OCSD Names 2026 Assistant Principals of the Year
The Okaloosa County School District is proud to recognize its 2026 Assistant Principals of the Year: Jessica Brown of Destin Elementary School, named Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, and Sarah Kennedy of Shoal River Middle School, named Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.
Brown is recognized for her leadership, dedication, and role in fostering the positive culture and ongoing success of Destin Elementary. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to supporting students and staff, she plays an integral role in the school community.
Kennedy is celebrated for her innovative leadership and passion for student success. Her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement helps create meaningful opportunities for students while inspiring those around her at Shoal River Middle School.
This recognition highlights the important contributions assistant principals make in supporting schools, staff, and student achievement throughout Okaloosa County. Congratulations to Jessica Brown and Sarah Kennedy on this well-deserved honor.
The Okaloosa County School District is proud to recognize its 2026 Assistant Principals of the Year: Jessica Brown of Destin Elementary School, named Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, and Sarah Kennedy of Shoal River Middle School, named Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.
Brown is recognized for her leadership, dedication, and role in fostering the positive culture and ongoing success of Destin Elementary. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to supporting students and staff, she plays an integral role in the school community.
Kennedy is celebrated for her innovative leadership and passion for student success. Her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement helps create meaningful opportunities for students while inspiring those around her at Shoal River Middle School.
This recognition highlights the important contributions assistant principals make in supporting schools, staff, and student achievement throughout Okaloosa County. Congratulations to Jessica Brown and Sarah Kennedy on this well-deserved honor.
All Okaloosa County School District schools and district offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. As we honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country, normal operations will resume on Thursday, November 12. We wish our students, families, staff, and community a safe and meaningful holiday.
Wednesday we celebrated an exciting milestone at Destin Elementary School with the ribbon cutting of its beautiful new Grades 3-5 wing. Joined by School Board members, parents, staff, and community leaders, we marked the completion of a transformational project that brings 5th grade students back to the elementary campus, eliminates portable classrooms, and creates additional space at Destin Middle School. The new addition features modern classrooms, a STEM lab, multipurpose room, front office, improved traffic flow, a new playground, and outdoor learning spaces that will support student success for years to come.This achievement was made possible through the support of Okaloosa County voters and the Half Cent Sales Tax, demonstrating our community's commitment to investing in students and schools.
Over the past several years, we have celebrated nearly 20 ribbon cuttings and completed countless improvement projects across the district. While there is always more work to do, each project brings us closer to our goal of providing every student with a safe, innovative, and inspiring place to learn and thrive.
Over the past several years, we have celebrated nearly 20 ribbon cuttings and completed countless improvement projects across the district. While there is always more work to do, each project brings us closer to our goal of providing every student with a safe, innovative, and inspiring place to learn and thrive.
𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟭, 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹!
As students, families, and staff return to campus, please remember that school zones will be active and traffic may be heavier than usual. Allow a little extra travel time as speeds are reduced and car rider lines may extend farther than normal while everyone gets back into their school-year routines.
🚸 Watch for school zone signals
🚌 Be alert for students at bus stops, walking to school, and riding bikes/scooters
🚗 Expect delays near school campuses
❤️ Slow down and help keep our students safe
Parents, please be patient with school transportation. Bus routes may experience delays during the first week or two as students, families, and drivers learn new routines and route adjustments.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us make the first day a safe and successful one for all!
As students, families, and staff return to campus, please remember that school zones will be active and traffic may be heavier than usual. Allow a little extra travel time as speeds are reduced and car rider lines may extend farther than normal while everyone gets back into their school-year routines.
🚸 Watch for school zone signals
🚌 Be alert for students at bus stops, walking to school, and riding bikes/scooters
🚗 Expect delays near school campuses
❤️ Slow down and help keep our students safe
Parents, please be patient with school transportation. Bus routes may experience delays during the first week or two as students, families, and drivers learn new routines and route adjustments.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us make the first day a safe and successful one for all!
Our incredible teachers showed their Dolphin spirit by coming out early on a Saturday morning to support Stuff the Bus! A special thank you to Destin Walmart, OCSD, and the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation for helping ensure our students have the supplies they need for a successful first day of school.
We can’t wait to welcome our Dolphins back and kick off an amazing school year.
We can’t wait to welcome our Dolphins back and kick off an amazing school year.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴!
One of the most important things families can do before the school year begins is make sure they're connected through our two primary family tools: the Focus Parent Portal/ App and the OCSD App.
✅ 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡/𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙥𝙥 Every parent or guardian should have a Focus Parent Portal account. Through Focus, you can:
• Complete important forms and annual updates
• Monitor grades and attendance
• Access student information
• Stay informed about your child's academic progress
📲 On the go? Download the Focus App for convenient access to your student's information anytime, anywhere.
📱 OCSD App The OCSD App puts important district and school information right at your fingertips, including:
• Rooms, our new family-school communication portal
• School and district news and updates
• Helpful links and resources
• Quick access to important information throughout the year
Taking a few minutes now to set up and familiarize yourself with these tools can help ensure a smooth and successful school year.
These apps are available for download in your device's app store!
One of the most important things families can do before the school year begins is make sure they're connected through our two primary family tools: the Focus Parent Portal/ App and the OCSD App.
✅ 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡/𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙥𝙥 Every parent or guardian should have a Focus Parent Portal account. Through Focus, you can:
• Complete important forms and annual updates
• Monitor grades and attendance
• Access student information
• Stay informed about your child's academic progress
📲 On the go? Download the Focus App for convenient access to your student's information anytime, anywhere.
📱 OCSD App The OCSD App puts important district and school information right at your fingertips, including:
• Rooms, our new family-school communication portal
• School and district news and updates
• Helpful links and resources
• Quick access to important information throughout the year
Taking a few minutes now to set up and familiarize yourself with these tools can help ensure a smooth and successful school year.
These apps are available for download in your device's app store!
Summer Reading Activities: Embark on a Literary Adventure
🌴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 📚
➼Visit a public library and check out some books.
➼Create a map of your home.
➼Write a thank you note to your local fire station. Plan a time to visit the fire station and deliver the thank you note.
➼Take a walk around the neighborhood. Before going, make a list of things that you think you will see. When you return, review the list to check off what you saw and add other things to the list that you observed on your walk.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵—𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘯!
For more summer reading activities, visit the Florida Department of Education webpage: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/families/summer-activities-elementary.stml
Instructional Time Matters! Every school day is an important opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. The Vacation Planning Student Holiday & Break Guide, which can be found on the Calendars page (https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/calendars), is designed to help families plan vacations and appointments around scheduled school breaks whenever possible so students can stay engaged and on track.
Many of our schools as well as the District Office are experiencing a phone and internet outage. We appreciate your patience as we work with our provider to remedy the issue.
Calling all incoming kindergarten students and new families! Don’t forget to register for the 2026-27 school year in the Okaloosa County School District. Early registration is encouraged as we prepare to welcome students back for another year of learning and growth. Students currently attending an OCSD school are automatically enrolled for the upcoming year. Find registration information and begin the process today on our website: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration
Our phone service has been restored. Thank you for your patience, and have a wonderful day!
Good morning! Phones are currently down district-wide. Our provider is working to resolve the issue. We appreciate your patience and will update you when they are back up! Have a great day!
Controlled Open Enrollment, also known as COE, is for families who would like their student to attend a school they are not zoned to attend. For more information, please visit our Controlled Open Enrollment webpage by clicking the button below!
All Secondary Schools, North & Central Elementary Schools
Open January 27- February 24
South Elementary Schools
Open March 2-March 30
Visit: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/controlled-open-enrollment
All Secondary Schools, North & Central Elementary Schools
Open January 27- February 24
South Elementary Schools
Open March 2-March 30
Visit: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/controlled-open-enrollment
Kindergarten & New Student Registration
All Secondary Schools, North & Central Elementary Schools - OPEN NOW!
South Elementary Schools - Opens March 2nd!
Visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration for more information!
Okaloosa County School District schools and district offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆!
Today we celebrate the incredible men and women who keep our students safe every single day. Whether rain or shine, hot or cold, our crossing guards greet families with a smile, guide children safely across busy streets, and help ensure a smooth start and end to every school day.
To all of our dedicated crossing guards: THANK YOU for your commitment, your kindness, and your unwavering focus on student safety. Our schools and communities are better because of you!
Today we celebrate the incredible men and women who keep our students safe every single day. Whether rain or shine, hot or cold, our crossing guards greet families with a smile, guide children safely across busy streets, and help ensure a smooth start and end to every school day.
To all of our dedicated crossing guards: THANK YOU for your commitment, your kindness, and your unwavering focus on student safety. Our schools and communities are better because of you!
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today and every day. His reminder that “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education” continues to inspire our work with students across the district.
The Okaloosa County School District will be closed Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Library Helpers Needed!
Ms. Fette does an amazing job making our library a place kids love to visit! We have more books checked out than any other school in our district. Ms. Fette needs help organizing and reshelving books! If you are able to volunteer to help, please reach out her at meg.fette@okaloosaschools.com.
Ms. Fette does an amazing job making our library a place kids love to visit! We have more books checked out than any other school in our district. Ms. Fette needs help organizing and reshelving books! If you are able to volunteer to help, please reach out her at meg.fette@okaloosaschools.com.
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!