December 10, 2025
Getting Help Early
In a playroom filled with colorful toddler toys, OCPS child development experts are helping parents get answers – and connecting their young children with help up to two years before kindergarten.
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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.

December 10, 2025
In a playroom filled with colorful toddler toys, OCPS child development experts are helping parents get answers – and connecting their young children with help up to two years before kindergarten.
December 9, 2025
This August, OCPS opened Luminary Elementary, a new state-of-the-art school located in the Lake Nona area. The school is the second elementary constructed using the district’s new prototype design,
December 8, 2025
Did you know that Apopka High School offers an Advanced Engineering Magnet Program? From advanced robotics to aerospace engineering, these students dive into project-based learning that challenges
November 6, 2025
When math meets art...the results are mind-blowing! Robinswood Middle School students are blending math, design and VR magic thanks to an arts integrated STEAM program with Orlando Family Stage.
October 28, 2025
Forget everything you thought you knew about string music. Wekiva High’s Electrify Your Strings program is empowering a new generation of musicians to think bigger, play louder and redefine what
October 23, 2025
It's Election Day at Carver Middle School! Students recently participated in their Student Government Association elections by following the full voting process: campaign signs, check-in stations,
October 21, 2025
Acompáñanos a vivir un día con Lorna Meléndez, Parent Engagement Liaison en Dover Shores Elementary, y descubre el impacto que tiene en su comunidad. Lorna es la conexión entre la escuela y las
December 10, 2025
OCPS is celebrating the people who make our schools shine – with a night full of sparkle and well-deserved recognition. On Friday, Jan. 30, the district will gather at Rosen Shingle Creek for
December 10, 2025
By day, they’re dedicated leaders. By weekend, they’re chasing the horizon on two wheels. Meet three OCPS employees who share a passion for motorcycles and how riding fuels their lives beyond their
December 4, 2025
Kenneth Feacher has retired from OCPS once before. If he hadn’t come back, thousands of OCPS employees and guests would have missed out on his smile, his friendly manner and his deep knowledge of

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!
Submit your photos of what’s going on “Around OCPS” to theslice@ocps.net. Your school or department photos may be featured below.
OESPA bargaining team after reaching agreement on salaries.
OESPA President Ron Pollard signing the MOU on salaries and benefits.
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OESPA bargaining team after reaching agreement on salaries.
OESPA President Ron Pollard signing the MOU on salaries and benefits.
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
Three OCPS district police sergeants were promoted to lieutenant Rob Bobay, Francina Ogburn, and Brian Howarth, K-9 Coco’s “dad.”
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
