Employee Newsletter: February 2026

Page 1


February 2026

Spark STEM Fest is ready for launch! Check out these three mission-critical updates before the event:

EVENT DATES & OVERVIEW

Fri, Feb 13

School groups have a unique opportunity for hands-on time with Spark exhibitors and special guests!

OSC closes early at 3:00pm for exhibitor load in

Sat, Feb 14 - Mon, Feb 16

Spark STEM Fest runs from 10:00am - 5:00pm and is included with general admission. Free for OSC Members, Reciprocal Members, and Florida Teachers.

Sat, Feb 14 (Science Night Live)

Separate ticketed event from 8:00pm - 11:30pm. SNL is our 18+ adult-only night during Spark STEM Fest!

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

Saturday–Monday Parking: Staff, volunteers, and exhibitors must park offsite (not in the garage) unless otherwise approved.

Offsite Lot (NEW LOCATION):

Lake Highland Athletic Complex – East Lot 12 (Gate B) 500 Brookhaven Drive, Orlando FL 32803

Shuttle runs every 15 minutes.

Exceptions:

Those working Science Night Live may park in the garage.

Check your email for more details about Spark STEM Fest!

Clear communication is essential for a great experience for our guests:

Default Event Radio Channel: Channel 5

Lost Child / First Aid: Channel 3

Guest Issues:

Reach out to Floor Captain on Channel 5 or MOD on Channel 3

Exhibitor Issues:

Contact your Floor Captain, then Angella van Gelder

Quick tip: When in doubt, start with your Floor Captain!

OSC UPDATES

Stuffie Sleepover!

OSC Members let their stuffed animals go wild at a Science Center sleepover! Check out some of the photos that the team took to send back to the families!

Homeschool Adventure Days

Did you know that OSC hosts Homeschool Programs each month? Homeschool families have the opportunity to learn a variety of STEM topics for Grade K-8 through hands-on activities.

Upcoming Homeschool Adventure Days are:

February 2: Aerospace Engineering

March 2: Environmental Science

April 6: Renewable Energy

May 4: Chemistry

Dylan Bartley

Zak Battla

Ella Binyam

Carl Darden

Phillip Deleon

Brandon Forman

Yami Gonzalez

SPARKS

Beth Hall

Shannon Harrington

Kayson Hamblen Matthews

Aimee Jenkins

Brey Johnson

Brandon Kief

Kirby Lee

Madeline Lewis

Daniel Martinez Valentine Murphy Annabelle Neijenhuis

Amanda Paneque

Ivan Santana

Zsalaya Santana

Jesse Zito

MANDY HOLDEN

Mandy’s nomination highlights the impact she makes on OSC’s new rural agriculture grant! Her creativity and expertise shone through as she developed two engaging, high‑volume learning stations that reinforced challenging standards in fun, accessible ways for students

As the nomination shared: “Mandy’s attention to detail ensured we were prepared and ready to serve over 200 students on very short notice.” Her thoughtful planning, responsiveness, and commitment to quality helped create a meaningful experience for teachers and students alike.

Thank you, Mandy!

FEBRUARY

SPARK MONTH

FEB 7 & 8 SAT & SUN Bank of America Weekend

FEB 7 SAT Community Partner Day

From explosive live shows and wild animal encounters, to ooey gooey science experiments, we're pulling out the most popular programming at OSC!

FEB 13 FRI Spark STEM Fest Field Trip Day

FEB 14 SAT Science Night Live

FEB 21 SAT Curtis Rising Stars Challenge

FEB 20 & 21 FRI & SAT Immerse Orlando (offsite)

FEB 21 SAT Storytime Cinema Big Miracle

FEB 14 - 16 SAT - MON Spark STEM Fest

FEB 26

THU STEM Day at the Capitol

FEB 21 SAT Solar Saturday

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

My son said, "This is the best day ever!" so thank you for all of your hard work.

We lovedthe coffee smell allaroundthe secondfloor andmy wife saiditwas very tasty, too!

Ithadbeenafewyears sincewe'vebeentoOSC, thereweremanyupgrades sinceourlastvisitandwe lovedourexperience.

During the offsite at our school, we were so thankful for the different activities and inclusiveness of your team!

Thankyousomuchfor providinganengagingandfun placetolearnformeand myfamily.

We loved the Life exhibit, KidsTown Storytime, and the Pokémon show. They are all great!

JANUARY

JOANN NEWMAN

KMIETOWICZ

JUDY BRICKER - 24 years

May 30

JUDY BRICKER - 24 years

May 30

JUDY BRICKER - 24 years

May 30

Erol

Devlin

Anthony Rodriguez

Griffon Binkowski

Gypsy Ray

Jacob Johnson

Riley Winchell

Kira Horton

Tyler Boley

Morgan Vasser

Karim Aboussir

Simone Gonzalez

Christina Shuster

Elizabeth Singh

Alexander Irigoyen

Macy Turner

Gabriela Aviles

Emily Geary

Important Parking Info!

During Spark STEM Fest, OSC staff, volunteers, and exhibitors are asked to park offsite to help alleviate the OCS Garage and allow more parking spaces for our guests.

We have secured offsite parking and a shuttle service Please familiarize yourself with the Spark parking information, or plan to find alternative means to arrive for your shifts! (Ride-share, alternative transportation such as biking, etc )

Offsite Parking Location: (NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR!)

500 Brookhaven Drive Orlando FL 32803

Due to ongoing road works, the entrance may be accessible via Ferris Ave.

Each February, Black History Month encourages us to recognize the resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans. One powerful local example is Eatonville, Florida, one of the first and oldest

Shuttle Service:

Continuous every 15 minutes

Saturday, February 14

6:30 AM – 12:30 AM

Sunday, February 15

6:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday, February 16

6:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Shuttle Pick Up Location: Parking East Lot 12, Gate B

Shuttle Drop Off Location: OSC Entrance B

Note:

Team members may park in the OSC Garage while working SNL.

incorporated African American towns, founded in 1887 Its establishment offered newly freed Black residents the rare autonomy and opportunity to build a self-governed community during a time of widespread discrimination.

Eatonville is also celebrated as the childhood home of acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, whose life in the town shaped influential works

like Their Eyes Were Watching God Her stories helped preserve Black folklore and brought Eatonville national recognition

Eatonville reminds us of the enduring power of community, cultural identity, and the important pursuit of self determination... values that continue to inspire future generations.

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Employee Newsletter: February 2026 by Orlando Science Center - Issuu