Orange Peal - March/April 2024

KELLI GENSLER

Meadow Woods Middle

WINNING MEDIA SPECIALIST Aims for a Book in the Hands of Each Student

By Sandra Carr

Gray, periwinkle and purple hues and positive affirmations welcome students as they enter the media center at Meadow Woods Middle.

Inside, Media Specialist Kelli Gensler greets them with a smile. What they can’t see is that she has carefully designed an atmosphere for creativity, reading and studying – just for them. The media center’s offerings include a makerspace with a 3D printer; books galore; tables; chairs; and a cozy couch.

“My number one priority is for the library to become the heart and hub of the school,” said Gensler, who has worked at Meadow Woods Middle for more than 20 years.

In November, Gensler was one of five OCPS media specialists to earn the 2023 Florida Power-Library

This award, from the Florida Association for Media in Education, recognizes individuals for exceptional school library programs that are fully integrated into their school’s curriculum.

Gensler was a sixth-grade World History and Civics teacher for a decade and transitioned to media specialist 11 years ago. She had always been an avid reader and decided to become a media specialist after her son struggled with reading in elementary school.

edia specialist Gensler has made it her mission to connect with students and improve their mindset on

Gensler has also taken additional literary steps, such as the implementation of One Book, One Tribe, where staff and students read a book for five minutes at the beginning of first period.

She discusses literary works with the Starfish Lunch Book Club and has students working in the media center as part of the Stallion Ambassadors program. Gensler also has instructional partnerships with teachers.

“Mrs. Gensler seeks every opportunity to get books into the hands of our students,” said Principal Charisse Ninah. “These efforts will reap great rewards by fostering a love of reading across our campus and positively impacting student achievement.”

Eighth-grade Stallion Ambassadors Naomi Kwateng and Gabriela Ferrera said they enjoy their media center responsibilities. They include checking out, delivering and shelving books and conducting inventory.

On a recent afternoon, they were among a small group creating sticker artwork for the media center walls. Gabriela said she likes “the media center’s open space” and finds “different stories in books interesting.”

As part of the award-selection process, the media specialists’ programs were measured in instruction; curriculum and assessment support; resource management; program administration; environment; and advocacy.

“Winning the Florida Power-Library School Award is like receiving an Oscar,” said Allison Kibbey, director of instructional technology and library media for OCPS. It “makes the essential work of media specialists and library media programs visible.”

Florida

Power-Library School Award Recipients:

2023

Brandi Gutch

Killarney Elementary

Jennifer Daniels

Sally Ride Elementary

Barb Koziara

Winegard Elementary

Kelli Gensler

Meadows Woods Middle

Nelly Lebron Fonollosa

Roberto Clemente Middle

Melanie Mahaffey

Timber Creek High (Renewal)

2022

Kelly Williams Windermere High

2021

Kelly Delaney

Maitland Middle

2020

Amy Hohman

Independence Elementary

2019

Jennifer Drone

Keene’s Crossing Elementary

2018

Patricia Franklin

Timber Creek High

2015

Patricia Franklin

Timber Creek High

2012

Monique Mesot Foster

Bridgewater Middle

Patricia Franklin

Timber Creek High

2009

Patricia Franklin

Timber Creek High

A FUNNY Thing Happened

As an ESE teacher, Jessica Schofield works with small groups to support what they are learning in the classroom.

“We review sight words as part of our lessons each day, and at the end of the week we do a quick ‘speedy sight word’ quiz in random order to see which words from the week they can recall with ease. One of the words of the week was “name” and the expectation was for the student to say the word “name.”

“One kindergartner saw the word, and instead of reading it, he blurted out his actual name with such excitement! I chuckled because he didn’t realize he didn’t actually read the word, but at least he comprehended it! He got full credit from me.”

Dr. Jessica M Schofield Ed.D.

ESE Resource Teacher

Little River Elementary School

Submit your A Funny Thing Happened to orangepeal@ocps.net.

If your submission is selected, you will receive an exclusive Orange Peal prize package.

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• Travel planning for special occasions and groups

• Travel insurance plans

• Destination expertise, from the Caribbean to Europe, Galápagos, South Africa and everywhere in between

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Composting CHAMPIONS

Union Park Middle Recycles Food Waste to Preserve Planet

By Katie O’Brien

During lunch at Union Park Middle School, Toron Jones and five students walk throughout the cafeteria with a green bin. The food service assistant known as “Mr. T” delivers the message that fruit, vegetables, hamburgers and other food scraps should be separated into the special bin instead of the trash.

That’s because Union Park is one of 21 OCPS schools turning food scraps into soil. A two-year, nearly $160,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding the reduction of food waste.

O-Town Compost provides schools with green recycling bins and picks up the food waste. After the food is composted, the company delivers it to local farmers or schools so they can use it in their gardens. Teachers at Union Park MS plan to revive and fertilize their garden with its compost.

“I’m so proud of our students and cafeteria staff for educating our students on the importance of composting and how they can help the environment,” said Principal Isolda Antonio. “Our goal is for students to share this knowledge with their families and continue to compost in their households.”

The grant from the USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production includes five 48-gallon green bins for the dining area and two 22-gallon green bins for collecting food preparation leftovers in the kitchen.

At Union Park, Food & Nutrition Services Manager Venice Guzman and her team begin the composting process early in the morning while prepping food.

“Our mindset is we begin composting waste when we’re handling food,” she said. “We take pride in creating a healthier planet.”

OCPS Sustainability Coordinator Nicole Funk said the new program is part of the district effort to meet 2030 sustainability goals, with hopes for future expansion. According to the World Wildlife Fund, food waste in schools throughout the nation could reach 530,000 tons annually.

OCPS Compost Pilot Schools

Emergency Management awards

Is your school prepared for an emergency?

Do you know a person who’s cool and calm during and after an incident?

If so, nominate them today for the Emergency Management Awards!

There are multiple awards available in four categories:

Mitigation (limiting risk)

Preparedness (training and preparation)

Response (handling of an active emergency)

The awards, which include a trophy, will be presented by the OCPS Office of Emergency Management during Day 2 of Preparedness Days in June. Nominations are open now!

Visit the OEM Intranet page to apply.

Questions? Contact your Emergency Preparedness Administrator or Emergency Management at EmergencyManagement@ocps.net or (407) 317-3468.

Recovery (restoring and rebuilding) Click here to nominate an employee or group of employees.

How to Become a Principal

Has someone said you’d make a great principal? Do you have more to give? Here are five things you need to know, according to OCPS Professional Learning:

• Help and coach at school: The best way to see if you have a knack for leadership is to try it! If you’re school-based, sponsor a club or lead a parent night. Volunteer for opportunities. Offer to help fill in for leadership when needed. If you are instructional and want to learn more, consider the Facilitative Coaching Series, an OCPS program for instructional personnel to grow leadership skills.

• Consider higher education: For school leadership positions, an educational leadership certification will be necessary. But it takes about two years to get one. So if you think this might be a path you want to follow, start researching programs. A number of local and online schools offer certificates or post-baccalaureate degrees that qualify. Ask leaders you admire for recommendations.

• Get to know your leadership team: School and district administrators learn about advancement opportunities for staff through the memos in the weekly Deputy Superintendent’s Newsletter (such as the programs mentioned in 1, 4 and 5). Florida’s new education leadership standards call for school administrators to promote staff advancement, so expect to hear more about opportunities.

• Join Developing Teacher Leaders: OCPS offers a course called Developing Teacher Leaders that includes in person and virtual instruction, as well as one day of job shadowing. This is for educators who have already begun to hone their leadership skills at school. Some of the educators who teach Great Beginnings are recruited from DTL cohorts.

• Log in for an AP Pool Webinar: Three times a year, Professional Learning hosts webinars to explain how to join the Assistant Principal Pool, a key stepping stone for those who want to become principals. Watch for webinars, which include the opportunity to ask questions, in the Spring, early Fall and December. Sample tip: Make sure your references respond - your pool application can’t move forward until they’re submitted.

BONUS TIP: Already have your educational leadership certification? Join the Aspiring Leaders Academy! The series supports the development of skills and knowledge related to Florida Educational Leadership Standards leading to joining the AP pool.

QUIZ

Will You Be the Winner?

Send the answers to these three questions to orangepeal@ocps.net. One winner will be drawn from among the correct responses to win an Orange Peal prize package.

1. What high school did retiree Adrienne Rollins graduate from?__________________

2. How many OCPS schools are part of the composting program?__________________

3. What is the name and year of the award Mrs.Gensler received?__________________

Best of

Social Media

In each issue, the Orange Peal will recognize one top social media post on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Want us to consider your school or department’s post? Send a link to orangepeal@ocps.net for consideration.

Lake Nona High

An ‘out-of-this-world’ victory for the Lake Nona High School Astronaut Challenge Team! They won first place in design for the mailbox challenge and first place for their patch! On Facebook, the school wrote, “The team came in third overall in the engineering challenge as well. This was our first year participating in the Astronaut Challenge and we made it to the Top 5 for the shuttle simulation!” Awesome job!

Ocoee High

All we can say is WOW! Students at Ocoee High School have been creating a series of gorgeous murals around the halls that contain inspiring and positive messages. We absolutely love this!

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Meet the

“STELLAR” TEAM BEHIND OCPS’

Biggest Awards Show

By Samantha Weiss

Katharine Lentini Senior Manager, Events

If you have ever attended the OCPS Stellar Awards or watched the replay on our YouTube channel, you know it is no ordinary event for educators. This year, the ceremony at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando on Feb. 2 drew about 1,650 attendees, making it the biggest Stellar Awards show ever.

It takes help from many teams to run a successful event, but here are some behind-the-scenes insights from three key players who give the event its sparkle.

Q: Before you came to OCPS, you planned big events in the sports industry. What makes the Stellar Awards so different from any show you’ve ever put together?

A: Stellar is different because it feels really important. It’s a big responsibility to ensure that when our OCPS honorees receive their awards, they feel special. And, for the finalists, when they hear their name called, this may be one of the highlights of their career. It’s important for us to create an environment that reflects the significance of that.

Q: Could you share some insights into the process of selecting the finalists and winners?

A: The finalists and winners are chosen by panels. I don’t have a say in who makes it from honoree to finalist or from finalist to winner. I can tell you that there is a lot of information to review and the judges take their roles seriously.

Q: If you could have any celebrity host the Stellar Awards, who would it be?

A: If you asked me two weeks ago, I would’ve said Taylor Swift. But I think Shaquille O’Neal because he is hilarious and generous and would be inspired by our amazing OCPS audience!.

Jeannette del Pozo Event Coordinator

Q: You’ve helped coordinate every Stellar Awards show so far. What makes this year’s event different?

A: This year, we had over 500 honorees and we wanted them all to feel special. We didn’t want them to come to the event and feel like it’s all about the 16 finalists. So our purpose this year was really focusing on that and I think we made it happen.

Q: What is your favorite part of putting together the Stellar Awards?

A: I really enjoy the nomination process. There are so many things that teachers and staff do at schools that we’re unaware of. I enjoy putting the celebration and party together, but the nomination process for me is very touching.

Q: How does the team ensure the event leaves a lasting impression on the attendees?

A: Every change we made this year, we were thinking of the impact on the honorees. We had one person say they didn’t know what the event was the first time they were nominated and that it was so exciting and beautiful. So, we want to make sure the guests love it so they go out and tell their friends.

Adrienne Noel Senior Manager Sales & Marketing

Q: You also play a key role in the overall event planning. What is your favorite part of the process?

A: I enjoy developing the sponsorship packages with our Events team. This is where we get to be creative as we find new ways to highlight our sponsors. As an employee however, I also enjoy seeing our honorees at the Awards. Every honoree is a winner and it’s wonderful to see their pride. As an OCPS employee, it makes me proud to say that these are my colleagues.

Q: What are some of the unique opportunities and benefits that sponsors receive by being associated with this event?

A: The companies that support the Stellar Awards celebrate our employees with us, and this is especially meaningful for those sponsors who have a direct connection with the school district, such as a parent of a current OCPS student, or a graduate of OCPS.

Q: If the Stellar Awards could be held in any location around the world, where would you choose?

A: If we were to hold the Stellar Awards anywhere else, it would have to be in a galaxy far, far away. After all, our event is called the Stellar Awards!

Around OCPS

Valentine’s Day at Pershing School

On Valentine’s Day, Pershing School’s NJHS students spread love and kindness by putting together snack bags to be distributed to guests at local Ronald McDonald houses.

Cypress Creek High on WDBO

Cypress Creek High School students took over the airwaves on WDBO’s High School Talk Radio to speak about school spirit on their campus!

Students at Palm Lake Elementary

honored four staff members for their kindness as part of a Black History Month celebration in February that featured a student song and a saxophone performance.

OCPS Manager Helped Staff Ease into Retirement

By Sandra Carr

Retirement has arrived for an employee who has been synonymous with retirement for many.

Adrienne Rollins, a proud product of OCPS, started out as a substitute teacher. That led her to Payroll Services, where her positions included finance payroll clerk and accounting specialist.

“I received on-the-job training in every role,” said Rollins, who has a Bachelor of Science in management from Florida State University. “I took it to heart and embraced it as an opportunity to work diligently for every employee I encountered.”

As a Senior Manager in the Retirement Services department, her final role at OCPS, Rollins assisted employees applying for Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits, sick leave and bi-weekly, tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) contributions.

Her fond memories include helping an employee who thought she had one more month before reaching her 30-year work anniversary and entering the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP).

Retiree: Adrienne Rollins

Title: Senior Manager of Retirement Services

Years with OCPS: 23

OCPS Retirement Date: Nov. 30, 2023

After Rollins reviewed her employment history, she determined the worker could enter DROP sooner. The employee was thrilled she could retire earlier than expected.

“If employees are happy, then students are going to feel it, which will make them want to be high achievers,” said Rollins, who attended Zellwood Elementary and Apopka Junior High schools and graduated from Apopka High.

During retirement, Rollins plans to “live her best life” and volunteer at a local hospital.

March

March

March

March 20, 5-6:30 p.m.:

April 3, 5-6

April 10, 5-6:30 p.m.:

April 17, 5-6:30 p.m.:

April

Best OCPS Photos

“Hive” Five to the winners of the Spanish Spelling Bee!

The district Spanish Spelling Bee was held

By Frank Weber

OCPS FNS Food Show

Tastefully done! Students from around OCPS were selected to taste new menu items for next school year. Did your favorite make the grade?

OCPS Green Schools Expo-Packing District

Annual Green School Expo

Students of all ages explored eco-friendly activities including recycling, composting, growing wildflowers and more.

3rd Annual School Spirit Run

Even the Tooth Fairy was jumping for joy at the OCPS Foundation

3rd Annual School Spirit Run. Over 120 School teams and 2,623 participants!

OCPS Culinary Competition

Career & Technical Education students representing 14 schools competed in the 14th Annual Culinary Competition. This year’s competition featured a record-breaking 200+ talented student competitors and more than 80 professional chefs as judges.

All County Chorus

The heavenly voices of OCPS All County Chorus filled the room of Calvary Orlando for a memorable concert. All County includes top voices in grades 4-12.

The Orange Peal is a publication by OCPS employees and for OCPS employees. It launched in April 1974 as a newsletter for all OCPS employees “from principals to custodians.” With a name encompassing the symbols of the orange and the school bell, the Orange Peal was intended for “the good news of this school system [to be] ‘rung out’” -- in other words, to peal.

Editor: LAUREN ROTH

Designer: KIMBERLY BOULNOIS

Contributors:

SANDRA CARR

JANINE GONZALEZ

KATIE O’BRIEN

FRANK WEBER

SAMANTHA WEISS