Dear OCPS District 2 families,

It never surprised me, as a teacher and a mother, how creative and inspirational our students can be when given the opportunity to express themselves in the visual and performing arts. Children that actively participate in the arts through dance, music, band, orchestra, and chorus, to name a few, find their creative outlet and significantly improves their drive to succeed and achieve their goals.

When we invest in our students, it allows them to work hard, build the resilience and strength to overcome their various challenges. In honor of March 2022 as Youth Visual and Performing Arts Month, we are proud to celebrate that:

  • OCPS provides access to arts education at every school in the district.
  • OCPS has the highest percentage of students enrolled in the arts of any of the 5 largest Florida schools districts.
  • OCPS has the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students of any of the 5 largest Florida school districts.
  • OCPS has the highest percentage of English Language Learners enrolled in the arts of any of the 5 largest Florida school districts. 
  • The National Association of Music Merchants named OCPS as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the Country for the 4th year in a row.

OCPS is proud to promote cultural initiatives in the community. It was a joy to attend the grand opening of CASA CULTURE, joined by our very own Deputy Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez, alongside local elected officials, community leaders, minority business owners and diverse cultural groups. 
CASA CULTURE is a safe space for creativity, innovation and collaboration to bring forth equity in the arts and entrepreneurship development for under-estimated and under-funded artists, creators, and entrepreneurs located inside Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall.

Also, the arts have been shown to improve our mental health and contribute to an overall higher quality of life. I am grateful and want to celebrate the teachers and support staff that constantly work long-hours, days and weekends, behind-the-scenes, in dedication to our students and their success.

This special edition shows that only together as a community, can we continue our momentum to ensure every student has a promising and successful future.
As always, I am here to serve you, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to text me or email me at the information below.

Estoy aquí para servirle. Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en enviarme un mensaje de texto o un correo electrónico a la información de contacto a continuación. 

Kind regards,

Johanna López
Board Member, District 2
Orange County Public Schools
P.O. Box 271, Orlando, FL 32802
Cell: 407-243-7833 | Office: 407-317-3236
Para español: 407-317-3453
Visual Arts
This art piece was inspired by Favianna Rodriguez
Created by: Ms. Kayla Ferro
From: Roberto Clemente Middle School
Art from Students at Roberto Clemente Middle School
Student artistic postcards to School Board Members
 in honor and support of Visual and Performing Arts Month
by Lake Nona High School students
City of Orlando Student Art Banners
From: Sun Blaze Elementary School
Thanks to Mrs. Stroshane for leading this project with the students.
Performing Arts
Florida Orchestra Association District 8 Middle School Concert MPA 
Innovation Middle School
Symphonic Orchestra
Director: Mr. Fernandez
Roberto Clemente Middle School
Symphonic Orchestra
Director: Ms. Ickes
Lake Nona Middle School
Concert Orchestra
Director: Ms. Sell
Florida Orchestra Association District 8 High School Concert MPA
Lake Nona High School Lyrica Orchestra
Director: Mr. Vinny Conrod
Colonial High School Chamber Orchestra
Director: Mr. Alex Schomoling
Congratulating our Top Talent Finalist in District 2!
Aurielia Taylor Vozella
Moss Park Elementary School
Jazz Dance
Elvis Avetis
Roberto Clemente Middle School
Vocal Solo and Piano
Elijah Rosa
Lake Nona High School
Tap Dance
Nabil Lecusay
Timber Creek High School
Electric Guitar
Emma Johnson
Timber Creek High School
Vocal Solo
Video Feature
“Inspired by Roberto Clemente; A Community Fights for Representation”
In this YouTube video, see how one of our communities fought for representation by changing the name of their school from Stonewall Jackson Middle School to Roberto Clemente Middle School. Click the image below to access the video
COVID-19, Vaccine and Back to School Resources 
Public Health Resources | Recursos de Salud Pública
www.ocfl.net/coronavirus: Orange County's COVID-19 Information page with resident resources, testing site information, executive orders, and Orange County newsroom updates.

www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyPublicSchools: the best resource for up to date, reliable information regarding Orange County Public Schools.

https://www.pcanorangecounty.com: the Primary Care Access Network in Orange County may be able to assist underinsured and uninsured residents with access, quality, and coordination of health care services
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