We had a fantastic holiday celebration filled with incredible sounds from our W.C. Pryor Middle School Band and Chorus! What an outstanding performance by our talented Pirates! A huge shout-out to Mr. Huston and all our amazing Band and Chorus students for bringing the cheer and joy! Keep shining, everyone!

Check out the December calendar!

We are proud to share that two of our incredible students participated in the Okaloosa County Educate the EducatorPlus One event in late November!
Alongside other talented students from Okaloosa County, they received a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing local businesses, including Magna Manufacturing, Kratos Defense, and Boeing.
This unique experience has provided our students with valuable insights into the local labor market and the opportunities available in our community.
A huge thank you to all the wonderful individuals and organizations for supporting our students and helping them learn more about the incredible members of our community!
Alongside other talented students from Okaloosa County, they received a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing local businesses, including Magna Manufacturing, Kratos Defense, and Boeing.
This unique experience has provided our students with valuable insights into the local labor market and the opportunities available in our community.
A huge thank you to all the wonderful individuals and organizations for supporting our students and helping them learn more about the incredible members of our community!

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.

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.
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.

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!

Halloween Dance
Friday, October 24th from 2:30PM to 4:00PM in the Gym.
$5 entry fee.
Concessions available.
Students may opt to wear Halloween costumes to school on 10/24 if they are planning on attending the Halloween Dance. School rules regarding dress code must be followed:
- No short skirts/shorts/tutus, no bare midriffs, no bare shoulders, or low necklines.
- Nothing that promotes the use of illegal substances or activities or are derogatory, disrespectful, or depicts violence.
- All costume preparations to be completed at home. No dressing or applying of make-up or colored hairspray once students arrive at school.
- No masks or weapons
- Students wearing inappropriate costumes will need to call home to have a change of clothes brought to them.
- PARENTS: Please help support an appropriate, distraction-free learning environment for all students by assuring that your student adheres to these guidelines.
Friday, October 24th from 2:30PM to 4:00PM in the Gym.
$5 entry fee.
Concessions available.
Students may opt to wear Halloween costumes to school on 10/24 if they are planning on attending the Halloween Dance. School rules regarding dress code must be followed:
- No short skirts/shorts/tutus, no bare midriffs, no bare shoulders, or low necklines.
- Nothing that promotes the use of illegal substances or activities or are derogatory, disrespectful, or depicts violence.
- All costume preparations to be completed at home. No dressing or applying of make-up or colored hairspray once students arrive at school.
- No masks or weapons
- Students wearing inappropriate costumes will need to call home to have a change of clothes brought to them.
- PARENTS: Please help support an appropriate, distraction-free learning environment for all students by assuring that your student adheres to these guidelines.

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!

Check out the October Calendar!

ESOL Tutoring After-School Program
Learn English and Complete Homework
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Room 42 - Ms. Cerny
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.

Let’s get ready to rock our PM1!! We will be testing next Tuesday and Thursday on our new 1:1 IPads. So start planning now to get to school on time:
- ELA: August 26
- Math: August 29
Testing in your 1st period room unless you received a test location pass.
- ELA: August 26
- Math: August 29
Testing in your 1st period room unless you received a test location pass.
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!
Have a voice at Pryor! If you’re interested in joining Pryor’s SAC, please contact Brittany.Tate@okaloosaschools.com.

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.

🌟 Join the Pirate Crew! 🏴☠️
Pryor Middle School is hiring!
We’re on the lookout for passionate professionals to join our team:
👩🏫 ESE Resource Teacher
🗣️ ELL Interpreter (English Language Learners)
Make a difference in students’ lives and be part of a supportive, energetic team. Apply today and help us chart a course for student success!
Send resumes to: McClellandJ@Okaloosaschools.com
Pryor Middle School is hiring!
We’re on the lookout for passionate professionals to join our team:
👩🏫 ESE Resource Teacher
🗣️ ELL Interpreter (English Language Learners)
Make a difference in students’ lives and be part of a supportive, energetic team. Apply today and help us chart a course for student success!
Send resumes to: McClellandJ@Okaloosaschools.com

