an episode of the Riberons on Bullrun). One benefit of living in Central Florida is that several game shows hold auditions along Interstate 4 or have been based out of the Orlando-area. This fact gave Tynisa Hawkins, a Dean at Bridgewater Middle School, the opportunity to be on one of her family’s all-time must-see gameshows, Family Feud, when the program held auditions in Tampa in 2014. Tynisa had an amazing time appearing on the gameshow, “…that I’ve watched since childhood. It was a nearly out-of-body experience!” “It was so exciting to meet [host] Steve Harvey, who was joking and laughing with my family members and the audience during commercial breaks,” said Tynisa. “He and I had fun banter about the pronunciation of my name,” which is pronounced Tah-nee-suh. Tynisa and her family, who competed as the Carters, did very well on the show, having won every round until the final question. Unfortunately, because they lost that round, they weren’t able to compete in the Fast Money round at the end of the program. Even though they didn’t win their episode, Tynisa and her family walked away with great memories. “It was FUN, FUN, FUN!”
Deal or No Deal
There are times that appearing on a gameshow has less to do with fun and more to do with necessity. In 2019, Marybelle Doe, a ninth-grade intensive reading instructor at Cypress Creek High School, and her family were having a difficult time. Her husband, Robert Sena, had lost his job and she had to work a second job at Target to supplement their lost income. After seeing an advertisement for auditions for Deal or No Deal, which filmed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Marybelle decided to sign up with her husband. “I originally intended for my husband to be the one to make it onto the show, as I was there mostly to support him through the audition,” said Marybelle. “After he wasn’t chosen, I decided to continue” in the hopes of winning money to stave off a pending eviction. After being cast for the show, Marybelle was very close to winning the $1 million grand prize. “I was getting close to the $1 million suitcase and I asked my family, who were onstage to support me, for advice on which number suitcase to choose next to be eliminated from the game,” said Marybelle. “My husband told me that it was ‘astronomically impossible’ for the $1 million to be in suitcase #19, because it’s my daughter’s birthday and my lucky number. Prior to this moment, my husband had agreed with me to go with our children’s birthdays. We don’t know why he changed the game plan, but I went along and chose #19, which had the $1 million. To this day, we all still love the word ‘astronomical.’” Although she didn’t win the $1 million, Marybelle did walk away with $11,000 and the amazing memory of being on stage with her family.
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A Funny Thing Happened
Sleeping in the Library A funny thing happened after an evening event at Ridgewood Park ES. As the last parents trickled out, a group of administrators and support staff got talking about how kids think we live at school. As I walked out to my car after the event, I heard a boy say to his mom, “That’s the library teacher, Mrs. Hooks. I wonder where she is going?” The mom told her son that with the event over, all the teachers can go home. In total shock, the boy said: “You mean teachers don’t stay at the school all the time?!!”
Submit your A Funny Thing Happened to orangepeal@ocps.net. If your submission is selected, you will receive an exclusive Orange Peal prize package.
Michelle Hooks Media Specialist Ridgewood Park ES
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The link between families and resources This free, updated resource available to OCPS families and staff was created to assist individuals in need of community resources and social services. The web site sorts resources by zip code and the content can be translated into different languages. This gives families the opportunity to find services in the area where they live and in their language of choice.
Families can find help in the areas of:
• food assistance • housing and shelter • mental health
• financial support • job offerings • tutoring
The page also include access to a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For more information click on the OCPS Community Connect graphic on the district’s home page.
y a d s e u T
GIVING
MAKE A GIFT
FOR GIVING TUESDAY AT
November 28, 2023 Invest in student success by giving to the Foundation for OCPS! Your gift will fill gaps, fuel innovation, and help ensure that EVERY child has a chance to fulfill his or her potential.
THE FOUNDATION FOR OCPS
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#GIVINGTUESDAY
OCPS Employee Builds
Decades-Long Career By
Sandra Carr
From protection to planning, Lisa Hunter has experienced many departments through her 22-year professional journey at OCPS.
Hunter has a security background and applied for a security dispatcher position at OCPS after she relocated to Orlando from Ottawa, IL in 2001. She moved up and became a security response officer and later fingerprinted new employees when she joined the Human Resources department’s team.
Retirement Corner
Retiree: Lisa Hunter Title: Client Liaison Facilities Manager Years with OCPS: 22 OCPS Retirement Date: Sept. 29, 2023 As a
While working, she earned an Associate in Science degree in building construction technology from Valencia College, and went on to use that expertise and knowledge in the Facilities department for the past 15 years.
Her Facilities jobs have Client Liaison, included Client Liaison Facilities her final role at OCPS, Manager; senior supervisor and she was the principals’ manager with the Maintenance go-to Facilities person and department; quality-assurance problem solver in the northwest and trade technician; and area of the district. She assisted portable-operations planner. them with fencing, playgrounds, room renovations and other projects. She enjoyed assisting schools with their needs and making Upcoming Virtual Retirement Services Department people’s days a little better.
Workshops via Canvas and Zoom:
Nov. 1, 5-6:30 p.m.: Real World Retirement Planning “I always ensured there was a comfortable and safe learning environment for the students and staff,” Hunter said.
Nov. 6, 5-6 p.m.: Social Security and Your Retirement Nov. 15, 5-6:30 p.m.: Estate Planning for Busy People
One of those times included working with an OCPS vendor to fix an elevator at Shenandoah Elementary. During a meeting, she witnessed a staff member carrying a boy with disabilities up the stairs to the second floor so he would not be temporarily relocated to another school or miss classes.
Hunter was touched by the employee’s dedication and went the extra mile to ensure the elevator was repaired quickly.
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Hunter and her husband are celebrating her retirement by embarking on two Disney cruises. They both also recently became certified to sail catamarans and plan to hit thehigh seas and explore the Caribbean islands in the future.
Orange Center Elementary Scores Touchdown with Media Center Makeover
By
Michael Alexakis
also has a Robotics Club. Its STEM lab received new tables and a movable cabinet with storage bins.
Vibrant hues and fun furnishings greeted Orange Center Elementary students when they walked into their renovated media center for the first time during a big reveal in late September.
Florida Citrus Sports and the College Football Playoff Foundation funded the furniture and makeover jointly and Lift Orlando paid for state-of-the-art, closed-circuit television studio equipment for the school news program. The facelift and technology cost $90,000 and will benefit students for years to come.
“We’re proud to be able to make a lasting impact on the lives of teachers and students alongside the College Football Playoff Foundation,”said Steve Hogan, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Sports.
The school’s media center received a makeover with a new circulation desk, tables, chairs, mobile bookcases, cabinets and benches to enhance student learning, thanks to Florida Citrus Sports, the College Football Playoff Foundation and Lift Orlando.
Orange Center Elementary fifth-grade student Taylor Davis wants to be cozy when she is reading a good book. “The library furniture was hard and ugly and wasn’t comfortable before the renovation,” she said. “The newer furniture makes me excited to come to the library every day now, and will give younger students a space to learn about different topics.”
“The renovated media center is inviting and will help instill a love of reading in our students,” said Fredrick Brooks, then-principal of Orange Center Elementary. Orange Center Elementary is a STEM magnet school and
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Media Specialist Jasmine Wilkins started working at Orange Center Elementary in August, after project planning began. But she said she is “ecstatic” about having a new storytime center with lilypad cushions. The College Football Playoff Foundation added an extra point after the touchdown by providing Orange Center science teacher and Robotics Club coordinator Tamara Preston with $1,000 toward classroom projects. Preston plans to purchase new equipment for the Robotics Club and additional items for the STEM Lab.
The unveiling was part of the Extra Yard Makeover and Big 12’s Homecoming tour, which welcomed the UCF Knights football team into the conference. Mascot Knightro and the university’s cheer and volleyball teams participated in the celebration and commemorated the special occasion by giving the students UCF T-shirts.
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Get to know
the APOY and
POY finalists ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
Adriene Anderson, Pineloch Elementary Years in education: 21 Years with OCPS: 21 Alma mater: UCF Hometown: Orlando Favorite school tradition: Teacher Appreciation Week! It’s a time for the administration to show teachers and staff our appreciation for all that they do daily to help our students. We can’t do this work alone. What is your leadership philosophy? One of the most important choices a leader makes is the choice to serve. Your happy place: Spending time with family and friends What did you want to be when you grew up? A police officer. Fun fact: I am an OCPS Graduate (Oak Ridge High School)!
Charisse Hurdle, Rolling Hills Elementary Years in education: 9 Years with OCPS: 9 Alma mater: Florida International University Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Favorite school tradition: 5th grade clap/walk out. It’s an emotional time for me to see our 5th-grade kiddos move on to middle school. What is your leadership philosophy? Every student should have the opportunity to be successful. Your happy place: My bed. What did you want to be when you grew up? A Police Officer Fun Fact: I’m really good at recognizing someone’s license plate after looking at it once.
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Bridget Bresk, Windermere High Years in education: 19 Years with OCPS: 19 Alma mater: UCF Hometown: Springfield, IL Favorite school tradition: Hands down my favorite tradition is graduation! Graduation is a collective achievement that involves the hard work and dedication of not just students but also teachers, administrators, and the entire school community. It’s a celebration of everyone’s contributions to students’ success. What is your leadership philosophy? As a servant leader, I am dedicated to nurturing an environment where people take precedence, guiding with genuine empathy, fostering meaningful relationships, and actively supporting their growth and development. Your happy place: At home on the patio or in the pool with my husband and kids. What did you want to be when you grew up? History has always been my passion so as a kid I was always torn between being a history teacher or a lawyer. Fun Fact: I rode the unicycle in a local circus called the Junior Gamma Phi. It was a fun activity that introduced kids to the circus arts through Illinois State University.
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:
Becky Watson, East River High Years in education: 27 Years with OCPS: 24 Alma mater(s): UCF, St. Leo Hometown: Orlando Favorite school tradition: Homecoming Finish this sentence: I know my school is successful when… students feel connected and safe, teachers are qualified and satisfied, and the community is collaborating with the school for the success of all. Your happy place: Disney with my family. What did you want to be when you grew up? A pediatrician. Fun Fact: I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 32 years and we have 4 children.
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Melanie Simmons, Rock Lake Elementary Years in education: 26 Years with OCPS: 26 Alma mater: University of South Carolina Hometown: Beaufort, S.C. Favorite school tradition: Thanksgiving Feast Finish this sentence: I know my school is successful when… - my teachers are giddy with delight after a new strategy works… or-when everyone gets off the bus with no complaints.. or - when Dr. Windom doesn’t have to remind me to turn something in and I have to apologize and promise to never offend AGAIN… until next week. Your happy place: Anywhere with my family. What did you want to be when you grew up? A marine biologist. Fun Fact: I love all types of animals and would love to own a farm when I retire and I am an Audible junkie.
Lindsey Smestad, Sadler Elementary Years in education: 18 Years with OCPS: 18 Alma mater: UCF Hometown: Maitland Favorite school tradition: Rock Your School Finish this sentence: I know my school is successful when… I see teachers, staff, and students who are motivated, engaged, and achieving their full potential. Your happy place: Beach What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. Fun Fact: I am fluent in American Sign Language. Coming in the December/January Orange Peal: Interviews with the Support Person of the Year and Teacher of the Year finalists!
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Congratulations! Principal of the Year Finalists Becky Watson East River High
Melanie Simmons Rock Lake Elementary
Lindsey Smestad Sadler Elementary
Principal of the Year Honorees Lyle Heinz Apopka High
William Tovine BETA
Alyson Muse Castle Creek Elementary
Jackie Ramsey Dr. Phillips High
Monica Emery Gotha Middle
Elizabeth Theis Hospital Homebound
Mark Wieckowski Killarney Elementary
Nathan Hay Lake Silver Elementary
Meigan Rivera Lake Weston Elementary
Pamela Crabb Lake Whitney Elementary
Karl Fox
Ashley Glover
Lakemont Elementary
Citrus Elementary
Fredrick Brooks
Eboni Montenegro
Orange Center Elementary
Dover Shores Elementary
Faythia Brown-Carpenter
Chastity Pelham
Palmetto Elementary
Jones High
Delaine Bender
Ima McCray
Summerlake Elementary
Juvenile Detention Center
Amy McHale
Alisa Hambrick
SunRidge Middle
Lake Como School
Isolda Antonio Fisher
Carmen Dottavio
Union Park Middle
Lake George Elementary
Danielle Arbelaez-Willis
Cristina Mrozek
Waterford Elementary
Lakeville Elementary
Matthew Pritts
Wendy Lee
Wedgefield School
Magnolia School
Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists Adriene Anderson
Vaughnsha Thompson Maitland Middle
LaQuanda Fedrick Mollie Ray Elementary
Pineloch Elementary
Autherene Leighvard
Charisse Hurdle
Pinewood Elementary
Rolling Hills Elementary
Rebecca Young
Bridget Bresk
Rosemont Elementary
Windermere High
Holly Watts Sally Ride Elementary
Assistant Principal of the Year Honorees
Stonewyck Elementary
Kanishia West
Kimberly Allen Jackson
Faye Roman
Apopka High
Walker Middle
Danielle Brancato
Emilio Vitulli
Baldwin Park Elementary
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Westridge Middle
Support Person of the Year Finalists
Haydenisse “Heidy” Heredia
Claudia Taylor
Andrea Teixeira da Silveira
Azalea Park Elementary
College Park Middle
Angela Gallego
Patricia Gonzalez
Endeavor Elementary
Baldwin Park Elementary
Colonial 9th Grade Center
Rina Santiago
Suzanne Fagan
Heidi Santiago Perez
Evans High
Bay Lake Elementary
Colonial High
Tatiana Cozzo
Douglas Highfield
Mary Ann Mann
Hunter’s Creek Middle
Bay Meadows Elementary
Columbia Elementary
Tara Quintal
Cynthia Perez
Grisellys Lopez Aponte
ITS Southeast Region
Blankner School
Conway Elementary
Bonnie Kelly
Lynaida Berrios Capo
Nelida Colina
Bonneville Elementary
Conway Middle
Jamie Longmire
Erica Reese
Boone High
Corner Lake Middle
Gloria Corredor
Jaime Villanueva
Yanisi Franco
Acceleration East
Bridgewater Middle
Curriculum and Digital Learning
Leah Fambrough
Gabriella Suarez
Jesus Marrero
Acceleration West
Brookshire Elementary
Cypress Creek High
Sarah Giesler
Exor F. Torres
Tammie Hall
Aloma Elementary
Camelot Elementary
Cypress Springs Elementary
Ladaisha Dawkins
Jennifier Collier
Dawn Azzarito
Alternative Education
Carver Middle
Deerwood Elementary
Michelle Gonzalez
Wanda Orellano
Chris McGee Jr
Andover Elementary
Castle Creek Elementary
Dillard Street Elementary
Marilyn Sims
Ivan Gaines
Schenika Cooke
Apopka Elementary
Castleview Elementary
Discovery Middle
Milagros Cevallos
Rita Young
Demond Murphy
Apopka High
Catalina Elementary
District Police
Evangelina Gardon
Eileen Strickland
Kimberly Musante
Apopka Memorial Middle
Chain of Lakes Middle
Dommerich Elementary
Linda Kuhl
Joshua Arroyo
Jessica Nunez
Arbor Ridge K-8
Cheney Elementary
Dover Shores Elementary
Lydia Hobbs
Johana Carrillo Oriquin
Joanna Rafiq
Audubon Park School
Chickasaw Elementary
Dr. Phillips Elementary
Ivonne Olmeda
Alyce Young
Debbie Hobbs
Avalon Elementary
Citrus Elementary
Dr. Phillips High
Carolina Lopez
Christine Muchow
Shelia Colon Cancela
Avalon Middle
Clay Springs Elementary
Dream Lake Elementary
Union Park Elementary
Honorees
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Beatrice Villanueva
Cindy Jones
Vincent Boothe
Eagle Creek Elementary
Gotha Middle
ITS East Region
Andrea Miranda
Loan Ngo
Michael Claud
Eagle’s Nest Elementary
Grounds, Landscaping & Pest Control
ITS Infrastructure
Charles Thew II East Lake Elementary
Roxana Ramirez
Kacie Hough
Hamlin Elementary
East River High
James Rodriguez
Julius Miles
Hamlin Middle
Efrain Vazquez ITS Network
Robert Harvey ITS North Region
Angelo Levrano
Eccleston Elementary
Jose Cruz
ITS Southwest Region
William Stratton
Hiawassee Elementary
Shaqunna Morris
Edgewater High
Nicole Kyhos
Ivey Lane Elementary
Sheynid Rojas
Hidden Oaks Elementary
Gisela Soto
Engelwood Elementary
Nayira Ortega
John Young Elementary
Dorshea Redhead
Hillcrest Elementary
Latrina Wilcox-Hill
ESE Policy & Procedures
Johnny Lai
Jill Woodham
Horizon High
Jones High
Maridith D’Amico
ESE Special Programs
Danielle Gutierrez
Keene’s Crossing Elementary
Melanie Thorner
Horizon West Middle
Stephane Paul
ESE Supplemental Services
Rhonda Judd
Kelly Park School (K-8)
Dalondis Braunskill
Hospital Homebound
Rosanna Rocha
ESE Transition
Denise Sevigny
Killarney Elementary
Karla Buckles
Howard Middle
Jacinda Rodriguez
ESTEEM Academy
Abraham Dossiere
Lake Buena Vista High
Jon Belanger
Human Resources
Kayla Vazquez
Facilities Service Maintenance
Alicia Haynes
Lake Como School
Keila Garcia
Hungerford Elementary
Yolanda Martinez
Food and Nutrition Services
Lianna Robles
Lake Gem Elementary
Leiam Diaz
Hunter’s Creek Elementary
Elizabeth Tamayo
Forsyth Woods Elementary
Marien Ortega
Lake George Elementary
Abbycee Williams
Independence Elementary
Lisa Wilcox
Frangus Elementary
Michelle Pacheco
Lake Nona High
Robert Caraballo
Innovation Middle
Virginia Weil
Freedom High
Ivette Rivera Ferrufino
Lake Nona Middle
Estevan Torres
ITS Business Office
Jolene West
Freedom Middle
Jessica Ledesma Mestre
Lake Silver Elementary
Dorothy Rowden
ITS Customer Care
Ligia Martinez
Glenridge Middle
Lake Sybelia Elementary
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Antoinette Dolvin
Mayra De Jesus
Robert Robinson
Lake Weston Elementary
Meadow Woods Elementary
Odyssey Middle
Sahra Musa
Nelson Maldonado
Jai Baijnauth
Lake Whitney Elementary
Meadow Woods Middle
Olympia High
Alex Cruz Colon
Sara Johnson
Kiyada Moton
Lakemont Elementary
Meadowbrook Middle
Orange Center Elementary
Maria D. Santiago
Marie A. Brown
Ana Lugo
Lakeview Middle
Memorial Middle
Orange County Virtual
Shannese Anderson
Taz Zamjahn
Milagros Dominquez
Lakeville Elementary
MetroWest Elementary
Wisguy Joseph
Ciara Collado
Orange Technical College Avalon Campus
Lancaster Elementary
Millennia Elementary
Gladys Fitzherbert
Rubin Fairo
Laureate Park Elementary
Millennia Gardens Elementary
Sabrina De Jesus
Netisha Thornelant
Lawton Chiles Elementary
Mollie Ray Elementary
Diego Gonzalez Escobar
Elena Barahona
Legacy Middle
Moss Park Elementary
Mariluz Richiez
Serena Virzi
Liberty Middle
NorthLake Park Community School
Jacqueline Arnaiz Little River Elementary
Ingried Carattini
Branden Montalvo
Northwest Area Maintenance
Lockhart Elementary
Cora Curry
Keliah Peterson
Oak Hill Elementary
Margarita Carrion Hernandez Orange Technical College East Campus
Nataly Gallego Orange Technical College Main Campus
Magaly Rivera Orange Technical College South Campus
Racha Bawab Orange Technical College West Campus
Laura Hirata Orlando Gifted Academy
Lockhart Middle
Judith Hamilton
Alicia Mellano
Oak Ridge High
Orlo Vista Elementary
Keysha Sepulveda Rodriguez
Maria Laura De Mello Kotscho
Lovell Elementary
Charles Benedetti Magnolia School
Chester Wharton Maintenance Logistics
Paul Merizalde Chavez Maitland Middle
Sanopeia Stevenson-Smith Maxey Elementary
Laurimar Hernandez McCoy Elementary
Martha Cross-Alta
Oakshire Elementary
Palm Lake Elementary
Ruby Ingram
Ivonne Le Hardy
Ocoee Elementary
Palmetto Elementary
Kimberly Tersegno
Ed Love
Ocoee High
Panther Lake Elementary
Annette Ruth
Victoria Kline
Ocoee Middle
Pershing School
Mervyn Samuels
Virgil Reddick III
OCPS Academic Center for Excellence
17
Phillis Wheatley Elementary
Julie McNair
Paul James
Asmaa Elhadad
Piedmont Lakes Middle
Rosemont Elementary
Sunset Park Elementary
Florence Balarinho
Maria Flores
Ana Miranda Camacho
Pinar Elementary
Sadler Elementary
Sunshine Elementary
LaToya Beauford
Yahaira McCullough
Elizabeth Lockey
Pine Hills Elementary
Sally Ride Elementary
Tangelo Park Elementary
Karla Rentas Diaz
Nicole Escobar Ortiz
Kiara Lee
Pineloch Elementary
Sand Lake Elementary
Thornebrooke Elementary
Lucila Rosado
Megan Lovett
Odalys Gomez
Pinewood Elementary
Shenandoah Elementary
Three Points Elementary
Yolanda Irizarry
Jean Bellamour
Frank Bresk
Positive Pathways Transition Center
Shingle Creek Elementary
Tildenville Elementary
Melissa Chinelly
Jaquan Williams
Janette Martinez
Silver Pines Academy
Timber Creek High
Prairie Lake Elementary
Brittney Oliver
Yvonne Rosado
Geralynn Esposito
South Area Maintenance
Timber Lakes Elementary
Princeton Elementary
Zenaida Arguelles
Janira Arroyo
South Creek Middle
Timber Springs Middle
Fabiola Turriago
Carrie Walker
Southwest Middle
Union Park Middle
Margarita Rodriguez
Christina Larsen
Southwood Elementary
University High
Maria Guillen
Cindy Arias
Spring Lake Elementary
Ventura Elementary
Robin Sarber
Jose Huertas
Stone Lakes Elementary
Village Park Elementary
Jennifer Walker
Magaly Escobar
Stonewyck Elementary
Vista Lakes Elementary
Janet White
Rebeca Escalona
Summerlake Elementary
Vista Pointe Elementary
Karen Czarniecki
Luz Raos
Sun Blaze Elementary
Walker Middle
Elizabeth Arendt
Buffy Harp-Poole
SunRidge Elementary
Washington Shores Elementary
Emily Hart
LaShameka Jones
SunRidge Middle
Washington Shores Primary Learning Center
Gledys Galban-Carrion Professional Learning Department
Tralaynia Gibbs Ridgewood Park Elementary
Tammy Elliott Risk Management
Marisol Velasquez Rodriguez Riverdale Elementary
Tiffany Theophile Riverside Elementary
Anacelia Andrews Roberto Clemente Middle
Thomas Lugo Robinswood Middle
Errol A. Austin Jr. Rock Lake Elementary
Denise Hoffstead Rock Springs Elementary
Fanta Smith Rolling Hills Elementary
Jair Garces Sunrise Elementary
Beth Ruby Water Spring Elementary
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Alicia Nellans
Dee Rochon
Yodiliz Zavala Morales
Water Spring Middle
Westbrooke Elementary
Winegard Elementary
Robecca Brooks
Taz Zamjahn
Angela Barton
Waterbridge Elementary
Westpointe Elementary
Winter Park 9th Grade Center
Evelyn Rodriguez
Cathy Hewes
Lula Cannon
Waterford Elementary
Westridge Middle
Winter Park High
Laura Pacheco Lopez
Maria Cuevas
Gene Nobles
Wedgefield School
Wetherbee Elementary
Wolf Lake Elementary
Jessica Lefkowitz
Connsuela Feeney
Wekiva High
Whispering Oak Elementary
Daniela Viridiana Villeda Camacho
Noemi Nieves
Lisa Coultoff
West Creek Elementary
Windermere Elementary
Donna Quintana
Karen Ramirez Toro
West Oaks Elementary
Windermere High
Rajh Brijbasu
Priscila De Freitas
West Orange High
Windy Ridge K-8
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Wolf Lake Middle
Stephanie Melendez Mendez Wyndham Lakes Elementary
Angela Smith Zellwood Elementary
Teacher of the Year Finalists Deborah Parsons Lake Silver Elementary
Kathryn Gunter Lovell Elementary
Jacqueline Russell Meadowbrook Middle
Sara Hudson Prairie Lake Elementary
Vanessa McMillion Washington Shores Elementary
Honorees Amanda Dean Acceleration East
Doug Katutis Acceleration West
Alexandra Clarke Aloma Elementary
Chris Kunze Alternative Education
Jacqueline Rivera Andover Elementary
Jessica St. Gelais Apopka Elementary
Lara Brennan Apopka High
Laura Donlon Apopka Memorial Middle
Sean Nagy Arbor Ridge K-8
Elizabeth Register Audubon Park School
Joseph Brown Avalon Elementary
Jessica Lucas
Ilda Spurgeon
Avalon Middle
Citrus Elementary
Amber Pressly
Brandy Winterrowd
Azalea Park Elementary
Clay Springs Elementary
Jennifer Sullivan
Kristy Hurst
Baldwin Park Elementary
College Park Middle
Bryan Burckle
Aimee Havrilesko
Bay Lake Elementary
Colonial 9th Grade Center
Jessie Fiffick
Christina Torres
Bay Meadows Elementary
Colonial High
Lisa Nieves
Gary Edwards
Blankner School
Columbia Elementary
Brandon Norman
Taina Y. Ortiz Rodriguez
Bonneville Elementary
Conway Elementary
Jennifer Hilley
Shannon Santiago
Boone High
Conway Middle
Caroline Wong
Michelle de Sousa
Bridgewater Middle
Corner Lake Middle
Kristin Cooper Otto
Rebecca Valente
Brookshire Elementary
Cypress Creek High
Nicole Shaw
Lisa Almonte
Camelot Elementary
Cypress Springs Elementary
Tammie Jordan
Almary Benitez
Carver Middle
Deerwood Elementary
Julie Aguiriano
Alexandria Hempstead
Castle Creek Elementary
Dillard Street Elementary
Nicole Freeman
Nery Sanchez
Castleview Elementary
Discovery Middle
Kay-Andrew Gayle
Ashley Robbins
Catalina Elementary
Dommerich Elementary
Daniel Davis, Jr.
Kathryn Milton
Chain of Lakes Middle
Dover Shores Elementary
Audrey Wallace
Christian Hepler
Cheney Elementary
Dr. Phillips Elementary
Denae Colwell
Afiya Smith
Chickasaw Elementary
Dr. Phillips High
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Mary Beeman-Griffith
Joshua Arunakul
Chareika Parrish
Dream Lake Elementary
Gotha Middle
Kelly Park School (K-8)
Jean Heredia
Charlene Xu
Nikki Middleton
Eagle Creek Elementary
Hamlin Elementary
Killarney Elementary
Erica Lawrence
Amy Wacksman
Dariana Hidalgo
Eagle’s Nest Elementary
Hamlin Middle
Lake Buena Vista High
Becky Thomas
Ashlee Woods
Jennifer Zwolinski
East Lake Elementary
Hiawassee Elementary
Lake Como School
Jamie Judson Smith
Reginald King
Deborah Stancil
East River High
Hidden Oaks Elementary
Lake Gem Elementary
Victoria McFarley
Kathleen Palasz
Melissa Montijo-Rosado
Eccleston Elementary
Hillcrest Elementary
Lake George Elementary
Alexa Corbo
Darlene Brown
Alexander Botchen
Edgewater High
Horizon High
Lake Nona High
Parvin Giraldo
Brad Boland
Katherine Bayona
Endeavor Elementary
Horizon West Middle
Lake Nona Middle
Xiomara Perez
Rachel Maloney
Rachael Hodges
Engelwood Elementary
Hospital Homebound
Lake Sybelia Elementary
Heather Whalen
Latisha Lee
Carmen Espinoza
ESE Policy & Procedures
Howard Middle
Lake Weston Elementary
Nell Akoon
Kristal DeClou
Eileen Warder
ESE Supplemental Services
Hungerford Elementary
Lake Whitney Elementary
Daniel Robinson
Julie DuBois
Noel Volence
ESE Transition
Hunter’s Creek Elementary
Lakemont Elementary
Michelle Crawford
Angela DeLuca Limose
Gail Chambers
ESTEEM Academy
Hunter’s Creek Middle
Lakeview Middle
Melshaun Randolph
Mallory Benedict
Carla Maxwell
Evans High
Independence Elementary
Lakeville Elementary
Nelmari Fehl
Matthew Fox
Rina Carey
Forsyth Woods Elementary
Innovation Middle
Lancaster Elementary
Micah Sarita
Karina Burgos
Tiffany Ong
Frangus Elementary
Ivey Lane Elementary
Laureate Park Elementary
Michael Hellmund
Narmy Rodriguez
Marjorie Jones
Freedom High
John Young Elementary
Lawton Chiles Elementary
Kassandra Cruz
Nicole Blackmon
Franchesca Yearby
Freedom Middle
Jones High
Legacy Middle
Mariela Rojas
Roberto Mendez
Natalie Gonzalez-Vazquez
Glenridge Middle
Keene’s Crossing Elementary
Liberty Middle
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Erin Moore
Ashley Dillon-Verneau
Christie Jewell
Little River Elementary
Ocoee Elementary
Panther Lake Elementary
Adrianne Nelson
Amy Anderson
Toni Vincent
Lockhart Elementary
Ocoee High
Pershing School
Larissa Smith
Arin Crowell
Janice Redding
Lockhart Middle
Ocoee Middle
Phillis Wheatley Elementary
Amber Conti
JaMia Weaver
Shanavia Swasey
Magnolia School
OCPS Academic Center for Excellence
Piedmont Lakes Middle
Maitland Middle
Madalen Abuaram
Pinar Elementary
Sinya Wilson
Odyssey Middle
Angel FitzPatrick
Monica Perry Naomi Chapman
Maxey Elementary
John Puchein
Pine Hills Elementary
Chentella Graham
Olympia High
Sophia Rodriguez-Phillips
McCoy Elementary
Sharon Bullard
Jordan Potrzeba
Orange Center Elementary
Meadow Woods Elementary
Mabeliz Rivera Meadow Woods Middle
Tiphonie Reid Memorial Middle
Cris Collazo MetroWest Elementary
Megan Toledo Millennia Elementary
Krystle Loftin
Stephanie Bivins McCormick Orange County Virtual
Yolanda Duarte Orange Technical College Avalon Campus
Michael “Andy” Weeks Orange Technical College East Campus
Geisa Dennis
Millennia Gardens Elementary
Orange Technical College Main Campus
Debra Nobles
Zulma Cintron Alamo
Mollie Ray Elementary
Pineloch Elementary
LaNell Tate Pinewood Elementary
Ana-Alicia Myers Positive Pathways Transition Center
Debra Brown Princeton Elementary
Keneisha Monroe Ridgewood Park Elementary
Naomi Montilla Riverdale Elementary
Tricia Boutwell Riverside Elementary
Jennifer Longbrake
Amy Beaudet
Orange Technical College South Campus
Roberto Clemente Middle
Moss Park Elementary
Ellen Logue
Sadinaz Madar-St. Clair
Amanda Francis
Orange Technical College West Campus
Latequa Strachan
Zhen Cybulski
Rock Lake Elementary
Roslyn Coddette Rogers
Orlando Gifted Academy
Brittany Child
Oak Hill Elementary
MegAnn Lego
Rock Springs Elementary
Danny Young
Orlo Vista Elementary
Rachel Flash
Oak Ridge High
John Buckley
Rolling Hills Elementary
Alina Prisacariu
Palm Lake Elementary
Rodney Wallace
Oakshire Elementary
Jesse Hariton
Rosemont Elementary
NorthLake Park Community School
Palmetto Elementary 22
Robinswood Middle
Stephanie Hernandez
Alison Long
Kristin Johnson
Sadler Elementary
Thornebrooke Elementary
Wedgefield School
Sulmari Torres
Brittany Anderson
Michael McKee
Sally Ride Elementary
Three Points Elementary
Wekiva High
Jeri Conner
Esther Londoño-Scott
Emma Harmon
Sand Lake Elementary
Tildenville Elementary
West Creek Elementary
Natalie Showalter
Michelle Ann Moran
Deborah Wegener
Shenandoah Elementary
Timber Creek High
West Oaks Elementary
Sean Salazar
Kelly Tourné
Priscilla Long
Shingle Creek Elementary
Timber Lakes Elementary
West Orange High
Matthew Owens
Stacie Albee
Sonia Haynes
Silver Pines Academy
Timber Springs Middle
Westbrooke Elementary
Erin Kessler
Constance Malanga
Olga Maria Marrero
South Creek Middle
Union Park Elementary
Westpointe Elementary
John Jacobs
Angela Yowler
Craig Bonawandt
Southwest Middle
Union Park Middle
Westridge Middle
Coral Torres
Alex Mendez
Vanessa Rivera
Southwood Elementary
University High
Wetherbee Elementary
Lauren George
Maria Burgos
Clara Rivera
Spring Lake Elementary
Ventura Elementary
Whispering Oak Elementary
Amy Guenthner
Ricardo Aviles
Ninabeth Frank
Stone Lakes Elementary
Village Park Elementary
Windermere Elementary
Darlene Grande
Steffanie Yopp
Brittany Brockmeier
Stonewyck Elementary
Vista Lakes Elementary
Windermere High
Maria Notrem
Nayda Nieves
Robbi Lucas
Summerlake Elementary
Vista Pointe Elementary
Windy Ridge K-8
Travis Alvarez
Theresa Fernandez
Lissette Piedra
Sun Blaze Elementary
Walker Middle
Winegard Elementary
Roseann Ndisi
Wilchris Ortiz Guerra
Danielle Exposito
SunRidge Elementary
Washington Shores Primary Learning Center
Winter Park 9th Grade Center
SunRidge Middle
Michelle Reeves
Winter Park High
Bradley Waltz
Water Spring Elementary
Melissa Breaud
Whitney Norton Beverly Torrance
Sunrise Elementary
Angela Meechin
Wolf Lake Elementary
Jacqueline Hool
Water Spring Middle
Kelly Green
Sunset Park Elementary
Sabrina Lopez Rodriguez
Wolf Lake Middle
Charlene Barbieri
Waterbridge Elementary
Lillian Rivera
Sunshine Elementary
Jeannette Soto Rosario
Wyndham Lakes Elementary
Tameshia Brown-Griffin
Waterford Elementary
Deanna Lucas
Tangelo Park Elementary
Zellwood Elementary 23
Around OCPS
Moss Park Elementary families took a stroll or rode a bicycle to school during Walk, Bike and Roll Day on Oct. 4. 24 24
Palm Lake Elementary celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month during its annual Pink Out Party on Oct. 4.
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OCPS’ District Police department pose with the school board after America’s Safe Schools Week proclamation was read during the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
The Evans High Student Advisory Council was joined by their Trojan mascot and the Navy Jr. ROTC as they spoke on having a Game Day Friday at lunch with Connect Four, Jenga, Uno and other activities during the school board meeting on Oct. 24.
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OCPS’ Alternative Education Centers celebrated its three Custodial Services’ staff members during National Custodian Day on Oct. 2.
Lakeville Elementary School’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration included Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe, student performances and a cultural flag parade and food sampling on Oct. 12.
Piedmont Lakes Middle science teacher The Ocoee Elementary Dance Club performed during Hispanic Heritage Month.
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and basketball coach Bernadine West was recognized for receiving the 2023 Orlando Magic Jr. NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year Award during the school board meeting on Oct. 24.
Colonial High School’s cheerleaders, Grenadier mascot and other students participated in a football challenge during the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
Chair Jacobs and Member Byrd participated in a football challenge by posing with team jerseys during the Sept. 26 school board meeting before the Apopka and Olympia high school game on Oct. 6. Member Felder poses with Dr. Phillip High’s jersey during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
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Vice Chair Gallo and Member Salamanca pose with University and Colonial high school jerseys during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
Member Byrd basks in the glory as an unhappy Chair Jacobs poses with a Apopka High Blue Darters’ jersey after
Members Castor Dentel and Farrant pose with Boone and Edgewater high school jerseys during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 24.
Olympia High lost during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
Member Salamanca poses with Colonial High’s Grenadier mascot and jersey during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 10.
Member Gould frowns and wears the Dr. Phillips High jersey while Member Felder is ecstatic about her team defeating West Orange High during a football challenge at the school board meeting on Oct. 24. 29
Best of SOCIAL MEDIA
In each issue, the Orange Peal will recognize one top social media post on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Want us to consider your school or department’s post? Send a link to orangepeal@ocps.net for consideration.
Baldwin Park Elementary School PTA
Horizon High School Band When the Horizon High School Band found out that color guard director, Ms. Garcia, got engaged, they decided to throw her a surprise bridal shower at school to celebrate! Students lined the hallway leading her into the cafeteria where the entire band started cheering and singing. Her fiance, Cameron, also made a surprise appearance at the party!
When it was time to celebrate Rock Your School week, the Bobcats at Baldwin Park Elementary School “got their game on” in a big way! Volunteers went all out, transforming the hallways and classrooms with sports-themed decor from floor to ceiling! They really hit it out of the park!
CLICK IMAGE TO SEE POST
Best OCPS Photos By Frank Weber
High Five
with School Food Service Manager James Grinnell 30
Freedom Middle School To celebrate National Custodian Day, the staff at Freedom Middle School decorated the custodians’ department doors with sweet messages, thanking them for all of their hard work! This kind gesture truly showed how OCPS schools can’t sparkle without these amazing unsung heroes.
Say cheese!
Dr. Vazquez with a class of
OCPS employees
studying at UCF for a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Hope you visited the
Fall Wellness Expo, which included free screenings and assessments.
OCPS and the City of Orlando team up.
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Look what I can do!
Adair Ziebarth, 2nd grade teacher and Apple Distinguished Educator, and her class came in to present their published opinion writing to Leadership Orange class members at Kelly Park School.
Every month, school board members recognize outstanding individuals and groups at Board Meetings. Here’s the exemplary group from the October 17 meeting.
Editor: LAUREN ROTH The Orange Peal is a publication by OCPS employees and for Designer: KIMBERLY BOULNOIS OCPS employees. It launched in April 1974 as a newsletter for all OCPS employees “from principals to custodians.” With a Contributors: MICHAEL ALEXAKIS name encompassing the symbols of the orange and the school SANDRA CARR bell, the Orange Peal was intended for “the good news of this ANDY ORRELL school system [to be] ‘rung out’” -in other words, to peal.
FRANK WEBER
SAMANTHA WEISS
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