Mondays with Maria Podcast

OCPS tradition continues with seniors writing letters to the teachers who changed their lives during Teacher Appreciation Week. 

Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with two first-year OCPS teachers — a fifth-grade teacher and a music teacher — about their surprises, supports, classroom strategies, and memorable student moments. They share practical advice on differentiation, flexibility, and self-compassion, plus stories that show how building connections helps students engage and grow as the teachers finish their first year.

IIn this episode of Mondays with Maria, host Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez interviews student leaders from Orange County Public Schools — valedictorians from several high schools — about their high school experiences, involvement in activities, and the meaning of academic leadership. Students share practical advice for incoming freshmen, highlight the importance of support systems, connectivity days, and community service, and reflect on balancing academics with extracurriculars as they prepare to graduate.

Join Dr. Maria Vazquez, Nancy Alvarez and guests for a quick overview of Orange County Public Schools' back-to-school updates: a streamlined online enrollment, Meet Your Teacher events, free student meals, and district highlights.
The episode also covers important new policies and safety measures — bell-to-bell cell-phone rules, a ban on e-bikes and scooters at elementary and middle schools (with rules for high school permits), transportation/bus info, and upcoming Parent Academy dates.
Practical tips and timelines are shared for parents to prepare for the school year and connect with teachers and school staff.

Orange County Public Schools kicks off the 2026–27 year on August 11 with an A district rating, 208 schools (including two new elementary schools), a projected 197,548 students, expanded career and technical education, and a special millage renewal on the November ballot.The district emphasizes safety: micromobility devices (e‑bikes and e‑scooters) are banned on campus except for certain high schoolers with permits and decals, with enforcement beginning September 8. OCPS is launching the Pause and Protect program promoting approved helmets and safe riding practices.Additional reminders include traffic enforcement near schools, consequences for online threats and bullying, and use of FortifyFL to report concerns. For more OCPS news, visit theslice.ocps.net.

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez chats with middle school students about singing the show’s opening, acting and voiceover work, and school life. They share tips for young creatives on persistence and confidence.

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez talks to Mariel Milano from the Family and Community Engagement Office. Presenting Parent Academy offerings — over 40 virtual mini academies, in-person events, and Spanish sessions — designed to help parents support their children in school.
Parents can access resources like ParentSquare, tip sheets, YouTube recordings, parent engagement liaisons, and college and career planning tools. Events and materials are available at parentacademy.ocps.net, school quick links, or on the ParentSquare calendar.
With flexible scheduling, translation services, and community partnerships, OCPS makes it easier for families to stay informed and involved in their child’s education.

In this episode, the Superintendent talks with the School Choice Office about the expansion of school choice in Orange County Public Schools, including magnet programs, scholastic academies, career and technical education, micro-schools (like the new Baseball/Softball Academy), and Orange County Virtual School. They explain how academies become magnets, how families can evaluate programs based on their child’s interests. In-district students receive enrollment preference, and OCPS offers tours, online resources, and community-based virtual options. Superintendents reinforces OCPS highlights such as certified teachers, high graduation rates, and robust CTE and college-credit opportunities.

In this episode of Mondays with Maria, Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with Student Services about starting career pathway conversations in elementary school and the district’s K–12 platform, Xello.
They explain how Xello supports career exploration, student-driven course planning, parent access, and collaboration with school counselors and college & career specialists.