Okaloosa County School District

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 School Board Member Mr. Parker Destin and Superintendent Chambers recently hosted a Student Roundtable Discussion at Fort Walton Beach High School where they engaged with 12 insightful students on various topics, including school start times, advanced program funding, censorship, and more. Their feedback on issues like class sizes, equitable funding for athletics and arts, and the impact of school vouchers was invaluable. They also discussed the importance of proactive communication regarding construction needs and the ongoing efforts to address students who vape.

Congratulations to Kent Carter, a 4th grade student at Florosa Elementary School, for being awarded a perfect score certificate and a letter from the Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz. He has just completed all the possible reading iReady lessons, mastering 8th grade standards—a record achievement for Florosa. His incredible accomplishment was recognized recently by Superintendent Chambers and his certificate was added to Florosa’s Perseverance Wall.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲! Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of our school bus drivers. They are sometimes the unsung heroes who ensure our students arrive safely to school every day, rain or shine. Their commitment to safety, punctuality, and kindness makes a world of difference in our community. Thank you to all our school bus drivers for your unwavering service and for being such an integral part of our students' daily lives. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do.

From Hale: Tomorrow’s HR admin meeting is canceled. If there is any reason you need to meet with me or if there’s any information you’d like to share, please let me know. Happy Easter!

Choctawhatchee High School’s aerospace program just received a $50,000 boost from Florida Power & Light! The Classroom Makeover Grant is aimed at addressing the critical need for aerospace professionals by equipping students with state-of-the-art tools and immersive experiences. The funds will transform the classroom into a modern lecture hall, add an FAA-certified Aircrew Training Device with future Virtual Reality capabilities, and install a massive LED display for academics and simulations. With aviation-themed murals and advanced equipment, the program is designed to inspire and prepare students for careers in the aerospace industry, tackling shortages in key areas like pilots, maintainers, and air traffic controllers. As part of this grant, $10,000 has been allocated to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, directly supporting their incredible initiatives. These funds will be reinvested into our students and staff, helping to enhance educational opportunities and drive meaningful impact across our schools. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the presentation, including FPL representatives, local officials, and school district staff. Your support is helping pave the way for innovation and education in Okaloosa County.

Graduation is Quickly Approaching! All Graduation ceremonies are streamed live for family and friends who cannot attend. Live streaming links will be available on our website in May. Baker School, Doug Griffith Stadium - Thursday, May 22 @ 7:30 PM; Choctaw HS, Joe Etheredge Stadium - Thursday, May 22 @ 7:30 PM; Crestview HS, Jack Foster Stadium - Friday, May 23 @ 7:00 PM; FWBHS, Steve Riggs Stadium - Friday, May 23 @ 7:30 PM; Laurel Hill School, Laurel Hill Gym - Tuesday, May 20 @ 6:00 PM; Niceville HS, Niceville Eagle Stadium - Thursday, May 22 @ 7:00 PM; Richbourg School, Richbourg Gym - Friday, May 16 @ 10:00 AM; and Silver Sands School, Multi-Purpose Room - Thursday, May 22 @ 5:00 PM.

Congratulations to Hadley Broome and Heather Hansen, both from Crestview High School, who have been awarded the Superintendent’s prestigious 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarships, thanks to the partnership with Florida Prepaid College Plans. These scholarships are a testament to their dedication and passion for pursuing careers in education. Hadley and Heather stood out with their unwavering motivation to make a positive impact on the lives of future students. Their achievements remind us of the bright future ahead for education. Best wishes to Hadley and Heather as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Lang at Crestview High School, our March Thank A Teacher recipient! Nominated by a parent and a student, Ms. Lang goes above and beyond to engage her students and make them feel important. The parent who nominated her said “Ms. Lang has been a phenomenal teacher for my child. She teaches social studies, but finds ways to get the students to be engaged and excited about their lessons. One memory that stands out… before Thanksgiving break, she took the time to list each child’s name on her whiteboard and write a specific reason she is thankful for them. I believe she makes the students feel like they are special with a true place in this world. She also cares about their advancement and is willing to help them as much as necessary. She also wears silly costumes and has fun with her classes. From a parent standpoint, I truly feel she wants her students to succeed. I’m so grateful for her. In recognition of her dedication and the positive influence she has on her students, Ms. Lang received a plaque and a $250 "Thank A Teacher" award from HCA Florida Healthcare.

As the winter sports season comes to a close for Girls Weightlifting, Superintendent Chambers recently highlighted the incredible achievements of these outstanding athletes. Putting in the long hours of hard work has led these ladies to incredible accomplishments. They have represented their schools and all of OCSD proudly. • 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: The Gators went undefeated in the regular arena and earned their 8th consecutive District 1 Region 1 championship with 19 Regional qualifiers. They claimed 5th place in Olympic lifts and 9th in Traditional lifts at the regional meet among 32 schools. 7 lifters qualified for state: Rylee Daugherty, Emma Knight, Emily Whiddon, Justyce Johns, Michayla Rose (5th in Traditional and 6th in Olympic), Peyton Hardy, and Hayden Grace. As a team, they finished 28th and 29th in Traditional and Olympic lifts, respectively, at the state meet, competing against 119 schools. • 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲: The Indians had nine District Champions and two Regional Champions: Shelby Welch in Olympic/Traditional at 129 and Jade Jenkins in Olympic/Traditional at UNL. Among them shines a double State Champion, Shelby Welch, in Olympic and Traditional at 129. • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: The Bulldogs had four top 20 finishers at State: Ava Secor, Amaya DeLeon, Jess Esparza, Saige Schmidt. • 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: The Vikings were District Runner-Up in both Olympic and Traditional categories, with three athletes qualifying for State: Marcelina Castor at 110, Jordyn Chadwell at 110, and Gabby Kruse at 169. Castor and Chadwell proudly secured 7th place. This distinguished senior class, a testament to four years of unwavering excellence in weightlifting, has truly elevated the program, leaving it in a far better place than they found it. • 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲: The Eagles sent Lily Forster to State and she brought home two medals: State Champion in Traditional and Runner-Up in Olympic. We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.

As the winter sports season comes to a close, Superintendent Chambers recently highlighted the incredible achievements of our high school Cheer and Dance athletes. From thrilling victories to personal bests, our students have shown remarkable dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Join us in celebrating their hard work and success! 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 • 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿: Achieved 8th place in the FHSAA Region 1 Regional Competition and 17th in the State, marking their inaugural year with a spirited competitive Cheer program! • 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲: Crowned UCA Regional Champions, they soared to become FHSAA Small Co-Ed State Runner-up and clinched 7th at UCA Nationals! • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Celebrated their prowess with a commendable 5th place finish in the State and a stellar 10th at Nationals! • 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: Stood proud with a 5th place finish in the State, and at Nationals, they secured a 6th place finish in Traditional and 12th in Game Day! • 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲: Triumphed once again, securing their 6th consecutive State Championship! 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 • 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲: Secured the State Championship Title at UDA in Pom, while also claiming 4th place in both Hip Hop and Game Day. At UDA Nationals, they dazzled with a commendable 9th in Game Day. Heartfelt congratulations to Alyssa Vinson, Katherine Evans, and Addison Millhouse for their prestigious recognition as UDA All-Americans! • 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: Achieved a commendable 10th place in Large Varsity Hip Hop at UDA Nationals. • 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲: Celebrated a remarkable 3rd place in Varsity UCA/UDA Game Day. Stay tuned as we unveil the standout performances from our winter sports programs. We really appreciate the coaches, families, and community for supporting our talented student athletes during this unforgettable season.

ELA Spotlight: Mr. Thomas Berrigan, Edge Elementary Mr. Thomas Berrigan is a 5th grade ELA/SS teacher at Edge Elementary School in Niceville, Florida. His use of meaningful and intentional student engagement strategies, aligned with his purposeful TDQs, leads to highly effective student outcomes. Mr. Berrigan plans with backward design, starting with an analysis of his assessments to drive his instructional planning. From there, he develops purposeful TDQs that enhance student comprehension of the skill. He also carefully plans how his students will engage with these TDQs to ensure complete understanding of the lesson target. Walking into Mr. Berrigan’s classroom, his purposeful planning is evident. Students are engaged in writing through reading as a daily routine. They actively interact with the text, marking evidence to support their answers and annotating their reasoning. Daily collaborative student discussions allow them to share their thoughts and build on each other’s knowledge and understanding. These discussions are further enriched through the use of graphic organizers, anchor charts, and other collaborative group activities. Mr. Berrigan also incorporates highly effective technology engagement strategies. His Clear Touch is actively used in daily lessons by both himself and his students. Additionally, he uses Air Class, which allows students to respond live and enables Mr. Berrigan to assess understanding and provide immediate feedback. Mr. Berrigan is providing his students with highly engaging and effective ELA strategies and routines that are leading to their overall success!

On March 7th, we celebrated National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day and honored the incredible dedication and hard work of our maintenance staff. These, at times, unsung heroes ensure our schools are safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and the entire community. To our maintenance workers: Your tireless efforts behind the scenes make a world of difference. From early mornings to late nights, you keep our facilities running smoothly and create an environment where learning can thrive. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and excellence. Thank you for all that you do!

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Next Thursday, March 13, is the last day of the 3rd 9-week grading period. Spring Break begins on Friday, March 14, and continues through Friday, March 21. Monday, March 24, is a Teacher Workday. Students return for the 4th and final 9-week grading period of the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, March 25. We hope everyone has a safe and restful week off!

Edwins Elementary School Ribbon Cutting – March 5, 2025 Edwins Elementary's deep roots in the community were on full display as students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the school's brand-new Cafetorium, Music Room, Car Rider Line, Parking Lot, Playground Equipment, and Track. The event was filled with excitement and pride, featuring a performance by the Drum Team, a moving rendition from the school chorus, and students leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Former Principal Gwen Morris shared a unique perspective, reflecting on her journey as an Edwins student, teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Current Principal Ms. Armstrong recognized the dedicated Edwins staff, as well as former employees and principals who joined in the celebration. Students and faculty from Fort Walton Beach High School also attended to show their support. Superintendent Chambers shared his excitement about this milestone, stating, "Edwins Elementary has a rich history of academic excellence and community support. These new facilities will enhance the learning experience for our students and continue the school's tradition of success for generations to come." We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this project possible—including the citizens of Okaloosa County for approving the Half-Cent Sales Tax, as well as Jacobs/Titan and Lord & Son.

Congratulations to Ms. Kirsten DeLaRue at Bob Sikes Elementary, our February Thank A Teacher recipient! Nominated by her colleague Jacqueline Ward, Ms. DeLaRue is an inspiration to both students and coworkers. She pushes her students to achieve greatness, never giving up on them or allowing them to give up on themselves. She spends countless hours planning individualized support, advocating for inclusion, and finding innovative ways to help students and their families succeed. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, always going above and beyond for those around her. Thank you, Ms. DeLaRue, for your unwavering commitment and passion! Know a teacher who deserves recognition? Nominate them today: https://www2.okaloosaschools.com/page/thank-a-teacher.

Recent Ribbon Cuttings - Cafetoriums at Ruckel Middle, Plew Elementary, and Shalimar Elementary. A Cafetorium is a versatile space that combines a cafeteria and an auditorium, complete with a stage. It can be divided in half, accommodating breakfast/lunch on one side and PE or other activities on the other. Behind the stage in each of these buildings is a flexible area that can be adapted to meet the school's needs. For example, Ruckel uses their space for teacher training sessions and a STEM lab, while Plew and Shalimar have transformed theirs into a music room. Shalimar also has a new teachers' lounge in their space. Additionally, schools that have received these buildings have re-routed their car rider lines or bus ramps to alleviate traffic congestion around the school entrance.

OCSD Job Fair – Save the Date: Saturday, April 5th! Join us from 9:00 am until 11:00 am in the Choctawhatchee High School Multipurpose Building for the OCSD Job Fair. This fair is open to all and we will be hiring for ALL positions including: Teachers, Substitutes, Bus Drivers, Paraprofessionals, Custodians, and More! During the fair, the Professional Services Department will be hosting a class on “How to Become a Teacher.”

Shalimar Elementary School proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new cafetorium with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming community partners, school leaders, and media representatives. The state-of-the-art facility, which includes a modern music classroom and a newly paved bus ramp, enhances both the learning environment and overall campus functionality. The event also marked the unveiling of the school’s vibrant new playground, providing students with an engaging space for recreation. These transformative projects, made possible by the voter-approved Half-Cent Sales Tax, highlight the community’s dedication to investing in local schools and ensuring student success. Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the impact of these improvements, stating, “This new cafetorium is not just a building; it’s a symbol of our community’s unwavering commitment to providing our students with the best possible learning environment. It represents an investment in our children's future and demonstrates the power of community support.” Principal Amy Klugh, Superintendent Chambers, and Dr. Lamar White delivered remarks during the ceremony, celebrating the significance of these enhancements for students and staff. The event featured special musical performances by 5th-grade students and members of the Sinfonia Strings after-school program. Music teacher Ms. Shalyce Kauzlarich, who previously taught in a trailer for 20 years, expressed her excitement about having a dedicated space for instruction, noting that the new cafetorium provides a versatile environment for student activities without disrupting scheduling. The Okaloosa County School District extends its gratitude to the community for its continued support in creating safe, innovative, and inspiring spaces for students to learn and grow.

The OCSD Middle School Athletic Conference Championships for soccer and basketball ended earlier this month with several schools crowned as champions. In soccer, Ruckel Middle School girls won the County Championship, while Pryor Middle School boys captured the title. In basketball, the Shoal River Mustangs took home the girls County Championship trophy, and Meigs Middle School was deemed County Champion in boys basketball. Congratulations to all our schools for completing another successful winter sports season!

Niceville High School recently celebrated the grand opening of their new Multipurpose Building, made possible by the Half-Cent Sales Tax. This new facility will be used for band and athletic practices, on-campus testing, and other fantastic events hosted by the school. It also features a brand new weight room and baseball locker room, replacing the original baseball fieldhouse. Superintendent Chambers expressed a heartfelt thank you to the community members, students, staff, Jacobs Titan, and Lord and Sons for making these projects possible. "Your support is invaluable and has made this incredible project a reality. Thank you for investing in our students' future!"