The School District of Osceola County, Florida

Ten Finalists Named For Osceola's 2013 "Teacher of the Year The field of 57 individuals named as school-based "Teachers of the Year", in honor of excellence in their profession, has been narrowed down to the top ten finalists. The name of one of these individuals will be revealed as Osceola County's 2013 "Teacher of the Year" at a ceremony hosted by the Education Foundation - Osceola on March 16, 2012, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The following educators have been named as finalists: Maria Barry - Middle School Math Teacher at Celebration K-8 Theresa Brady - First Grade Teacher at Lakeview Elementary Nanci Brillant - Reading and College Readiness (Grades 9-12) Teacher at St. Cloud High School Amanda Brown - Fourth Grade Teacher at Neptune Elementary Aaron Foley - Language Arts Teacher (Grade 12) at Gateway High School Kimberly Hollock - Literacy Coach (K-5) at Partin Settlement Elementary Elizabeth Hudson - Gifted (K-2) and Second Grade Teacher at Harmony Community School Michael Ortiz - Music (K-8) Teacher at Bellalago Charter Academy Pauline Waggoner - Math Teacher at Neptune Middle School Jennifer Zable - Art (K-5) Teacher at Hickory Tree Elementary A panel of judges selected the finalists based on their applications, which outlined their educational history, professional development, teaching philosophy and practice, and included letters of recommendation. Each finalist was surprised at their work location by Superintendent Terry Andrews to announce their finalist standing.
Ten Finalists Named For Osceola School District's 2012 School-Related Employee of the Year The field of 69 individuals named as School-Related Employee of the Year for their school or department, in honor of excellence in their profession, has been narrowed down to the top ten finalists for the district. The name of one of these individuals will be revealed as Osceola County's 2012 School-Related Employee of the Year at a ceremony hosted by the Education Foundation - Osceola on Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The following employees have been named as finalists: Angelo Cruz -- Paraprofessional at East Lake Elementary Maria Victoria Diaz -- Clerk Typist at Celebration K-8 Linda Haroulakis -- Paraprofessional at Reedy Creek Elementary James Jacobson -- Self-Care Aide at Celebration High June Jansen -- Executive Secretary at Partin Settlement Elementary Kyyiann Sippio -- Paraprofessional at Harmony Community School Sue Smith -- Executive Secretary in Student Services Maria Sparks -- Receptionist in Human Resources Laura Walker – Paraprofessional at Alternative Programs Kathleen Weisheyer -- Community Involvement Liaison at Koa Elementary A panel of judges selected the finalists based on their applications, which outlined their involvement at the school/department and community level, leadership skills, continuing education, and letters of recommendation. Each finalist was surprised at their work location by Superintendent Terry Andrews to announce their finalist standing.
College Goal Sunday To Help Osceola Students Reach Their Dreams Of Higher Education The Osceola Counseling Association, in partnership with the Osceola School District, the Education Foundation - Osceola, and Valencia Community College, will be providing a valuable service to assist college-bound high school seniors in our community in reaching their dreams of higher education through support received at College Goal Sunday. For the fifth year in a row, Osceola County is participating in College Goal Sunday, a national initiative to help thousands of students get the financial aid they need to go to college or trade school. The College Goal Sunday event will be held on February 12, 2012, at TECO/PATHS, located at 501 Simpson Road in Kissimmee, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. During this one-day event, students and families will receive expert help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the federal government's instrument for calculating need-based financial aid, and the official document used by every college and university to determine eligibility for federal student aid. The form must be completed by students and parents each year to apply for all types of federal, state, or college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, some scholarships, educational loans, and work programs. To complete the FAFSA, the following information will be needed: - 2011 IRS tax returns and W-2 statements; - Social Security number, driver's license, or alien registration card; - Untaxed income records for the previous year, such as Social Security benefits, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, or Veteran's benefits; and - Most recent bank statement. To make an appointment with a trained counselor on College Goal Sunday, individuals should call 407-870-4919. Walks-ins will be taken after appointments have been honored. For more information, parents and students can speak to their high school guidance counselor or visit www.collegegoalsundayusa.org.

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