Mondays with Maria Podcast

IIn this episode of Mondays with Maria, host Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez interviews student leaders from Orange County Public Schools — valedictorians from several high schools — about their high school experiences, involvement in activities, and the meaning of academic leadership. Students share practical advice for incoming freshmen, highlight the importance of support systems, connectiv...

Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with two first-year OCPS teachers — a fifth-grade teacher and a music teacher — about their surprises, supports, classroom strategies, and memorable student moments. They share practical advice on differentiation, flexibility, and self-compassion, plus stories that show how building connections helps students engage and grow as the teachers finish their first year.

OCPS tradition continues with seniors writing letters to the teachers who changed their lives during Teacher Appreciation Week. 

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Dr. Rahim Jones highlight standout Orange County Public Schools elementary programs — from kindergarten chess clubs and dual-language classrooms to Rock Your School, the Amazing Shake, service learning, and strong teacher development. The episode shows how these academic and non-academic opportunities, certified teachers, and professional learning prepare OCPS...

In this episode Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with OCPS sustainability leaders about the district’s Sustainability Plan 2030, its five targets (waste, water, health & wellness, energy, and transportation), and real examples from schools like Ivey Lane, Magnolia, and Zellwood. They discuss programs such as composting pilots, water-usage education, Energy Star-certified schools, electric buses and van...

Join OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez at Wekiva High School as she sits down with Chef Bates and students Parker and Aaron to explore the Culinary Arts Magnet Program. Discover how the program grew, student-run businesses like the Mustang Creamery gelato shop, hands-on events such as Taste of Wekiva, catering opportunities, and real-world skills that prepare students for careers and entrepren...

In this episode, Superintendent Maria Vazquez and guests highlight the wide range of programs and supports available through Orange County Public Schools, from magnet programs and advanced coursework (AP, IB, Cambridge, dual enrollment) to career certifications and award-winning arts and athletics. They discuss student supports, inclusion for exceptional learners, partnerships with local colleges,...

Join Superintendent Maria Vazquez and Orange Technical College Executive Leader Rosa Grant as they highlight the many hands-on programs through Career and Technical Education at Orange Technical College. Field such as health, IT, construction, manufacturing, and transportation that prepare students and adults for in-demand, high-wage jobs quickly and affordably. They discuss everything from dual e...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez visits Memorial Middle School to talk with Principal Eddie Foster, Teacher of the Year Jean-Gilles, and students about the school’s culture, music programs, leadership opportunities, and academic progress. The episode highlights the growing band and drumline, multiple All-County selections, the principal’s council and second-chance approach, as well as strategies that...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez hears students from across Orange County Public Schools share what they love about their schools — caring teachers, friendships, celebrations, and a wide range of extracurriculars from arts to athletics. The episode highlights school culture, student connections, and resources like school tours and programs that help families explore opportunities and keep students eng...

On this episode of Mondays with Maria, OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez visits Colonial High School with Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez and three students to hear what makes their school special. The students discuss their school’s diverse community, robust programs (FFA, AP, technical pathways), the strong teacher-student connections, and how the school prepares them for college and fut...

Orange Center Elementary will convert to a public-private charter school in partnership with Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools after a parent vote. The principal will remain, the school will expand toward a K–8 model, and parents will have a permanent seat in governance. The partnership emphasizes STEAM programming, community supports, family empowerment, and resources that help studen...

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez sits down with the five 2026 Stellar Award winners — Teacher of the Year Alexandra Figueroa, Support Person Gabriela Cardani, Principal Amy Klaber, Assistant Principal Rebecca Young, and District Administrator Kim Gilbert — as they discuss their roles, what they're proud of, and the joy of being honored at the district’s awards ceremony.

Dr. Maria Vazquez and guests explain OCPS kindergarten registration, why early enrollment helps schools plan, and how families can prepare through tours, school events, and connecting with teachers and other parents. The episode reviews required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, physical, immunizations) and practical tips to make the first weeks smoother for children and families.

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez announces year two of the Let's Read OCPS challenge, aiming for a countywide goal of 50 million minutes read by April 30. After surpassing last year’s goal, district media specialists share successful strategies to motivate students. The episode highlights results from last year: the district logged over 40 million minutes, and students who read and logged 500...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez and guests highlight OCPS plans for second semester of the 2025-26 school year, including graduation dates, Stellar awards, the Let's Read Challenge, Spirit Run and Top Talent events. They also discuss school consolidation meetings amid budget and enrollment shifts, upcoming CPR training, Parent Academy offerings, and encouraging families to check grades and plan for a...

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez highlights a winter performance at Dr. Phillips High School. Check the OCPS Arts calendar for upcoming events at your local middle and high school. https://www.ocps.net/  

On this episode of Mondays with Maria, Dr. Maria Vazquez and OCPS Officer Glenn Ford introduce Kelli, the district's newest canine. Hear about her training, role in weapons detection, and how she will work alongside Coco to help keep students and staff safe. Plus, hear about the anonymous donation that brought Kelli to OCPS and how random canine screenings add an extra layer of school safety.   Th...

Join OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and VPK leaders as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Orange County’s Voluntary Pre-K program, highlighting certified teachers, bilingual classrooms, full- and half-day options, and community partnerships that prepare children for kindergarten. Learn about enrollment through the VPK Family Portal, eligibility requirements, and OCPS’s strong results—wi...

Hosts Scott Howat and Dr. Michael Armbruster welcome Princeton Elementary Principal Kim Elkins and producer Shari Bobinski to highlight Thanksgiving and what they are thankful for—especially family, friends, and school traditions. The episode touches on the Princeton picnic tradition, upcoming holiday performances, the school approaching its 100th anniversary, and personal Thanksgiving plans, endi...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez talks with Deputy Superintendent Mike Armbruster about OCPS community and student town halls, the new high school Connectivity Day, and how listening to students, staff, and families leads to real changes. They discuss outcomes like cell phone policy updates, efforts to boost student connection and clubs, middle school concerns about recess and scheduling, and upcoming...

Read2Succeed celebrates 25 years of one-on-one tutoring for nearly 5,000 second graders each year, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Interested volunteers can apply through foundationforocps.org or OCPS.net to get training and be matched with a student at a local school.

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and guests discuss the Pick, Read, and Roll event—a partnership with the Orlando Magic that celebrates improving readers, especially from Title I schools. The program brings thousands of students to the arena for games, player interactions, and recognition to motivate reading and persistence. The episode highlights the event's impact, memorable student reactio...

Join OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez as she chats with a principal, staff and students about their schools strong community, unique clubs like Critter Club and Crochet Club, their award-winning programs, and music and sports offerings. Hear how long-term family involvement, volunteer support, and engaging activities have helped build empathy, leadership, and creativity which keeps kids filli...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez highlights Orange County Public Schools’ magnet programs, over 40 specialized options like aviation, engineering, world languages, visual and performing arts, and first responders. Applications open Monday, Oct. 13, look for the new virtual magnet fair with program videos, open houses and tours, and resources on the school choice website including FAQs and step-by-step...