Mondays with Maria Podcast

In this episode, Superintendent Maria Vazquez talks about the importance of reviewing progress reports and what resources are available for parent to help their child be success in school. The Family and Community Engagement Director highlighted resources on Launchpad such as Lexia, Reading Plus, Reflex Math, IXL, Math Nation, Gizmos, and Khan Academy, plus free SAT/ACT help through the Orange Cou...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez speaks with District Police Chief Bryan Holmes on the 10th anniversary of the Orange County Public Schools District Police. They reflect on the agency’s founding, board recognition, and growth since August 15, 2015. The episode highlights specialized units—compliance teams installing 15,000 "Safer Area" signs, the Intel unit’s threat management work, partnerships with...

In this episode, Superintendent Maria Vazquez talks about the Parent Academy events that help OCPS families connect, learn, and support student success. From  in-person mini-conferences to hands-on student activities and virtual sessions which are available in multiple languages.

Superintendent Maria Vazquez explains why daily attendance matters for students’ academic, social and emotional growth, and misconceptions around excused versus unexcused absences. Find out about district strategies to re-engage students and support families—family engagement nights, counseling and social work interventions, student town halls, school choice options including Orange County Virtual...

Superintendent Maria Vazquez speaks with the principal of Orange County Virtual School (OCVS) about Orange County Public Schools full-time and part-time virtual option for students. OCVS combines online synchronous and asynchronous learning with campus days, local certified teachers, and extensive course options (including honors, AP, and dual enrollment). OCVS also offers practical programs like...

In this episode Dr. Maria Vasquez and OCPS leaders discuss the new Portrait of a Graduate — core skills and goals guiding the district’s strategic plan to prepare students for college, careers, and life. They explain how career planning starts in elementary school and builds through middle and high school. Listeners learn about tools and supports such as Zello (X-E-L-L-O), school counselors, colle...

Join OCPS Superintendent Maria Vazquez has she recaps an exhilarating first day of school filled with visits to new and familiar campuses across the district. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts of a day that underscores the transformative power of education and community support.    

Welcome back to a new season of the "Mondays with Maria" podcast! Join us as we gear up for a phenomenal school year with exciting announcements, including the unveiling of a beautiful new school in Laureate Park and the introduction of innovative communication platforms like ParentSquare and a new chatbot. Prepare for the unexpected as we discuss hurricane season readiness and highlight the impor...

Superintendent Vazquez highlights the Top 3 for 2024-25 and the Top 3 for 2025-26 

Superintendent Vazquez highlights the district's new Strategic Plan 20301

Superintendent Vazquez highlights Project Impact.

Superintendent Vazquez highlights OCPS Partners and ADDitions volunteers 

Superintendent Vazquez explains all of the avenues to register for the 2025-26 school year   

Superintendent Vazquez brings you peer to peer advice for middle school.

Superintendent Vazquez talks about the last quarter of the 2024-25 school year.

Superintendent Vazquez takes more questions from high school students.

Join Dr. Maria Vazquez and Nancy Alvarez as they celebrate the 100th episode of the Mondays with Maria video series!

Superintendent Maria Vazquez introduces you to the OCPS security staff who work with Coco the dog.  

Positive news about OCPS gets a new storyteller. Meet Danelia Buitrago.  

Middle school teachers offer some reassurance to parents who are nervous about middle school for their child. 

Meet Oange County Public Schools 2025 Stellar Award winners, Teacher of the Year, Support Person of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and Administrator of the Year. 

The importance of annual health screenings.

Superintendent Vazquez and School Board Member Byrd discuss the new Let's Read OCPS Challenge.

Superintendent Vazquez explores how resiliency is helping develop positive characteristics in students.

Superintendent Vazquez and Nancy Alvarez give a preview of the exciting OCPS events happening during the upcoming second semester.