ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time in-person during the pandemic, Orange County Public School leaders addressed the community for the 2021 State of the Schools.

What You Need To Know

  • District leaders highlighted the accomplishments made in the last two years

  • Students will receive more mental and academic help, says the superintendent

The pandemic was a major talker as district leaders highlighted accomplishments and challenges made during the past almost two years.

The event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Orlando near Universal where that event wrapped up Friday morning.

Supporting more than 200,000 students and 24,000 employees through the pandemic was the focus of district leaders as they plan to move forward.

As of Thursday, OCPS employees no longer need to wear a mask at school. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins said that is because of a low positivity rate in the community.

Students still have a parent opt-out option.

A major focus that was discussed during the event was the mental health of students as those needs have increased during the pandemic.

"Not only did they suffer academically we know children suffered throughout our community with social-emotional needs, and so we have additional social workers, additional mental health counselors in all of our schools throughout the community," Jenkins said.

This week, OCPS kicked off its vaccine events at schools, vaccinating about 2,500 people so far. The district is looking to add additional clinics in the near future.

The district's also brought on additional tutors to help the students who learned from home during the pandemic.