Education
Impressive Education: Andover Elementary School Integrates Covey’s ‘7 Habits’ into Curriculum
Published
9 years agoon
By
Randy Ross
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – This morning I observed a “wow” moment at Andover Elementary School in East Orange County. Many of us have either heard of or read Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a book/tool which chronicles the behavior patterns of people who include processes in their everyday and professional lives, yielding success. Imagine an entire elementary school curriculum that includes the seven habits in every class–everything from language arts to math to music. Nancy Rivera, a teacher/friend of over 20 years invited me to be a guest of the school’s leadership program, instituted this year.
You may assume the school rehearsed this approach for their audience today, but you’d be incorrect. In fact, this is the only elementary school in Orange County and one of few in the State of Florida utilizing this trendsetting approach to enhancing the education experience for young people. Let’s explore the “synergy” of the success habits within their elementary environment.
For those that haven’t read the book, here are Covey’s suggested habits of highly successful people:
- Be Proactive®
- Begin with the End in Mind®
- Put First Things First®
- Think Win/Win®
- Seek First to Understand. Then be Understood.®
- Synergize® (the interaction of two or more cooperatively)
- Sharpen the Saw®
THE 7 HABITS IN ACTION
Whether in reading exercises, music education or math, students are encouraged to identify which habits they are using to come to conclusions or understanding discussions. In nearly all the classes I observed, students worked collectively to uncover remedies and answers.
I especially enjoyed the Language Arts teacher, Mr. Parks’s approach, as he also includes hand gestures and positive verbal reinforcements within his class environment. For example, once student groups in his class have a consensus to an answer, they are polled. Once a student provides the answer, the teacher then asks the class, by a thumbs up, whether the class agrees or disagrees with that answer. The student who answered the question can then immediately see if he or she has “synergy” to the answer being correct.
But let’s assume the student is incorrect. The teacher then asks the student to literally ask for “help” from other students. The other students would respond “proactively” with an alternate answer. That answer is also vetted for “synergy” within the group. No longer are you the student that gave the wrong answer–you are the student that receives reinforcement from your peers. So it’s a synergized “win/win” for all involved.
WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?
Andover Elementary teachers and leadership traveled to a South Florida school a few years back for this inspiration. Upon return, the school applied for a grant and was awarded $48,000 for the five-year term to continue the training and implementation of the program. What is most prevalent from classroom to classroom and throughout the school is the teacher and student buy-in to this teaching approach.
This positive learning environment was nearly everywhere I looked: Positive messaging hung from the ceilings and on the walls in the classrooms and halls; even the stairs had multiplication time tables on them as a reminder to always be thinking and therefore learning. You could barely go a hundred feet without seeing yet another reminder of the seven habits. The various presentations also included messaging regarding leadership, and “we’re all heroes in our own right” certainly are substantial self-esteem builders.
How refreshing to see an elementary school teaching students practical and real solutions for learning and for life. Orange County School Board member Daryl Flynn’s presence and support of the new direction in teaching was an added bonus.
Hats off to Andover Elementary. It’s been years since I have been in an elementary school classroom. But with all the debates that take place regarding our Pledge of Allegiance and the word God being said in schools, I was pleasantly impressed and proud for the program not only to begin with the Pledge of the Allegiance, but to also see American flags proudly displayed in the school and in each classroom. Andover, you’re leading the way for the future of education in Orange County and beyond. And if we’re lucky, many other schools will follow your impressive lead.
_________________________________________________
Randy Ross is a political contributor for Florida National News. | news@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Festival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2026
The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.
Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.
The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.
“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.
Hours, Tickets and Museum Support
The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.
Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.
“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.
Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations
Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.
The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.
The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.
Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.
Holiday Parties and Evening Events
The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.
Other evening events include:
| Event | Date and time | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar | Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $40 |
| Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately | Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m. | $15 adults; $10 children |
| Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately | Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m. | $35 |
Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops
The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.
| Workshop | Date and time | Ticket price |
|---|---|---|
| From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas | Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m. | $65 |
| Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques | Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $65 |
| The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes | Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m. | $70 |
| Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips | Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m. | $65 |
The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.
Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.
Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes
Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.
Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.
New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief
Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.
Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.
Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.
Central Florida News
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2026
Separate $250,000 state appropriation will help launch a dual enrollment nursing program.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has secured nearly $5.2 million in federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, marking the university’s first funding award from the agency, according to B-CU.
Separately, a $250,000 appropriation from the state of Florida will help launch the university’s new dual enrollment nursing program.
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
First HRSA Funding for B-CU
The university described the federal award as a first for the institution. The information provided identifies the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as the recipient but does not specify the award’s programs, spending timeline or anticipated number of participants.
Bethune-Cookman Secures Nearly $5.2 Million in Federal Health Funding
State Funding Supports Nursing Program
The state appropriation will support the launch of B-CU’s dual enrollment nursing program. It is separate from the nearly $5.2 million in federal funding.
Central Florida News
UCP Charter Schools, UCF Launch Community Schools Initiative to Expand Student and Family Support
Published
4 months agoon
July 6, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — UCP Charter Schools and the University of Central Florida have launched a new partnership to expand academic, health and family support services through the U.S. Department of Education’s Full-Service Community Schools initiative.
The federally funded Unlimited Potential Initiative (UPI) will establish Community Schools at UCP Bailes Community Academy, UCP Downtown and UCP Pine Hills Charter School beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Two additional UCP campuses are scheduled to join the initiative in January 2027.
University-Assisted Community Schools Model
The initiative is a collaboration between UCP Charter Schools, the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute (TJEEI) and the UCF Center for Community Schools (UCF CCS).
Together, the partners will implement the University-Assisted Community Schools model, which brings together schools, families, higher education institutions, community organizations and local stakeholders to address barriers to student success while improving educational and family outcomes.
Expanded Student and Family Services
Through the partnership, UCP Charter Schools and UCF will enhance and expand services that include:
- After-school enrichment programs
- Academic support services
- Health and wellness resources
- Family engagement opportunities
- Connections to community-based services
Community Input Will Guide the Initiative
As implementation begins, UCP Charter Schools and UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute will conduct comprehensive needs assessments at each participating campus.
Families, students, school staff and community partners will be invited to participate through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder meetings. Feedback gathered during the process will help shape each school’s Community School plan and future programming.
“Community schools are most successful when they build upon the strengths and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Dr. Matthew Marino of UCF’s Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. “We are excited to partner with UCP Charter Schools to develop sustainable systems of support that connect students and families with the resources, opportunities and relationships that contribute to long-term success.”
Serving More Than 2,100 Central Florida Students
UCP Charter Schools serves more than 2,100 students across Central Florida through an inclusive educational model designed to provide individualized learning opportunities and support for every student.
School leaders said the organization’s longstanding commitment to customized education, family engagement and community partnerships positions it well to implement the Community Schools model.
“At UCP, we have always believed that schools can serve as the hub of their communities,” said Anna Morin, associate superintendent of UCP Charter Schools and project liaison for the initiative. “This partnership will allow us to deepen our work with families, expand access to critical resources and create new opportunities for students to thrive. Most importantly, the needs and voices of our families, students and staff will guide the development of each school’s Community School plan.”
Shared Commitment to Student Success
The Community Schools initiative reflects a shared commitment between UCP Charter Schools and UCF to strengthen educational achievement, increase family engagement and develop sustainable partnerships that support the whole child and the entire family.
