Hamlin Elementary opens its new doors for 2022-23 school year

The new Hamlin Elementary School opened in Horizon West for its first day of the 2022-23 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 10. 

More than 500 students arrived at the front door's of the school, greeted by Principal Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne, who welcomed the new Hamlin Huskies with smiles and waves. 

“Our goal as a school family is to work together to provide our students with a rich learning environment,” she said. “My vision … is to always put kids first. Student success is attributed to the partnership and the relationships we build within our community. It truly does take a village. Education is a joint venture, and we greatly appreciate the support you provide for your children at home and at school to help them be successful.”

The campus includes an administration office, a multipurpose/cafeteria, kitchen media center, classrooms, art and music labs, computer lab(s), multipurpose lab(s), a covered play area, hard courts, playgrounds, covered walkways, an expanded parking lot, an expanded student drop-off loop, enhanced classroom technology including new computers and interactive touch-screen panels. 

Hamlin Elementary also includes special programs such as safety patrol, news crew and Battle of the Books. In addition, the school hosts after-school care programs such as Champions, Amazing Athletes of Central Florida, Orlando Sports Academy and I9. 

KINDERGARTEN BOOHOO BREAKFAST

The school's Parent Teacher Organization hosted a Kindergarten BooHoo Breakfast for parents on Friday, Aug. 12, in the media center. 

Marithza Vargas, chairperson for the breakfast, welcomed attendees with warm greetings as they enjoyed doughnuts and coffee. 

Silvia Goulart de Franca, Hamlin Elementary’s first PTO president, was also in attendance with several other volunteers.

Goulart de Franca was a member of the PTO at Water Spring Elementary and has a son who is attending the new school. 

“It’s such a huge responsibility — especially when it’s a brand-new school,” she said. “We are starting from scratch, but it’s also a very big honor.” 

Parents enjoyed conversation and met new faces before hearing a short speech from Murphy-Osborne with a Portuguese translation by Goulart de Franca. 

"Everyone has been so kind and the community is amazing," the principal said. 

Murphy-Osborne shared her goals for the school year include a heavy emphasis on academics. 

"I want our kids to be the best, I want them to graduate at the top of their class," she shared. "There's no reason for any child not to do well, at least under my leadership, I will work my hardest to make sure we fill the gaps and I will do my best to always hire the best staff. I feel like I have the 'A Team' in this building."

The principal said there have not been any large bumps in the road thus far, the only concern being drop-off and dismissal in the car lines, which has already been alleviated. 

Murphy-Osborne also introduced several staff members in attendance as well as Deputy Steven's Bertrand who will serve as the school's School Resource Officer.

"Your kids are safe," Bertrand said. "I make sure to walk around the school constantly and the staff here is great so you have a great school here."

The principal said safety is a top priority at the school and there are about 59 cameras covering the campus which are monitored. 

BACKGROUND

Hamlin Elementary opened along with two other relief schools for the Horizon West area, Panther Lake Elementary and Hamlin Middle. 

​Hamlin Elementary, located at 16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, relieves Water Spring and Whispering Oak elementaries.