Education Bulletin

Maitland Middle School music teacher up for grant

The following music teachers are up for a $1,000 grant after being nominated by their students at local schools for empowering them to follow their artistic passions:

Jennifer Jimenez of South Miami Senior High School

Dr. Lori Lovell of Maitland Middle School

Rosa Rabinovich of N. S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8

Daryl Yasay of West Orange High School

The grant is part of a campaign from the Give A Note Foundation and 21st Century Fox that honors the legacy of the “American Idol” series by helping struggling music programs across the country. Jennifer, Lori, Rosa and Daryl are four of 20 teachers nationwide who have been named “Music Education Idols,” and they can put the grant toward necessary resources that will further enhance their school’s music program. Through a five-year collaboration with GANF, 21CF has donated more than $1 million to underfunded music programs in schools across the country as part of their commitment to support the next generation of artists and creators.

Christina Arenth named 2018 Orange County Teacher of the Year

Orange County Public Schools named the 2018 Orange County Teacher of the Year during a celebratory announcement at the Rosen Centre Hotel. From among 194 nominations and five finalists, the top award was given to Lake Sybelia Elementary School teacher Christina Arenth. Ms. Arenth is a pre-K teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing with more than 30 years of experience. She is a Master Teacher for the Learn Together Project, a nationwide network pairing college students with practicing teachers of the deaf. Her classroom lessons focus on growing vocabulary and improving her preschoolers’ social skills that have been impacted by their hearing loss. Parent involvement is crucial, and she strives to keep her connections strong by writing daily personal notes home.

OCPS psychologist wins award

The Florida Association of School Psychologists has announced its award recipients for 2016, and Ms. Lauren Parker, an Orange County Public Schools psychologist, is among the awardees. Parker, a psychologist in the East Learning Community, earned the 2016 FASP Early Career Award. She started her career at Orange County Public Schools two years ago. According to colleagues, she’s already proven herself an effective practitioner with a commitment to using evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for children and families. Orange County Public Schools sees Parker as a valuable member of the district and its school teams, specifically her dedication to thoroughness, professionalism, and a commitment to collaboration.

Dr. Barbara Jenkins named Florida’s 2017 Superintendent of the Year

In a surprise announcement in Tampa, during the Florida Association of District School Superintendents and Florida School Board Association joint conference, Dr. Barbara Jenkins was named Florida’s 2017 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Jenkins has been dedicated to serving the needs of students for more than 25 years. She was named superintendent for Orange County Public Schools in 2012.