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Seminole schools highlight 'Finding Your Voice' program; board recognizes students and community donors
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Summary
District staff presented the Finding Your Voice program for girls in grades 5–8, reporting 307 participants across 25 schools, a March summit at UCF, 1,021 pairs of socks collected for charity, and longitudinal data showing reduced discipline referrals; the board and community praised the effort.
District leaders used the April 14 board meeting to showcase the Finding Your Voice initiative and to recognize students and community partners.
Assistant Superintendent Demetria Faison summarized the program's model as a four‑year, data‑driven small‑group counseling curriculum for fifth‑ through eighth‑grade girls designed to improve connections, behavior, and academic persistence. She said 307 students across 25 schools participated this year, with several schools joining the program for the first time.
Faison described the March 12 summit at the University of Central Florida, which included keynote remarks and five breakout sessions. She cited internal data showing that the cohort of students who completed the program since fifth grade had lower rates of discipline referrals — described in the presentation as “nearly a 40% reduction” for eighth‑grade participants — and improved attendance and fewer D's and F's in ELA and math.
A student invited to open the meeting, Brooke Stackpole, described the summit experience: "This experience helped me build more confidence ... You have to wake up each day and choose confidence until it becomes part of who you are," she said.
Jean Van Smith, executive director of the foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, announced a contribution from Addition Financial's debit‑card program, which donated 3 cents per swipe; she said the program raised $18,000 in 2025 and $284,000 since inception to fund scholarships and supports for economically disadvantaged students.
Board members praised the program and asked about pathways into high school supports. Vice Chair Garrick asked whether participants would continue to receive coordinated services in high school; staff said the Finding Your Voice curriculum is built for grades 5–8 but that high‑school transition panels and local initiatives can help maintain supports.
The board's recognitions also included veteran and athletic awards that publicly acknowledged students, coaches and school leaders for recent state and national achievements.
