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Welcome to Mondays with Maria, brought to you by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Here's OCPS Superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Hi everyone, look who's back with me. Nancy Alvarez. Happy New Year. Can you believe it?
Nancy Alvarez: No, I can't believe it. Here we are. Happy New Year to you too. Here we are 2024. Tomorrow second semester begins. We're here already, right?
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Like the first semester just flew by. And the second one is packed. Packed with exciting events. This is when the days really go by so fast, especially for our seniors. Graduation dates were announced before winter break. They've put in their orders for caps and gowns, and I am absolutely certain that plans have been made for out-of-town guests and family members to fly in for such an exciting time.
Nancy Alvarez: Yeah, I saw the dates are on OCPS.net in case families missed the announcement it’s important to go to the website. There's a lot going on. The first graduation date is May 21st, the last one is May 31st. UCF and Amway Center will host most of those ceremonies
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Before we get to graduation. There's a lot going on and I really want our families and our community to know. So first we are hosting Stellar Awards. It really is one of my favorite, favorite events of the year. That's where we announce our Teacher of the year, our Support Person of the year, our Principal of the year, and our Assistant Principal of the year. And I think you're going to be joining us again this year.
Nancy Alvarez: I am. I know. I hope people aren't sick of me. I've been hosting this thing for like, I think like six years or something crazy. Six or seven years. It's crazy. Yes. We're excited. So the 23-24 Stellar Award winners will be announced Friday, February 2nd. It's going to be a lot of fun.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Yes, it is. I'm looking forward to it. February is also the deadline for the OCPS Magnet applications. The deadline to apply for one of our 41 programs is February the 15th. If you have questions, you can email
[email protected].
Nancy Alvarez: Very important deadline there. And the third annual School Spirit Run is back. Maybe I'll lace up my sneakers for this this year. I don't know about that. I don't really run, but I'll try. Maybe
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Well, we have individuals, families that they don't run. They walk. It is great to be out there early in the morning and seeing the sea of people. They come out decked out. It's such a fun event. It's hosted by the Foundation for OCPS at SeaWorld and powered by Delta Dental. That's going to take place Saturday, February the 17th. And you can sign up by visiting Foundationforocps.org.
Nancy Alvarez: And of course, we can't forget about the Top Talent auditions. I have seen some of the amazing talent in this district firsthand. Audition submissions for Top Talent Live 2024 are open now through the end of the month. I think I'm going to tell my daughter.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Ohh, good.
Nancy Alvarez: The show airs May 4th, but before that spring break. We're talking about spring break already.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: And it will be here before we know it. The days are already flying by this year. Spring break is March 18th through March 22nd. March 15th, the Friday before is a student holiday because it's the end of the third marking period.
Nancy Alvarez: Wow. All right. And your town hall meetings, we have to talk about those. Those will continue with some of them being virtual this year. At the end of the month you'll be at Freedom and Timber Creek High Schools.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Yes. They have really gone very well. We will be sending calls and emails when we will be in the school near you. So watch for those two communications.
Nancy Alvarez: Okay. We've covered a lot. We have a lot going on.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Yes, we have the busy second semester.
Nancy Alvarez: Yeah, it certainly is. Anything else that you think we should fit in here?
Dr. Maria Vazquez: I think for now it's a good start to the 2024 year. Thank you all for watching. Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The district and schools will be closed. So we will be back January 22nd with another Mondays. With Maria
Mondays with Maria has been brought to you by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Investing in our children today to strengthen our community tomorrow. For more OCPS news and information, visit theslice.ocps.net.