Orange Peal - December 2023 /January 2024 by Orange County Public Schools

December 2023/January 2024

Vol. 49, Issue 4

An Orange County Public Schools Employee Publication

Student Exchanges Build Bridges For more than three decades, Dr. Phillips High School has been hosting school-toschool visits from countries including Japan, France, Denmark, Austria, Brazil and India. Traveling with their teachers, groups of visiting teens stay in the homes of Dr. Phillips High students, with exchanges occurring as often as two or three times a year. These partnerships have created international friendships. Visits have endured despite pauses after the 9/11 terror attacks and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The visits are hosted and made possible by the DPHS Center for International Studies, a magnet program focused on world citizenship, advanced studies, social studies and foreign languages. It’s the district’s oldest magnet, dating back to DPHS’ 1987 opening year. It was also the only OCPS magnet named as a School of Excellence

in 2023 by Magnet Schools of America, the group’s highest rating. The magnet director, English Language Arts teacher Nilam Patel, is a graduate of the Center for International Studies herself as a DPHS student from 1994 to 1998. She remembers as a freshman hosting a Japanese student who did not speak English. The two girls communicated through pictures and Patel helped the

student feel more at home. After leaving, they both exchanged postcards in their native languages, despite the fact they couldn’t understand each other’s writing. The gestures and expressions spoke volumes across continents. According to Patel, CIS “ensures young people develop a well-rounded understanding that we are all inextricably connected to one another. We are globally aware and active through our curriculum, service projects, and hands-on learning opportunities. It has been a blessing to be a part of CIS as a student, teacher, parent, and director and be a part of its legacy.” In late October and early November, CIS hosted a group of 20 students from

Strasbourg, France, a city on the German border that is the headquarters of the European Parliament.

to give all DP students studying the language a chance to interact with and learn from native French speakers.

The students attended classes with their host student, traveled as a group to visit attractions like Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Center, and participated in the weekend plans of their host families. They also visited the school’s French classes

A French teenager in a gray t-shirt introduced herself to Sanaa Mahroug’s French 1 class: “J’ai quatorze ans. Je viens de Strasbourg. J’ai un grand frère.” (“I’m 14 years old. I’m from Strasbourg. I have an older brother.”)

Mahroug checked her students’ understanding as they listened and prompted them as they answered trivia questions about France, such as the names of famous monuments. “This is very good — It’s like an immersion,” Mahroug said. “They can learn — not from me — but from kids the same age.”

Although the CIS program is unique within Orange County, more than half of the traditional OCPS high schools had at least one foreign exchange student this fall. A total of 72 students were spending a semester or year attending for credit. Timber Creek High, which has earned a reputation as a welcoming location for exchange students, has 17. Most of the students come from Europe, but the largest number, 13, are Brazilian. Although the French students have gone home, CIS is preparing for a visit from Danish students in the spring. An opportunity for DPHS students to visit longtime sister city Urayasu, Japan, home to Tokyo Disney Resort, is in the planning stages for next year. Zorina Manoni, whose AP French class was visited by the French students, found the visit energizing and said the exchange is also beneficial for the teachers. Patel, the magnet director, added: “CIS is more than a program package of rigorous courses. We welcome students who are passionate to learn, curious about their world, and willing to stretch and grow. The CIS team of teachers are mentors to help develop all students into productive citizens of the world.”

National Magnet Awards

Strasbourg teacher Colina Auclair said the exchange benefits her students too. They get to see America firsthand, “see what is real or not.”

The Magnet Schools of America National Merit Awards recognize magnet schools that “demonstrate an exemplary commitment to academic standards, curriculum innovation, desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs and parent and community involvement.” There are two levels of merit: Magnet School of Excellence Awards and Magnet School of Distinction Awards. For 2023:

Dr. Phillips HS’ Center for International Studies Magnet earned an Excellence rating. This is the top award given to a select group of magnet programs that demonstrate the highest level of excellence in all areas of the application. Ten magnets received the Distinction award for fulfilling all the scoring rubric requirements: • Arbor Ridge K-8 6-8 Option Magnet • Bay Meadows ES

STEAM Career Academy

• Dr. Phillips HS

Visual and Performing Arts

• Howard MS

Academy of Arts

• Hunter’s Creek ES

Two-Way Dual Language

• Orlando Gifted Academy • Roberto Clemente MS

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

• Tildenville ES

Two-Way Dual Language

• University HS

International Baccalaureate

• University HS

Performing Fine Arts

Military Minded:

East River JROTC Program Sets the Bar High BY SAMANTHA WEISS OCPS high schools are marching to success with their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, shaping a battalion of exceptional cadets ready to conquer the world. Among the dedicated instructors is retired Lt. Col. Jonathan E. Watson, who leads the charge at East River High School. Watson, the program’s senior Army instructor, also serves as the Area 4 Coordinator for the Army, helping oversee and advocate for programs at 16 schools in five different counties.

He has helped create a dynamic program at East River that goes beyond traditional military training.

“I’ve always believed that leadership is not just about giving orders, but about empowering others to become the best versions of themselves,” Watson said. With a 23-year military career that included deployments to Somalia, Iraq, and Kuwait, Watson’s experience and insights are assets in his role as an instructor. “I want our cadets to grasp the challenges and rewards of military service, and to develop the skills and qualities necessary for success,” Watson said. After retiring from the Pentagon in 2013, Watson worked at Francis Marion Military Academy in Ocala before joining OCPS during the 2015-16 school year.

“Teaching JROTC allows me to combine my love for education with my commitment to serving others,” Watson explained. “Every opportunity, no matter how unexpected, brings valuable experiences and knowledge.” Each JROTC program aligns with a branch of the military. This affiliation determines the curriculum, training, and activities. More than 3,000 OCPS students are participating this year. Watson said the amazing instructors assigned to each school are a strength of the program. At East River, he works alongside three dedicated instructors who want the best for the cadets. At the heart of East River’s JROTC program are the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, Honor, and Personal Courage. Under the guidance of instructors, the program is student-led, allowing cadets to take on leadership positions and develop unique styles.

The program consistently sets a high standard of excellence. Watson said what really makes the JROTC program work at any school is the support it receives from the school leadership and administration. “I have been blessed with awesome support here at East River High School. I credit the school leadership for the JROTC program’s continued high-level achievement,” he said. As for the most rewarding part of the program, for Watson, it’s witnessing the growth and success of the cadets. “Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual dedication but also the impact of a supportive and empowering community,” he said.

“We encourage our cadets to support and uplift one another,” Watson said.

Achievements of the East River program include: • An average of 40% of cadets accepted into National Honor Society each year • District Champions in the JROTC Raider Competition athletic challenge in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 • Falcon Battalion Commander and Executive Officer accepted to West Point in 2022 • A total of four cadets have become Eagle Scouts • Battalion awarded the Honor Unit with Distinction in 2015-2016 and 2020-2021 • Member of the Falcon Battalion earned the Congressional Medal of Merit in 2019 • Three-time champions of the Area Fitness Team Challenge

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Complete online application by Sunday, December 31, 2023 to be entered into the contest. 6

A Funny Thing Happened

When Suzanne Knight was the principal of Dr. Phillips High School, she discovered she had a special talent: ‘We had the agricultural area with all the goats out back, and they kept getting out and refusing to go back in. One was a mean billy goat. They were all over the back road bleating at people. I said something like,”Hey, get back in the pen!” and they’d turn and go. I’d get them all rounded up. I don’t know what it was about me, but when I started fussing at them, they would go back in. I’m this tiny thing, but I can be a little scrappy.’ Suzanne Knight Principal Hamlin Middle School

Submit your A Funny Thing Happened to orangepeal@ocps.net. If your submission is selected, you will receive an exclusive Orange Peal prize package.

From the Classroom to the Courtroom BY LAUREN ROTH

Like many children, Amy Envall had big plans for the future. She always wanted to be a teacher, just like her mother and grandmother. And after watching her aunt build a legal career, she decided to be a teacher AND a lawyer. That’s exactly how it turned out. She was a teacher first, specifically the fourth grade. Today she is the top lawyer for Orange County Public Schools – the general counsel – and works directly for the school board (all eight elected members). She also works closely with Superintendent Maria Vazquez’s executive leadership team. But her career could have gone a number of ways. She is an accomplished musician who began playing violin at an early age and then focused on the flute and piccolo. She speaks Swedish and German, spent some time attending school in Sweden and in Luxembourg, where she studied at the Conservatoire de Musique and did street performances in a grand square called the Place d’Armes, just for fun. And at age 16, the native Marylander began working at the Walt Disney World Resort while spending summers with her aunt in Central Florida. She filled a number of roles, from running an ice cream

wagon in EPCOT to hawking glow sticks and finally working her way up to Guest Relations – where she gave tours. She also interacted live with guests via video kiosk to provide park information – the 1990s version of Facetime and Zoom. She moved to Florida after spending four cold years attending Miami University in Ohio. While teaching in Osceola County, she met husband Norm, then an undercover officer but today an OCPS Police Department commander. After they got married, they made plans for her to return to school and get her law degree. She stopped teaching and they started a party business renting out inflatables and popcorn and cotton candy machines while she attended law school. While at Barry University, she was a member of Law Review and welcomed two children. When she graduated sixth in her class, her youngest had just learned to walk. At that time, Envall didn’t necessarily expect to end up back in the education world. “My path was a little wonky to get back into the education arena, this time as a lawyer, but it’s where I think I fit best,” she said. She was a judicial staff attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which serves Orange and 8

Osceola counties, then assistant county attorney in Osceola County. In 2009 she moved over to become general counsel and public information officer for the Clerk of Court. Her next stop was back at Barry University, where she became the director of academic success, then the assistant dean of academic programs and faculty development. That’s when she saw a staff attorney position become available with OCPS. She was hired by then-General Counsel Woody Rodriguez. She left OCPS to become the general counsel for Brevard Public Schools in 2017, and was hired back to lead the OCPS legal team in 2019 after Rodriguez left. “I love our team of dedicated attorneys at OCPS,” she said. Her current role “is perfect for me and combines everything” that she’s done over the years, going as far back as encompassing the customer service skills she learned at Disney. She also keeps up with her musical side as the current president of the Osceola Community Orchestra, sits on several nonprofit boards, volunteers, and likes to travel and take cruises with Norm, Nathan, 22, and Brooke, 20.

Jones High School Wins Big with Donated Scoreboard BY ANDY ORRELL The big high school football game has come down to the final minute of play. The home team is losing by three points to their rivals, but has the ball as time is quickly ticking down on the scoreboard. All eyes are on the clock, watching with anticipation as the team drives towards the end zone with seconds left. The home team scores a touchdown as the timer hits zero and the points change on the scoreboard, emphatically showing the home team pulling off an amazing come-from-behind victory!

periodically rents the Jones High School stadium to host practices and games for youth, college and professional football teams.

Although it isn’t always recognized in the excitement of these moments, the scoreboard plays a central role on game day, relaying the information necessary to enjoy the competition to the fullest.

As part of the donation, FCS has paid all costs associated with installing the LED video display and scoring system from Sansi North America, LLC. The donation included the expenses associated with installing additional power, fiber lines and data lines, while SNA will train students and staff in the use of the scoreboard on an ongoing basis.

At Jones High School, sports competitions have been enhanced thanks to a donation by Florida Citrus Sports. The new LED video display and scoring system will benefit Jones High School’s student athletes, their fans and the broader West Lakes community. Florida Citrus Sports also

“We are so overjoyed for the new LED video display and scoring system that Florida Citrus has donated,” said Jones High School Principal Orlando Norwood. “The game day experience is definitely at a whole different level for our athletes and fans in the stands!”

“We are so grateful to Florida Citrus Sports and Sansi for the new scoreboard,”Norwood said. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Customer Care the OCPS Way The way we interact with parents and visitors not only affects our message but also the way our community perceives OCPS. To ensure we are providing stellar customer service aligned with our vision, mission, values, and objectives, we need consistent practices across the district. Those practices have been put in one place in a new edition of the OCPS Stellar Customer Service Communication Guide. Brought to you by the District Information Office and Public Relations teams, the guide can help you provide high-level customer service in every interaction. Highlights include: • Protocols for answering the phone • Tips on responding to irate customers • How to help visitors with limited English proficiency

• •

A list of Frequently Called Numbers Templates for out-of-office and holiday voicemail and emails

Postcards with the Frequently Called Numbers and a QR Code linking to the full OCPS Communication Guide have been distributed to all school sites, divisions, and departments. The guide is a living document and can be accessed at http://bit.ly/OCPSCommunicationGuide. 9

Scan this code to view the latest version of this Communication Guide and Frequently Called Numbers.

BY SANDRA CARR

After graduating high school, Barbara Fonseca went from OCPS student to OCPS employee.

In addition, she is passionate about painting comic-book characters and creating polymer clay and wire jewelry with her side hustle, Wingy Things.

Her former Spanish teacher Ana Fresquet at Stonewall Jackson Junior High recommended her for a systems support clerk position at her former school.

Her OCPS fans include Deputy Superintendent Mike Armbruster, who owns one of her Batman acrylic paintings, and Chief Communications Officer Scott Howat, who has added her Superman artwork to his collection.

Fonseca worked there for a quarter century, kicking off an OCPS career that lasted more than 40 years.

Retiree: Barbara Fonseca Title: Senior Help Desk Representative Years with OCPS: 41 OCPS Retirement Date: Nov. 30, 2023

“Helping people makes me happy, and I believe that each position that I’ve held throughout my OCPS career has allowed me to contribute to the school district in different ways,” said Fonseca, who also attended Engelwood and Hillcrest elementaries and graduated from Colonial High.

At Jackson, Fonseca was an attendance/records clerk and support services clerk, assisting the school with its transition from junior high to middle school ahead of the 1987-88 school year. The school is now known as Roberto Clemente Middle School. While working and raising a family, she received her Associate of Arts degree from Seminole State College. In January 2008, she was promoted to technology support representative in the Information Technology Systems’ Customer Care department and transferred to what is now known as the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center.

Fonseca is a people person and enjoyed assisting faculty, staff, students and parents at school and department levels during her more than four-decade career. Her hard work and dedication also paid off when she was voted Support Person of the Year by her peers at Jackson in 2006 and then again later in the ITS Customer Care department in 2017 and 2022. During her retirement, Fonseca plans to build a “she-shed” in her backyard so she can have more space for creating handmade art and crafts as well as sell her merchandise at fairs and festivals. Fonseca also plans to meet her family for the first time in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and spend more time with her grandchildren in Nevada, Iowa.

Photo by Michael Alexakis

Upcoming Virtual Retirement Services Department Workshops via Zoom:

As a senior help desk representative, her last position before she retired from OCPS in November, she was responsible for creating EasyVista ticketing and OneDrive instructions for staff throughout the school district.

CORNER

RETIREMENT Artsy Alumna Finds Fulfilling Future at Alma Mater

January 2024

Jan. 3, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m. Nearing Retirement in the FRSJ

Jan. 24, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m. Using the FRS to Plan for Your Retirement

Jan. 17, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m. Understanding the FRS Investment Plan

Jan. 31, 2024, 5-6:30 p.m. Income Tax Planning: Smart Planning for Your Taxes

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Realize your homeownership dream. Community Homeownership Incentive Program (CHIP100) The money you need to buy a home may be less than you think. Our CHIP loan is structured to address homeownership challenges like down payment funds, closing costs, and income requirements.

CHIP requirements1 Financing available in limited geographic locations. Ask your loan officer for details on market availability. Markets are subject to change without notice at any time.

Up to 100%

Maximum income

No maximum income if the home is located within a low- or moderateincome (LMI) census tract. For homes located outside a LMI census tract, qualifying income must be less than or equal to 80% of FFIEC Area Median Income (AMI) limits.

Maximum loan amount

Eligible up to the maximum conforming loan limits. Contact your mortgage loan officer for details.

Mortgage insurance

Not required

Down payment/closing costs

Qualified gifts, grants, and loans. Minimum $500 of client’s funds.

Home inspection

Not required (but recommended)

Home buyer education

Required

Escrow for taxes and insurance

Required

Seller Contribution

Up to 6%

Homeownership may be possible. Let’s talk about how we can help. Chris Wyatt Mortgage Loan Officer Truist Bank Office 407.739.2265 Cell 407.739.2265 christopher.wyatt@truist.com www.suntrust.com/christopher.wyatt NMLSR# 737603

Single family (1 unit), owner-occupied completed units, (including planned unit developments, town homes, and warrantable condominiums) are eligible properties under this program.

Mortgage

Get to know the SP SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALISTS: Tatiana Cozzo

Secretary Hunter’s Creek Middle Years with OCPS: 3 Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: At our school, my favorite tradition is Multicultural Night. Why do you look forward to coming to work every day? Recognizing that I serve as a trusted adult for numerous students and understanding the significance of the bond I’ve established between the school and the community inspires my daily commitment to work. Your happy place: My home! Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Go to the theme parks with my family Fun fact: I love traveling and meeting new people and new cultures, and do it as much as I can every year!

Bonnie Kelly

Health Clinic Program Assistant UnionPark Elementary Years with OCPS: 9 Hometown: Middletown, Ohio Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: 100th day of school Why do you look forward to coming to work every day? I look forward to coming to work everyday because, everyday is always the best day ever, in one way or another. Your happy place: Relaxing at New Smyrna Beach Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Disney or Seaworld of course, but I also enjoy eating out with family and friends. Fun Fact: During COVID, I wrote a children’s manuscript and my youngest son persuaded me to send it to a publisher. Dorrance Publishing published and released it in 2020.

OY and TOY finalists Rina Santiago External Bookkeeper Evans High

Number of years with OCPS: 7 Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Morning Pep Rally, Chanting 4949 Silver Star Road.

In one sentence, why do you look forward to coming to work every day? I know that the work that I do is going to be a change agent of the Evans High School Community. Your happy place: Smoky Mountains

Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Bok Tower Gardens, Leu Gardens Fun Fact: I collect carousels.

Andrea Teixeira da Silveira, Paraprofessional Bilingual Portuguese Endeavor Elementary Years with OCPS: 5

Hometown: Pernambuco, Brazil

Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: UCF, St. Leo Hometown: Orlando

Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Book Parade

Why do you look forward to coming to work every day? Because I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of English language learners and help them on their academic journey. Your happy place: Beautiful beaches and national parks

Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: I love exploring natural beauty like the sunset on Siesta Key Beach. Fun Fact: I ran my first half marathon at age 46.

Tara Quintal

Senior Technology Support Representative ITS Southeast Region Years with OCPS: 6 Hometown: I was born in Port Jefferson, NY, but consider Orlando my hometown. Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Meet the Teacher has always been my favorite OCPS tradition. When I was a kid, getting to meet the person I would be learning from all year was as exciting as Christmas morning, and is just as exciting now with my own kids, and getting to be a part of the magic of a new school year by supporting the teachers. Your happy place: Lake Placid, NY, a cozy small town in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains. Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Visiting local shops and markets, like in downtown Winter Garden or the Lake Nona town center, with family and friends. Fun Fact: I enjoy making cosplay costumes for my kids (and sometimes myself) and taking them to various comic cons to nerd out all day.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS: Kathryn Gunter Media Specialist Lovell Elementary

Number of years in education: 29 Number of years with OCPS: 29 College alma mater: Florida Southern College Hometown: Port Charlotte, FL Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Lovell’s month of holiday activities, especially the dress-up days. They include Santa’s helpers (elves or reindeer), Grinch Day, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Flannel Friday, Pajama Day, Holiday Headgear, Ugly Sweater and Holiday Bling Out. Finish this sentence: I know I’ve really reached a student when… they feel a sense of belonging so they begin to participate in class and school activities. Your happy place: Mountain trails with my husband and dogs Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Exploring new restaurants Fun Fact: I am a fifth-generation Floridian.

Sara Hudson

Fifth-Grade ELA Teacher Prairie Lake Elementary Number of years in education: 11 Number of years with OCPS: 11 College alma mater: Florida State University Hometown: Orlando Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Hearing the Ocoee HS band playing “Sweet Home Ocoee” Finish this sentence: I know I’ve really reached a student when… they are able to walk away saying that even in the hard moments, they tried their best to make themselves proud. Your happy place: On an airplane getting ready to start a new adventure Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Exploring new restaurants Fun Fact: I ran my first and LAST half marathon with my sister and best friend two years ago.

Vanessa McMillion

Dean of Discipline and Science Coach Washington Shores Elementary Number of years in education: 28 Number of years with OCPS: 28 College alma mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Orlando Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: Family Science Nights Finish this sentence: I know I’ve really reached a student… when they are willing to persevere through difficult tasks. Your happy place: Walking in the various parks in Central Florida Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Riding the West Orange Trail Fun Fact: I love to travel and experience new places.

Deborah Parsons K-5 Music Teacher Lake Silver Elementary Years in education: 5 Years with OCPS: 5 College alma mater: University of Central Florida Hometown: Oviedo Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: My favorite tradition at Lake Silver is our Family Feast before Thanksgiving break. We invite all of our families to come and have lunch in our “backyard” picnic style. It’s always a really nice day when we get to see each other and enjoy some food together. I know I’ve really reached a student when… they get “the look.” Sometimes it’s because something clicked for them content-wise, and sometimes it’s because their confidence has started to kick in, but there’s a look that students get in my classroom when they are connected, and it’s one of my favorite things to see in a student. Your happy place: Nature! Anywhere with hills and trees Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Going to any kind of live performance – I love going to see concerts and theater performances Fun Fact: Elephants are my favorite animal, so much that my first tattoo was of one.

Jacqueline Russell

Sixth-Grade Math Teacher Meadowbrook Middle Years in education: 15 Years with OCPS: 5 College alma mater: Nova Southeastern University Hometown: Groveland, FL Favorite (OCPS) school tradition: One of my favorite traditions of OCPS is Open House, where the parents can come in and experience the transition of how the students move throughout the day. It gives them a better understanding of what their 6th graders are experiencing at a new school environment. I know I’ve really reached a student when… they no longer feel intimidated by the challenges of learning something new, or I have made a connection with them in such a way that they feel that in my class, or once they have left my class, it is a safe space for them, and that I support them when they need me. Your happy place: It was reading, then writing, now crafting Favorite thing to do in Central Florida: Spending time with friends and family enjoying new experiences, activities and restaurants Fun Fact: I will take a flight anywhere, but I am so afraid of heights. 16 16

Send the answers to these three questions to orangepeal@ ocps.net. One winner will be drawn from among the correct responses to win an Orange Peal prize package.

QUIZ Will You Be the Winner?

1. How many students are participating in JROTC programs 1. districtwide this year? _______ 2. What is Teacher of the Year Finalist Deborah Parsons’ favorite school tradition?_________ 3. The Center for International Studies magnet at Dr. Phillips High hosted a group of visitors this fall. From what city and country were they visiting?__________

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.

Discovery Middle School Discovery Middle School sent a powerful message during Red Ribbon Week with their Ghost Out Day. “Too many young lives are lost due to destructive decisions involving drugs and alcohol,” the school wrote on Facebook. “Some of our 8th graders became ghosts while the rest of the students wore black.”

Winter Park High School If the Winter Park High School cheerleaders are ever down a member, just call Mrs. Owens! The school posted an amazing reel of Mrs. Owens cheering right alongside the squad during a Friday night football game and not missing a beat! She shook her pom-poms like a champ and the video racked up over 7,000 views! Way to go!

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE POST 17

Ivey Lane Elementary Grab the tissues! During National Principals Month, Ivey Lane Elementary principal Gorsha Galbraith received a handwritten, heartfelt note from a young student telling her how much she is loved by everyone at the school and thanking her for being “the best principal.” The note was posted on X with the caption: “Our WHY.”

Around OCPS

The Horizon High Student Advisory Council members were joined by the cheerleaders, Hawk mascots and Principal Andrew Jackson as they spoke about the school’s Club Rush and Battle of the Classes activities and Hawk Squad program during the school board meeting Nov. 9.

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District 2 School Board Member Maria Salamanca wears University High’s football jersey and puckers up and gets ready to kiss the school’s cowboy boot after Colonial High lost the football game Oct. 26.

Vice Chair and District 1 School Board Member Angie Gallo and District 6 School Board Member Karen Castor Dentel are all smiles after their high school football teams University High (District 1) and Edgewater High (District 6) defeated Colonial High (District 2) and Boone High (District 3) during a football chalenge. District 2 School Board Member Maria Salamanca and District 3 School Board Member Alicia Farrant frown while wearing the opposing teams’ jerseys at the school board meeting Nov. 9. 19

University High’s twirlers perform after their school defeated Colonial High Oct. 26. 20 20

Football-challenge contenders Vice Chair and District 1 School Board Member Angie Gallo and District 2 School Board Member Maria Salamanca pose with University High’s cowboy boot, football team, twirlers, mascot and Principal Thomas Ott after they defeated Colonial High Oct. 26.

Best OCPS Photos By Frank Weber

Falling for you

Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortega, read to students by Dr. Vazquez on Mondays with Maria

We are all ears

Ms. Erica Murphy-Palmetto ES, is a 2023-2024 Disney Teacher Impact Grant Recipient!

Waltzing into the holidays

Thanks to the Lake Nona HS Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Conrod for getting the RBELC into the holiday spirit

Throwing some dirt

Superintendent Maria F. Vazquez, School Board Member Angie Gallo and the Career and Technical Education team celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Orange Technical College – East Campus on a site across from University High School.

Leaping for Joy

Media Specialist Aimee Havrilesko of Colonial HS received the Phoenix Foundation Morning Glow Grant for $12,000

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: SANDRA CARR name encompassing the symbols of the orange and the school ANDY ORRELL bell, the Orange Peal was intended for “the good news of this FRANK WEBER school system [to be] ‘rung out’” -- in other words, to peal. SAMANTHA WEISS