Schools & Kids
Friday, May 1, 2026 · Orange County
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.
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, May 1, 2026
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.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Orlando Piano Student Wins Trip to Amsterdam
An Orlando piano student has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Amsterdam after excelling in a regional music competition held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Construction Planning: Understanding Master, Look-Ahead Schedules, and the Planning Process in Orlando Projects
Orlando's construction projects rely on Master and Look-Ahead Schedules, integral to the overall Planning Process, to manage timelines and resources effectively.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Apopka Farmers Market to Feature Organic Farm-to-Table Offerings
The Apopka Farmers Market will begin featuring organic farm-to-table offerings from local Central Florida growers every Saturday, starting April 19, 2026, at the Apopka City Center.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Ocoee's Job Market Shows Steady Growth, New Opportunities Emerge
Ocoee's job market is showing steady growth across retail, healthcare, and construction sectors, creating new opportunities for local residents.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus Conocen de Cerca la Investigación en la INTER
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus visitaron Orlando para una inmersión educativa en investigación, contribuyendo al intercambio académico en nuestra ciudad.
Friday, May 1, 2026
La INTER Reafirma el Rol Social de las Universidades en el XIII Diálogo de Infraestructura Sociomoral
La Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (INTER) reafirmó el rol social de las universidades en el XIII Diálogo de Infraestructura Sociomoral, una discusión relevante para las instituciones educativas de Orlando y su impacto comunitario.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus Conocen de Cerca la Investigación en la INTER
Estudiantes de CSU-Stanislaus visitaron las instalaciones de la INTER en Orlando la semana pasada para conocer de cerca la investigación científica y conectar la teoría con la práctica.
Friday, May 1, 2026
How Orlando’s Class of 2024 Fuels Regional Growth
Orlando's Class of 2024 is set to invigorate the local economy and community, bringing fresh talent and innovation to key industries across the region.
Friday, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 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, May 1, 2026
Halloween Safety Tips for Winter Garden Families
Winter Garden families are encouraged to start thinking about Halloween safety now, with tips on costumes, pedestrian awareness, and home preparedness to ensure a fun and secure holiday.
Friday, May 1, 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, May 1, 2026