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Student Announcer: Welcome to Mondays with Maria. Here's our superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez.

Announcer: Presented by Addition Financial Credit Union for life. Here's OCPS Superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez.

Dr. Vazquez: Hi everyone. It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and this week, we have a team of individuals across the district delivering letters to teachers that were written by our 2026 graduates. The letters are being delivered to the teacher that made an impact on their life as they prepare to graduate high school. In fact, we actually captured a couple of our seniors delivering their own letters. Take a look.

Monica Emery, Gotha MS Principal: We have a surprise for you. Are you ready?

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: Hi.

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: Hi.

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: How are you?

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: Good. 

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: These are for you.

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: Okay, thank you. 

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: I have a letter I want to read to you. Dear Mrs. Guerra, I hope this letter finds you well. I was recently reflecting on my years in middle school, and wanted to reach out and thank you for being such an incredible teacher. When I was in your eighth-grade class, I went through middle school. I think this was a very special experience for me, going back and being able to see my teacher and letting her know that she is appreciated and that she's very memorable. I can understand Spanish to a great extent, and I'm fairly fluent in speaking it as well. I believe that you definitely contributed to my knowledge and understanding of the language, and I want to thank you.

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: It was a recognition of the impact I had on her life and her academic career, and that was very heartwarming. I was not expecting it at all. And it's so heartwarming to see that we as teachers get to impact so many lives, and it was just awesome. I'm still a little shaken up.

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: Thank you for challenging me, encouraging me to believe in myself, and making learning enjoyable. It feels very nostalgic. As soon as I stepped on campus, I started remembering everything I experienced here, seeing my teacher from four years ago, and now, knowing that I'm graduating, it feels like a full-circle moment. You were very helpful and a memorable teacher. I remember you being very persistent with the fact that we had to practice to get better, and making us speak Spanish in class even when we might not have wanted to. Your patience and dedication truly made a difference in my life, and I still use the skills I learned in your class today. Sincerely, Brianna Lewis. 

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: Thank you so much.

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: Oh, don't cry.

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: Thank you. Thank you so much. 

Brianna, Jones HS Senior: Of course. 

Isabel Guerra, Gotha MS Teacher: I told her that I was so proud of her and what she was able to accomplish, but that's because of the effort she put in, but I'm, I'm happy that she came back to tell me that I play a part in that, and it just, I just had to hug her. I mean, it was amazing. I'm getting teared up already.

Dr. Vazquez: These deliveries are so special. I will also be delivering letters this week. Be on the lookout. I may walk into your classroom. I want to take a moment and personally thank all of our teachers. Thank you for all that you do every day throughout the week. Not only are letters being delivered, but also gifts. Gifts that were secured by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Just for you. Take a look at all of our partners. The gifts include Fun Spot’s season pass, with drawings for a one-year free car wash membership. Many different types of gift cards. H2O Waterpark passes, Coco Key waterpark passes. There's a staycation, some gift baskets along with Orlando Magic Tickets, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, and so much more. I hope you take advantage of all of it. Be on the lookout for emails from the foundation. Thank you all for watching. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe. We will have more on our podcast. Just go to wherever you get your podcast and search for Mondays with Maria. Have a great day. I'll see you next week.

Announcer: For an extended conversation on today's topic. Listen to the Mondays with Maria podcast. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Mondays with Maria is presented by Addition Financial Credit Union. Count us in for every step of your financial journey. Learn more at Additionfi.com. For more OCPS news and information, visit TheSlice.ocps.net. I'm your announcer. Emily Hannon, a student at Audubon Park School. Thanks for watching, and have a great week.