Mondays with Maria Podcast

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.

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.
 
 

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.