Mondays with Maria Podcast

Orange County Public Schools
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Weekly Series

The official podcast of Orange County Public Schools "Mondays with Maria" program with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Vazquez.

  1. Episode 1

    Back-to-School: Find Out What’s Ahead on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    Join Dr. Maria Vazquez, Nancy Alvarez and guests for a quick overview of Orange County Public Schools' back-to-school updates: a streamlined online enrollment, Meet Your Teacher events, free student meals, and district highlights. The episode also covers important new policies and safety measures — bell-to-bell cell-phone rules, a ban on e-bikes and scooters at elementary and middle schools (with rules for high school permits), transportation/bus info, and upcoming Parent Academy dates. Practical tips and timelines are shared for parents to prepare for the school year and connect with teachers and school staff.

  2. Episode 2

    OCPS Back to School 2026: A-Rating & Safety on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    Orange County Public Schools kicks off the 2026–27 year on August 11 with an A district rating, 208 schools (including two new elementary schools), a projected 197,548 students, expanded career and technical education, and a special millage renewal on the November ballot. The district emphasizes safety: micromobility devices (e‑bikes and e‑scooters) are banned on campus except for certain high schoolers with permits and decals, with enforcement beginning September 8. OCPS is launching the Pause and Protect program promoting approved helmets and safe riding practices. Additional reminders include traffic enforcement near schools, consequences for online threats and bullying, and use of FortifyFL to report concerns. For more OCPS news, visit theslice.ocps.net.

  3. Episode 3

    Young Voices, Big Dreams on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez chats with middle school students about singing the show’s opening, acting and voiceover work, and school life. They share tips for young creatives on persistence and confidence.

  4. Episode 4

    Parent Academy Empowers Families on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez talks to Mariel Milano from the Family and Community Engagement Office. Presenting Parent Academy offerings — over 40 virtual mini academies, in-person events, and Spanish sessions — designed to help parents support their children in school. Parents can access resources like ParentSquare, tip sheets, YouTube recordings, parent engagement liaisons, and college and career planning tools. Events and materials are available at parentacademy.ocps.net, school quick links, or on the ParentSquare calendar. With flexible scheduling, translation services, and community partnerships, OCPS makes it easier for families to stay informed and involved in their child’s education.

  5. Episode 5

    Inside OCPS School Choice on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    In this episode, the Superintendent talks with the School Choice Office about the expansion of school choice in Orange County Public Schools, including magnet programs, scholastic academies, career and technical education, micro-schools (like the new Baseball/Softball Academy), and Orange County Virtual School. They explain how academies become magnets, how families can evaluate programs based on their child’s interests. In-district students receive enrollment preference, and OCPS offers tours, online resources, and community-based virtual options. Superintendents reinforces OCPS highlights such as certified teachers, high graduation rates, and robust CTE and college-credit opportunities.

  6. Episode 6

    Career Pathways Begin in Elementary School on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    In this episode of Mondays with Maria, Dr. Maria Vazquez talks with Student Services about starting career pathway conversations in elementary school and the district’s K–12 platform, Xello. They explain how Xello supports career exploration, student-driven course planning, parent access, and collaboration with school counselors and college & career specialists.

  7. Episode 7

    How Progress Reports Help students succeed on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial.

    On this episode of Mondays with Maria, Deputy Superintendent Jose Martinez and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tashanda Brown-Cannon explain why families should monitor progress reports, how to access them in Skyward, and what to do when concerns arise. They discuss early intervention for reading and math, tools and resources like Lexia, Reading Plus and IXL, communication tips with teachers (including language support), and practical steps parents can take to keep students on track.

  8. Episode 8

    Supporting Student Mental Health on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial

    This episode reviews Orange County Public Schools' mental health initiatives, including staff training in youth mental health first aid, Resiliency Days, and athlete-focused support, as well as the tiered counseling services available at schools. Guests explain how families and students can access resources via OCPS.net (click the brain icon), learn about crisis options like 988 and Fortify Florida, and emphasize the importance of communication, destigmatizing mental health, and working with school and community partners to get help.

  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The official podcast of Orange County Public Schools "Mondays with Maria" program with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Vazquez.

Information

  • Creator
    Orange County Public Schools
  • Episodes
    71
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mondays with Maria Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mondays with Maria Podcast