Principal’s Message

Greetings!  

Welcome to Zellwood Elementary! My name is Jennifer Lawrence and I am proud to serve as the principal of this amazing school. I have worked in OCPS for 26 years. I have taught Kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grades and served as an Instructional Coach before becoming an adminstrator ten years ago. Here at Zellwood, we serve approximately 600 students in grades PK-5. Our school has a strong focus on conservation and the environment and I am thrilled to share that we are the number one Green School in all of OCPS and have been named as a Champion School with the Everglades Foundation. Our teachers work to infuse conservation into lessons and we engage our students in many tasks that help them see their role in preserving the environment. 

My top priority is safety for our students and staff. We have procedures in place that sometimes may seem irritating but are intended to ensure that our children are safe. Please be sure to learn and adhere to procedures for drop off and pick especially. We must have proof that any adult picking up a child is authorized to do so. Please always bring your identification with you when you come to shool and be ready to show it into the camera at the front door.

I believe that children need to be seen, heard, known, valued, loved, and successful. Everything we do here at Zellwood is aimed at supporting at least one part of that vision. Yes, we are charged with teaching students academics but we also help them learn how to be good people. We help students learn how to get along and work together through mutual respect. We teach students how it feels to be a part of something bigger than themselves through our House system, which we call Nests. Throughout the year, students participate in various activities while representing their Nest and trying to be the best. 

I encourage all families to be active participants in their child’s learning. We want to be partners with you. We have many ways for you to get involved including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and School Advisory Council (SAC). During the year we will also offer many events at the school in the evenings for families to participate in together.
 

I am honored to work with you and our talented staff to guide your child to success. I look forward to the 25-26 school year in which we will Soar to New Heights! 

Jennifer Lawrence
Principal