Lyndsay Fogarty
Six Orange County Public Schools facilities were renovated, replaced or opened as new in the fall, and last month, many of these schools held dedication ceremonies to celebrate with the community.
Apopka and Lovell elementary schools in Apopka held ceremonies on Nov. 10, Independence Elementary School in Winter Garden celebrated on Nov. 11, Eagle Creek Elementary School in East Orlando held festivities on Nov. 18 and Lake Weston Elementary School on Nov. 20. Clay Springs Elementary School in Apopka will hold its ceremony on Jan. 5. While each event had its own special events, all ceremonies included ribbon cuttings and student participation.
All of the schools were upgraded to a district standard that includes a single secured entrance, wiring for one-to-one devices, closed-circuit TV studios for student use, audio enhancement in the classrooms and other spaces, and interactive projectors and screens. Each school includes administrative offices, classrooms, a multipurpose space and cafeteria, a media center, a kitchen, art and music labs, parking lots, covered walkways, play areas, outdoor activity spaces and parent drop-off loops.
The district plans to open eight new, renovated or replacement schools in the fall of 2016 and 15 in the fall of 2017.
