Class Notes 10.23.14

+ OCPS outpaces state, nation in exams

According to the recent release of the 2013-14 Advanced Placement test participation and performance, the number of Orange County Public Schools students taking AP tests increased by 16% over the previous school year.

Students achieving passing grades of 3 through 5 went up 18.4% over the previous year. In nearly all categories, OCPS has outpaced the state and nation.

In a key demographic, Orange County Public Schools’ black and Hispanic students outpaced their counterparts across the state and the nation.

Students who pass an AP exam are able to earn college credit for that course, resulting in one less course to take and pay for at a college or university.

“These outcomes are a tribute to the outstanding work of our students and teachers,” said Superintendent Barbara Jenkins. “We remain committed to providing access and support to make students successful and better prepared for college and careers.”

+ UCF ranks among top in diversity

The University of Central Florida was ranked 12th nationally in awarding degrees to minority students, according to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine.

The publication released its rankings of the top 100 undergraduate and graduate minority-degree producers as part of a special report on the magazine’s 30th anniversary.

UCF awarded 3,616 degrees to all minorities in 2012-13. Out of these, the university ranked:

• Eighth nationally for awarding degrees to African-Americans (988)

• Eighth for Hispanics (1,868)

• 22nd for native Americans (49)

• 39th for Asian-Americans (605)

“Becoming more inclusive and diverse is one of our long-standing goals at UCF because different lived experiences enhance excellence in everything we do,” said Dale Whittaker, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The value of diversity is that it results in a richer educational experience for everyone.”

The data about minority degrees were compiled for the publication by Dr. Victor Borden, of Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis, using the most recent numbers from the U.S. Department of Education (2012-2013 academic year). Borden created rankings in the total number of degrees awarded at every college and university, as well as specific figures in major fields of study and disciplines.

For the magazine’s complete list, visit diverseeducation.com/top100/.

 + Legacy High crowns royalty

Legacy High School crowned its 2014 Homecoming royalty Oct. 3.

Senior AnnaShollenbarger was crowned queen, and senior DillanHudson was crowned king.

Royal Court members also include: ChrisLamprecht and KalianaGuthrie (ninth grade prince and princess); MilesMoyer and JulieFlores (10th grade prince and princess); andJoelAdams and McKenzieVaughn (11th grade prince and princess).

+ Tech students earn scholarships

OCPS Tech Centers recently welcomed the Retired Educators Foundation of Orange County to present student scholarships.

Robert Ford, board chairman, and Ellen James, scholarship director, from the Retired Educators Foundation of Orange County Florida, presented 10 scholarships to CTE students.

Those recipients included four from Westside Tech: Deonika Chimney, Kimberly Worthy, McCauley Hunter and Saeed Shakur. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to continue in their chosen career.

+ SunRidge selects Teacher of the Year

Andrea Manning, a fourth-grade teacher at SunRidge Elementary, has been selected by her peers as the school’s Teacher of the Year.

Manning was recognized for her student engagement and rigorous strategies to help her students succeed. She is in her third year at SunRidge Elementary and has been the team leader and sponsor of the school’s safety patrols.

+ Citrus school honors Conenna

Congratulations to Citrus Elementary School recently named MichelleConenna as its Support Person of the Year.

Conenna is the school’s health assistant but also helps out in many other areas of the school. 

+ Windy Ridge performers take stage

Performing artists at Windy Ridge School stole the spotlight during the school’s recent Fine Arts Night.

The night, organized by band director David Sellers and drama teacher Teresa Pancotto, showcased the talents of the students in the school’s band, drama and string departments.