|  |  |  | Welcome Back, From Superintendent Chambers |
| Hello Students and Parents!
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we embark on another exciting academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you. Whether you’re returning students or new faces, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Okaloosa County family.
Having been an educator for over two decades, I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our students. As a parent myself, I share your hopes and dreams for our children’s success. Together, we can make this school year memorable and impactful.
For those who may not know me, my name is MarcusChambers, and I have the privilege of serving as your Superintendent. My commitment to excellence in education drives me every day, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the best possible learning experiences possible.
Our teachers and staff have been hard at work preparing for your return. We have high expectations for behavior, respect, and academic achievement. Let’s strive for excellence in everything we do. Remember, success is a team effort, and we’re all part of the same team!
This year, we’re introducing exciting changes to our curriculum. From innovative STEM programs to enriching arts and humanities courses, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to explore, learn, and grow!
Communication is key, and I encourage both students and parents to stay connected with us. You can reach out to me directly via email at chambersm@okaloosaschools.com.
Additionally, follow us on social media for updates, events, and inspiring stories from our schools. Check out our website at https://www.okaloosaschools.com/. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Let’s make this school year one filled with joy, discovery, and achievement. Together, we’ll soar to new heights! |
|  | Marcus Chambers Superintendent Okaloosa County School District |
| | Okaloosa County School District Earns A Rating for 2023-2024 School Year |
|  | Once again, the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) has earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education. Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the unwavering dedication and hard work of students, teachers, staff, and administrators, stating, “I am incredibly proud of their efforts that consistently place our district among the best in the state of Florida.”
Okaloosa is one of only three districts in Florida to have earned an A every year grades were issued since 2014, highlighting their commitment to excellence. The district demonstrated academic achievement in ELA, Math, Science, and History, with scores improving from 64.75% in 2022 to 67.25% in 2024. Learning gains also increased from 51.75% in 2022 to 57.25% in 2024.
Several schools showed significant improvement in their baseline grades from last year. Bruner Middle School and Meigs Middle School advanced from a “C” to a “B,” while Lewis School and Shoal River Middle School improved from a “B” to an “A.” Superintendent Chambers emphasized the district’s commitment to continuous improvement, despite consistently maintaining an A rating.
For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Education’s website. |
| | | The Buses were Stuffed at Stuff the Bus! |
| | We are thrilled to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Walmart stores in Crestview, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach for our annual Stuff the Bus event hosted by the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation. Your generous school supply and monetary donations will make a significant impact on our students this year.
We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing sponsors for their unwavering support. Your contributions are invaluable and help us make a real difference in our community.
The event’s success would not have been possible without the help of our local media reporting live, including: A special thank you to individuals from MTSI, The Doolittle Institute, and the Okaloosa County Teachers Credit Union, who went above and beyond. Your help was truly invaluable!
If you couldn’t make it out Saturday, don’t worry! You can still drop off donations at various locations in our community. For more information, please visit our Stuff the Bus webpage.
Together, we are making a difference! |
| | | Kindergarten Kickstart 2024 |
|  | The first day of kindergarten is a significant milestone, often filled with a mix of excitement, confusion, and anxiety for young students. Recognizing the importance of a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten, the Okaloosa County School District has implemented various activities to support this crucial phase. One standout initiative is the “Kindergarten Kickstart” program, offered at ten Title I schools.
Held from July 22-25, the Kindergarten Kickstart program allowed 340 incoming kindergarteners to familiarize themselves with their new environment before the entire school community arrived. This early introduction helps students become comfortable with the campus, learn resilience strategies, and understand daily routines. The program, funded by the Title I District Initiative, was hosted at Baker School, Bob Sikes, Edwins, Elliott Point, Kenwood, Laurel Hill, Longwood, Northwood, Riverside, and Wright Elementary Schools.
Each participating student received a school success kit, which included a Summer Express Learning book, a collection of Scholastic school readiness literature, and essential school supplies. Additionally, the program provided complimentary breakfast and transportation, ensuring that all students could participate fully.
Superintendent Chambers expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the teachers and administrators who made the program a success. “I appreciate the teachers and administrators who ran the program at their schools and our Title I Department for making this program successful. We initiated the Kindergarten Kickstart program several years ago at just one school. It has grown into a robust program offered at several schools across our district. This initiative gives our kindergarten students a crucial head start, allowing them to get ready to meet their teachers, understand the processes, and gain awareness of their new environment. It’s all about ensuring a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten,” he stated.
The Kindergarten Kickstart program exemplifies the district’s commitment to fostering strong connections between schools and families, as well as between preschool and kindergarten teachers, to ensure every child has a successful start to their educational journey. |
| | | It’s Time to (Re)Apply for Free or Reduced Meals! |
|  | The 2024-25 school year begins August 12th and we invite ALL families to apply for Free or Reduced school meals now by visiting www.myschoolapps.com. Families who were approved for Free or Reduced meals last school year will have a 30 day grace period for this school year but must reapply for this school year.
Why do we ask that ALL families apply, even if you don't think you are eligible? Because you might be eligible!
Students who are granted Free or Reduced Meals will: ➔ Receive nutritious meals free or at a reduced cost ➔ Receive discounted SAT, ACT, & AP Exam Fees ➔ Receive discounted fees on College Entrance exams
This program also helps: ➔ Determine school funding ➔ Secure discounted internet and technology ➔ Determine eligibility for grants
Please contact your school for more information! |
| | | |  | Parents, please be patient with our bus drivers and schools the first days of school. Our bus drivers will take their time, get to know their riders, and ensure students know where their bus stops are. Drivers will also review safety expectations and perform safety drills during the first few weeks. This, combined with our community getting used to School Zones being active, will cause delays in pick-up and drop-off times. We appreciate your understanding, as safety is our number one priority!
The 2024-2025 school year bus routes are available and can be found using the Infolocator on our Transportation webpage. For most entered addresses, the Infolocator will provide a school bus route number, nearest bus stops, distance to stops, and stop times.
Need to know the address and phone number of your student's school? Enter your home address into the School Site Locator to find your zoned schools.
Be sure to sign up for the Bus Bulletin if you would like to receive notifications if there are unexpected delays or schedule changes involving a student's bus.
Visit the Transportation and Bus Routes pages for more information on Bus Routes, the Bus Bulletin, School Bus Safety, and other helpful links and forms! If you need help or have questions, please contact: Crestview Area - (850) 689-7301 Niceville Area - (850) 833-4161 Fort Walton Area - (850) 833-3555
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| | | | Back to School RemindersFocus is the Student Information Software (SIS) our District uses to provide parents access to their student’s real-time information by logging in online or through the FOCUS App. With a Focus Parent Portal account, parents can: View data for all their children in one location View grades and assignments View attendance View discipline View communication and important messages from the school
Once a parent registers for a FOCUS Parent Portal Account, they can request to link their children with their account. Parents can access the information above once the request is made and the school verifies identification. |
| | | | | Access Your Student’s FAST Scores |
|  | Spring 2024 and the Summer 2024 scores are now available in the updated version of the Family Portal. Please note the following details about the new portal and test results: Results can be accessed with an enhanced view for Spring 2024 administrations onwards. Results for test administrations before Spring 2024 will display the previous version of the Family Portal. A new "View Detailed Report" button is available in each test card, where you can access additional information about your student's results.
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|  | |  |  | | | enVision Family Engagement |
| Family engagement is one of the many ways enVision, Okaloosa County School District K-5 Mathematics curriculum, supports your student's success in math. enVision Family Engagement resources are here to help you guide and advance your student's learning and foster their success. |
|  |  |  | | | Updates from District 3 School Board Member, Linda Evanchyk |
| | Welcome Back to School! The beginning of a new school year is always exciting. The start of this school year brings changes to the School Board. This month we said good-bye to School Board Member Dr. Diane Kelley who was chosen as principal of Destin High School. Although we will miss her, we wish her much success in her new position. With her departure we welcome Mr. Brett Hinely, a Niceville businessman and resident, who was appointed by Gov. DeSantis to take the District 5 position on the Board. |
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| Construction Continues Capital improvements continue throughout the school district as many projects are coming to fruition. Multi-purpose buildings, additional classrooms and upgraded restrooms, along with new roofs and flooring have all been completed in the last year. And the progress continues! At our July 22 meeting, the School Board approved $175M in Certificates of Participation to fund major new construction projects: a K-8 school in north Crestview, additional classrooms at Baker School and a major addition to Destin Elementary.
Also this summer, our district vacated the long-time facility located in downtown Ft. Walton Beach at 120 Lowery Place. The services and employees previously housed there are now located at the district’s Central Complex on Hwy. 85 N. The Central Complex is also undergoing renovation as we move to consolidate services. It is rewarding to see these new and improved facilities for students and employees take shape. To keep track of capital projects throughout the district, please visit the OCSD website.
Budget On July 29, the district presented the School Board with a preliminary and tentative budget, which the Board voted in favor of. By law, the School Board must make sure the district has a balanced budget. I encourage everyone to go to YouTube and watch this meeting where there is an explanation of the millage rates and how the budget is created. Public input is always welcomed. The finalized budget for the 2024-2025 school year will be presented for approval on Sept. 9 at 6:15 p.m.
“A” District Again! Congratulations to our employees, students and parents for working so hard. Our district has earned an “A” again! So proud!
Yes! It is an exciting time to be a part of Okaloosa Schools! I’m eager to witness the successes and growth this new year will bring. I am honored to serve as one of your School Board members. Wishing everyone a great year.
Linda Evanchyk District 3 |
| | |  | | Don’t Delay, It’s Safe to Say! |
| Students know their peers. They know when something is… off. Time matters when it comes to student safety so we encourage our students to speak up! Don’t Delay, It’s Safe to Say! |
|  | | |  | Both apps are available for download in the Apple App and Google Play stores! |
| | 2024-2025 School Year Calendar |
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