Federal SNAP reductions could affect Florida classrooms by weakening the formulas that fund free school breakfast and lunch programs. Most Orange County Public Schools students remain covered this year, but declining enrollment in assistance programs could reduce future federal reimbursements.

The free Frontyard Holiday Festival will transform Dr. Phillips Center’s outdoor spaces into a holiday destination from November 27 through December 31. Visitors can enjoy nightly snowfall, firepits, movies, live performances, seasonal refreshments, interactive attractions, and the return of North America’s only transportable carillon.

Orange County Fire Rescue and Children’s Safety Village use realistic simulations to teach children how to prevent injuries and respond during emergencies. Lessons in the Fire Safety House help participants practice escaping smoke, checking doors, and following a safe evacuation plan.

Back-to-school preparation extends beyond purchasing notebooks, backpacks and other classroom essentials. A UF/IFAS expert offers practical ways families can prepare healthy, affordable meals in minutes.

AAA is asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and remain alert as students return to school and traffic increases around campuses and residential neighborhoods. The organization is also urging families to review safety practices for walking, riding the bus, and using e-bikes and e-scooters.

Cornerstone Connections has received a $100,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to expand its Connecting H.O.P.E. employment program for non-custodial parents. The funding will enhance career coaching, case management, and wraparound services designed to help participants secure long-term employment and better support their children.

Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church's Kids at the Well summer camp has doubled in size this year, drawing more than 160 children from 17 communities across Central Florida. Organizers say the expanded program combines STEAM education, athletics, leadership development, and Christian values to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.

As families spend more time around water during the summer months, swim instructors are reminding parents that water safety starts earlier — and lasts longer — than many realize. Beyond learning strokes, swim lessons help children develop confidence, awareness, and essential survival skills that grow over time.

Swim lessons are about far more than learning strokes or swimming across a pool. Early lessons help children build confidence, comfort, awareness, and foundational water safety skills that can stay with them for life.

Services includes school physicals, vision and hearing screenings with referrals for glasses, basic  dental services, activities, games, giveaways, and more. 

Summer is the perfect time to power up your child’s literacy skills through playful reading activities that keep their minds active and ready for the new school year. From hopscotch with letter sounds to creating poetic rhythms and imaginary maps, these ideas make reading fun for all ages.

Language is essential for children to express their thoughts and feelings and understand  each other. It supports your child's ability to communicate, express, and understand their  feelings, while supporting their thinking skills and helping them develop and maintain  relationships. 

In this issue, I’ve gathered some of our favorite stories, fun facts, and creative activities to keep your imagination soaring all summer long.

The “Kids at the Well” summer camp runs from June 2nd to July 26th at the Well Activity Center in Apopka.

This month, we're celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning something new everyday! Check out stories, puzzles, photos and more to inspire you to keep reading, wondering, and dreaming big.

The camp will run Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, offering recreational activities and field trips for youth aged 6 to 13.

The dynamic upgrade enhances the adoption journey by streamlining information about the process and providing prospective adoptive parents with every resource available to connect them with a child in need of a forever family.

Wisdom teeth are just your third molars. They are just the last tooth to erupt, and often, our mouths do not have enough space to accommodate them. They are no different than the rest of your teeth.

"We are so thankful to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Apopka, and the Knights of Columbus who just did a 'daily bread' bank drive and raised $5,000 for us, plus donated close to $6,000-worth of brand new baby items."