The first day of school for the Okaloosa County School District is Monday, August 11th—and that means school zones will be active once again! It also means more traffic close to schools around intake and release times. Please allow yourself extra time to get where you are going, be alert, and drive carefully as students will be waiting at bus stops, walking or biking to school, and car lines will be backed up.
We appreciate your patience as bus routes will also take longer than normal. It usually takes a week or so for everything to become routine.
We know it can sometimes be confusing to know when to stop for a school bus—especially with different traffic scenarios. That’s why we’re sharing a helpful graphic that breaks down the rules clearly and simply.
As we kick off an exciting new school year, thank you for doing your part to keep our students safe. Your awareness and patience help protect the Next Generation of Okaloosa Schools!
We appreciate your patience as bus routes will also take longer than normal. It usually takes a week or so for everything to become routine.
We know it can sometimes be confusing to know when to stop for a school bus—especially with different traffic scenarios. That’s why we’re sharing a helpful graphic that breaks down the rules clearly and simply.
As we kick off an exciting new school year, thank you for doing your part to keep our students safe. Your awareness and patience help protect the Next Generation of Okaloosa Schools!
Last week, our Elementary Curriculum team had the honor of partnering with Food for Thought FL to pack food bags for local students. This incredible organization delivers over 1,800 bags each week, supporting children and families across Okaloosa County School District. We're proud to be part of a mission that makes a meaningful impact in our community, and we appreciate the work they do for our students!
Today marks the first official Teacher Workday of the 2025-2026 school year, and we’re thrilled to welcome our incredible educators and dedicated support staff back to campus. They’re diving into preparations to ensure our students have an amazing year ahead.
The first day of school is Monday, August 11! If you’re new to Okaloosa County School District and haven’t registered yet—don’t wait! We’d love for you to join the OCSD Family. Find everything you need to get started at our registration page: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration.
Let’s make this year unforgettable!
The first day of school is Monday, August 11! If you’re new to Okaloosa County School District and haven’t registered yet—don’t wait! We’d love for you to join the OCSD Family. Find everything you need to get started at our registration page: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration.
Let’s make this year unforgettable!
𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹!
To support current enrollment and prepare for future growth, a 10-classroom addition is underway. This important investment has allowed the removal of seven aged portables from campus, ensuring students have access to a safe, modern, and spacious learning environment.
We are grateful for the continued support of our community in helping us create the best possible educational experience for our students!
To support current enrollment and prepare for future growth, a 10-classroom addition is underway. This important investment has allowed the removal of seven aged portables from campus, ensuring students have access to a safe, modern, and spacious learning environment.
We are grateful for the continued support of our community in helping us create the best possible educational experience for our students!
Stuff the Bus was a huge success—thanks to the amazing support from a community that truly understands the value of quality education!
If you missed us today but still want to contribute, visit our website to find remote drop-off locations for school supplies. Every little bit helps!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to:
• Sarah Mathis and the fantastic team at MTSI
• Johnny Edwards & Kim Dawkins with Doolittle Institute
• Kimberline Griggs & Melissa Litscher with ECAR
• Laura Beeman with The Salvation Army
Special shoutout to OCSD School Board Members Linda Evanchyk & Parker Destin for their constant support of our teachers and students—you never miss a chance to show up, and we’re so grateful!
We are looking forward to an amazing school year!
If you missed us today but still want to contribute, visit our website to find remote drop-off locations for school supplies. Every little bit helps!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to:
• Sarah Mathis and the fantastic team at MTSI
• Johnny Edwards & Kim Dawkins with Doolittle Institute
• Kimberline Griggs & Melissa Litscher with ECAR
• Laura Beeman with The Salvation Army
Special shoutout to OCSD School Board Members Linda Evanchyk & Parker Destin for their constant support of our teachers and students—you never miss a chance to show up, and we’re so grateful!
We are looking forward to an amazing school year!
Back to School Savings Alert!
Did you know Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent and runs the entire month of August? From August 1–31, families can save on essential school items tax-free — including clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and even personal computers!
Plan your shopping and check out the official list of tax-free items here: https://floridarevenue.com/.../Documents/TIP_25A01-08.pdf
Please note: School supply lists are provided individually by each school. Many of our secondary teachers will share their specific supply requests during orientation or on the first day of school. Reach out to your school if you have any questions!
We can't wait to see everyone back in our buildings on August 11th!
Did you know Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent and runs the entire month of August? From August 1–31, families can save on essential school items tax-free — including clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and even personal computers!
Plan your shopping and check out the official list of tax-free items here: https://floridarevenue.com/.../Documents/TIP_25A01-08.pdf
Please note: School supply lists are provided individually by each school. Many of our secondary teachers will share their specific supply requests during orientation or on the first day of school. Reach out to your school if you have any questions!
We can't wait to see everyone back in our buildings on August 11th!
Today's School Board Workshop will be recorded and posted as soon as possible after the meeting is over. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
This week, elementary math teachers dove into hands-on learning with digital tools, manipulatives, and Vertical Surfaces strategies—making math lessons more interactive, student-centered, and fun! These energizing sessions sparked fresh ideas for boosting problem-solving, collaboration, and deep thinking in math classrooms.
Change a Life with Just 30 Minutes Every Other Week!
Okaloosa County's Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program is looking for caring mentors to support local high school students in grades 9–11. You’ll help guide students academically, build their confidence, and inspire their future—all during short, meaningful visits at their school. “Mentoring changes lives—and not just for the student,” says College Success Coach Lori Lipnicky.
✅ Background check & fingerprinting provided
✅ Brief training in August
✅ Easy scheduling through the mobile app
Learn more and apply: https://www.takestockinchildren.org/mentors. Questions? Contact LipnickyL@okaloosaschools.com.
Okaloosa County's Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program is looking for caring mentors to support local high school students in grades 9–11. You’ll help guide students academically, build their confidence, and inspire their future—all during short, meaningful visits at their school. “Mentoring changes lives—and not just for the student,” says College Success Coach Lori Lipnicky.
✅ Background check & fingerprinting provided
✅ Brief training in August
✅ Easy scheduling through the mobile app
Learn more and apply: https://www.takestockinchildren.org/mentors. Questions? Contact LipnickyL@okaloosaschools.com.
☀️📚 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗡! 📚☀️
Looking to make your child’s summer reading more exciting? Help them grab a book and check off these sunny spots—because every page is better under the sun! Don't forget the sunscreen!
✅ In the sun
✅ While eating ice cream
✅ At the beach
✅ In a car
✅ By a pool
✅ With a friend
✅ In a park
Whether you're lounging poolside or chilling under a tree, every page counts!
Share your kids' summer reading adventures by tagging us—let's turn this season into a story worth telling!
Looking to make your child’s summer reading more exciting? Help them grab a book and check off these sunny spots—because every page is better under the sun! Don't forget the sunscreen!
✅ In the sun
✅ While eating ice cream
✅ At the beach
✅ In a car
✅ By a pool
✅ With a friend
✅ In a park
Whether you're lounging poolside or chilling under a tree, every page counts!
Share your kids' summer reading adventures by tagging us—let's turn this season into a story worth telling!
𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗞–𝟴 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 | 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Big things are happening in Crestview! Construction is underway on Pineview K–8, the first new school in Okaloosa County since 2008! Located on an 80-acre site along the Southwest Crestview Bypass, this state-of-the-art campus will accommodate up to 1,200 students upon its opening in August 2026. This new school will ease overcrowding, improve access, and support growth in the region. A milestone over a decade in the making—and we’re just getting started! Visit the OCSD Facebook page for more pictures: https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict.
Big things are happening in Crestview! Construction is underway on Pineview K–8, the first new school in Okaloosa County since 2008! Located on an 80-acre site along the Southwest Crestview Bypass, this state-of-the-art campus will accommodate up to 1,200 students upon its opening in August 2026. This new school will ease overcrowding, improve access, and support growth in the region. A milestone over a decade in the making—and we’re just getting started! Visit the OCSD Facebook page for more pictures: https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict.
Last week’s Administration Summit was not just an event – it was a reminder of the power of leadership, courage, and connection. Our 2025 Admin Summit theme, Be Courageous Everyday - Lead Through the Challenge, came to life in every moment. Attendees explored new tools on the iPad, engaged in insightful principal panel discussions, and connected with colleagues in meaningful ways. Thank you to Beachside Community Church for being amazing hosts, Owen Lloyd, an NCAA swimmer from North Carolina State University, for his inspiring Keynote speech, and our amazing sponsors for making the event happen!
Books play an important role in encouraging a child’s curiosity, and kids who start reading from an early age find joy in a lifelong love of learning. Eligible Florida students in VPK through fifth grade can receive monthly free books and reading activities during the school year from New Worlds Reading. Learn more or apply at
https://www.newworldsreading.com.
Our administrators are already laying the groundwork for a strong and secure 2025–2026 school year. Last week, our incredible school leaders took part in summer safety and security training led by the OCSD Office of Safe Schools.
From emergency operations and threat prevention to policy updates and safety tools like FortifyFL, these sessions ensure our campuses are prepared and protected. We're grateful for the commitment of our staff in making student safety a top priority!
We are hiring! Come join our family as a school bus operator or assistant! New hires with a CDL can receive a total bonus of $2400, paid out in increments, while those without a CDL can earn $2000.
Classroom and "behind the wheel" training are provided and paid for the Transportation Department. Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance. For more information visit our website: https://okaloosaschools.com/depts/trans
or Apply now: https://okaloosaschools.com/depts/hr/employment
𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗖𝗦𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀!
On June 3rd, approximately 57 athletic coaches from across the Okaloosa County School District participated in CPR, AED, and First Aid Training to prepare for the upcoming school year. This essential training equips our coaches with the skills needed to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations—ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. Thank you to our dedicated coaches for going the extra mile to keep our athletes safe, supported, and ready to succeed!
Congratulations to the five outstanding graduates of the Okaloosa Unique Professionals (Okaloosa UP) program! Through hands-on training in Carpentry and Culinary labs, these students earned industry certifications, career certificates, and valuable life skills that will serve them well in the workforce and beyond. Thanks to the support of our dedicated educators, industry partners, and loving families, these graduates have developed confidence, teamwork, budgeting, and time management skills—empowering them to thrive after graduation. Many are already employed or continuing their education, proving the success of the Okaloosa UP program in preparing students for bright futures.
The Okaloosa County School District recently recognized Dwayne Walther for his exceptional dedication to school safety and innovative approach to emergency response and security systems. Assistant Superintendent John Spolski and Superintendent Chamber presented Dwayne with a certificate and district coin, honoring his visionary leadership, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment to keeping students, staff, and schools safe. His supervisor, Director Danny Dean with the Office of Safe Schools, emphasized how Dwayne’s collaboration, creativity, and advanced solutions have strengthened OCSD’s security, setting a powerful example of service, innovation, and care. His work ensures the district remains prepared, resilient, and protected. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to recognize his vital role in safeguarding our school communities.
Thank you, Dwayne, for making a lasting impact!
The final bell of the school year is almost here! Tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, marks the last day of school for students in the Okaloosa County School District. All OCSD schools will follow an early dismissal schedule, and lunch will still be served before students head off to start their summer break! Let’s finish strong and celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and achievement. We’re proud of each and every student, and we wish you a safe, fun, and restful summer!
It's a proud moment for Okaloosa Schools! Our 2023-2024 Annual Report earned the Silver Award in Digital Media & Publications at the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA) Sunshine Medallion Awards of Excellence! Public Information Officer Catherine Card proudly accepted the award on behalf of the district at the SUNSPRA conference in Orlando. The Sunshine Medallion Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding education publications and marketing/informational materials, both print and digital, including video, social media, and websites. Special thanks to Bit Wizards for their incredible partnership in producing our award-winning report!
