School news from Marion County Public Schools
Max Schachter Presentations
Nearly 2,500 school district employees, parents, families, and community members showed up to experience Max Schachter’s presentation about his son, Alex, who was killed in the Parkland school shooting last year. Schachter brought his message of empowerment for school security at the invitation of Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier. He also met with local media and continues his quest to make every school in the country safe from violence.
Disney “FANatics” Donate
Dozens of Mickey Mouse “FANatics” from The Villages donated thousands of school supply items—everything from pencils and markers to notebooks, lined paper, and erasers and more. Volunteer students from Lake Weir High unloaded the boxes, sorted and counted every item. The recipients? Students at Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary, and all just in time for the first day of school!
The WildCats Take Care of Business
Back-to-school activities can be exciting, especially for this group at Forest High School. Administrative and support staff members donned construction-yellow T-shirts and hardhats the week before classes started, all fitting for this year’s theme of “Taking Care of Business.” Principal Elizabeth Brown (second from right) and her crew also dressed for the occasion to welcome teachers back to campus.
Sunshine State Scholars Shine
Tommaso Deiorio (Belleview High) and Nisha Upadya (Vanguard High) are this year’s Sunshine State Scholars for MCPS. Both are the top mathematics and science students in the entire district based on their academic performance, advanced coursework, community service, participation in STEM competitions and written essays. Both students were also recognized this summer in Orlando by the Florida Department of Education.
Ocala Health Named Business Partner of the Year
Ocala Health System captured this year’s “Business Partner of the Year” for Marion County Public Schools at a recent Orlando event featuring Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. Ocala Health System supports programs throughout the district including Take Stock in Children, Superintendent’s Literacy Festival, Safe Halloween Scene, Teacher Appreciation Week and more. They’re also West Port High’s official school business partner. On hand for the special treat was Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier; Ocala Health Public Relations Director Lauren Debick, APR; Ocala Health CEO Chad Christianson; Commissioner Corcoran; and Public Education Foundation Representative Megan Magamoll.
