Santa Rosa Students Use Art as Therapy through Grant-Funded Project 

Milton, FL – April 16, 2025 – Thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Santa Rosa Education Foundation (SREF), 18 students recently participated in a meaningful art project in partnership with the Milton Juvenile Probation Office and the Santa Rosa County District Schools Student Intervention Specialists, Paula Lowrimore and Kimi Gillis. The initiative gave students an opportunity to earn community service hours while creating artwork that will be donated for display at the Milton Juvenile Probation Office and at the Santa Rosa County Courthouse.

This unique collaboration allowed students to explore creativity, give back, and engage in a restorative experience. The art project was completed under the guidance of Paula Lowrimore and Kimi Gillis, Student Intervention Specialists in Santa Rosa County District Schools, who work under a federal grant to support students involved with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

“We’re proud of the students for their dedication to this project and for using their talents to make a lasting contribution to the community,” said Lowrimore. “This kind of opportunity helps build confidence and a sense of purpose,” said Gillis. The artwork will soon be installed at the Milton Juvenile Probation Office and at the Santa Rosa Courthouse, serving as a symbol of growth, healing, and community support.

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For additional information or media inquiries, please reach out to Nadia Colin, Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer, at PIO@santarosa.k12.fl.us.

April 3, 2025 - SRCDS Florida Prepaid Superintendent Scholarship Recipients Announced

On April 2, 2025, Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Schools, had the incredible opportunity to surprise two outstanding students with the Florida Prepaid Superintendent’s Scholarship! Scholarship recipients for Class of 2025 are JimJin “Angel” Powell and Jackson Stewart, both seniors at Pace High School.

Angel, a talented artist and chorus member, dreams of becoming an art teacher. This scholarship will help her take the next steps toward that goal! Jackson, an ROTC cadet with a passion for mechanics, is eager to pursue a career as an auto mechanic. He shared, “This is going to get me so much further in achieving my goal than I ever imagined.”

These students will be recognized at the School Board Meeting on April 10, 2025. Congratulations to Angel and Jackson! Our mission in Santa Rosa County is to love, educate, and prepare ALL students for graduation and a successful future. We look forward to seeing the success from these students with this amazing opportunity.

More about this scholarship:

Santa Rosa County District Schools is pleased to partner with Florida Prepaid to offer two deserving high school seniors the chance to earn a 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship valued at approximately $8,000. Thank you, Florida Prepaid College Plans! 

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For questions or media inquiries, please contact Nadia Colin, Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer for Santa Rosa County District Schools, at PIO@santarosa.k12.fl.us.

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SRCDS Earns Cognia Systems STEM Certification

April 2, 2025 - Santa Rosa County District Schools announced today that it has earned Cognia® Systems Accreditation as a STEM Certified District. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides Santa Rosa County District Schools a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system,” shared Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Schools. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

Cognia recognizes schools and districts across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia Systems Accreditation, a school district must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school system meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools and districts in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term. The STEM Certification highlights the work our district is doing to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics throughout our district.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Systems Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend Santa Rosa County District Schools for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Systems Accreditation at cognia.org.

About Cognia

Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.

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For questions or media inquiries, please contact Nadia Colin, Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer for Santa Rosa County District Schools, at PIO@santarosa.k12.fl.us.

Read more HERE

SRCDS April Edition of LEAPS & Bounds is Now Available

April 1, 2025 - Santa Rosa County School District’s multi-media, interactive magazine for the month of April is now available online at https://bit.ly/April2025LEAPSandBounds. This edition highlights recognitions around the district including Numeracy Week, Month of the Military Child, Mock Trial Success, Amazing Shake Competition, upcoming events, parent and family resources, safety information, and more.

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For additional inquiries or media requests, please reach out to Nadia Colin, Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer, at PIO@santarosa.k12.fl.us.

SRCDS LEAPS & Bounds Special Edition - Now Available

March 28, 2025 - Our 3rd Quarter Special Edition of LEAPS & Bounds is now available online at https://bit.ly/LEAPSandBounds3rdQuarterSpecialEdition.

In this exciting edition, we are thrilled to showcase the remarkable achievements from the 3rd quarter, focusing on our instructional initiatives with Defined Learning and Student Led Academic Teams. Discover our Defined Learning Contest Winners, read and see inspiring testimonials from teachers about Student Led Academic Teams, and explore much more! We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our schools throughout the district.

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For additional inquiries or media requests, please reach out to Nadia Colin, Public Information and Family and Community Outreach Officer, at PIO@santarosa.k12.fl.us.