In The News — state math competition qualifiers, KUA lights up downtown parade; school 6th & 9th grade orientation nights Primary tabs View Edit Delete Revisions
Osceola Science Charter School student qualifies for state math competition
An Osceola Science Charter School student is prepared to represent her classmates at a prestigious STEM tournament. Dozens of elementary and middle schoolers recently raced to answer complicated arithmetic questions during individual and head-to-head challenges at the local “Mathleague.org” qualifier. Eighth grader Riya Ballani landed third place, which earned her a spot in the state competition. The event will take place in March.
Incoming Sixth and Ninth Grade Student Orientation Nights
To help students and parents feel confident and prepared for the 2026-2027 school year, Osceola School District’s middle and high schools will host Student Orientation Nights.
These events are designed for students who will be entering sixth or ninth grade next year, along with their parents or guardians. Attending Orientation Night is a valuable way to get to know your future school—meet the principal and key staff, explore the campus, learn about academic programs, and discover extracurricular opportunities like sports, clubs, and arts programs. You’ll also receive important information about schedules, transportation, school policies, and tips for a smooth transition. Whether you’re feeling excited, curious, or even a little nervous, Orientation Night is the perfect chance to ask questions, connect with other families, and start the new school year with confidence.
Sixth Grade Orientation Night: Thursday Jan. 22, 6-7:30 p.m. at the middle and K-8 schools. (Osceola County School for the Arts, which has site-specific orientation information, will be scheduled later once students have been accepted into the school.)
Ninth Grade Orientation Night: Monday Jan. 26, 6-7:30 p.m. (NeoCity Academy, Professional and Technical High School (PATHS), and Osceola County School for the Arts will communicate directly with parents of new 9th grade students regarding their site-specific orientations, which are scheduled later in the spring once students have been accepted into the schools.)
Parents with Orientation Night questions are encouraged to contact the middle or high school their child will attend next school year.
KUA lights up downtown Kissimmee for parade
Kissimmee Utility Authority celebrated reaching 100,000 customers by helping illuminate historic downtown Kissimmee with a permanent lighting installation, transforming Broadway into a festive centerpiece for residents, businesses, and visitors alike who may have noticed during Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade. As part of the holiday lighting effort, KUA wrapped 18 oak trees lining Broadway with thousands of twinkling lights.
Designed as a permanent, year-round feature, the system offers more than 30 different color combinations, allowing the iconic oak trees along Broadway to be illuminated for holidays, special events, and community celebrations throughout the year. “Reaching 100,000 customers is more than just a number— it represents the trust this community has placed in KUA over generations,” said Brian Horton, KUA’s President and General Manager. “We wanted to mark this milestone in a way that brings people together, celebrates our shared history, and helps make downtown Kissimmee shine during the holidays and beyond.”
Supervisor of Elections student art calendars available
The Osceola County Supervisor of Elections office has published a twoyear elections calendar full of election information and important dates, as well as artwork from the student art contest held in November.
The calendars are available to the public. If you didn’t get one at the Christmas parades in St. Cloud and Kissimmee on Dec. 6 or 13, residents can visit the Supervisor of Elections Office to pick up a calendar for themselves.
