Cardinal Day takes flight at Ocoee Elementary School

Christine Moore, Orange County School Board member, is helping the elementary schools in the city of Ocoee celebrate their heritage. On Wednesday, Nov. 8, it was Ocoee Elementary’s turn.

The day recognized the history of the city and the school, but also it incorporated activities that lined up with Florida Standards so they included an educational component.

As part of the project, students engaged in literature, writing, science, art and music.

They wrote about the history of Ocoee, dedicated a mural by artist Lisa Mikler, participated in a parade, sipped on passionflower tea, stuck handmade paper pinwheels in the ground to form OCOEE and attended a live bird demonstration. They sang “Sweet Home Ocoee.”

The Ocoee Middle School band walked over to the elementary campus and serenaded students.

“I love every opportunity to celebrate our students, who they are and what they will surely be,” Principal Dr. Ana Gonzalez said. “We make a point of encouraging each and every child as often as possible. This event makes our history a reinforcement of what they already know: Ocoee Cardinals are very special and have so much to give to our community.”

Celebrating the school’s and town’s traditions is key to building confidence and ongoing pride, she said.

“Children need to have a sense of place. That sense of place brings the foundation and security vital to their social-emotional development. … It is vital students are connected to their school and community,” Moore said. “Kudos to Principal Dr. Ana Gonzalez who went above and beyond to make the day a success.”

Moore’s next special day is Nov. 20, when she hosts Blue Jay Day at Spring Lake Elementary.