The Slice

Students empty uneaten, compostable food into a recycling bin,

[VIDEO] Millennia Elementary Officially Enters Its Composting Era

By turning cafeteria scraps into compost, these young learners are discovering how small actions can make a big impact on their school and community.

September 21, 2026

Water Spring Middle School Assistant Principal Andrew Schwartz's father Mark Schwartz on a 9/11 memorial.

[VIDEO] 25 Years Later: A Son Honors His 9/11 Hero Father and Shares a Powerful Message

Water Spring Middle School Assistant Principal Andrew Schwartz shared with students as he reflected on the legacy of his father, who lost his life on September 11, 2001, while helping others.

September 14, 2026

[VIDEO] What’s Next for Technology in Education? | #OCPS ITS Summit

A lot can change with one click. 💻 That’s why our OCPS technology teams gathered for the ITS Summit at Edgewater High School to network, meet vendors and hear from industry leaders like Google to

September 3, 2026

[VIDEO] Solar Fans, Green Lessons & Big Ideas: How Sally Ride Is Inspiring Young Eco-Leaders!

What happens when a school turns sustainability into a real-life learning experience? 🌱☀️ At Sally Ride Elementary School, going green is more than an initiative—it’s an opportunity to teach

September 1, 2026

[VIDEO] Lake Nona High School Mascot Tryouts: Who Will Be the Next Lion?

The roar is getting louder at Lake Nona High School! 🦁🎉 Students put their school spirit, energy, creativity, and performance skills to the test during mascot tryouts, hoping for the chance to

August 27, 2026

[VIDEO] First-Year Teacher, Big Impact: Meet an OCPS Educator

What’s it like to become a teacher for the very first time? Meet an inspiring OCPS educator as she begins her first year in the classroom, sharing her journey, challenges, and the joy of making a

August 25, 2026

OCPS Sustainability Coordinator Amy Shova shows okra that students planted at Conway Elementary School

[VIDEO] Growing More Than Plants: Community Partners Revitalize Conway Elementary Garden

Thanks to an ongoing partnership with HDR, students at Conway Elementary School have access to a thriving school garden where they can experience the science of growing food firsthand.

August 20, 2026

West Orange High School JRTC cadets salute the American flag

[VIDEO] From AFJROTC Cadets to Leaders: Building Character at West Orange High School

Before the first day of school, incoming freshmen are already learning valuable life skills through Air Force JROTC Basic Cadet Training (BCT).

August 18, 2026

An incoming student uses a big pencil to sign a certificate during kindergarten signing day.

[VIDEO] Newest OCPS Students Celebrate Kindergarten Signing Day at Innovation Elementary School

Excitement filled the air as incoming kindergarten students and their families visited campus for Kindergarten Signing Day!

August 13, 2026

[VIDEO] Freshman Frenzy: Olympia High School Welcomes the Class of 2030!

Starting high school just got a whole lot more exciting! 🎉 Olympia High School welcomed its newest students with Freshman Frenzy, a fun-filled event where incoming students had the opportunity to

August 11, 2026

Chickens in their new coop at Arbor Ridge K-8

[VIDEO] Students and Volunteers Build New Chicken Coop at Arbor Ridge K-8

Over the the summer months, Arbor Ridge K-8 agriculture teacher Sean Nagy, student volunteers, families, and community members worked together to build a brand-new chicken coop on campus.

August 6, 2026

[VIDEO] Preparing for Success: School Leaders Unite for Safety and Collaboration

School leaders from across the OCPS district came together for a multi-day leadership summit focused on operational excellence, compliance, safety, and preparedness.

August 4, 2026

Families arrive at the OCPS Global Family Welcome Center for the Back-to-School Community Event

[VIDEO] Inside the OCPS Global Family Welcome Center Back-to-School Community Event

The event at the OCPS Global Family Welcome Center gave families a one-stop shop to get ready for the first day of school with backpacks, school supplies, immunizations and more!

July 28, 2026

Photo of four OCPS Volunteers holding a Read2Succeed tote bag and smiling at the camera

OCPS Volunteers Inspire Young Readers Through Read2Succeed

Read2Succeed uses volunteer tutors to mentor early readers. Find out how you can help.

July 28, 2026

The OCPS OCPS Grounds & Pest Control Department installs new plants and mulch at Shenandoah Elementary School.

[VIDEO] Beautification project: Behind the scenes with OCPS Grounds & Pest Control Department

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the beautification project at Shenandoah Elementary School and see the dedication that goes into maintaining Orange County Public Schools' campuses year-round.

July 23, 2026

Woman with open arms with letters IAMAHERO

[VIDEO] A Day in the Life of an OCPS Emergency Preparedness Administrator | #IAmAHero

Every hero has a superpower. Penni Long’s is being ready for anything. Spend a day with our OCPS Emergency Preparedness Administrator and see how she helps keep our schools safe by planning ahead

July 21, 2026

orange school bus orange county public schools

[VIDEO] When Every Second Matters: Inside the OCPS Reunification Bus

When seconds count, preparation is everything. Take a quick tour of our OCPS Safety and Emergency Management Reunification Bus! It’s fully stocked with essential supplies and ready to roll at a

July 16, 2026

[VIDEO] How OCPS strengthens bilingual education with the Two-Way Dual Language Academy

Two languages. Endless possibilities. Behind every great bilingual program are incredible educators. This week, teachers and school leaders from across OCPS came together for our Two-Way Dual

July 14, 2026

Woman tries new online registration website for OCPS

[VIDEO] OCPS launches new online enrollment system

Our new online enrollment system gives families a faster, more convenient way to complete the process from home or on the go.

July 7, 2026

Teachers dancing at the instructional Leadership Learning Academy

[VIDEO] Instructional Leadership Learning Academy helps school leaders prepare for new year

Summer school never looked so good. OCPS principals and assistant principals recently came together for the Instructional Leadership Learning Academy to collaborate, sharpen their skills and get

June 23, 2026

[VIDEO] In the Heights | Behind the Scenes of OCPS' First-Ever Summer Musical

What does making OCPS history look like? It looks a lot like this. Go behind-the-scenes of In the Heights, the district's inaugural summer musical production, and see how students from across OCPS

June 19, 2026

Preschool children line up for graduation

[VIDEO and STORY] Patti Jo and the Tangelo Park Program

Patti Jo Church-Houle had no idea how many lives she was going to help change. As she prepares for retirement at the end of June, the preschool director reflected on the arc of her career.

June 17, 2026

[VIDEO] Summer BreakSpot Program is back

School is out, but healthy meals are still in! ☀️ OCPS and the Food and Nutrition Services (FSN) team is back with the Summer BreakSpot Program, ensuring no child goes hungry this summer. From June

June 11, 2026

[VIDEO] Teacher retiring after 40 years as an educator

“I feel like I have done the purpose that I was put here for.” That’s not a retirement speech. That’s a mic drop. After 40 years, Rock Lake Elementary first-grade teacher Starlyne Clark is retiring.

June 9, 2026

[VIDEO] Seniors walk the hallways of their old elementary school before graduation

It’s the graduation tradition that has us tearing up every time… Before they cross the stage, our OCPS seniors returned to the elementary schools where it all started -- while little future grads

June 8, 2026

These students started as kindergarteners together at Sun Blaze Elementary and, just last week, graduated from Innovation High.

[VIDEO] From kindergarten to graduation with the same teachers

This is NOT your typical graduation story. These students started as kindergarteners together at Sun Blaze Elementary and, just last week, graduated from Innovation High. Along the way, something

June 4, 2026

A group of students from East River High School's First Responders Academy stand in front of a fire truck.

The New Hybrid: OCPS Opens Courses to Home Education Families

Through the Personalized Education Program (PEP), home-education parents can now curate a "hybrid" schedule including in-person classes in OCPS schools.

May 19, 2026

[VIDEO] Discovery Middle School's annual Dance-a-Thon for Autism Celebrates Inclusion and Acceptance

Dance moves with a mission. Discovery Middle School recently held its annual Dance-a-thon for autism -- a fun, high-energy celebration of inclusion, acceptance and a community that empowers every

April 21, 2026

[VIDEO] Earth Day 2026: How the Sadler Elementary Recycling Club is Saving the Planet

Talking trash has never looked so good! ♻️ With Earth Day coming up next week, we’re checking in with the Sadler Elementary Recycling Club! These students are proving that you’re never too small to

April 16, 2026

[VIDEO] Mentorship club at Legacy Middle School helps girls develop positive thinking

Fearless. Strong. Smart. At Legacy Middle School, a mentorship program is helping girls build confidence, develop positive thinking and learn strategies to navigate the challenges of middle school

April 14, 2026

[VIDEO] Medical Careers Magnet at Apopka High School

At Apopka High’s Medical Careers Magnet, students are gaining hands-on experience through dissections and working with advanced equipment typically seen at the college level. These opportunities

April 9, 2026

[VIDEO] UCF athletes inspire love of reading at Corner Lake MS

When the UCF Knights stopped by Corner Lake Middle School to read to our InD students, they brought more than just school spirit—they brought a world of inspiration. Adding some major momentum to

April 7, 2026

[VIDEO] Biomedical Program at Horizon High School

Spoiler: The cure for "boring classes" is found in the Horizon High Bio lab. Through our educational partnership with Orlando Health, students in the Horizon High Biomedical Program are gaining the

April 2, 2026

[VIDEO] How music helps ESE students build confidence at Lake Silver Elementary

If you need a smile today… this is it. Students in Deborah Parsons’ ESE music class at Lake Silver Elementary are expressing themselves through singing, movement and joy — while growing in

March 31, 2026

[VIDEO] How art class connects students to engineering skills | Arts In Our Schools Month

Shhh… don’t tell them they’re actually doing physics. Our Bay Meadows Elementary artists are currently knee-deep in clay! While it looks like messy fun (and it is), they’re actually mastering 3D

March 26, 2026

[VIDEO] Behind the Scenes: Beauty and the Beast Musical | Southwest Middle School

Be Our Guest! There’s a "tale as old as time" happening at Southwest Middle School: a completely student-led production of Beauty and the Beast! This isn’t just a play; it’s a masterclass in

March 24, 2026

[VIDEO] All boys dance team at Water Spring Elementary

Move over Backstreet Boys… OCPS might have the next big boy band. This all boys dance team at Water Spring Elementary is learning rhythm, teamwork and confidence — skills that carry from the stage

March 12, 2026

[VIDEO] Students shine in Robinswood Middle School's new theater program

The stage is set at Robinswood Middle School. Their theater program may be just a few years old, but students are already building confidence, creativity and real-world skills — from public

March 10, 2026

[VIDEO] Harp adds rare and unique sound to Chain of Lakes Middle School orchestra

Most middle school orchestras have violins, violas and cellos. At Chain of Lakes Middle School, they also have a harp. One talented student is learning to play the stunning instrument, adding a

March 5, 2026

[VIDEO] Sadler Elementary School Step Team | Arts in Our Schools Month

Through step, our students are strengthening concentration, discipline and collaboration -- skills that directly support academic success in reading, math and beyond. This is what happens when

March 3, 2026

[VIDEO] Students build, program competition robots Inside Apopka High's Advanced Engineering Magnet

Beep boop… just students at Apopka High building and coding robots like it’s no big deal. The Advanced Engineering Magnet offers hands-on opportunities like this Robotics class, where students

March 2, 2026

[VIDEO] National FFA Week | Colonial High School hosts FFA petting zoo

Goats and lambs on campus? Yes. Future industry leaders? Also yes. Colonial High School's FFA program recently hosted a student-led petting zoo — but this was more than a feel-good event. It was

February 27, 2026

[VIDEO] #IAmAHero | A Day in the Life of OCPS Bus Driver Quatessa Williams

You've never met anyone like OCPS bus driver Quatessa Williams. The laugh? Legendary. The personality? Unmatched. The love she has for kids? Real. Around here, they don’t just call her Ms. Williams.

February 26, 2026

[VIDEO] OCPS Spring College & Career Fair lets students explore opportunities beyond graduation

Future doctors. Future welders. Future business owners. Future everything. Our Spring College & Career Fair wasn’t just an event — it was a launchpad. Students connected with colleges, technical

February 24, 2026

[VIDEO] OCPS Debate Teams compete while building public speaking skills

Argue your point. Sharpen your skills. Repeat. Welcome to the OCPS Debate League! Through friendly competition, watch how these scrimmages help students build confident speaking and leadership

February 12, 2026

Principals Teaching Principals

Matt Hendricks, the principal of Atwater Bay Elementary, has been out of the classroom for 12 years. But during a recent principals meeting, he was holding a foam sphere on a pencil to help

February 11, 2026

[VIDEO] What is GROWL? How this program helps young girls thrive

Finding their roar! Watch how the GROWL mentorship program at Ridgewood Elementary is giving young girls the tools to lead and empowering them to believe in themselves -- in and out of the

February 10, 2026

[VIDEO] 2026 OCPS Spanish Spelling Bee

¡Felicidades! Last week, students competed in the OCPS Spanish Spelling Bee at Olympia High -- but the final results might surprise you!

January 27, 2026

From New Schools to New Additions - OCPS Shifts Building Plans to Fit Enrollment Needs

Established neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and College Park don’t need more schools. So what happens when more students are expected than seats available? At schools including Dr. Phillips

January 22, 2026

[VIDEO] Wekiva High and UCF team up for mangrove sustainability project

Wekiva High’s aquaponics program is giving students a hands-on opportunity to explore sustainability and environmental science.

January 13, 2026

[VIDEO] Why OCPS music programs rock | Inside Howard Middle School's guitar program

This is what powerful arts education looks like. Howard Middle School’s unique guitar program helps students build confidence, creativity and collaboration through hands-on learning.

January 8, 2026

[VIDEO] OCPS Holiday Shopping Day for students in need

Behind the scenes this holiday season, something special is happening. OCPS Holiday Shopping Day helps provide gifts for students in need -- turning the generosity of our donors into moments of joy.

December 18, 2025

[VIDEO] Students shine at the District V Thespian Festival

Four days of pure theatre magic at the District V Thespian Festival! Dozens of OCPS schools jumped into the spotlight — performing, competing, collaborating and learning the kind of skills that shine

December 11, 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.

December 10, 2025

Luminary Opens: A New School Lights the Way

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 9, 2025

[VIDEO] Robotics, Aerospace and Real Skills: Inside Apopka High's Advanced Engineering Magnet

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

December 8, 2025

[VIDEO] Arts Integration program brings STEAM to life for Robinswood Middle students

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.

November 6, 2025

[VIDEO] Electrify Your Strings: Wekiva High students redefine music education with rock

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 28, 2025

[VIDEO] SGA Election Day at Carver Middle School | Learning how the voting process works

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 23, 2025

[VIDEO] Un día con Lorna Meléndez: el puente entre Dover Shores y su comunidad

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

October 21, 2025

Programs and Innovation

Programs and Innovation