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!
GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT — KENNY DOLLAR STORE
Big things are happening at Kenwood Elementary! This week, we are celebrating the Grand Opening of our brand-new PBIS reward store — The Kenny Dollar Store!
At Kenwood, students earn Kenny Dollars by living our Core Four Bulldog values every day:
- Show Up
- Do Right
- Work Hard
- Finish Strong
Now, students can save, budget, and spend their Kenny Dollars on exciting rewards — practicing real-life skills while being recognized for positive choices, leadership, kindness, and effort.
And let us tell you… this store is AMAZING!
Items include:
- Trading cards
- Matchbox cars
- Fidgets & squishies
- Books, art, & school supplies
- Sports balls & games
- Stuffies & plush
- And BIG-ticket prizes — even BICYCLES!
The joy on our Bulldogs’ faces is priceless — and it’s all thanks to our incredible donors and community partners who helped make this dream a reality.
WANT TO HELP US KEEP THE SHELVES STOCKED?
We welcome community support through:
- Amazon Wishlist donations - https://shorturl.at/JHGSB
- New product donations
- Monetary contributions
Every donation — big or small — directly impacts student motivation, behavior, and success.
Together, we are building a culture where Bulldog effort PAYS OFF and where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Big things are happening at Kenwood Elementary! This week, we are celebrating the Grand Opening of our brand-new PBIS reward store — The Kenny Dollar Store!
At Kenwood, students earn Kenny Dollars by living our Core Four Bulldog values every day:
- Show Up
- Do Right
- Work Hard
- Finish Strong
Now, students can save, budget, and spend their Kenny Dollars on exciting rewards — practicing real-life skills while being recognized for positive choices, leadership, kindness, and effort.
And let us tell you… this store is AMAZING!
Items include:
- Trading cards
- Matchbox cars
- Fidgets & squishies
- Books, art, & school supplies
- Sports balls & games
- Stuffies & plush
- And BIG-ticket prizes — even BICYCLES!
The joy on our Bulldogs’ faces is priceless — and it’s all thanks to our incredible donors and community partners who helped make this dream a reality.
WANT TO HELP US KEEP THE SHELVES STOCKED?
We welcome community support through:
- Amazon Wishlist donations - https://shorturl.at/JHGSB
- New product donations
- Monetary contributions
Every donation — big or small — directly impacts student motivation, behavior, and success.
Together, we are building a culture where Bulldog effort PAYS OFF and where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
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!
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.
𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁! 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱.
OCSD Family—be sure to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night, November 2. We “fall back” at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 3. Enjoy the extra hour of rest, and we’ll see everyone bright and early on Monday!
OCSD Family—be sure to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night, November 2. We “fall back” at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 3. Enjoy the extra hour of rest, and we’ll see everyone bright and early on Monday!
Just a reminder that today is the last day of the first 9 week grading period. Monday is a Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday. We look forward to seeing our students back on campus Tuesday, October 14 to start the second half of the first semester!
OCSD Schools and offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. Classes and regular office hours will resume Tuesday, September 2nd 2025.
Internet speeds have been restored. Thank you, Cox, for your quick response! Have a great day, OCSD Family!
We are currently experiencing slow internet speeds district-wide. This may affect phones. We are working with our service provider to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Thank you, Kenwood Family, for a fantastic first day of school. Our students acted like Day 1 Professionals, and we look forward to seeing the learning grow from here. Thank you for your patience as we sort out the foibles of bus stops and car line. Every day will get better, I promise. Speaking of car line, a couple helpful pointers: Enter Camborne from Mooney as we have one single file entry into the car line. Also, please refrain from blocking our neighbors' driveways during dismissal. They have places to go and things to do, so we don't want to slow them down. Have a restful night. Can't wait to see you tomorrow! <3 Ms. Land
We can't wait for tomorrow's Orientation! Don't forget to stop by between 8:30 and 10:30 AM to meet your teachers, sneak a peek at your classroom, drop off supplies, and just say, “Hi!” We've missed you!
New legislation in Florida restricts student use of cellular phones during the school day, aiming to minimize distractions and to support a focused learning environment.
Educational Benefits
Research shows that limiting cell phone use in schools can:
- Improve student focus and attention during instruction
- Boost academic performance and engagement
- Reduce cyberbullying incidents during school hours
- Enhance face-to-face social interactions
Per Florida House Bill 1105 (2025)
Elementary and Middle School Students - the use of a cellular phone is prohibited in elementary and middle school during the school day.
Daily Expectations
- Before/After School: Students will only be able to use their cell phone before the first bell or after the last bell of the day
- During School: Phones must remain put away and out of sight.
- Phone Confiscation: Students in violation of the policy may have their phone temporarily confiscated and disciplinary action may be taken for repeat offenders.
Student or Family Emergencies
- Student Needs to Contact Family: must go to main office
- Family Needs to Contact Student: Call the student's main office
Medical Condition: Students with medical conditions may have phone access with proper documentation
School Emergencies: The school will communicate directly with families
Educational Benefits
Research shows that limiting cell phone use in schools can:
- Improve student focus and attention during instruction
- Boost academic performance and engagement
- Reduce cyberbullying incidents during school hours
- Enhance face-to-face social interactions
Per Florida House Bill 1105 (2025)
Elementary and Middle School Students - the use of a cellular phone is prohibited in elementary and middle school during the school day.
Daily Expectations
- Before/After School: Students will only be able to use their cell phone before the first bell or after the last bell of the day
- During School: Phones must remain put away and out of sight.
- Phone Confiscation: Students in violation of the policy may have their phone temporarily confiscated and disciplinary action may be taken for repeat offenders.
Student or Family Emergencies
- Student Needs to Contact Family: must go to main office
- Family Needs to Contact Student: Call the student's main office
Medical Condition: Students with medical conditions may have phone access with proper documentation
School Emergencies: The school will communicate directly with families
OCSD has partnered with the Florida Department of Health to provide free immunizations to students on the following dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please contact your school or local health department for details.
Clinic Dates and Locations:
- August 6 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM - OCSD Central Office, Niceville
- August 8 - 9:00AM - 11:30AM - Shoal River Middle School
- August 8 - 1:00PM - 2:30PM - Bruner Middle School
Vaccines Offered
- Tdap (Required for entry into 7th grade)
- HPV (Human Pappillomavirus)
- Meningitis
Important Information
- Parent/Guardian must be onsite with insurance card (if applicable)
- No record transcription or religious exemptions will be available at the clinic
- After vaccination, students will receive a form with the vaccination date to give to school administration
- School staff will retrieve the official 680 form once it's received - no printing will be done onsite.
Clinic Dates and Locations:
- August 6 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM - OCSD Central Office, Niceville
- August 8 - 9:00AM - 11:30AM - Shoal River Middle School
- August 8 - 1:00PM - 2:30PM - Bruner Middle School
Vaccines Offered
- Tdap (Required for entry into 7th grade)
- HPV (Human Pappillomavirus)
- Meningitis
Important Information
- Parent/Guardian must be onsite with insurance card (if applicable)
- No record transcription or religious exemptions will be available at the clinic
- After vaccination, students will receive a form with the vaccination date to give to school administration
- School staff will retrieve the official 680 form once it's received - no printing will be done onsite.
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!
☀️📚 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!
The Okaloosa County School District has been made aware of scam phone calls targeting parents. In these calls, individuals falsely claim that a student has an outstanding lunch balance and instructs the parent to "press 1" to make a payment immediately.
Please be advised:
• The Okaloosa County School District does not contact families by phone to request payment in this manner.
• Any legitimate communication regarding student meal accounts would come through official district channels.
• In the recently reported case, the scammer provided incorrect student information and used what appeared to be a local phone number, which may have been spoofed.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide personal or payment information. Instead, hang up and contact your child's school or the district's Food Services Department directly for verification. Thank you for helping us keep our families informed and protected.
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!
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸!
This week, we celebrate and honor our incredible school counselors who play a vital role in supporting our students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. From guiding students through their educational journeys to providing a listening ear and valuable advice, our counselors are always there to help. Thank you to all our dedicated school counselors for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you make every day. Your hard work and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of our students.
This week, the Okaloosa County School District and the State of Florida are celebrating the joy of reading and the power of literacy! We are highlighting the importance of literacy in our schools and communities. From engaging classroom activities to exciting reading challenges, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you to all our dedicated teachers, librarians, and staff for fostering a love of reading in our students!
