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AUGUST 2026

Back to School Issue TOP TIPS, TEACHER PROFILES AND MORE TO GET STARTED FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR

FEATURE STORY

Cutest Baby Contest Winner

CENTRAL FLORIDA LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Table Of Contents

Meet the Winner of the 2026 Cutest Baby Contest

Teacher Spotlight: Get to Know a few of Central Florida’s most loved Teachers

Rise and Shine: Healthy Back to School Breakfasts

Finding Time for a Wellness Routine as a Parent During Back-to-School Season

14 Simplify and Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine

CREATIVE TEAM

Melissa Donovan

Ava McDonnell

Content and Creative Development Manager

Editorial Manager

Catie Moore

Stephanie Sharkey

Director of Community Development

Social Media Intern

Felix Rodriguez

Sabrina Hansen

Editorial Intern

Website

Address

www.centralfloridalifestyle.com

2198 4 Winds Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Letter From The Editor

WELCOME TO LIFESTYLESCFL Summer winds down, calendars fill up, routines return and Central Florida families begin preparing for another season of learning, growing and making memories. While the transition from carefree summer days to structured school-year schedules can take some adjustment, it also offers an opportunity for a fresh start. A new classroom, a new teacher, an extracurricular activity or even a simple change in routine can set the tone for the months ahead. In our 2026 Back to School Guide, we’re sharing practical tips and thoughtful advice to help Central Florida families navigate the season with confidence — from establishing successful routines to staying organized and making the most of the school year. Consider it a resource for both the big preparations and the everyday moments that make a difference. And because childhood is about more than schoolwork and schedules, we’re celebrating one particularly sweet milestone in this issue: the winner of our Cutest Baby Contest. It’s a reminder that these early years move quickly, and that some of the most meaningful memories are found in the little moments along the way. Here’s to a new school year filled with curiosity, connection and plenty of opportunities to grow. We hope this guide helps Central Florida families begin the year feeling prepared, inspired and ready for whatever comes next.

Melissa Donovan Content and Creative Development Manager

Meet the Winner of the 2026 Cutest Baby Contest

WRITTEN BY AVA MCDONNELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNAH EDWARDS

The results of the 2026 Cutest Baby Contest, presented

Once the second chance at first place came through, a

by Central Florida Lifestyles and Nemours Children’s

little hope sparked my perseverance and interest in first

Health, are in, and we are so excited to spotlight our

place. With a little more push, advertising, and family

winners!

support – we did it!” said Dahlia Jane’s Mom.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, voted,

How would you describe your baby’s personality in

and showed so much support during the whole process.

three words?

Now, get to know this year’s adorable winner! “Adventurous. Inquisitive. Determined.” Dahlia Jane – 1st Place What’s one thing that always makes your baby smile or Age: 8 Months

laugh?

Parents’ Names: Chad and Savannah Edwards

“Her father.”

Community: Volusia County Does your baby have any foods he/she loves or hates? What was your reaction when you found out your little one won the Cutest Baby Contest?

“She seems to love whatever we’re eating at the time and isn’t too keen on baby foods. We actually recently

“We were somewhat surprised. It was a very

gave her a lemon from our lemonade, fully expecting a

competitive race to the top. There were times I wanted

cute sour face. She was unbothered and liked the sour

to give up, and I was content with being second place,

lemon.”

as I was losing a lot of sleep over the contest, and it was becoming a fixation.

Does your baby have any quirks or unique habits?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNAH EDWARDS “From birth, she entered the world wide-eyed and

Every day is special with her.

observant. Her skin was incredibly clear, with almost no vernix visible at all. She looked like she was glowing.

As for milestones, she seems to be ahead in that

She has a birthmark on the back of her neck, and at

department, starting at birth. She started standing by

times it looks like a heart. Also, if she lies down at a

herself without assistance at the beginning of her 7th

certain angle, there’s a fold in her ears that makes it

month.

She has a birthmark on the back of her neck, and at

I would say my favorite milestones of hers are when she

times it looks like a heart. Also, if she lies down at a

first smiled and her first laugh when I was giving her

certain angle, there’s a fold in her ears that makes it

Eskimo kisses in the parking lot.

look like a heart as well. Her father says his favorite memory/milestone is her She wakes up with a tiny peep and patiently waits for

waking him up in the morning by giving him a lot of cute

me to come get her. She’s always inspecting objects

slaps on the face.”

from every angle in her hands like she’s studying them, loves to head-butt affectionately, and is already

What message would you like to share with everyone

standing independently before 8 months old.”

who voted and supported your family in the contest?

look like a heart as well. “I never expected to receive so much support. I’m truly Do you have a favorite memory or milestone with your

grateful for every single person who voted, shared, and

baby so far?

supported our family throughout this contest. It means more to me than you know, and this experience was

“I don’t have a favorite memory in mind. Every moment with her is something I wish I could memorize and relive forever– it’s hard to narrow it down.

truly eye-opening,” said Dahlia Jane’s Mom.

Teacher Spotlight: Get to Know a few of Central Florida’s most loved Teachers WRITTEN BY MELISSA DONOVAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM BARDSLEY

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 teaching profession. “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

“I will say that one of my favorite things about my job is

studied and worked in a preschool setting within the

the fact that I grow every year, that I see growth, that I

school’s early childhood program. As she looks to the

see progress, not only with the kids, but in myself, and I

upcoming school year, she reflects on how she has

can implement new strategies that I learned from

grown through her time in the classroom.

different trainings and things,” Bardsley said.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN HALL

With every new school year come students who may

“Every student, despite their struggles and challenges,

learn differently. Similar to Bardsley, Kristen Hall from

has something to add to the school,” Hall said. “Getting

Courageous Character School said she relishes creating

to know your students and finding their strengths is

connections to help her students grasp concepts easily.

crucial to getting each student to shine their brightest.”

“My favorite part of what I do is watching students pass

As the school year commences, Hall said she finds value

through the zone of proximal development when they go

in implementing routines at home to set up students well

from not knowing to knowing,” Hall said in an email. “The

for the year ahead.

faces of my students when it ‘clicks’ and they have that ‘aha’ moment is priceless.”

“Students who are secure at home feel more secure at school,” Hall said.

Hall said she has been teaching for 10 years and always felt a natural inclination to help others learn. Through her

Kerri Melik, a first-grade teacher at Rainbow Elementary,

time in the profession, she has found it most important

said she spends extra time with her family as “fuel”

to find something special in each of her students.

before the school year starts.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRI MELIK

Melik said she recommends parents take the time ahead

Similarly, Bardsley said, as a parent and teacher, she

of their little ones returning to the classroom to have

sees value in parents getting involved in not just their

discussions with them about what to expect, new

child’s home life, but their life in the classroom.

routines, and any nerves they may be feeling. “We do the best we can, and communication is truly the “I think open communication is huge. If you’re

number one thing that helps every person be successful.

implementing a new schedule or routine at the end of

So talk to your [child’s] teacher, ask questions. Lead from

summer, prior to school starting, explain to your kids, no

a place of care for your kid, just like we lead from a place

matter what age, why this schedule will help,” Melik said

where we care about your kid,” Bardsley said. “It’s truly

in an email. “Also, let them help with school supply and

like a collaboration between parent, teacher, and child;

clothes shopping, let them pick out things that they are

we’re all there to help so the child can be more

going to be comfortable with. Ask them how they are

successful.”

feeling about going back to school, help them through any uneasiness or worries they might be experiencing.”

Going into the upcoming school year, Bardsley said she looks forward to finding new ways to build connections

Melik said she has been a teacher for 19 years and was

for her students and celebrating her classroom’s

inspired to get into the profession by her first-grade

successes, further affirming “teaching is life.”

teacher, Mrs. Gant. “We want to be there to celebrate the success with your During her time in education, she said she has enjoyed

kids. And I think some parents forget those things. I’m

getting to know her students and their families to help

not a teacher because I want to discipline kids. I’m a

them find what motivates them to achieve their goals.

teacher because I want to see kids succeed. I want to see kids have a sense of pride,” Bardsley said.

Rise and Shine: Healthy Back to School Breakfasts

WRITTEN BY ALINA HOARAU

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the

Proteins

day – not because eating early is better for you, but simply because it’s the first thing you’re putting into

Good protein options would be eggs, meat and fish.

your body. This sets the tone for your entire day.

Snacks to pack for them throughout the day can include

Imagine heading to work without properly fueling your

nuts, hard-boiled eggs or peanut butter with apples or

body. You will likely lack energy and focus.The same

celery. This is going to satisfy any hunger as well fuel the

thing applies to children. While it’s great to indulge in

body with essential nutrients.

sugary cereal every once in a while, healthy choices during the school year will result in more brainpower

Whole Grains

and energy. Before they head off to school, make sure they’re prepared for the day ahead with healthy

Whole grains are high in vitamins, fiber and minerals and

breakfast ideas that consist of protein, grains and fruits

include foods such as bagels, toast and oatmeal. Great

or vegetables, depending on your child’s preferences.

healthy snack alternatives that contain whole grains would be plain popcorn, muffins and crackers. Fruits One of the most important components of a child’s healthy breakfast would be fruit. Options like berries mixed into oatmeal or a banana with peanut butter taste good and provide the necessary boost for a successful school day. Mornings can start abruptly and go by quicker than anticipated. However, it’s important to serve a healthy breakfast with these three elements to ensure a successful day for your child.

Finding Time for a Wellness Routine as a Parent During Back-toSchool Season WRITTEN BY MELISSA DONOVAN As the back-to-school season kicks in, many parents find

2. Involve the Whole Family

themselves juggling an ever-growing list of

Turn wellness into a family activity—bike rides after

responsibilities—school drop-offs, homework help,

dinner, weekend hikes, or cooking healthy meals

extracurricular activities, and work commitments. In the

together. Not only does this make the routine more

midst of this busy schedule, personal wellness often

manageable, but it also reinforces healthy habits for

takes a backseat. However, maintaining a healthy routine

children.

isn’t just beneficial for parents—it sets a positive example for children and helps the whole family thrive.

3. Leverage Short, Effective Workouts On busy days, a 10–15 minute workout can be just as

Why Wellness Matters During the School Year

beneficial as a longer session. High-intensity interval

The start of the school year can bring early mornings,

training (HIIT), bodyweight exercises, or even stretching

late nights, and packed schedules. Without intentional

while dinner cooks can keep you moving without

planning, self-care can quickly fall by the wayside.

requiring a large time commitment.

Prioritizing wellness—whether that’s exercise, balanced meals, or mental health practices—can help parents

4. Practice Mindfulness

manage stress, stay energized, and maintain focus. This,

Mental wellness is just as important as physical health.

in turn, allows for better support of children’s needs and

Incorporate mindfulness exercises such as deep

smoother daily routines.

breathing, journaling, or meditation—either in the morning before the house wakes up or at night to wind

Practical Tips to Make Time for Wellness 1. Schedule It Like an Appointment

down. 5. Prepare Ahead

Just as you’d never skip a parent-teacher conference,

Use weekends or quieter evenings to plan meals, pack

block out time for your wellness activities. Whether it’s

snacks, and set out workout clothes. A little preparation

20 minutes of yoga in the morning or a brisk walk during

can reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to stick

lunch, putting it on the calendar helps ensure it happens.

to healthy habits during the week.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESEY OF CANVA Balancing Self-Care Without Guilt Many parents feel guilty about taking time for themselves. However, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary part of being able to show up fully for your family. By prioritizing wellness, parents not only improve their own health but also model the importance of balance and self-respect for their children. Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it’s possible to fit in a wellness routine that supports both physical and mental health. Even small, consistent actions can lead to big results over time. Remember: a healthier, more balanced parent is better equipped to handle the demands of the school year—and enjoy it.

Simplify and Save Money on Backto-School Shopping

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CANVA

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CANVA

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

Hit the sales racks first: Especially when it comes to

compare for best prices and you’ll save yourself the

clothes, check out the clearance section first before

time and aggravation that can come from going from

looking at the regularly priced items.

store-to-store in search of specific items or sales.

Compare prices on e-books: For classes with reading

Look beyond traditional big box stores: Give resale

lists, perhaps buying the electronic version of a book

shops a try, especially if your older kids are enamored

would be less expensive than purchasing a physical

of trendy labels. Even the most label-conscious teen

copy.

can enjoy shopping at resale stores because they can

Use coupons and watch ads: Use coupons (digital or

buy more designer/brand names for less.

print) and keep an eye on back-to-school ads for

Take advantage of sales tax holidays: Get moving on

deals on must-have items.

this! Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday ends Aug. 9.

Ask your friends: Do you have friends with children a

During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items

bit older than your kids? If so, see if they have any

will be exempt from tax including: most school

gently-used school supplies that they’d be willing to

supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing,

part with. For instance, in Florida an item like a winter

footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or

coat might not get much wear before it’s outgrown

less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of

and your friends might want to clear out their kids’

computers and certain accessories, when purchased

closets in anticipation of new back-to-school clothes.

for noncommercial or personal use. 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. Keep your shopping list on your phone: Have your list handy so that you’re always ready to grab a good deal.

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BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

AUGUST 2026