Known as the most sought-after tuition-free public charter school in the area, CIJS is now inviting new families to join its vibrant community through an open enrollment period, offering a unique chance to be part of its innovative educational approach.

At the core of CIJS’s philosophy lies a Reggio-inspired curriculum, a testament to the school’s leadership in progressive education. This approach seamlessly blends traditional learning concepts with experiential learning, transforming students into eager researchers and active participants in their education through inquiry-based and project-based learning methods. It’s an environment where curiosity is cultivated, and creativity flourishes, preparing students not just for the next grade but for life beyond school.

The school’s progressive educational model emphasizes the importance of the learning journey, recognizing each student as an individual with unique interests and abilities. By merging experiential learning with traditional concepts, CIJS ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active constructors of knowledge. This dynamic learning process encourages students to ask questions, explore solutions, and engage in projects that have real-world relevance, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

With open enrollment now underway, CIJS is extending an invitation to families seeking an exceptional educational experience for their children. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the ‘lottery’ list, a fair and transparent process that ensures every child has an opportunity to benefit from this unique educational model.

To truly appreciate what sets Creative Inspiration Journey School apart, families are invited to attend a campus tour. Scheduled for today, March 20th, at 6pm, the tour offers an inside look at the school’s facilities, curriculum, and the vibrant community that makes CIJS a leader in education.

For those interested in learning more about this unparalleled educational opportunity, visit CIJSReggioScholars.org or call 407.979.4161.

Located at 2030 Old Hickory Tree Rd in St. Cloud, FL, Creative Inspiration Journey School stands as a beacon of innovative learning, ready to welcome new families into its community of forward-thinking educators and students. Join us on a journey that redefines what education can be, and help your child embark on a path of discovery and growth at CIJS.

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The READ Bus is equipped with resources to engage parents and families of pre-school age children and toddlers in activities to develop early literacy skills under the guidance of trained parent liaisons. Be sure to arrive early as families will be welcomed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is highly encouraged. Please call 407.870.4934 for more information.

There are three available sessions as follow: 9:15 am, 10:15 am, and 11:15 am.

The post The Osceola School District’s READ Bus is pulling into Hart Memorial Library Friday Morning! appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The Longhorns sent eight men to the finals and managed to win four individual weight classes – two less than the Kowboys. But Harmony picked up four seconds, three thirds, and a fourth; compared to Osceola who did not have a competitor at two weight classes and failed to score points at 134.

“We had our ups and downs today, fortunately, we scored enough points in some key wrestle-back matches in the consolation round to secure the team title,” Harmony coach Vic Lorenzano said. “As with any tournament, we had our ups and downs today, but I was certainly pleased with the overall effort today.”

Harmony did a lot of damage in the lighter-weight classes, with Landon Davis (115) and Carson Estrada (120) both winning by pin fall in the finals. An expected showdown between the Longhorns’ Rey Ortiz (23-1) and Osceola’s Anderson Heap (40-5) never materialized; as Heap took an 11-0 major decision.

The most anticipated match of the night, the 140-lb. final between Harmony undefeated JC McNichols (39-0) and Osceola defending state champion Cooper Haase (40-3) did not disappoint. Haase fell behind 5-0 in the first period and was trailing 7-2 in the second before rallying to tie the score 7-7 in the third. With time running out, he intentionally allowed an escape and then recorded a quick takedown – holding control for the final 24 seconds to preserve the 9-8 win.

“Epic match between two great wrestlers,” Lorenzano said. “If the brackets hold, I would not be surprised if this did not serve as a preview of the state finals in March.”

“I certainly did not expect to be down 5-0 in the first,” Haase said. “I just tried not to panic and remember my training. At the end, I did not want it to go to overtime, so I allowed the escape knowing I would need a quick takedown to win. Fortunately, it worked out for me.”

Antonio Falotico took a second-place finish for the Longhorns at 160; and along with Shawn McAllister’s title at 134, Harmony was able to lock up the team title when Nelson Toro (37-2) recorded an 8-0 majority decision over Osceola’s Jomar Sanchez in the 222-lb. final.

Still, Osceola had strong individual showings, posting a county-leading six individual OBC champions. In addition to Heap and Haase, the Kowboys saw Melvin Ewan (147), Gunner Holland (162), George Duncan (172), and Bryan Gari (184) all take crowns.

Celebration had a solid meet, sending four to the finals and getting an individual championship from Chase McBroom (30-7) at the 154-lb. class. Other winners included Gateway’s Aiden Cooper at 197, Liberty’s Brainys Robles at 287, and Poinciana’s Landon Trigueros finishing on top of the 108-lb. class.

In addition to the boys OBC meet, Poinciana hosted the first official Girls OBC Wrestling Championship. Osceola (28) won the team championship in razor-close finish with Poinciana (26), Gateway (24), and Celebration (22).

Lady Kowboys champions included Stacy Pule (105), Kelliana Mack (125), Talia Lugo (130) and Cathia Timas (140). Celebration’s Hayeni Costa (170), Gateway’s Emiliana Martinez (235), Harmony’s Julia Martin (120), and Poinciana’s Kaylie Collado (160) won individual titles; as did Tohopekaliga’s Valentia Borges (100) and Andrea Rivera (135).

All county teams (boys and girls) will participate in districts this coming weekend. The top four wrestlers in each division will advance to regionals the following weekend. The FHSAA State Championships, including the first official girls tournament, is slated for Silver Spurs Arena on Mar. 3-5.

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HBCU College Fair” is a week-long initiative with participation from HBCUs from across the country. This initiative will connect students and families from across the state with information about the outstanding post-secondary opportunities available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This event will kick off on Monday, February 7, at 3:00 p.m. with an exciting and interactive virtual program celebrating the HBCU experience. Each day from February 7 through February 11, representatives from participating institutions will be available for individual information sessions. All sessions are virtual, free, and open to anyone who is interested in learning more about HBCUs. Links to register for all sessions can be found at www.palmbeachschools.org/HBCU.

Feria virtual de colegios y universidades históricamente afroamericanas

El distrito escolar de Osceola, las escuelas públicas del condado Broward, las escuelas públicas del condado Miami-Dade y el distrito escolar del condado Palm Beach están colaborando en la realización de un evento de acceso a la universidad en el que se destacan los colegios y las universidades históricamente afroamericanas (HBCU, por sus siglas en inglés). “¡No hay límites! Feria Universitaria HBCU” es una iniciativa de una semana de duración con la participación de instituciones HBCU de todo el país. Esta iniciativa pondrá en contacto a estudiantes y familias de todo el estado con información sobre las excelentes oportunidades postsecundarias disponibles en los colegios y universidades históricamente afroamericanas.

Este evento comenzará el lunes, 7 de febrero a las 3:00 p.m. con un emocionante e interactivo programa virtual que celebra la experiencia de las HBCU. Cada día, del 7 al 11 de febrero, los representantes de las instituciones participantes estarán disponibles para sesiones informativas individuales. Todas las sesiones son virtuales y gratuitas y están abiertas a cualquier persona que esté interesada en aprender más sobre las instituciones HBCU. Los enlaces para inscribirse en todas las sesiones se encuentran en www.palmbeachschools.org/HBCU.

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The initial crash took place at 4:55 am on the southbound lanes at MM 214 south of the Kissimmee Park exit and involved a semi-truck vs a passenger car.

That crash occurred when the semi-truck lost control, struck a guardrail, and caught fire. The Kissimmee Park exit is currently closed as the crash is investigated by authorities.

The post 2nd Crash in Osceola County on Florida’s Turnpike Thursday morning leaves child dead, FHP says appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The first 400 families will receive a 10 – 12 lb Frozen Turkey, a package of Instant Potatoes, Stuffing, Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Mini Marshmallows, Macaroni & Cheese, and Turkey Gravy.

Osceola County has provided free distribution events on a consistent basis since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Viviana Janer for District 2 has led the food events in the BVL area, which are typically held at Archie Gordon Memorial Park at 420 Buenaventura Blvd. in Buenaventura Lakes. The park’s location allows Commissioner Janer, along with volunteers and the Osceola Sheriff’s Office, to provide a safe and well organized food distribution for the community.

As this is a first come first served event, it is recommended to those who are planning to attend to the food distribution to arrive early.

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“TrophyCatch is a vital program in which FWC biologists receive valuable data from anglers. This information will continue playing a crucial role in management decisions,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Coming up on 10 seasons of TrophyCatch results continues to demonstrate that Florida is where it’s at when you’re talking year-round fishing for Florida’s lunker bass.”

To celebrate this incredible achievement, Hall of Fame anglers were asked to participate in a survey to gather some unique information about pursuing and catching Florida’s very largest bass. In addition to the survey results, FWC biologists analyzed data from the nine seasons of HOF bass entries. The combined results are sure to capture the attention of bass anglers everywhere.

While HOF catches were submitted from 23 counties across Florida, anglers in pursuit of the next HOF entry may do well by scouting waterbodies in the north-central part of the state. Clay and Putnam counties led the way, accounting for about 30% of HOF catches. Anglers dedicated to being first on the water or last to leave might be a bit dismayed to learn that only 12% of HOF bass were caught at dawn or dusk. Rather, the majority were caught during midday or afternoon. For anglers debating which lure to tie on — it’s difficult to argue with the tried-and-true plastic worm, which accounted for 41% of HOF bass and surpassed any other lure category on the survey. Perhaps the most celebrated statistic that TrophyCatch would like to tout is that, through the Hall of Fame 100 promotion, 100% of these HOF bass were released alive!

To read more survey results and facts about HOF bass, visit: TrophyCatch.com. The TrophyCatch program rewards anglers who provide documentation of their catch and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or heavier in Florida. The FWC encourages anglers to join TrophyCatch to become citizen scientists and assist in the management and conservation of Florida’s freshwater fisheries. The associated TrophyCare program promotes best handling practices for trophy bass to ensure that each TrophyCatch bass is released alive. For more information about the TrophyCatch program, email Laura Rambo Walthall at Laura.Walthall@MyFWC.com or go to TrophyCatch.com.

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As in-person events begin to return this year, Toho remains committed to being a part of the community. Toho will now offer large, five-gallon coolers to fill with ice and tap water to keep people hydrated for community events. Toho will also provide a number of reusable water bottles to support this transition.

With this commitment, Toho will remove almost 40,000 single-use plastic water bottles, many of which are not recycled and end up in the landfill, from our planet this year.

Toho will provide the branded coolers for hydration services to festivals, parades, and other non-profit celebrations with a minimum group size of 100 participants within Toho’s service area free of charge, depending on availability. As with past events, please visit www.tohowater.com/outreach to make a request.

Toho will continue to assess the program as we move forward. Be on the lookout for future announcements from Toho as we expand our tap water solutions to support the community while remaining committed to environmental sustainability.

The post Toho Water Announces Move Toward More Sustainable Community Water Program on Earth Day 2021 appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Commander Michael Hopkins and pilot Victor Glover monitored the autonomous docking process aboard the Crew Dragon capsule.

“Resilience, SpaceX. Docking sequence is complete,” said SpaceX mission control communicator Anna Menon. “Welcome to the ISS.”

“SpaceX, this is Resilience,” Hopkins replied. “Excellent job, right down the center. SpaceX and NASA, congratulations. This is a new era of operational flights to the International Space Station from the Florida coast. And ISS, Sergey, Sergey, and Kate, we’ll see you real soon.”

In a first for a U.S. orbital spacecraft, the Crew Dragon is designed to fly itself all the way to docking with no manual input from the astronauts unless needed.  Touchscreen flight controls are available if needed, but no such hands-on flying was planned or took place during the flight the ISS.

Along with launching NASA-sponsored astronauts from U.S. soil aboard American spacecraft, the crewed SpaceX ships will make it possible for NASA to support four full-time station crew members, increase the amount of scientific work the lab can accomplish.

The astronauts are expected to stay aboard the ISS for 6 months before returning to earth and splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida.

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