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Welcome to The Slice!

This is your central source for all the positive news and achievements from Orange County Public Schools!

We've brought together the best of our district communications, from the Superintendent's weekly message (Mondays with Maria) to the inspiring stories of our teachers and students, all in one mobile-friendly place. Here, you'll see how OCPS is working daily to Prepare, Inspire, and Empower every student for a thriving future.

Dive into the stories below to celebrate the faces, programs, and progress shaping OCPS.

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December 4, 2025

A Funny Thing Happened

A Doubly Fun Day in Kindergarten – Two funnies during one recent class: “We introduced the letter ‘T.’ I showed the class many items that began with the letter ‘T.’ Upon showing the ‘teeth,’

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The blurred logo of a company, with text and a blue circle.

December 8, 2025

Now, I know we've always said our district police, canine Coco, is the district's most beloved employee, but I think she might have some competition. Officer Glenn Ford is here with me today. He is from our district police unit, and with him, meet Kelli, we have our second police canine. A wonderful donor came forward, which gave us the opportunity to get a second canine. Welcome, Officer Ford and Kelli. Click here to watch this episode!

Previous Episodes

Two people sit at a round table in a studio setting, engaged in conversation.

Around OCPS

Submit your photos of what’s going on “Around OCPS” to orangepeal@ocps.net. Your school or department photos may be featured below.

Group shot of OESPA bargaining team.

We have a deal!

OESPA bargaining team after reaching agreement on salaries.

Ron Pollard signing MOU.

Sign on the dotted line.

OESPA President Ron Pollard signing the MOU on salaries and benefits.

Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth are sworn in as lieutenants.

Badge of Honor

Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”

Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth.

Badge of Honor

Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”

Brian Howarth and K-9 Coco.

Badge of Honor

Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”

A group of people run across a grassy field on a sunny day.

“Five-start” Rating

Edgewater High students and staff had the opportunity to receive their Madden rating from EA Sports and meet sports legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, a former NFL wide receiver. And don’t believe everything you see on social media - he is not coming to work for OCPS.

Children play a game of catch on a sunny, grassy field.

"Five-start" Rating

Edgewater High students and staff had the opportunity to receive their Madden rating from EA Sports and meet sports legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, a former NFL wide receiver. And don’t believe everything you see on social media - he is not coming to work for OCPS

A group of friends pose together outdoors, smiling at the camera.

"Five-start" Rating

Edgewater High students and staff had the opportunity to receive their Madden rating from EA Sports and meet sports legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, a former NFL wide receiver. And don’t believe everything you see on social media - he is not coming to work for OCPS

A group of people in uniform stand in front of a field of American flags.

Never Forget

The cadets from the Dr. Phillips High Air Force Junior ROTC held their 11th Annual Memorial Tribute to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Matthew Tipton, the national Director of Air Force JROTC. Local police, sheriff’s deputies and fire officials also took part.

Many American flags are displayed in a grassy area under a blue sky.

Never Forget

The cadets from the Dr. Phillips High Air Force Junior ROTC held their 11th Annual Memorial Tribute to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Matthew Tipton, the national Director of Air Force JROTC. Local police, sheriff’s deputies and fire officials also took part.

American flags wave in the breeze beneath tall flagpoles.

Never Forget

The cadets from the Dr. Phillips High Air Force Junior ROTC held their 11th Annual Memorial Tribute to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Matthew Tipton, the national Director of Air Force JROTC. Local police, sheriff’s deputies and fire officials also took part.

Sandra Gordon holds a dedication plaque

Field of Dreams Achieved

For more than 30 years, Coach Julius “JB” Jordan influenced generations of students at Evans HS as an educator, coach and athletics administrator. His wife, Sandra Gordon, at right and below former student-athletes and friends celebrated the naming of the football field after this Pine Hills hero in September. His legacy will live on! Thanks, Coach.

Sandra Gordon points to a sign celebrating the naming of the football field

Field of Dreams Achieved

For more than 30 years, Coach Julius “JB” Jordan influenced generations of students at Evans HS as an educator, coach and athletics administrator. His wife, Sandra Gordon, at right and below former student-athletes and friends celebrated the naming of the football field after this Pine Hills hero in September. His legacy will live on! Thanks, Coach.

Two people smile and embrace outdoors, at the football field dedication

Field of Dream Achieved

For more than 30 years, Coach Julius “JB” Jordan influenced generations of students at Evans HS as an educator, coach and athletics administrator. His wife, Sandra Gordon, at right and below former student-athletes and friends celebrated the naming of the football field after this Pine Hills hero in September. His legacy will live on! Thanks, Coach.

Three people pose with a large Goodwill logo in a bright room.

Goodwill Hunting...The search is over!

The OCPS alternative high school program, Project Compass, has been found back in its newly renovated location at Goodwill. Based inside the Goodwill Industries location on Orange Blossom Trail, the school is structured so students can earn high school credits, earn money working at Goodwill, and maybe even hang out with GWilly, the official mascot.

A group of people stand in front of a Goodwill store, cutting a ribbon.

Goodwill Hunting...The search is over!

The OCPS alternative high school program, Project Compass, has been found back in its newly renovated location at Goodwill. Based inside the Goodwill Industries location on Orange Blossom Trail, the school is structured so students can earn high school credits, earn money working at Goodwill, and maybe even hang out with GWilly, the official mascot.

A group of people smiles while planting young trees outdoors on a sunny day.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A group of people work together in a garden bed, possibly planting.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A young person wearing a beret and a sports jersey tends to plants outdoors.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A group of people stand outside a building on a sunny day.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A young person smiles while holding a small plant, standing near a display of greenery.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A group of people reach up towards a tree branch outdoors.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

A teacher presents to a class with a screen displaying images.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.

Two people stand near a partially constructed white fence outdoors.

Things are growing wild at Audubon Park School!

Students are partnering with Fleet Farming and the Florida Wildflower Foundation to promote Florida wildflowers and sustainability throughout the Audubon Park Garden District. This year-long initiative included an extensive campus beautification and a new landscape plan including native plants for the front of the school. Students helped create the plan and are installing QR codes so visitors can learn about the plants. This project also includes the Audubon Park Community Garden, a shared space on campus managed by Fleet Farming. Originally funded through a $25,000 grant from Sprouts, this space houses garden plots that community members and school families rent. Students will grow wildflowers in the community garden, then take them home and transplant them into the community.