For many families, kindergarten is the first formal school setting a child experiences.  Starting school is a joyous occasion but can also be a time of anxiety and confusion. Although the expectations of kindergarten have changed over time, what’s needed to build a strong foundation for success in school has not. Parents can play an active role in preparing their children by remembering the 3 R’s: Relationship, Routine and Responsibility.  These are necessary to prime the brain for success in the traditional three R’s, “Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic”... Read more

As we move into fall and children return to school, it’s common that many of them will bring home more than just homework. When your child comes home with a sore throat, how can you tell if it’s something serious or just a typical sore throat? Strep Throat Vs. Sore Throat Izak H. Kielmovitch, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P. is a fellowship trained pediatric otolaryngologist with The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates, P.A. Most episodes of sore throat, which are typically accompanied by a cough, hoarseness and a runny nose are caused by viruses and usually clear up on their... Read more

Over 50 members and friends from 8 Kiwanis Clubs in the area joined together to clean up Camp Thunderbird in Apopka - a camp for adults and children with disabilities. This particular cleanup was organized by the Kiwanis of East Orange County. Volunteering has been encouraged in children for years. In elementary school, educators first plant the seed in children with clubs and other activities. From there, students can pursue philanthropy through middle, high school, college and so on if they desire through various organizations and groups both inside and outside of school. Today, many of those... Read more

It takes more than great teachers and engaged students to make a successful school. It takes an entire community - and that doesn’t just mean parents. Many times even without a family connection to a school, our local businesses offer support in various ways, some obvious, others not so. "Thank You" signs like these can be found all over East Orange schools that have been helped by local businesses. They do so through Orange County Public Schools’ Partners in Education program, which pairs businesses with schools.  Relationships between businesses, organizations and schools... Read more

If students choose to attend college, there are literally hundreds of programs available to help them pay for and succeed in the secondary education program of their choice. One such opportunity available locally to students attending Valencia College is the Bridges to Success (BTS) program, which offers a wide range of support services to minority and socio-economically disadvantaged students who need assistance getting through college. Students accepted to the BTS program are offered a two year scholarship to Valencia College and presented with numerous leadership and teambuilding opportunities.... Read more