Schools & Kids
Friday, April 24, 2026 · Orange County
Lake Mary Coach Becomes Guardian to Orphaned Wrestler
A Lake Mary High School wrestling coach stepped up as legal guardian for student-athlete Maryellen Wingate after she lost both parents to cancer. The heartfelt act provides stability for the teen on and off the mat in Central Florida. Wingate's story highlights compassion amid tragedy.
Miami-Dade Schools Win $1.37M Grants to Boost Voc-Tech Amid Teacher Crunch
Facing a persistent teacher shortage, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is doubling down on vocational training with $1.37 million in state grants for apprenticeships in auto tech and culinary arts. Partnerships with local businesses promise hands-on paths to high-demand jobs, easing the educator crisis by steering students toward trades. This expansion cements M-DCPS as Florida's CTE leader.
Friday, April 24, 2026
UF Eyes $500M Engineering Boom to Tackle Florida Tech Shortage
The University of Florida is pushing for $500 million in state funding to expand engineering facilities, aiming to supercharge STEM education amid Florida's booming tech sector. The proposal targets workforce gaps in high-demand fields like data science and advanced manufacturing. With Gainesville at the epicenter, UF's multibillion-dollar building spree could reshape the state's innovation landscape.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Florida Senate OKs Bill Capping Teacher Tenure at 4 Years
In a bold move to elevate classroom performance, the Florida Senate has passed legislation limiting teacher tenure to just four years while mandating merit-based evaluations. The measure, aimed at statewide public school gains, reignites a decade-old debate on accountability versus job security. Backed by GOP leaders, it heads to the House amid teacher union pushback.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Florida Lawmakers Advance Teacher Pay Reforms Amid Shortage Crisis
As Florida's teacher vacancies surge, lawmakers in the 2026 session are pushing bills to boost salaries, restore multiyear contracts and tackle retention head-on. From Tallahassee to Tampa Bay classrooms, these measures aim to value educators with higher minimum pay and incentives. The proposals signal a pivotal shift in addressing the state's education staffing emergency.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Florida Public Libraries Weigh Impact of Digital Textbook Shift
Florida's accelerating adoption of digital textbooks in public schools is prompting libraries to reassess their role in providing learning resources. Concerns are rising about equitable access for students without home internet or devices.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Oakland High School Bands Weigh Disney vs. Universal for Annual Performance Tours
Oakland's high school band programs are weighing their options between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort for their annual performance tours, a decision impacting fundraising and student experiences.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Modernizing the School Fundraiser: Digital Crowdfunding Offers Local Families Relief from Door-to-Door Sales
Oakland schools are embracing digital crowdfunding for class trips, moving away from traditional door-to-door sales to ease the burden on families and increase funding efficiency.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Oakland Educators Begin Early Planning for 2026 Student Expeditions
Oakland educators are beginning the two-year planning process for 2026 student tours, focusing on international and domestic destinations that blend curriculum with cultural experiences.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Modernizing the School Fundraiser: Digital Crowdfunding Offers Local Families Relief from Door-to-Door Sales
Oakland schools are embracing digital crowdfunding for class trips, moving away from traditional door-to-door sales to ease the burden on families and increase direct funding for educational activities.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Oakland High School Bands Weigh Disney vs. Universal for Annual Performance Tours
Oakland's high school band programs are weighing the options between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort for their annual performance tours, a decision impacting fundraising, logistics, and student experiences.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Local Educators Begin Early Planning for 2026 Student Expeditions
Oakland educators have begun the two-year planning process for 2026 student tours, focusing on international and domestic destinations to provide enriching educational experiences for middle and high school students.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Florida Students' Tobacco Use on the Rise, National Report Shows
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) indicates a rise in the use of emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookahs among middle and high school students. The study highlights a trend in tobacco use within this demographic.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Part-Time Daycare Near Me: Flexible Fall Options for Working Parents
Orlando parents are finding more flexible part-time daycare options emerging for the upcoming fall season, catering to diverse schedules and needs.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Calling all Nature Lovers: 6 Books to Inspire Nature Adventure
Discover six inspiring books that can deepen your connection with nature, perfect for Winter Garden residents looking to explore local parks and trails with a fresh perspective.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Bear Lake Elementary Releases 2026-2027 School Calendar
Bear Lake Elementary School in Apopka has released its 2026-2027 academic calendar, providing parents with key dates for the upcoming school year.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Starting Fresh: Parenting Resolutions for a Happy New Year
Winter Garden parents are embracing the new year with resolutions focused on fostering harmonious homes, from dedicated family time to encouraging independence.
Friday, April 24, 2026
The Importance of Parental Involvement in the Preschool Years
Winter Garden parents are recognizing the significant impact their involvement has during a child's preschool years, laying a crucial foundation for future academic and social success.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Sort it Out
Winter Garden residents are urged to improve their recycling habits by correctly sorting materials to prevent contamination and ensure the efficiency of local waste management programs.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Best of the Southeast: UCF Conquers Civil Engineering Competition
The University of Central Florida's Civil Engineering team secured first place at the Southeast Regional Conference of the American Society of Civil Engineers, showcasing their exceptional skills.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Brightwheel Login Reminder for MWS Parents
Orlando parents with children at MWS are reminded to log into the Brightwheel app for the latest school communications and updates.
Friday, April 24, 2026
KindNEST Charitable Giving: The Nest Schools in Denver Make a Difference Through Local Giving
This article clarifies that the KindNEST Charitable Giving initiative, while impactful, is based in Denver and does not directly involve the Winter Garden community.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates and Upcoming Events in Orlando
Orlando residents should mark their calendars for upcoming City Council meetings, a public hearing on zoning changes, the library's 'Spring into Reading' program, the 'Taste of Orlando' festival, and a high school baseball game.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Case Study: New University Laboratory Bridges Local Research and Community Needs
A new state-of-the-art 'Innovation & Discovery Lab' at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Research Park officially opened yesterday, aiming to enhance local scientific research and foster stronger community ties through projects like water quality studies and educational workshops.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Lost and Found: A Parent’s Guide to Child Safety in Public Spaces
Winter Garden parents can enhance child safety in bustling public spaces like the Farmers Market and Plant Street Market by implementing proactive measures and teaching children what to do if they get separated.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Orlando Families Weigh Options: The Appeal of Private Education
Orlando families are weighing their educational options, with many considering private schools for reasons ranging from specialized curricula to smaller class sizes and specific religious education.
Friday, April 24, 2026
The Importance of Parental Involvement in the Preschool Years ~ Nest Blog
A recent blog post highlights the crucial role of parental involvement during preschool years, a topic frequently discussed by Winter Garden families and educators.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Zzz: Is Your Winter Garden Child Getting Enough Sleep?
Winter Garden parents are encouraged to assess their children's sleep habits, as adequate rest is crucial for development, academic success, and overall health.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Zzz: Is Your Winter Garden Child Getting Enough Sleep?
Winter Garden parents are encouraged to consider if their children are getting enough sleep, a crucial factor for development and academic success.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Orlando Public Library Announces New Digital Literacy Workshops
The Orlando Public Library is launching a new series of free digital literacy workshops starting next week, offering residents essential computer and online safety skills.
Friday, April 24, 2026