$10,000 Grant Powers Blessing Bag Ministry Forward!
What started as a small act of service in 2022 has grown into a vital program meeting the hygiene needs of students in Okaloosa County. The Blessing Bag Ministry, founded by St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, provides essential items to students enrolled in Title I and Title IX programs.
Through a strong partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the ministry has expanded its reach. In 2024, the Foundation contributed $19,000 in supplies, and in early 2025, awarded a $10,000 grant that funded two packing events—producing 620 Blessing Bags and 200 lice kits for students in need.
We are excited to share that in December, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation secured a surprise $10,000 grant from Florida Blue to support the Blessing Bag Ministry. This funding is now propelling the program forward, with the ministry team actively purchasing inventory for the January 31st packing event, which will produce an additional 400 bags.
This collaboration ensures students have access to basic hygiene necessities that support health, confidence, and success. The ministry’s goal for 2026: 800 Blessing Bags, continuing the mission of caring for students—one bag at a time.
What started as a small act of service in 2022 has grown into a vital program meeting the hygiene needs of students in Okaloosa County. The Blessing Bag Ministry, founded by St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, provides essential items to students enrolled in Title I and Title IX programs.
Through a strong partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the ministry has expanded its reach. In 2024, the Foundation contributed $19,000 in supplies, and in early 2025, awarded a $10,000 grant that funded two packing events—producing 620 Blessing Bags and 200 lice kits for students in need.
We are excited to share that in December, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation secured a surprise $10,000 grant from Florida Blue to support the Blessing Bag Ministry. This funding is now propelling the program forward, with the ministry team actively purchasing inventory for the January 31st packing event, which will produce an additional 400 bags.
This collaboration ensures students have access to basic hygiene necessities that support health, confidence, and success. The ministry’s goal for 2026: 800 Blessing Bags, continuing the mission of caring for students—one bag at a time.
Helping Children Grow Self-Awareness and Self-Management
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to understand themselves and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. For the month of January, our students will be focusing on the resiliency skill of self-awareness and self-management. These skills are foundational to children’s mental health, learning, and relationships.
What is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is a child’s ability to recognize their feelings, thoughts, strengths, and challenges. When children can name what they are feeling and understand why, they are better equipped to communicate their needs and make thoughtful choices.
How can Parents Help at Home?
• Name emotions out loud. “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated because that was hard.”
• Normalize all feelings. Remind children that emotions like anger, sadness, and worry are normal—and manageable.
• Reflect together. Ask gentle questions such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What felt tricky today?”
What is Self-Management?
Self-management is the ability to regulate emotions, behaviors, and impulses—especially during challenging moments. It helps children calm themselves, persist through difficulties, and respond rather than react.
Ways to build self-management skills:
• Teach calming strategies. Deep breathing, stretching, quiet time, or drawing can help children reset.
• Practice problem-solving. Walk children through steps like identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and choosing a next step.
• Encourage routines. Consistent schedules for sleep, homework, and meals support emotional regulation.
Why these skills Matter
Children who develop strong self-awareness and self-management skills are better able to handle stress, build healthy relationships, and succeed academically. These skills also strengthen resilience—helping children bounce back from setbacks with confidence and hope.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Children learn these skills over time and through experience. Progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Every conversation, every calm moment modeled, and every opportunity to practice helps your child grow. Together, families and schools can support children in becoming confident, emotionally healthy learners—ready to navigate both the joys and challenges of life.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to understand themselves and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. For the month of January, our students will be focusing on the resiliency skill of self-awareness and self-management. These skills are foundational to children’s mental health, learning, and relationships.
What is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is a child’s ability to recognize their feelings, thoughts, strengths, and challenges. When children can name what they are feeling and understand why, they are better equipped to communicate their needs and make thoughtful choices.
How can Parents Help at Home?
• Name emotions out loud. “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated because that was hard.”
• Normalize all feelings. Remind children that emotions like anger, sadness, and worry are normal—and manageable.
• Reflect together. Ask gentle questions such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What felt tricky today?”
What is Self-Management?
Self-management is the ability to regulate emotions, behaviors, and impulses—especially during challenging moments. It helps children calm themselves, persist through difficulties, and respond rather than react.
Ways to build self-management skills:
• Teach calming strategies. Deep breathing, stretching, quiet time, or drawing can help children reset.
• Practice problem-solving. Walk children through steps like identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and choosing a next step.
• Encourage routines. Consistent schedules for sleep, homework, and meals support emotional regulation.
Why these skills Matter
Children who develop strong self-awareness and self-management skills are better able to handle stress, build healthy relationships, and succeed academically. These skills also strengthen resilience—helping children bounce back from setbacks with confidence and hope.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Children learn these skills over time and through experience. Progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Every conversation, every calm moment modeled, and every opportunity to practice helps your child grow. Together, families and schools can support children in becoming confident, emotionally healthy learners—ready to navigate both the joys and challenges of life.
On November 20, Fort Walton Beach High School’s Building Trades program hosted an exclusive preview of its student-built tiny house, welcoming Okaloosa County School District administrators, school board members, local business owners, and community supporters. Guests toured the impressive project in progress, watching students demonstrate professional-level skills in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing. They also met the dedicated FWBHS Project Management team, set to represent the school at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® in Orlando this February.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students’ craftsmanship and teamwork, calling the tiny house a powerful example of hands-on learning that prepares them for high-demand careers. “Supporting their journey to the International Builders’ Show is an investment in the future workforce of Okaloosa County,” he said.
The event marked the official launch of a fundraising campaign to cover travel, registration, materials, and competition expenses, ensuring the team can compete on the international stage. Instructor James Martin, a former professional contractor, highlighted the project’s role in developing tomorrow’s skilled trades professionals and expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiasm. Principal Lindsey Smith echoed the pride, noting the project embodies innovation and commitment to quality career education. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the trip, donating materials, or expressing interest in purchasing the completed tiny house are invited to contact Mr. James Martin at James.Martin@okaloosaschools.com. Join us in supporting these talented students as they build brighter futures—for themselves and our community!
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the students’ craftsmanship and teamwork, calling the tiny house a powerful example of hands-on learning that prepares them for high-demand careers. “Supporting their journey to the International Builders’ Show is an investment in the future workforce of Okaloosa County,” he said.
The event marked the official launch of a fundraising campaign to cover travel, registration, materials, and competition expenses, ensuring the team can compete on the international stage. Instructor James Martin, a former professional contractor, highlighted the project’s role in developing tomorrow’s skilled trades professionals and expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiasm. Principal Lindsey Smith echoed the pride, noting the project embodies innovation and commitment to quality career education. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the trip, donating materials, or expressing interest in purchasing the completed tiny house are invited to contact Mr. James Martin at James.Martin@okaloosaschools.com. Join us in supporting these talented students as they build brighter futures—for themselves and our community!
The Okaloosa County School District will be closed Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
In an inspiring conversation with Nicole Welch, a seasoned healthcare professional with nearly 20 years of experience, we delved into the world of high school allied health education at the Health Academy in Fort Walton Beach. Drawing from her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, and leadership roles, Nicole infuses her teaching with authentic, real-world perspective.
She began her career in 2006 and has worked across diverse settings—long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospitals, and management—gaining profound insight into patient care for all ages and conditions. This experience shapes her dynamic classroom, where hands-on learning takes center stage. Through realistic simulations, labs, and cutting-edge technology, students master essential skills like taking vital signs, providing first aid, and operating medical equipment. Case studies foster critical thinking and teamwork, bridging theory to practice. “I want learning to feel active and relevant,” Nicole shares, ensuring students see exactly how their skills save and improve lives. For those daunted by complex terminology, she breaks words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes, uses relatable analogies and visuals, and adds fun with activities like medical terminology bingo—always reinforcing concepts in practical labs.
Nicole’s greatest goal is graduating confident, compassionate caregivers. The Health Academy builds strong foundations in anatomy, physiology, terminology, and professional skills while emphasizing ethics, communication, and real-world readiness—preparing students for college or immediate allied health careers. Her passion is contagious, turning students into capable professionals ready to make a difference. Inspired to answer the call? Sign up now for Allied Health and Practical Nursing classes next school year.
She began her career in 2006 and has worked across diverse settings—long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospitals, and management—gaining profound insight into patient care for all ages and conditions. This experience shapes her dynamic classroom, where hands-on learning takes center stage. Through realistic simulations, labs, and cutting-edge technology, students master essential skills like taking vital signs, providing first aid, and operating medical equipment. Case studies foster critical thinking and teamwork, bridging theory to practice. “I want learning to feel active and relevant,” Nicole shares, ensuring students see exactly how their skills save and improve lives. For those daunted by complex terminology, she breaks words into prefixes, roots, and suffixes, uses relatable analogies and visuals, and adds fun with activities like medical terminology bingo—always reinforcing concepts in practical labs.
Nicole’s greatest goal is graduating confident, compassionate caregivers. The Health Academy builds strong foundations in anatomy, physiology, terminology, and professional skills while emphasizing ethics, communication, and real-world readiness—preparing students for college or immediate allied health careers. Her passion is contagious, turning students into capable professionals ready to make a difference. Inspired to answer the call? Sign up now for Allied Health and Practical Nursing classes next school year.
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀!
Teachers, Counselors, Interpreters, and Itinerant staff from all schools came together at designated locations to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new resources. These sessions were all about building strategies, asking questions, and gaining fresh perspectives from peers.
By learning from one another, we continue to grow and strengthen our commitment to excellence—working together to become the best School District we can be!
Visit https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict for a full gallery of photos.
Teachers, Counselors, Interpreters, and Itinerant staff from all schools came together at designated locations to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new resources. These sessions were all about building strategies, asking questions, and gaining fresh perspectives from peers.
By learning from one another, we continue to grow and strengthen our commitment to excellence—working together to become the best School District we can be!
Visit https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict for a full gallery of photos.
Welcome back, teachers!
Just a reminder that today (Monday) is a Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday and tomorrow (Tuesday) is a District-wide Professional Learning Day/ Student Holiday. We look forward to seeing the rest of our OCSD Family on Wednesday, rested, recharged, and ready to finish the year strong!
Just a reminder that today (Monday) is a Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday and tomorrow (Tuesday) is a District-wide Professional Learning Day/ Student Holiday. We look forward to seeing the rest of our OCSD Family on Wednesday, rested, recharged, and ready to finish the year strong!
The Crestview High School Medical Academy Club is dedicated to fostering a community of students who are passionate about healthcare. Their mission is to provide hands-on learning opportunities, promote leadership, teamwork, and prepare students for future professional careers.
We are excited to share Davidson Middle School's recent collaboration with Crestview High School, where students had the chance during their PE classes to practice chest compressions under the supervision of MAC members and our amazing PE coaches. This partnership helps equip students with life-saving skills and reinforces the importance of health education in our schools. 🐾
We are excited to share Davidson Middle School's recent collaboration with Crestview High School, where students had the chance during their PE classes to practice chest compressions under the supervision of MAC members and our amazing PE coaches. This partnership helps equip students with life-saving skills and reinforces the importance of health education in our schools. 🐾
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩!
Recently we proudly celebrated four exceptional administrators who have gone above and beyond for their schools and our district. Each year, we recognize one Elementary Principal and one Secondary Principal as the Okaloosa County School District Principals of the Year.
This year’s honorees are:
• Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year: Elizabeth Richards from Baker School
• Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year: Amy Morgan from Lewis School
• Elementary Principal of the Year: Mandy Lopez from Walker Elementary
• Secondary Principal of the Year: Heather Graham-Williams from Bruner Middle
These remarkable leaders have made a lasting impact on their students, staff, and communities. Their vision and dedication help shape the future of education in Okaloosa County.
Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to excellence and for inspiring all of us every day.
Recently we proudly celebrated four exceptional administrators who have gone above and beyond for their schools and our district. Each year, we recognize one Elementary Principal and one Secondary Principal as the Okaloosa County School District Principals of the Year.
This year’s honorees are:
• Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year: Elizabeth Richards from Baker School
• Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year: Amy Morgan from Lewis School
• Elementary Principal of the Year: Mandy Lopez from Walker Elementary
• Secondary Principal of the Year: Heather Graham-Williams from Bruner Middle
These remarkable leaders have made a lasting impact on their students, staff, and communities. Their vision and dedication help shape the future of education in Okaloosa County.
Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to excellence and for inspiring all of us every day.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁!
It’s almost time to celebrate the season! The Okaloosa County School District will be closed for Winter Break from December 22 – January 2.
➮ Schools & District Offices reopen: Monday, January 5
➮ Students return: Wednesday, January 7
Wishing you joy, peace, and a wonderful holiday season!
It’s almost time to celebrate the season! The Okaloosa County School District will be closed for Winter Break from December 22 – January 2.
➮ Schools & District Offices reopen: Monday, January 5
➮ Students return: Wednesday, January 7
Wishing you joy, peace, and a wonderful holiday season!
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝!
We’re thrilled to share the incredible news—our top three Teacher of the Year finalists have been revealed! Monday, we had the honor of surprising these outstanding educators who represent the very best of Okaloosa County Schools.
This year’s finalists are (in no particular order):
☆ Kim Moran, Art Teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School
☆ Sarah Theres, Music Teacher at Florosa Elementary School
☆ Kimberly Day-Scanlon, CBS Teacher at Kenwood Elementary School
Each of these teachers inspire students every day through creativity, passion, and dedication. Choosing just one winner will be tough!
A huge thank you to School Board Chair Linda Evanchyk, Michael Dingess, Jordan Appelberg, and Kyla Scelzi from OCEA, Dr. Lee Hale, Assistant Superintendent of HR, and the principals who helped make these surprise visits unforgettable.
Stay tuned—we’ll announce the winner soon at our Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet in January!
We hope you had a great first day back from Thanksgiving Break, OCSD Family!
We’ve got three short weeks until the end of the first semester and the start of Winter Break—let’s make them count!
On Friday, December 19, most schools will dismiss slightly earlier than usual. Check out the adjusted times so you can plan ahead!
We’ve got three short weeks until the end of the first semester and the start of Winter Break—let’s make them count!
On Friday, December 19, most schools will dismiss slightly earlier than usual. Check out the adjusted times so you can plan ahead!
Today we honor the behind-the-scenes heroes of our schools — our Education Support Professionals (ESPs)! From keeping classrooms running smoothly, to ensuring students are fed, transported, and supported every step of the way, ESPs are the backbone of education.
Let’s take a moment to thank the bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, office assistants, and so many more who make learning possible every single day!
Let’s take a moment to thank the bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, office assistants, and so many more who make learning possible every single day!
Okaloosa County Schools will be closed November 24th - 28th for the Thanksgiving Holidays.
All Okaloosa County School District Schools and Offices will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Congratulations to Nicole Hardin, Pre-K Teacher at Northwood Elementary, Gretchen Levinson, ESE EBD Parapro at Meigs MS, and Starla Lucas, Mary Esther Elementary Bookkeeper, on being selected as the finalists for OCSD Educational Support Professional of the Year. These remarkable professionals exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence in everything they do. Their impact reaches far beyond their roles, and we are so proud to have them represent the heart of our district. All honorees will be celebrated at the Annual Breakfast on November 14, where the district’s representative for the state award will be announced.
Our amazing 8th grade ELA teachers are diving into professional learning with S3Strategies! This dynamic training is all about strengthening literacy instruction, boosting student engagement, and building powerful classroom strategies. With collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence, these educators are sharpening their skills to help every student thrive.
Ooey Gooey Math
Halloween came alive in Karmen Broaddus’s classroom at Ruckel Middle School with a spine-tingling twist on math! Students dove into a neon-themed learning experience, fishing for math problems hidden in a mix of “brains,” “guts,” and “maggots”—all part of a creepy, creative setup designed to make learning unforgettable.
Surrounded by ooey gooey props and spooky vibes, students tackled math challenges with excitement and engagement. It was the perfect blend of seasonal fun and academic rigor!
Halloween came alive in Karmen Broaddus’s classroom at Ruckel Middle School with a spine-tingling twist on math! Students dove into a neon-themed learning experience, fishing for math problems hidden in a mix of “brains,” “guts,” and “maggots”—all part of a creepy, creative setup designed to make learning unforgettable.
Surrounded by ooey gooey props and spooky vibes, students tackled math challenges with excitement and engagement. It was the perfect blend of seasonal fun and academic rigor!
CTE Spotlight: Culinary Arts
Chef Tingle, with 11 years of teaching experience, has transformed the culinary program at Crestview High School (CHS) into a vibrant hub of creativity and skill-building. A Georgia native, he grew up in Atlanta’s suburbs with a passion for food but little kitchen expertise. After high school, he moved to Statesboro, GA, working in restaurants while earning a B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Georgia Southern University. His culinary career soared as he rose from line cook to Executive Chef in seven years, working at prestigious venues like Marriott’s Grand Hotel, The Country Club of Mobile, The Walden Club, and The Cliffs at Glassy Golf and Country Club. He later earned an A.A. in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, where he discovered his love for teaching.
Since joining CHS in 2014 after relocating to Florida with his wife, Chef Tingle has elevated the culinary program with industry-standard upgrades, replacing 75% of outdated kitchen and café equipment with stainless steel, funded by over 500 students earning ServSafe certifications. His summer breaks have been crucial for these renovations. He finds immense joy in watching students master meal preparation and express creativity, helping them earn industry credentials. “Seeing students’ confidence grow as they create something delicious is the most rewarding part of my job,” he says. Chef Tingle’s hands-on, real-world-focused teaching fosters a passion for culinary arts. He also builds community by sharing treats with school staff, a nod to his high school days.
Chef Tingle, with 11 years of teaching experience, has transformed the culinary program at Crestview High School (CHS) into a vibrant hub of creativity and skill-building. A Georgia native, he grew up in Atlanta’s suburbs with a passion for food but little kitchen expertise. After high school, he moved to Statesboro, GA, working in restaurants while earning a B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Georgia Southern University. His culinary career soared as he rose from line cook to Executive Chef in seven years, working at prestigious venues like Marriott’s Grand Hotel, The Country Club of Mobile, The Walden Club, and The Cliffs at Glassy Golf and Country Club. He later earned an A.A. in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, where he discovered his love for teaching.
Since joining CHS in 2014 after relocating to Florida with his wife, Chef Tingle has elevated the culinary program with industry-standard upgrades, replacing 75% of outdated kitchen and café equipment with stainless steel, funded by over 500 students earning ServSafe certifications. His summer breaks have been crucial for these renovations. He finds immense joy in watching students master meal preparation and express creativity, helping them earn industry credentials. “Seeing students’ confidence grow as they create something delicious is the most rewarding part of my job,” he says. Chef Tingle’s hands-on, real-world-focused teaching fosters a passion for culinary arts. He also builds community by sharing treats with school staff, a nod to his high school days.
CTE Spotlight: Artificial Intelligence
Mrs. Sarah Wilson, an inspiring technology teacher at Pryor Middle School in Okaloosa County, brings 18 years of teaching experience and a degree from Florida State University to her classroom. Since joining the district in 2014, she has been a driving force in STEM education, preparing students for a digital world. At Pryor since 2020, she teaches Introduction to Technology, Exploring Technology, Social Media, and AI/Python Programming, fostering essential skills in coding, digital citizenship, communication, and critical thinking. Her engaging curriculum empowers students to navigate and shape the evolving tech landscape.
Before Pryor, Mrs. Wilson spent six years at the STEMM Academy, teaching Physical Science Honors, Civil Engineering, 3D Design & Printing, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, and Music Technology. Her hands-on projects, from designing prototypes to creating digital compositions, seamlessly blend creativity with technical expertise, inspiring students to think innovatively. Earlier in her career, she taught science at a Tampa performing arts magnet school, where she developed her inquiry-based teaching approach, emphasizing student-driven exploration.
As a certified Python Coding Specialist and Clinical Educator, Mrs. Wilson guides students to achieve some of the district’s highest passing rates on Python Coding Apprentice and Python Coding Specialist exams, earning them industry-recognized credentials. She also mentors new teachers, fostering professional growth within her school community. Her teaching philosophy centers on sparking curiosity and confidence, encouraging students to see technology as a tool for positive change. A proud Floridian, she lives with her husband, Mike, a band director at Lewis School, and their daughters, Madison (7) and Natalie (3), sharing a deep commitment to education and community.
