Class Notes 10.08.15

School Board OKs 2016-17 calendar

Starting next fall, the second semester for Orange County Public Schools students will end before the winter break.

The Orange County School Board approved the 2016-17 school calendar at its meeting Sept. 29.

The new school year will begin Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. Thanksgiving break will be from Nov. 23 to 25, 2016, and winter break from Dec. 19, 2016, to Jan. 2, 2017. The first semester will end just prior to winter break.

Spring break follows the end of the third marking period and is scheduled for March 20 to 24, 2017.

The last day of school is Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

SunRidge Elementary

Every year at SunRidge Elementary, under the direction of art teacher Cassandra Newman, students create pinwheels in their weekly art class to celebrate World Peace Day.

The pinwheels are red, white and blue to symbolize the American flag and to honor our troops who serve so we may enjoy freedom and peace in our country.

This year, the students paraded to the front of the school and “planted” their peace symbols in the ground. Then they walked past a display board with the names of men and women in the armed services who are friends and relatives of students. The students also learned about the importance of spreading peace in the school and community, as well as the significance of having inner peace.

West Orange High

The College and Career Center at West Orange High has moved to better accommodate students. It is operated Monday through Friday during lunch by PTSO volunteers.

The center is a resource for students to learn about colleges, college prep and tech schools, and it doubles as a school store for students to buy spirit wear.

Foundation Academy

Foundation Academy held its See You at the Pole program Sept. 28 on the South Campus. The annual event occurs in schools throughout the country and is an opportunity for students and teachers to participate in prayer and worship at the school’s flagpole.

There was a great turnout of students, parents, staff and visitors around the flagpole. Some of the FA Praise Team members opened up with songs followed by a time of prayer. Student Government Vice President Sam Wilber led the group in praying for the nation, community, school and family.

Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School

Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School is holding a Fall Fest from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the school, 855 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Attendees can enjoy food trucks, game booths, prizes, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, prize walks, pie-eating contests, a pumpkin patch and more.

Whispering Oak Elementary

Whispering Oak Elementary has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2015. The designation is based on academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of my students, teachers and staff, along with the awesome parental support in our community,” said Principal Dr. Patricia Ramsey. “It has been my pleasure to open this school 10 years ago and be a part of this journey.”

The U.S. Department of Education will honor 285 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

Windermere Union Church Preschool

Windermere Union Church Preschool will host its annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fun Day Festival in October.

The patch opens Friday, Oct. 16, and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The Fall Fun Day Festival will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The event will include pony rides, face painting, carnival-style games, bounce houses, food and more.

The school is located at 10710 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere.

Dr. Phillips High

Dr. Phillips High has several dates of interest to parents and students.

Parent Night is Tuesday, Oct. 13, for juniors and seniors and Tuesday, Oct. 27, for sophomores, both from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Counselors will present high school graduation requirements; information on scholarships, Bright Futures, financial aid and FAFSA, college visits and applications, and other post-secondary opportunities. Nicole Vaia, Valencia College transition counselor, will be available.

Financial Aid Night is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Gerri McCormick, from the Office of Student Financial Assistance, will present “Navigating Your Financial Future,” an overview of state and national financial aid programs, FAFSA, Bright Futures Scholarships and other important financial information. DPHS counselors will also be present to answer questions.