Education

Reflections of an Art Teacher

Publisher — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:03:11 +0000

By nature, art is a fun activity. It is hands-on. It is playful. You can choose from an array of media to express whatever you want, in whatever style you prefer. You can be creative, imaginative. It can be as simple or as sophisticated as you desire. It is the freedom to imagine and to explore without being judged that makes art so inviting to learners of all levels and interests. I remember how, as a small child, I spent most of my time drawing with chalk; on the floor, on the door, on the wall. And when they were all covered, I wiped them clean and started all over again. I was in my own little world. I was the master. I could dream and create anything I wanted. Art is a magical power!

A Letter from the East Area Superintendent, Dr. John Edwards

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:09:32 +0000

All of us at Orange County Public Schools are looking forward to kicking off the 2008-2009 school year. Last year, a record number 126 schools earned a grade of “A” or “B” and the district as a whole also received a grade of “A”. Next year will be very different due to budget cuts. OCPS will receive $94 million less for the upcoming year. As a result, 585 teachers, 424 classified and 179 district and administrative positions were eliminated. In addition, with the increase in the price of fuel, the daily cost for running the buses has increased from $33,600 to $68,480.

Back to School with New Braces

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:08:06 +0000

School supplies? Check. Backpack? Done. Stylish new clothes? No problem. But, did you know that one of the best back to school accessories is a healthy smile? Straight teeth are not only good for your child’s health, but can change the way they see the world, points out Dr. Kary Marris of Marris Orthodontics.

“It’s almost like their whole personality changes, and that can change someone’s life for the positive,” she says with a smile. “It’s why we do what we do.” Dr. Marris and her staff realize their unique responsibility to every patient, and that’s why their personalized care starts the moment the office doors open.

What You Need to Know About Backpack Safety

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:06:42 +0000

Backpacks are a necessary part of life for children and teenagers, carrying everything from schoolbooks, supplies and personal items. But, when buying a backpack parents and students should be concerned with more than how great their favorite cartoon character looks or how they will be able to accessorize the bag to match their new school clothes.

Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the wearer’s strongest muscles, and, when used correctly, they can be a great way to carry the necessities of the school day, says Dr. Lynne Whitson of Hands On Family Chiropractic in East Orlando.

“When backpacks are worn incorrectly or are too heavy, they may cause problems for the users,” she says. “Over time, they can cause chronic shoulder, neck and back pain in addition to stooped posture.”

FCAT Primer: Are You Ready?

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:00:39 +0000

The FCAT is considered to be one of the most important tests in every Florida grade-school student’s career. With numerous implications, subjects and procedures for various grade levels, students and parents must be prepared early and often for the test taking place every year in mid-March. Below is a brief overview of the FCAT broken down by elementary, middle and high school segments.

Smile Back to School Supply Drive

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:48:17 +0000

A number of East Orlando dentists have partnered with Lach Orthodontics to collect much needed school supplies for local elementary and middle school students. The Smile Back to School supply drive, going on now, is accepting donations of everything from paper and markers to backpacks and glue to ensure local youth have everything they need to be successful this year.

Schools Feeling Budget Pinch

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:46:15 +0000

Funding restrictions made earlier this year by the Florida State Legislature resulted in strict budget cuts in Orange County Public Schools. Districts are cutting back on travel, field trips, energy consumption and other items to make ends meet. The fallout of the cuts will be felt in the classrooms later this month when the reduction of school supplies, sporting events and even teachers becomes a reality.

Melissa Weingarten, with two children going to Discovery Middle School, is already frustrated with the cutbacks. “Well, we not only have to buy more supplies for our kids, but we also have to buy a few teacher supplies as well. They constantly need things and will ask for supplies throughout the year, usually on a ‘volunteer’ basis. And, of course, there won’t be as many field trips as there used to be.”

A Flip in School Bell Ring Times

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:44:01 +0000

Just like the Beach Boys’ 1974 hit Endless Summer, the children in East Orlando are enjoying a longer break thanks to a new law passed last year that makes the school start date August 18. Many people tried to stop the law from passing and there are emotions exploding on both sides of this issue. Now parents are faced with more stress with Orange County’s new “flip” in the school start times.

The Orange County School Board held a Budget Work Session on April 15. Superintendent Ronald Blocker and staff presented, as a cost-saving measure, the flip of middle school and high school start times beginning this month.

Zoning In On New Schools

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:32:24 +0000

While the rezoning issue for Orange County schools was received with mixed emotions, the idea of school Construction continues on a new relief school on Narcoossee Road. renovations and the opening of “relief” schools seem to be easier to swallow. The good news is that most of these projects are ahead of schedule and some lucky students will be the first to use these new facilities.

Getting Involved in Your Local PTA

Publisher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:29:22 +0000

Founded in 1897 in Washington, D.C., as the National Congress of Mothers, the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA) is the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation. Working in cooperation with many national education, health, safety and child advocacy groups, the PTA provides the best tools for parents to help their children be successful students. Your local PTA offers a good way to get involved in your child’s education.

“Personally, my involvement has increased,” says Dr. Leslie A. Miller, PHR, Timber Creek High School PTSA (Parent Teacher-Student Association) president. “I was not very active in my children's schools when they were in elementary and middle school, but when my children entered high school I got involved in the PTSA.”