Orange Peal - March/April 2023 - Orange County Public Schools

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March/April 2023 Edition

Be on the lookout for employee IDs in the photos in this issue. If you see your employee ID number, email [email protected] for a prize.

STO: Coaches in the Corner

Being assigned to the School Transformation Office may sound scary. But it’s more like having coaches in your corner, said Rock Lake Principal Melanie Simmons.

Joining the School Transformation Office is an opportunity for schools to harness professional support and resources to improve the culture and performance at a school in a school-specific way, she said.

OCVS Fulfills Mom's Dying Wish

With just months to live, Orange County Virtual School helped mom Diana Aray experience one of the most wonderful moments of her life.

Aray has been battling brain cancer and enrolled her son John Cates, 18, in the virtual-school program so he could participate in classes at home while working and being her caregiver.

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In this edition

OCPS First in Florida to Debut Electric Buses
Orange County Public Schools is going greener by beginning to transport students to and from school in electric school buses, thanks to a $2 million Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant.

“We are taking the next step to reduce the overall carbon footprint of our Transportation Services department,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “This also shows our commitment to a greener, healthier world for all of our children.”

Retirement Corner: Terry Hummel

Terry Hummel became a teacher by accident. He was waiting tables at Lee’s Pub in Orlando during the summer of 1984 after graduating from Rollins College with a degree in Latin American and Caribbean Affairs.
One of his regular customers, R.A. McKay, ran the Foreign Language department at Colonial High and needed to fill a Spanish teacher position a few days before the 1984-85 academic year began.

A Funny Thing Happened: Future Teacher?

I was teaching a small group of students math and a few more kids wanted to join us because they were confused. Two of the girls, who are rocking it in math, asked if they could help so I said, “Sure. You two set up at the back table and run your own small group.”