BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE
TIPS, TRICKS, AND TEACHER STORIES BEFORE RETURNING TO THE CLASSROOM
Photo courtesy of The Bunny Hive Orlando
MEET THE TEAM
Waylon Krush Catie Moore Melissa Donovan
Mcintosh
Quast
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our first edition of our Back-to-School guide! As parents, students, and educators get ready for the year ahead, we have compiled some of our best tips and tricks to navigate going back to the classroom.
From snack ideas for the little ones to study spots for the college kids to stories from our local educators, we hope you, our readers, will find this guide to be a helpful resource during the ups and downs of the school year
Alongside our Back-to-School content, we have also announced the winners of our Best of Hotels contest! Thank you to everyone who took part and shone a light on their favorite local stays.
Our team at Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine is so grateful to be able to share community stories with our audience, and we hope this guide will help our local families go into the school year with ease
Thanks for reading, here is to another great year ahead!
CONTENT & CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
MelissaDonovan
CREATING COMMUNITY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: WHY PARENTS NEED A HIVE, TOO
BY KYRA BERGMAN & MEGAN GINGERICH
When the school bell rings and backpacks hit the floor, the pace of a mom’s day doesn’t slow, it simply shifts For mothers of school-aged kids, especially those with younger siblings still at home, the need for connection, support, and meaningful community doesn’t end with drop-off In many ways, it becomes even more essential
That’s where The Bunny Hive Orlando comes in, a modern social club designed for little ones and their grown-ups, offering not just enriching classes, but a place where moms can exhale, connect, and feel genuinely seen.
Originally envisioned as a beautiful space for classes such as baby music, art, and sensory classes, The Bunny Hive has blossomed into something deeper: a place of belonging It’s the soft-landing moms didn’t know they needed Between the music-making and story time, it's the conversations that happen, those candid, laughthrough-the-chaos exchanges, that truly define the experience
For moms navigating the unique in-between stage, juggling elementary school pickups with toddler tantrums, The Bunny Hive offers a space to slow down And unlike the playground hustle or the isolation of staying home, this is a community designed to support both the child and the caregiver
Whether you join a space like The Bunny Hive or start something from scratch, here are a few simple ways to build connection during this season:
Extend the invitation.
If you meet a kindred spirit at story time or the park, take the first step, invite them for coffee or a walk Chances are, they’re looking for connection too.
Create consistency.
A weekly playdate, walk, or meet-up can anchor your week and build deeper friendships over time
Say yes to community spaces.
Whether it’s a class, club, or mom meet-up, being part of a shared space naturally opens the door to new relationships, just show up and be yourself
Because even in the busiest seasons, connection is what sustains us Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone And just because one child is heading off to school doesn’t mean you’re finished needing your village.
At The Bunny Hive, you’ll find it, gently, joyfully, and always with open arms
Photo courtesy of The Bunny Hive Orlando
More About The Bunny Hive Orlando
The Bunny Hive is a modern social club for little ones and their grown-ups, offering engaging classes and a full calendar of community events for children from newborns to preschool From music and exploratory play to sensory and art, our thoughtfully designed programming supports both early childhood development and the emotional well-being of caregivers
Beyond weekday classes, The Bunny Hive’s Afternoon Club pop up series creates an opportunity for both older and younger siblings to join in the fun. Clubs like Drama Club, Little Athletes, and Social Circle are intentionally designed to enrich the afternoon hours with hands-on learning and creative expression These Afternoon Clubs are often little ones' first experience with extracurricular activities
At The Bunny Hive you’ll discover a thoughtful blend of experiential learning, open-ended play, and just-for-fun moments creating space for little ones to grow and for caregivers to connect Inside our studio you’ll find a warm, welcoming community, where parents can connect, little ones can explore and develop their skills, and everyone finds a place to belong
Because when parents thrive, little ones do too
Photo courtesy of The Bunny Hive Orlando
Photo courtesy of The Bunny Hive Orlando
FROM CHAOS TO CLASSROOM: EASY BACK-TOSCHOOL TIPS FOR PARENTS
BY JENNA GREAVES
Back-to-school season can be a whirlwind Good thing we’re here to make it easy! With these back-to-school tips and tricks, avoid the stress of adjusting to new schedules, check off a long list of school supplies, and ensure your kids have everything they need to feel comfortable on their first day of school
Lunchbox Love
Going back to school after a long summer at home can be scary Show your kid some love and keep them motivated throughout their day by dropping little notes of encouragement in their lunchbox Make their day brighter with lunch box surprises like love notes and every kid’s favorite: candy.
Students spend many hours of the day counting down the minutes until lunchtime Step up your lunchbox game with fruit kabobs and veggie sushi, or stick to classic snacks like ants-on-a-log and pinwheels sandwiches Be sure to incorporate foods that energize your kid, such as bananas and blueberries.
Pro Tip: Throw cold snacks like yogurt and applesauce in the freezer the night before school so they will thaw out and stay cold until lunchtime The frozen treat can double as an ice pack to keep other lunchbox items fresh for the day
Backpack Survival Kit
Backpacks carry so much more than notebooks and pencils Beyond books, equip your child with everything they need to survive the day at school.
Tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer are essential for any sticky situation kids may face When the recess bell rings, ensure your child has a water bottle handy to beat Florida’s heat To minimize the anxiety of returning to school, allow your child to throw a small toy or stuffed animal in their bag to help them feel calm and comfortable while away from home
When teachers send out the class supplies list, catch all the back-to-school shopping deals during the tax-free time period of Aug. 1-31.
Study Schedule
Getting back into the swing of “school time” can be a hassle. Help your kids glide back into their school routine by setting a bedtime, playtime, and study schedule and having them practice their sleep schedules two weeks before school starts Practicing school routines prior to the start of school will make getting the kids to bed on time and getting them to do their homework seamless once the school year begins
As most parents know, convincing kids to complete their homework can be challenging It is essential to set a designated location and time for studying so children can understand the difference between playtime and study time Of course, if all else fails, providing incentives can be an excellent way to convince your kid Make completing homework fun by offering kids an extra hour of TV or an extended bedtime
Photo
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: GET TO KNOW A FEW OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MOST LOVED TEACHERS
BY MELISSA DONOVAN
To Kim Bardsley, “teaching is life ”
Growing up with two sisters and a mother who worked in the education system, and a father who had a “thirst for learning,” Bardsley, a fifth-grade teacher at Bear Lake Elementary School, said she found it only right to enter the world of teaching
“I would say that the thirst for learning and that whole aspect of my dad, the way that he looks and views life, really impacted me as a kid, and then going forward into life as an adult, wanting to know how everything works,” Bardsley said “Breaking things down and just approaching life in that way helps me kind of feel like teaching is more like a life versus a job ”
Bardsley has been teaching for 15 years, since her days as a student at Lake Brantley High School, where she studied and worked in a preschool setting within the school’s early childhood program. As she looks to the upcoming school year, she reflects on how she has grown through her time in the classroom
“I will say that one of my favorite things about my job is the fact that I grow every year, that I see growth, that I see progress, not only with the kids, but in myself, and I can implement new strategies that I learned from different trainings and things,” Bardsley said.
With every school year comes new students who all may learn differently Similar to Bardsley, Kristen Hall from Courageous Character School said she relishes creating connections to help her students grasp concepts easily
“My favorite part of what I do is watching students pass through the zone of proximal development when they go from not knowing to knowing,” Hall said in an email “The faces of my students when it 'clicks' and they have that 'aha' moment is priceless ”
Hall said she has been teaching for 10 years and always felt a natural inclination to help others learn Through her time in the profession, she has found it most important to find something special in each of her students
“Every student, despite their struggles and challenges, has something to add to the school,” Hall said “Getting to know your students and finding their strengths is crucial to getting each student to shine their brightest.”
As the school year commences, Hall said she finds value in implementing routines at home to set up students well for the year ahead
“Students who are secure at home feel more secure at school,” Hall said
Photo courtesy of Kim Bardsley
best we can, and communication is truly one thing that helps every person be So talk to your [child’s] teacher, ask ead from a place of care for your kid, just from a place where we care about your ey said. “It's truly like a collaboration rent, teacher, and child; we're all there to child can be more successful ”
g , y p, said in an email “Also, let them help with school supply and clothes shopping, let them pick out things that they are going to be comfortable with Ask them how they are feeling about going back to school, help them through any uneasiness or worries they might be experiencing.”
Melik said she has been a teacher for 19 years and was inspired to get into the profession by her first-grade teacher, Mrs Gant
During her time in education, she said she has enjoyed getting to know her students and their families to help them find what motivates them to achieve their goals
Going into the upcoming school year, Bardsley said she looks forward to finding new ways to build connections for her students and celebrating her classroom’s successes, further affirming “teaching is life ”
“We want to be there to celebrate the success with your kids And I think some parents forget those things I'm not a teacher because I want to discipline kids I'm a teacher because I want to see kids succeed I want to see kids have a sense of pride,” Bardsley said
Photo courtesy of Kiristen Hall
Photo courtesy of Kerri Melik
SIMPLIFY AND SAVE MONEY ON BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING
BY NANCY GLASGOW
Back-to-school shopping can put a bit of a dent in parents’ bank accounts depending on how many school-age children they have, not to mention the stress of spending hours looking for the best deals Read on for some back-to-school shopping advice that can save parents money, time and frustration
Shop Online
It’s easier to stick to a shopping list and compare for best prices and you’ll save yourself the time and aggravation that can come from going from store-to-store in search of specific items or sales
Look Beyond Traditional Big Box Stores
Give resale shops a try, especially if your older kids are enamored of trendy labels Even the most label-conscious teen can enjoy shopping at resale stores because they can buy more designer/brand names for less.
Take Advantage of Sales Tax Holidays
Get moving on this! Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday ends Aug 31 During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax including: most school supplies selling for $50 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $100 or less per item; and the sales price of computers and accessories $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial or personal use
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Don’t Do it All at Once
If possible, spread out your shopping over time If you try to do it all in just a few days, you’ll be exhausted and frazzled
Hit the Sales Racks First
Especially when it comes to clothes, check out the clearance section first before looking at the regularly priced items
Compare Prices on E-books
For classes with reading lists, perhaps buying the electronic version of a book would be less expensive than purchasing a physical copy
Use Coupons and Watch Ads
Use coupons (digital or print) and keep an eye on back-toschool ads for deals on must-have items
Ask Your Friends
Do you have friends with children a bit older than your kids? If so, see if they have any gently-used school supplies that they’d be willing to part with For instance, in Florida an item like a winter coat might not get much wear before it’s outgrown and your friends might want to clear out their kids’ closets in anticipation of new back-to-school clothes
Photo courtesy of Pexels
SIX SATISFYING AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE
BY LAUREN MARGOLIS
After a long school day, kids come home hungry and ready to eat Here are some quick recipes for afterschool snacks that are broken down by age group to ensure your kids are getting the nutrients they need as they grow
Elementary School
Loaded Apple Nachos: Give your hungry elementary schoolers their daily dose of fruit and protein by masking their after-school snacks as a fun, sweet treat Just top apple slices with melted peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut flakes and sprinkles. You can even tweak the recipe any way you like Consider replacing the peanut butter with caramel or the sprinkles with crushed nuts
Middle School
Pizza Rice Cake: Most kids love pizza This super simple and healthy after-school snack version of the beloved food is super simple and healthy Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a slightly salted rice cake Then, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese and add your child’s toppings of choice, such as diced cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, beef sticks, mushrooms, and olives
Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt Bark: Instead of buying popsicles loaded with sugar, opt for this frozen yogurt bark, which is perfect for those hot days when your kids come home sweaty and tired These after-school snacks only takes 15 minutes to prepare, but it’s best to make them before the kids come home from school so it’s ready to eat
Photo courtesy of Canva
Spread Greek yogurt out on a lined baking sheet then swirl in teaspoon-sized amounts of berry jam and sprinkle with fresh berries It’s that easy!
High School
No Bake Chocolate Banana Energy Balls: With the perfect amount of nutrients from oats, flax seeds and chia seeds, in addition to banana, chocolate and peanut butter, these after-school snacks will keep your teen energized and full until dinner They’re even great to take on the go for some energy before sports practice The energy balls are good for up to one week in the refrigerator and will last even longer if frozen Since the recipe requires the mixture to be refrigerated for one hour before rolling, consider preparing this snack at the beginning of the week so it’s ready to go when hunger strikes Avocado Toast: Not only is this a quick snack to whip up, it’s also healthy and filling Start by spreading mashed avocado onto a toasted slice of whole grain bread then season it any way you like Keep these after-school snacks simple with a dash of salt or mix tomatoes, onions and cilantro to the avocado to make it like guacamole The choice is up to you and your teen.
Meal Prep Tips to Avoid Stress on School nights
The Ideal Meal Prep Time and Amount
Reserving several hours on the weekend to prep, chop and cook is the key to meal prep success Sunday is ideal, so your meals stay fresh during the week, as each meal can typically last for five to seven days in the refrigerator
Resources and Tips to Make Prepping Easy
Tupperware, Mason jars, and storage bags will be your best friends when it comes to storage Having a Sharpie and labels on hand makes organization a breeze Keeping a folder full of favorite family recipes is also convenient when planning the week’s menu
Changing Up Your Meals
Brown a pound of ground beef and use it one night as tacos and another night as sloppy joes Cook several pounds of chicken breasts and have it to top salads for lunch or to cook fajitas for dinner. Keep cooked rice or potatoes and a variety of prepared vegetables in containers in the refrigerator so you can mix and match as you desire
Photo courtesy of Canva
Photo courtesy of Canva
Photo courtesy of Canva
A GUIDE TO THE BEST STUDY SPOTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
BY CATIE MOORE & AVA MCDONNELL
Perhaps strict deadlines and work overload motivates you but you can’t seem to get comfortable. Maybe you get too distracted in your usually study spot If this sounds like you, keep reading! With the school year approaching, now is the time to try another setting besides the university campus or your apartment Check out any of our picks and discover the best study spots in Florida
Orlando Public Library
You should definitely get a library card if you still haven’t. Access to the enormous collection of books will help you deal with the most complicated assignments and become an endless inspiration source This place has a special atmosphere that creates an impression that doing something besides studying here is illegal Still doubting that this is a perfect place to study? Look for a next-week schedule: the library eagerly supports initiatives like free workshops and technology courses
Craft and Common
The University of Central Florida starts its top-ofdowntown study spots by describing this comfortable space Although it is the closest stop to campus on the list, location is not the only benefit of Craft and Common Here, you can combine studying with tasting delicious food and enjoy a Bohemian-Florida aesthetic Instagrammable walls and friendly staff set the mood, while a seasonal latte menu makes you return to Craft and Common again and again The place is perfect for inviting your friend to work on a group assignment The main risk: sometimes, it’s hard not to get distracted by the smell of fresh baked goods
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Located throughout Central Florida, such as Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, and downtown Orlando, Foxtail Coffee is known for hip ambiance, great coffee, and lots of table space Most of them have good Wi-Fi and a fairly quiet environment, especially during weekdays The Altamonte Springs location also has a “Barnie’s inside Foxtail” concept, doubling as drinks and offering a convenient solution for extended study periods The cozy atmosphere and high-quality coffee make it the go-to spot among students who want to stay alert and focused for hours on end
Lake Eola Park
Sitting within four walls inevitably affects your productivity Especially if you study there day by day, 24/7 You may not realize the problem, but taking a walk is still worth a try. Especially If you feel caged, and assignments become only more complicated Take something tasty for lunch, a thermo, and a yoga mat Put your notes in a backpack and leave your apartments behind You may come up with incredible ideas while simply walking to your destination If not, the scenic views of the city will let your brain rest and work efficiently further
Stardust Video & Coffee
A beloved spot in Central Florida, Stardust offers a stimulating environment that makes for a great study spot Its “spunky atmosphere” provides a comfortable backdrop, allowing a break from a sterile library feel Students can find a variety of seating options including cozy nooks, couches, and larger communal tables This shop ensures a space to suit any study preference Beyond the ambiance, reliable Wi-Fi and a diverse beverage and food menu makes the perfect brain fuel Additionally, the coffee shop is described as typically quiet and its late-night hours (often until midnight) makes it ideal for those who work into the night
Photo courtesy of Canva
UCF John C. Hitt Library
As the academic center of the University of Central Florida, this library is visited by students of all academic disciplines The five-story library includes collaborative areas, quiet areas, technology lending, whiteboards, and even a 24hour study room There also are ergonomic chairs, quiet boots, outlets, and more types of academic resources available Not to mention UCF’s online or rentable resources, like e-books, research databases, laptops, headphones, and more For students at UCF or not, this library is a sanctuary and command headquarters
Qreate Coffee + Studio
Another Orlando study spot, Qreate offers coffee with a creative studio space The shop is surrounded with local art and photography creating a productive work environment Students may benefit from reliable Wi-Fi, ample power outlets at tables, and a coffee, tea, and snack menu to make those long study sessions a little easier Like Stardust Video & coffee, Qreate also has communal tables and cozy nooks which accommodate for anyone If you enjoy art and moderately busy surroundings, this is the perfect spot for you
Winter Park Library
We’ll finish the list of our picks with another library Situated in Winter Park, this place has surprisingly high ratings on websites with reviews Visitors note its inspiring architecture and well-equipped environments Students can find optimal conditions for focus, whether utilizing the naturally lit, open spaces with views of the park, or reserving an adult study room for personal space, some even having whiteboards For collaborative projects, there are also larger rooms with smart scream and a computer lab with reliable Wi-Fi Like the Orlando Public Library, citizens are guaranteed a comfortable and inviting place for academic pursuits.
From libraries to cafes, Central Florida has plenty of options to make your semester a little easier. As we go into the new school year, it is important to have a few go-to study spots when you need a change in scenario Make sure to test out these places and happy studying!
John C Hitt Library at the University of Central Florida
Qreate Coffee + Studio
Winter Park Library
When Parker’s intestines ruptured at just two days old, the expert pediatric gastroenterology team at AdventHealth for Children performed emergency surgery that saved his life After a short stay in the Level IV NICU, Parker and his family were headed home As a national leader in newborn care and home to Florida’s best digestive care for kids, we’re inspired by the resilient human spirit in babies like Parker every day.
Dr. Phan of Phantastic Smiles at the Florida Dental Convention
Monster Jam 2025
Monster Jam 2025
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BEST OF HOTEL WINNERS
Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine is proud to announce the winners of our Best of Hotels awards, highlighting the destinations that make vacations, staycations, and business trips truly unforgettable. From elegant luxury resorts and charming boutique stays to family favorites and hidden gems, these hotels represent the very best in local hospitality as chosen by our readers. Whether it’s impeccable service, inviting rooms, or standout amenities, each winner has gone above and beyond to create exceptional guest experiences. Thank you to everyone who voted and helped showcase the top places to stay in Central Florida.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando Best Boutique Stay
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Best Hotel for Families
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Best Hotel Pool
Conrad Orlando at Evermore Best On-Site Dining
Conrad Orlando at Evermore Best Overall Hotel Experience
Alfond Inn Winter Park Best Romantic Getaway
Lake Nona Wave Best Spa or Wellness Experience
