FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
My thoughts and concerns are with all our district family during this time. We hope that all of you are safe and healthy following the storm. Due to the impact of the storm, it has been decided that schools and offices will be closed on the previously scheduled Planning Day, Monday, October 12th. We hope this time allows for our staff to tend to families and your homes. This will also allow the district to survey damages and make any necessary plans and adjustments.
Plans for Tuesday, October 13th, and beyond will depend on information received about our schools and from our service providers and will be communicated later.
Again, our thoughts are with our school district family, and we hope that all of you are well. Dr. Karen Barber
📣 Teacher Planning Day Reminder: No school for students on Monday, October 12. Students will return on Tuesday, October 13.
#SRCDS
#SRCDS
🗓️ Reminder: Today is the end of the 1st Nine Weeks in SRCDS!
#SRCDS
#SRCDS
Update Regarding Tropical Storm Isaias (10/7 - 8pm Update)
In consultation and coordination with Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service in Mobile, Santa Rosa County District Schools is sharing the following important information regarding Tropical Storm Isaias.
Out of an abundance of caution, and with the safety of our students, employees, and families as our highest priority, all Santa Rosa County District Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th.
All school-sponsored activities, including athletic events, practices, clubs, meetings, and other extracurricular activities, are canceled for Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th.
All district and school-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, are also canceled.
We understand that changes to school schedules can create challenges for our families, and we appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our school community.
The district will continue to monitor conditions and will communicate any additional updates through our official communication channels. Families and employees are encouraged to monitor district messages for the latest information.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work together to keep our school community safe.
In consultation and coordination with Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service in Mobile, Santa Rosa County District Schools is sharing the following important information regarding Tropical Storm Isaias.
Out of an abundance of caution, and with the safety of our students, employees, and families as our highest priority, all Santa Rosa County District Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th.
All school-sponsored activities, including athletic events, practices, clubs, meetings, and other extracurricular activities, are canceled for Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th.
All district and school-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, are also canceled.
We understand that changes to school schedules can create challenges for our families, and we appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our school community.
The district will continue to monitor conditions and will communicate any additional updates through our official communication channels. Families and employees are encouraged to monitor district messages for the latest information.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work together to keep our school community safe.
Update regarding Tropical Storm Isaias
In consultation and coordination with Santa Rosa County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service in Mobile, Santa Rosa County District Schools is sharing the following important information regarding Tropical Storm Isaias. Schools will remain open, Thursday, October 8th. However, all after-school and extracurricular activities scheduled for Thursday, October 8th, are canceled. Latchkey will remain open Thursday, 10/8, through 6:00 p.m.
Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of our students, employees, and families as our highest priority, all district schools and offices will be closed Friday, October 9th. This includes athletic events, practices, clubs, meetings, and other school-sponsored activities.
All district and school-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, are also canceled.
We understand that changes to school schedules can create challenges for our families, and we appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our school community.
The district will continue to monitor conditions and will communicate any additional updates through our official communication channels. Families and employees are encouraged to monitor district messages for the latest information.
📓✨ Happy Instructional Coaches Day! ✨📓
Today, we celebrate the outstanding Instructional Coaches who make a difference in classrooms across Santa Rosa County District Schools. Through their expertise, guidance, and support, they help teachers grow, strengthen instruction, and enhance student learning every day.
Thank you for all you do!
#SRCDS
Today, we celebrate the outstanding Instructional Coaches who make a difference in classrooms across Santa Rosa County District Schools. Through their expertise, guidance, and support, they help teachers grow, strengthen instruction, and enhance student learning every day.
Thank you for all you do!
#SRCDS
🏆Today we celebrate our athletic coaches!
Thank you for the time, dedication, and leadership you provide to our student-athletes each day. From teaching teamwork and sportsmanship to building confidence and character, your impact reaches far beyond the game.
📣 Give a shoutout to a coach who has made a difference in your child's life!
#SRCDS
Thank you for the time, dedication, and leadership you provide to our student-athletes each day. From teaching teamwork and sportsmanship to building confidence and character, your impact reaches far beyond the game.
📣 Give a shoutout to a coach who has made a difference in your child's life!
#SRCDS
📢 Upcoming School Board Meeting
The Santa Rosa County School Board will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.. at Central School.
Community members are welcome to attend and stay informed about district initiatives and decisions. See you there! #SRCDS
The Santa Rosa County School Board will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.. at Central School.
Community members are welcome to attend and stay informed about district initiatives and decisions. See you there! #SRCDS
🎮 College Opportunities Through Esports!
Pace High School esports athletes recently had the opportunity to meet with Ryan Doyle, Director of the Huntingdon College Esports Program, to learn more about collegiate esports and the opportunities available to student-athletes after high school.
Students were able to hear firsthand about competing at the college level, continuing their education, and how their skills and passion for esports can open doors beyond the classroom.
We appreciate Ryan Doyle and Huntingdon College for taking the time to connect with our students and help them explore the exciting possibilities ahead! 🎓🎮
#SRCDS #PaceHighSchool #Esports #CollegeOpportunities #StudentAthletes #HuntingdonCollege #FutureReady
Pace High School esports athletes recently had the opportunity to meet with Ryan Doyle, Director of the Huntingdon College Esports Program, to learn more about collegiate esports and the opportunities available to student-athletes after high school.
Students were able to hear firsthand about competing at the college level, continuing their education, and how their skills and passion for esports can open doors beyond the classroom.
We appreciate Ryan Doyle and Huntingdon College for taking the time to connect with our students and help them explore the exciting possibilities ahead! 🎓🎮
#SRCDS #PaceHighSchool #Esports #CollegeOpportunities #StudentAthletes #HuntingdonCollege #FutureReady
🎃 REMINDER: Trunk or Treat is coming up! 🐈⬛
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, Santa Rosa County District Schools invites our students with special needs and their families to a fun and welcoming Trunk or Treat event!
📅 October 23
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Douglas A. Dillon Center, 6032 Hwy. 90, Milton
Families can enjoy decorated trunks, food trucks, face painting, parent resources, quiet music, non-scary decorations, allergy-friendly treats while supplies last, plus special appearances from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Autism Car and Officer McGruff and the Milton Fire Department. Costumes are encouraged, but not required!
A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors and community partners for helping make this event possible: Early Steps, Santa Rosa County Federal Credit Union, Retro Ink!, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Kona Ice, The Stepping Stones Group, City of Milton Fire Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
We hope to see you there for a spook-tacular evening of family fun! 🎃💜
#SRCDS #TrunkOrTreat #DisabilityAwarenessMonth #SRSO #MiltonFL #CityOfMiltonFireDeptFL #InclusiveCommunity #CommunityPartners
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, Santa Rosa County District Schools invites our students with special needs and their families to a fun and welcoming Trunk or Treat event!
📅 October 23
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Douglas A. Dillon Center, 6032 Hwy. 90, Milton
Families can enjoy decorated trunks, food trucks, face painting, parent resources, quiet music, non-scary decorations, allergy-friendly treats while supplies last, plus special appearances from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Autism Car and Officer McGruff and the Milton Fire Department. Costumes are encouraged, but not required!
A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors and community partners for helping make this event possible: Early Steps, Santa Rosa County Federal Credit Union, Retro Ink!, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Kona Ice, The Stepping Stones Group, City of Milton Fire Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
We hope to see you there for a spook-tacular evening of family fun! 🎃💜
#SRCDS #TrunkOrTreat #DisabilityAwarenessMonth #SRSO #MiltonFL #CityOfMiltonFireDeptFL #InclusiveCommunity #CommunityPartners
🍎✨ Happy World Teachers' Day! ✨🍎
In Santa Rosa County District Schools, our instructional staff members love, educate, and prepare our students for graduation and a successful future. We are SO proud of the innovation, dedication, and collaboration of our teachers that serve our students!
Give a shout out to a teacher that has made an impact on you and/or your child below! ⬇️
In Santa Rosa County District Schools, our instructional staff members love, educate, and prepare our students for graduation and a successful future. We are SO proud of the innovation, dedication, and collaboration of our teachers that serve our students!
Give a shout out to a teacher that has made an impact on you and/or your child below! ⬇️
🎉🌎 Pace High School celebrated Homecoming and Hispanic Heritage Month with food, fun, and culture!
Mrs. Ramirez and the PHS Spanish Honor Society welcomed the Los Panchos food truck to campus, while students enjoyed Jarritos, horchata, and tres leches. Spanish Honor Society officers and members also joined in the celebration by providing face painting throughout the event.
What a fun way to celebrate Hispanic culture while adding a little extra excitement to Homecoming week! 🇪🇸🌮🎨
#HispanicHeritageMonth #PHS #SpanishHonorSociety #Homecoming #HOCO #CelebrateCulture
Mrs. Ramirez and the PHS Spanish Honor Society welcomed the Los Panchos food truck to campus, while students enjoyed Jarritos, horchata, and tres leches. Spanish Honor Society officers and members also joined in the celebration by providing face painting throughout the event.
What a fun way to celebrate Hispanic culture while adding a little extra excitement to Homecoming week! 🇪🇸🌮🎨
#HispanicHeritageMonth #PHS #SpanishHonorSociety #Homecoming #HOCO #CelebrateCulture
🏈The Jay High School football game has been cancelled for tonight, Friday, October 2, 2026. 🏈
🧹✨Today we celebrate National School Custodian Appreciation Day! Our custodians work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our schools are safe, clean, and ready for learning.
Thank you to these dedicated team members for all they do to support our students, staff, and school communities every day.
#SRCDS
Thank you to these dedicated team members for all they do to support our students, staff, and school communities every day.
#SRCDS
🍂The October 2026 edition of Leaps & Bounds is now available! 📰
In this edition, you'll find updates from across our district, including student and staff achievements, school and program highlights, upcoming events, and family engagement opportunities.
Visit our district website, app, or social media platforms to read the latest edition, or access it using the link below.
https://canva.link/october-leaps-bounds
Thank you for all you do to support Santa Rosa County District Schools. 💚💙 Together, we are making a positive difference for our students, schools, and community.
❤️ October is National Principals Appreciation Month! We are grateful for the dedicated principals who make a difference in the lives of our students and schools every day in Santa Rosa County!
Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders by dropping a comment below to show your child's principal some love and appreciation!
Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders by dropping a comment below to show your child's principal some love and appreciation!
🧡October is National Bullying Prevention Month!
This month, we're raising awareness, promoting kindness, and encouraging respect in our schools and communities. Let's choose kindness and stand up against bullying.
#SRCDS
This month, we're raising awareness, promoting kindness, and encouraging respect in our schools and communities. Let's choose kindness and stand up against bullying.
#SRCDS
As we continue to honor America 250, we proudly celebrate Jordan Melton and his students at Sims Middle School for their participation in a recent Naturalization Ceremony at the Federal Courthouse.
The entire class helped welcome our nation's newest citizens by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, while students Kayden Morris and Alicia Han were selected to read their inspiring essays on “What It Means to Be an American.”
Their leadership, patriotism, and commitment to civic learning exemplify the values that have defined our nation for nearly 250 years. Congratulations to Mr. Melton and all of the students for representing Sims Middle School with excellence and honoring the enduring promise of America.
A special thank you to The Honorable Charles J. Kahn, Jr., United States Federal Magistrate Judge and The Honorable J. Ryan Love, Circuit Judge, First Judicial Circuit for including our students in such a moving and important ceremony. #America250 #SimsMiddleSchool #Citizenship #CivicPride #AmericanDream
The entire class helped welcome our nation's newest citizens by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, while students Kayden Morris and Alicia Han were selected to read their inspiring essays on “What It Means to Be an American.”
Their leadership, patriotism, and commitment to civic learning exemplify the values that have defined our nation for nearly 250 years. Congratulations to Mr. Melton and all of the students for representing Sims Middle School with excellence and honoring the enduring promise of America.
A special thank you to The Honorable Charles J. Kahn, Jr., United States Federal Magistrate Judge and The Honorable J. Ryan Love, Circuit Judge, First Judicial Circuit for including our students in such a moving and important ceremony. #America250 #SimsMiddleSchool #Citizenship #CivicPride #AmericanDream
Santa Rosa County District Schools is Proud to Announce!
🐬Gulf Breeze High School National Honor Society Chapter Wins National Award🏅
For its exemplary record of leadership, service and efforts to improve the school and community, the National Honor Society (NHS) awarded Gulf Breeze High School the Chapter of Distinction award. NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Principals Association (NPA), which also oversees the National Association of Student Councils.
Our chapter prides itself on choosing service projects that have tangibly positive results in our community. This year, we've developed working relationships with local nonprofits such as the Friends of West Florida Public Library, Habitat for Humanity, and Caring and Sharing who helped us distribute books, build homes, and create meals for the underprivileged. Our members have eagerly participated in these service projects, amassing about 2,000 hours of volunteering through our chapter, creating a lasting impact in our community that will only grow.
"The NHS Chapter of Distinction Award celebrates chapters that truly embody what the National Honor Society stands for—students who don't just excel academically but actively strengthen their communities," said NPA CEO Ronn Nozoe. "The Gulf Breeze High School chapter demonstrates how powerful it can be when young leaders channel their talents toward meaningful service and positive change."
Gulf Breeze Advisor Earle McAuley states, “I am really proud of the effort of our chapter. For the last four years we have been working very hard to be leaders in the classroom, the school, and the community; this award is recognition of a four years of hard work and dedication by an amazing group of students”.
The NHS Chapters of Distinction is a national recognition program created by NHS/NJHS/NEHS] to honor chapters that demonstrate strong leadership, sound operations and a deep commitment to the pillars of the Honor Society. This distinction recognizes chapters that meet all Essential Standards and excel in key areas such as student governance and leadership development.
📱 The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health and Academics
SRCDS and SmartSocial are offering a free virtual workshop for parents and guardians focused on how screen time can affect student motivation, physical and mental health, and academic performance. Learn practical strategies to help your child build healthier technology habits and find a balanced approach to screen use.
📅 September 30
⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT
✅ Free to attend
✅ Live virtual workshop
✅ Open to all parents and guardians
Register today and be entered for a chance to win prizes!
🔗 https://smartsocial.com/events?org=santarosacsd
#SRCDS #SmartSocial
SRCDS and SmartSocial are offering a free virtual workshop for parents and guardians focused on how screen time can affect student motivation, physical and mental health, and academic performance. Learn practical strategies to help your child build healthier technology habits and find a balanced approach to screen use.
📅 September 30
⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT
✅ Free to attend
✅ Live virtual workshop
✅ Open to all parents and guardians
Register today and be entered for a chance to win prizes!
🔗 https://smartsocial.com/events?org=santarosacsd
#SRCDS #SmartSocial
