Seminole County middle and high school science teachers recently participated in a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Science Professional Development workshop focused on strengthening instruction aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
Workshop sessions emphasized 3-D Science "Three-Dimensional Science Teaching", guiding educators in moving beyond “flat” lessons to fully integrated instruction that blends disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. Teachers actively planned, edited, and designed lessons and resources to deepen student understanding.
A second session, “Bridging the Gap: From Traditional Lab to Phenomenal Investigation,” highlighted how small instructional shifts can transform labs into student-driven investigations. Teachers explored ways to redesign lab activities around phenomena, placing students at the center of scientific thinking and inquiry.
These hands-on sessions provided practical strategies and collaborative time, empowering teachers to elevate science instruction and engage students more meaningfully in the learning process.
Seminole County Middle High School will host its annual Registration Information Night on January 15 in the Seminole County All Purpose Room (old Middle High School cafeteria). This event is designed to give parents and students the opportunity to meet with teachers and explore course options for the upcoming school year before registration begins later this month.
Students will be able to learn more about different academic tracks, available electives, and expectations for each course, while also having the chance to ask questions and connect with teachers. Representatives from our Dual Enrollment partners will also be on hand to share information with students interested in taking college courses while still in high school.
The Middle School session will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the High School session at 6:30 p.m. We encourage all families to attend this informative evening as they plan for a successful year ahead.
One Week Away: Important Traffic Reminders for Our New School Campus
We are just one week away from opening our new Seminole County Middle High School campus, and we want to thank our families in advance for your cooperation as we begin this exciting transition. With a new building comes new traffic patterns and procedures, all designed to keep students safe and traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
This post includes a Traffic Guidelines Quick Sheet, map diagrams for each drop-off and pick-up area, and a short video explaining the new procedures. Please take a few minutes to review all materials before our first day back.
❓ Frequently Asked Question: If I have students in BOTH Elementary and Middle High, where do I pick up and drop off?
👉 Always follow the procedure for your youngest student.
Example:
• If you have a 3rd-grade student and a 7th-grade student, you will:
– Drop off in the morning in the 3rd–5th grade lane
– Pick up in the afternoon at the front of the building
Older students will go to the pick-up and drop-off location of their youngest sibling.
As we work through the first few days, we ask for your patience and flexibility. Staff members will be on duty to assist with traffic flow and help answer questions. Small delays are expected at first, but things will improve quickly as everyone becomes familiar with the new routines.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and successful start in our new school. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next week! 💚
One Week Away: Important Traffic Reminders for Our New School Campus
We are just one week away from opening our new Seminole County Middle High School campus, and we want to thank our families in advance for your cooperation as we begin this exciting transition. With a new building comes new traffic patterns and procedures, all designed to keep students safe and traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
This post includes a Traffic Guidelines Quick Sheet, map diagrams for each drop-off and pick-up area, and a short video explaining the new procedures. Please take a few minutes to review all materials before our first day back.
❓ Frequently Asked Question: If I have students in BOTH Elementary and Middle High, where do I pick up and drop off?
👉 Always follow the procedure for your youngest student.
Example:
• If you have a 3rd-grade student and a 7th-grade student, you will:
– Drop off in the morning in the 3rd–5th grade lane
– Pick up in the afternoon at the front of the building
Older students will go to the pick-up and drop-off location of their youngest sibling.
As we work through the first few days, we ask for your patience and flexibility. Staff members will be on duty to assist with traffic flow and help answer questions. Small delays are expected at first, but things will improve quickly as everyone becomes familiar with the new routines.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and successful start in our new school. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next week! 💚
We have a home basketball game on Saturday, January 3, 2026! Come on out and support your Indians!!
Our fishing team spent a great Saturday on the water competing in a tournament on Lake Seminole, launching out of Big Jim’s on December 20. The day brought good fishing, great sportsmanship, and plenty of time enjoying the lake.
🥇 1st Place: Liam Shingler with 12.22 lbs, also landing Big Fish at 6.41 lbs
🥈 2nd Place: Will Melton with 6.40 lbs
🎣 Tight Line Winner: Reed Phillips
Everyone had a great day and enjoyed being out on the lake. A special thank you goes to all of the boat captains for generously giving their time to take our boys fishing.
We also appreciate Coach Brandon Ingram and his assistant Jessica for organizing the tournament and running the weigh-in. Great job to everyone involved!
The Seminole County HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter had an amazing time celebrating Christmas with a fun holiday party full of good food, lots of laughs, and gift giving. Along with celebrating together, our chapter also took time to give back by shopping for our Secret Resident at Seminole Manor.
Our HOSA president delivered the gifts to the manor to help make Christmas extra special for a very deserving resident. Being able to spread happiness and bring joy to someone else during the holidays reminded us what HOSA is all about—service, leadership, and compassion.
Our chapter is led by our HOSA officers:
President: Jayla Coachman
Vice President: Brooke Robinson
Secretary: Chloe Herrin
Reporter: Emma Ernest
From our HOSA officers and members, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Today, our middle school students who showed growth in both reading and math on i-Ready were treated to a well-deserved reward party! They enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts, and Christmas movies as we celebrated their hard work and academic progress.
Christmas Break is almost here! I hope everyone has a blessed and restful time with family and friends. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 12, 2026, in the new Seminole County Schools K-12 building! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and have a great week!
https://app.smore.com/n/r9v75-weekly-update-12-15-25
The journey to the National Spelling Bee begins each year with millions of students competing in schools across the country. In Seminole County, students advance through grade-level, schoolwide, and countywide contests to determine our region finalist.
Congratulations to Grayson Benefield, the 2025–26 Seminole County Spelling Bee Champion, and to Emerson Roland, this year’s region alternate. Grayson will represent Seminole County at the region bee in March.
We are proud of both students for their hard work and dedication!
Our Youth Leadership group joined youth leaders from Miller County today for a joint leadership session featuring a panel of local and state leaders. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversation, and learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and impact of each position represented.
Panelists included:
Sam Watson – Georgia State Senate
Gerald Greene – Georgia State Representative
Mark Earnest – Seminole County Superintendent
Michael Keown – Miller County Superintendent
Michael Kirkland – Facilitator
This collaborative experience allowed students to deepen their understanding of government, education leadership, and civic engagement. We are proud of how confidently and thoughtfully our students represented Seminole County.
On November 20th, the McFadden Nature Center welcomed the 7th grade class for an exciting day of hands-on exploration and outdoor learning. As students arrived, the Center staff had multiple interactive learning stations prepared, each designed to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding.
Students rotated through three engaging activities: a wildlife station, a density station, and a wetland walk. At the wildlife station, students examined skulls and animal furs up close and even participated in an invasive species game that demonstrated how non-native organisms can overpower an ecosystem. The density station offered a surprising challenge—students tested buoyancy by floating objects such as bowling balls and feathers, prompting great discussions and even more amazement.
The wetland walk was a highlight for many. Along the trail, students identified native birds, observed a small alligator, and studied the trees and habitats that support life in the wetland ecosystem.
After lunch, the afternoon brought a new round of adventure as students practiced shooting magnetic arrows and tried their hand at disc golf. Before departing, the McFadden Nature Center surprised everyone with stickers and pencils—a fun souvenir of a day well spent outdoors.
This memorable field experience offered students a chance to connect classroom learning with the natural world, all while exploring, asking questions, and getting their hands a little muddy. A wonderful day of science in action!
Seminole County Middle School Spelling Bee
Congratulations to all the grade-level and schoolwide winners of the 2025-26 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Eighth grader Grayson Benefield is the new SCMS Spelling Bee Champion and will compete later this week in the county-wide spelling bee. The Seminole County Spelling Bee champion will advance to the region competition in March. Good luck to Grayson in the county-wide bee!
