🏆🎉 Recognitions from the SRCDS April Board Meeting 🎉🏆
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals and teams recognized at the most recent SRCDS Board Meeting:
👏 Secondary Student of the Year – John Thies
🍎 CTE Teacher of the Year – Heather Renfroe
🗣️ Florida Speech and Debate Coach of the Year – Ashley Carter
⚖️ Mock Trial Region 1 Champions – Pace High School and Gulf Breeze Middle School
🚨 Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Recognitions
• Michelle Thorpe for dedication to preparedness efforts
• Victor Lowrimore for exceptional quickness, availability, promptness, and calm leadership during a recent event
Congratulations to each of these honorees for their excellence, commitment, and service. You make our district and community proud! 👏
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals and teams recognized at the most recent SRCDS Board Meeting:
👏 Secondary Student of the Year – John Thies
🍎 CTE Teacher of the Year – Heather Renfroe
🗣️ Florida Speech and Debate Coach of the Year – Ashley Carter
⚖️ Mock Trial Region 1 Champions – Pace High School and Gulf Breeze Middle School
🚨 Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Recognitions
• Michelle Thorpe for dedication to preparedness efforts
• Victor Lowrimore for exceptional quickness, availability, promptness, and calm leadership during a recent event
Congratulations to each of these honorees for their excellence, commitment, and service. You make our district and community proud! 👏
🏴☠️🎉 Raider Games at Navarre High School! 🎉🏴☠️
From start to finish, this event was packed with teamwork, school spirit, and unforgettable moments. 💪🏈🏀🎳🏸
A huge shout‑out to the ESE Department and Mrs. Angie Taylor for the dedication, planning, and heart they poured into making Raider Games a huge success. Thank you for bringing this amazing tradition back and giving Raiders at NHS the opportunity to support one another and connect with students from across the district. Thank you as well to all the schools and student groups who participated!
We are so proud of our school district!
From start to finish, this event was packed with teamwork, school spirit, and unforgettable moments. 💪🏈🏀🎳🏸
A huge shout‑out to the ESE Department and Mrs. Angie Taylor for the dedication, planning, and heart they poured into making Raider Games a huge success. Thank you for bringing this amazing tradition back and giving Raiders at NHS the opportunity to support one another and connect with students from across the district. Thank you as well to all the schools and student groups who participated!
We are so proud of our school district!
✨ Mrs. Mahoney’s Broadcast Spanish 1 – Desfile de Moda (Fashion Show) ✨
Students recently brought language learning to life with an exciting fashion show project! Working in teams, they designed and modeled their own fashion lines while practicing Spanish vocabulary and grammar. From describing outfits to connecting designs with weather, seasons, and special events, students showcased creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills.
We are so proud of the effort, confidence, and teamwork on display—an amazing job by all!
¡Excelente trabajo, estudiantes! 🎉
Students recently brought language learning to life with an exciting fashion show project! Working in teams, they designed and modeled their own fashion lines while practicing Spanish vocabulary and grammar. From describing outfits to connecting designs with weather, seasons, and special events, students showcased creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills.
We are so proud of the effort, confidence, and teamwork on display—an amazing job by all!
¡Excelente trabajo, estudiantes! 🎉









Celebrating Student Leadership at the Amazing Shake Regional Finals 🎉
We’re incredibly proud of our middle school students who participated in this year’s Amazing Shake Regional Finals, a workforce‑readiness and professional skills program in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union.
After months of preparation and coaching by dedicated educators, these students demonstrated confidence, professionalism, and strong communication skills while engaging with community, business, military, and education leaders in a real‑world professional setting
Congratulations to the Top 5 Regional Finalists:
🏆 Karter Landry – Avalon Middle School
🥈 Aidon Beccles – Bailey Middle School
🥉 Jenna Bichan – Wallace Lake K‑8
⭐ Luke Lomoriello – Hobbs Middle School
⭐ Allison Hawkins – Sims Middle School
We’re grateful to our teachers, school leaders, families, and community partners who make opportunities like this possible and who continue to invest in preparing students for future success.
We’re incredibly proud of our middle school students who participated in this year’s Amazing Shake Regional Finals, a workforce‑readiness and professional skills program in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union.
After months of preparation and coaching by dedicated educators, these students demonstrated confidence, professionalism, and strong communication skills while engaging with community, business, military, and education leaders in a real‑world professional setting
Congratulations to the Top 5 Regional Finalists:
🏆 Karter Landry – Avalon Middle School
🥈 Aidon Beccles – Bailey Middle School
🥉 Jenna Bichan – Wallace Lake K‑8
⭐ Luke Lomoriello – Hobbs Middle School
⭐ Allison Hawkins – Sims Middle School
We’re grateful to our teachers, school leaders, families, and community partners who make opportunities like this possible and who continue to invest in preparing students for future success.

🔬🎉 State Science Fair Success – Holley Navarre Middle School! 🎉🔬
We are incredibly proud of these Holley Navarre Middle School students who represented our district at the State Science Fair and earned recognition for their outstanding work:
👏 Jacqueline Miller – Biomedical and Health Sciences
👏 Ben Thompson – The Love of Mathematics, the Power of Google Award and U.S. Navy Science Award (Office of Naval Research)
👏 Mason Kukulus – Martin County Science and Engineering Award
👏 Lucas Criasia – Cellular and Molecular Biology
👏 Mia Hendrickson – Animal Sciences
👏 Benny Minot – Capital Region Science and Engineering Award (Engineering and Material Sciences)
Congratulations to these students for their dedication, innovation, and hard work. You make our community proud! 🧪🏆
We are incredibly proud of these Holley Navarre Middle School students who represented our district at the State Science Fair and earned recognition for their outstanding work:
👏 Jacqueline Miller – Biomedical and Health Sciences
👏 Ben Thompson – The Love of Mathematics, the Power of Google Award and U.S. Navy Science Award (Office of Naval Research)
👏 Mason Kukulus – Martin County Science and Engineering Award
👏 Lucas Criasia – Cellular and Molecular Biology
👏 Mia Hendrickson – Animal Sciences
👏 Benny Minot – Capital Region Science and Engineering Award (Engineering and Material Sciences)
Congratulations to these students for their dedication, innovation, and hard work. You make our community proud! 🧪🏆








🌟 Reminder for Early Learning Providers! 🌟
Don’t forget — the Pathways to Kindergarten Summit is coming up on April 16 from 4–6 PM at the Douglas A. Dillon Center.
This event is for VPK and child care providers only. We look forward to collaborating with you to support kindergarten readiness!
Don’t forget — the Pathways to Kindergarten Summit is coming up on April 16 from 4–6 PM at the Douglas A. Dillon Center.
This event is for VPK and child care providers only. We look forward to collaborating with you to support kindergarten readiness!

🎨🦒 Wild About Art! 🐯🎨
Join us for the Santa Rosa County Youth Art Exhibition on April 11–12 at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium in Milton!
✅ FREE entry
🕙 10 AM–3 PM
🎓 Student artwork (K–12), live performances, hands‑on crafts, food trucks & more!
Bring the family and celebrate student creativity!
Join us for the Santa Rosa County Youth Art Exhibition on April 11–12 at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium in Milton!
✅ FREE entry
🕙 10 AM–3 PM
🎓 Student artwork (K–12), live performances, hands‑on crafts, food trucks & more!
Bring the family and celebrate student creativity!

📣 The 2025–2026 ESE Parent Survey is now available and takes just a few minutes to complete. Your feedback is important and helps improve services for our students.
✅ Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/ESEParentSurvey
🕒 Quick and easy to complete
Thank you for taking the time to share your input! 💙
✅ Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/ESEParentSurvey
🕒 Quick and easy to complete
Thank you for taking the time to share your input! 💙

📣 Check this out!
Milton High School is hosting a Job & Career Fair on Thursday, April 16 in the MHS Gym!
✅ Open to the public: 3:30–4:30 PM
✅ 30+ local businesses attending
✅ Great opportunity for job seekers and employers alike!
Businesses interested in participating are still welcome by visiting the link below.
bit.ly/MHSJCF2026Registration
Come out and connect with our community! 👏
Milton High School is hosting a Job & Career Fair on Thursday, April 16 in the MHS Gym!
✅ Open to the public: 3:30–4:30 PM
✅ 30+ local businesses attending
✅ Great opportunity for job seekers and employers alike!
Businesses interested in participating are still welcome by visiting the link below.
bit.ly/MHSJCF2026Registration
Come out and connect with our community! 👏


🎉👏 Huge Congratulations to Emily McCallum! 👏🎉
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Emily McCallum, a third-grade teacher at Oriole Beach Elementary, who has earned the prestigious Instructional Empowerment® Model of Instruction Demonstration Classroom Teacher certification—a national honor recognizing excellence in student-centered, rigorous instruction! 🌟📚
Ms. McCallum is one of only TWO educators nationwide to receive this distinction, highlighting her outstanding commitment to deeper learning, student agency, collaboration, and academic excellence. Her classroom is a powerful example of students taking ownership of their learning, thinking deeply, and learning together every day. 💡🤝
She will be recognized this summer at the Instructional Empowerment Building Expertise for Deeper Learning Conference, and her classroom will serve as a national model for effective instruction. Way to represent Santa Rosa County District Schools with excellence! 💙
👏 Congratulations, Ms. McCallum—and to your amazing students for making learning shine! 🌟
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Emily McCallum, a third-grade teacher at Oriole Beach Elementary, who has earned the prestigious Instructional Empowerment® Model of Instruction Demonstration Classroom Teacher certification—a national honor recognizing excellence in student-centered, rigorous instruction! 🌟📚
Ms. McCallum is one of only TWO educators nationwide to receive this distinction, highlighting her outstanding commitment to deeper learning, student agency, collaboration, and academic excellence. Her classroom is a powerful example of students taking ownership of their learning, thinking deeply, and learning together every day. 💡🤝
She will be recognized this summer at the Instructional Empowerment Building Expertise for Deeper Learning Conference, and her classroom will serve as a national model for effective instruction. Way to represent Santa Rosa County District Schools with excellence! 💙
👏 Congratulations, Ms. McCallum—and to your amazing students for making learning shine! 🌟

📢 Apply for Junior Leadership Santa Rosa today! 📢
The Junior Leadership Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower high school juniors to develop their leadership potential and become active, civic-minded citizens in Santa Rosa County.
Program Highlights:
✔️Network: Meet with top local decision-makers and professionals.
✔️Career Exploration: Gain practical insights into various industries.
✔️Skill Development: Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.
✔️Cost: Free! There is no tuition fee for selected students.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online between March 1 and April 15:
🔗Click the link to fine out more information: https://www.santarosaschools.org/page/junior-leadership-santa-rosa


🌟 Assistant Principals' Appreciation Week 🌟
From April 6-10, we’re taking time to recognize the outstanding Assistant Principals across Santa Rosa County District Schools. Their leadership, commitment, and behind-the-scenes dedication help keep our schools running smoothly each day. We’re thankful for the impact they make on students, staff, and families. Join us by leaving a comment to celebrate an Assistant Principal who makes a difference! 👏💙
From April 6-10, we’re taking time to recognize the outstanding Assistant Principals across Santa Rosa County District Schools. Their leadership, commitment, and behind-the-scenes dedication help keep our schools running smoothly each day. We’re thankful for the impact they make on students, staff, and families. Join us by leaving a comment to celebrate an Assistant Principal who makes a difference! 👏💙

📚 Celebrating Our School Librarians Today! 📚
Today we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing school librarians and library media specialists! Your passion for books, learning, and curiosity helps spark a lifelong love of reading in our students. Thank you for all the ways you support learning and make your libraries inviting, meaningful spaces for our students every day. We appreciate all that you do! 💙✨
Today we’re shining a spotlight on our amazing school librarians and library media specialists! Your passion for books, learning, and curiosity helps spark a lifelong love of reading in our students. Thank you for all the ways you support learning and make your libraries inviting, meaningful spaces for our students every day. We appreciate all that you do! 💙✨

📣 Parents & Guardians—Report Cards NOW Available!
3rd nine weeks report cards are now available in the FOCUS Parent Portal. Be sure to log in and check out your child’s progress!
Now is the perfect opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and reach out to teachers with any questions or support needs. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, staying informed and involved makes all the difference. Let’s partner together to help our students finish the year strong! 💪📚
3rd nine weeks report cards are now available in the FOCUS Parent Portal. Be sure to log in and check out your child’s progress!
Now is the perfect opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and reach out to teachers with any questions or support needs. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, staying informed and involved makes all the difference. Let’s partner together to help our students finish the year strong! 💪📚

📌 Friendly Reminder:
There will be no school on Friday, April 3, due to Good Friday. Students will return to campus on Monday, April 6.
We hope everyone enjoys the extended weekend and takes time to rest and recharge. 🌼✨
There will be no school on Friday, April 3, due to Good Friday. Students will return to campus on Monday, April 6.
We hope everyone enjoys the extended weekend and takes time to rest and recharge. 🌼✨

The April 2026 Edition of LEAPS & Bounds is now available at the link below!
✨ This month's edition shines a light on the people, events, and achievements that continue to make our district special.
🔗https://bit.ly/AprilLEAPS2026
✨ This month's edition shines a light on the people, events, and achievements that continue to make our district special.
🔗https://bit.ly/AprilLEAPS2026

Title I Parents—We Need Your Feedback! 📢
The Title I Parental Engagement Survey B is now open! 📝 Your input helps shape programs and resources for your child’s school.
📅 Open: April 1 –15
🏫 For: Title I Schools only
🔗 Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/Fapm1zbYjs?origin=lprLink
The Title I Parental Engagement Survey B is now open! 📝 Your input helps shape programs and resources for your child’s school.
📅 Open: April 1 –15
🏫 For: Title I Schools only
🔗 Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/Fapm1zbYjs?origin=lprLink

April is National School Library Month! Be sure to comment below to share what you love about your Santa Rosa County School District Librarian or library.
SRCDS' Librarians inspire and support the reading lives of students; select and integrate tools to support transformational teaching and learning; provide flexible spaces that promote inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and community; and so much more!
SRCDS' Librarians inspire and support the reading lives of students; select and integrate tools to support transformational teaching and learning; provide flexible spaces that promote inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and community; and so much more!

🎉Innovation in Motion 🎉
🚗From automotive and culinary labs to carpentry spaces and a dynamic makerspace filled with 3D printers, drones, robotics, and hydroponics
🤖Yesterday, students were already diving in and putting these spaces to use, while community members joined us for the ribbon cutting and had the chance to explore the new Santa Rosa Center for Innovation in Milton. An exciting day celebrating learning, opportunity, and innovation!
🚗From automotive and culinary labs to carpentry spaces and a dynamic makerspace filled with 3D printers, drones, robotics, and hydroponics
🤖Yesterday, students were already diving in and putting these spaces to use, while community members joined us for the ribbon cutting and had the chance to explore the new Santa Rosa Center for Innovation in Milton. An exciting day celebrating learning, opportunity, and innovation!
🎉✂️ Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Santa Rosa Center for Innovation ✂️🎉
We are thrilled to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Center for Innovation—a significant milestone that marks an exciting new chapter for students across Santa Rosa County District Schools 🎉. Made possible through a $9 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant and an additional investment from the Florida Legislature, this 10,000‑square‑foot facility is fully funded and designed to deliver meaningful, career‑connected learning for K–12 through postsecondary students.
Construction officially began on April 30, 2025, and yesterday we proudly opened a center designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. The Center features a large makerspace with 3D printers, drones, and robotics, along with specialized labs for culinary arts, automotive technology, and construction trades, plus flexible classrooms built for immersive learning. With its open, glass-accented design, innovation is on full display the moment you walk through the doors.
The Center for Innovation will serve students during the school day and beyond—offering evenings, weekends, and summer programs—with a strong focus on career exploration, STEAM learning, workforce training, and industry certifications. This space expands Career and Technical Education opportunities so that every student, regardless of home school, can access high-demand skills and future-ready experiences.
Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the opening of a building—it celebrates opportunity, innovation, and an exciting future for our students. 🚀
We are thrilled to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Center for Innovation—a significant milestone that marks an exciting new chapter for students across Santa Rosa County District Schools 🎉. Made possible through a $9 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant and an additional investment from the Florida Legislature, this 10,000‑square‑foot facility is fully funded and designed to deliver meaningful, career‑connected learning for K–12 through postsecondary students.
Construction officially began on April 30, 2025, and yesterday we proudly opened a center designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. The Center features a large makerspace with 3D printers, drones, and robotics, along with specialized labs for culinary arts, automotive technology, and construction trades, plus flexible classrooms built for immersive learning. With its open, glass-accented design, innovation is on full display the moment you walk through the doors.
The Center for Innovation will serve students during the school day and beyond—offering evenings, weekends, and summer programs—with a strong focus on career exploration, STEAM learning, workforce training, and industry certifications. This space expands Career and Technical Education opportunities so that every student, regardless of home school, can access high-demand skills and future-ready experiences.
Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the opening of a building—it celebrates opportunity, innovation, and an exciting future for our students. 🚀
