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, connectivity days, and community service, and reflect on balancing academics with extracurriculars as they prepare to graduate.

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 students with skills for college, careers, and community engagement.

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 vans, and the Green School Recognition Program that celebrates student-driven sustainability efforts.

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 entrepreneurship.

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, virtual learning options, and the community investments that make these opportunities possible, encouraging families to explore and visit their local schools.

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 enrollment, industry partnerships, high job placement rates, and more.  

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 reduced absenteeism through home visits and wraparound support.

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 engaged.

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 future careers.

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 students and parents pursue long-term educational and career success.  

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+ minutes showed notable gains in reading proficiency and overall achievement.

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 strong second semester.

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.   The episode is amazing!! Great job!! I was curious why the titles for the officers are a bit different from each other. One says K9 Handler while the other says K9 Handler & District K9. Is there a reason why? Also, I noticed towards the end Officer Howarth is only partially showing in the shot. Is there something that can be done about that?

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—with 96% of programs rated above expectations—plus where families can find more information on the OCPS Early Childhood webpage.

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, ending with well wishes for Dr. Maria Vazquez who was under the weather at the time of the recording.

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 community town halls.

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 reactions, and the community partnership that supports literacy and student engagement.

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 filling the halls.

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 help.

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 County Virtual Library.

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 local law enforcement and SROs, showcasing how the department engages with the community to keep schools safe.

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 School, and extracurricular opportunities—to help students connect and succeed.

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 driver’s education (including six hours of free behind-the-wheel training), after-hours tutoring, onboarding and parent support, and blended learning partnerships with neighborhood schools. Learn more at ocvs.ocps.net.

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, college and career specialists, and ways families can engage with the OCPS strategic plan to help students explore pathways, earn certifications, and create personalized post-secondary plans.

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 importance of staying informed through our enhanced communication methods. Plus, discover how all students will benefit from free meals and a cell phone-free environment to improve focus and engagement. Tune in to learn more about transportation updates, efficient bus routing, and intuitive features on our revamped website, ensuring parents and students alike have a seamless start to the school year. Experience the difference as we focus on enhancing communication, safety, and overall school experience.

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.