MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

🍎 ON THE AGENDA🍎 The Martin County School Board will hold its monthly Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m. today. The School Board will conduct its annual reorganization business during the meeting, including the approval of the 2024-2025 School Board meeting schedule, selection of the 2024-2025 School Board Chair and Vice Chair, and the inauguration of reelected School Board Member Marsha Powers (District 2) and newly-elected School Board Member Dr. Brian Moriarty (District 5). View the agenda for the meeting: https://bit.ly/40EQsk1 Watch the livestream here: https://bit.ly/MCSDReorgMtg2024 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🍂 SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 🍂 Reminder: the Martin County School District is hosting its Transition Fair tomorrow, November 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the MCSD Board Room. Families of students with disabilities in grades K-12 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan can expect to learn more about additional education and career opportunities for their children. We hope to see you there! #ALLINMartin👊 #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

❤️🖤COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS🖤❤️ The winner of the Elev8hope Compassion in Action Turkey Basket Drive is... South Fork High School, for a second year in a row!! Not only did the Bulldogs win again by bringing in 568 baskets, but they also broke the record! 🐾👏 The true winners of this competition between our high schools are the thousands of Martin County families who can enjoy a nice Thanksgiving meal. We are incredibly proud of the generosity of all our students across the District who donate to this initiative each year. Our future looks bright thanks to the many kind hearts in our community. ❤️ #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

⚡️POWER OF COMMUNITY⚡️ When we say the Martin County School District is a family... this is what we mean! 🫶 Thanks to the generosity of the Bessey Creek PTA, J.D. Parker Elementary students had a blast exploring the wonders of science with Hagerman the Wizard! The Martin County Council PTA/ PTSA is growing its Sister School program, where our schools’ PTAs support unique experiences at other campuses. Their mission is to make every child’s potential a reality and help educate ALL students for success! When we #ignitetogether, we spark meaningful opportunities that inspire and empower every student! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🇺🇸SHOWCASING PATRIOTISM🇺🇸 Stuart Middle School students showcased their patriotism in the VFW Post #4194 Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest with this year’s theme, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” Nationwide, nearly 68,800 middle schoolers compete for their share of $1 million in prizes, with state winners earning at least $500 and the national winner receiving $5,000! SMS participants received a certificate, pin, pen, snap bracelet, and a $15 Chick-fil-A gift card. Special congratulations to Ainsley Pope, the 1st-place winner! She earned a $100 Visa gift card, and her essay advances to the district competition. 👏🇺🇸 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎MONITORING PROGRESS🍎 Interim reports for students in grades 6-12 will be available Wednesday, November 20, in the FOCUS Parent Portal. Have an existing FOCUS Parent Portal account? Access your child's grades and attendance information here: https://martin.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/ Register for access to the FOCUS Parent Portal here: https://bit.ly/MCSDFocusAccess #ALLINMartin👊 #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🧺BASKETS OF HOPE🧺 Our students, staff, and families continue to inspire us with their generosity and compassion. 🧡 This time of year, many of our schools collect baskets filled with items to make Thanksgiving meals and donate them to Elev8hope Compassion in Action. This year, Felix A. Williams Elementary families donated 130 Thanksgiving Baskets! Shoutout to J.D. Parker Elementary School and Jensen Beach Elementary School for their efforts in the Thanksgiving Basket drive. 🦃🧺 We can’t wait to celebrate the champions of our high school basket drive—stay tuned! We’re so proud to be part of a community that spreads kindness during the season of giving. #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolProud #IgniteTogtherMCSD🔥

🍎HONORING EXCEPTIONAL LEADERS🍎 The Martin County School District's Student Support Services department recently honored our former leaders in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), who paved the way for enhanced support and services for students with diverse needs. The event celebrated the trailblazing work of Dr. Joyce Holmes, Dr. MaryEllen Quinn-Lunny, and Vicki Jenkins. Dr. Lisa Estevez, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, brought together current and former ESE staff, so they could reflect on the meaningful progress made through their dedication and vision, which continues to ignite brighter futures for ALL our students. 💙 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogtherMCSD🔥

🦃THANKSGIVING FEAST🦃 Check out these smiling faces enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal prepared by our amazing Food and Nutrition Services team! 🦃🥧 Turkey, gravy, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie... what's not to love?! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎FUTURE READY INFORMATION🍎 Want to learn more about our upcoming School Choice options through Specialty Pathways? Join our Parent University online session next Thursday, November 21, at 6 p.m. for a full overview of the unique learning paths available for students! This session will be geared more towards 8th-grade families, but all are welcome as we’ll be covering the Specialty Pathways across elementary, middle, and high school levels to help families make informed decisions. Specialty Pathways applications through School Choice for our 12 featured schools open December 1. ℹ️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YUi6YV ➡️ Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/3CAJwup #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍳PATHWAYS TO CULINARY🍳 These Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School students are cooking up a future in the culinary arts! This hands-on experience emphasizes one of the school's Specialty Pathways programs, which helps students turn their passions into career skills. Starting December 1, families can apply to secure a seat early at AMS—one of 12 featured schools with a Specialty Pathways program–through school choice. ➡️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YUi6YV #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🎨CELEBRATING A LEGACY🎨 Retired Martin County School District Art Teacher Tom Prestopnik was recently honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA)! For over 30 years, Mr. Prestopnik inspired countless students at Jensen Beach Elementary School, Murray Middle School, and South Fork High School, including best-selling author Tony DiTerlizzi, who attended the conference where Mr. Prestopnik received his award. Congratulations, Mr. Prestopnik! Thank you for your lasting impact and dedication to art education in our District. 🎉 📸 credit: Hometown News article. ➡️ Read more about his achievement here: https://bit.ly/3AHTgSP #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. 🫶🌎 This #WorldKindnessDay, let's ignite together and make kindness the norm. #ALLINMartin👊 #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

It's National School Psychology Week! 🧠🎉 Join us in celebrating our dedicated and caring School Psychologists, who play a vital role in our schools. Their compassion towards our students and commitment to providing support and guidance help create a safe and healthy learning environment for our students to thrive in. Thank you to our amazing School Psychologists for all you do! #ALLINMartin👊 #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🇺🇸HONORING HEROES🇺🇸 Today, our schools went #ALLINMartin to honor and celebrate the bravery, sacrifice, and commitment of our veterans. Whether they hosted veterans for a special breakfast or program, listened to them speak about their time in the military, or participated in the Veterans Day Parade, students and staff paid tribute to those who have served and protected our nation. We're deeply grateful for the men and women who have given so much for our freedom, and it was such a meaningful day across the District, recognizing their legacy within our community. Thank you to all veterans for your service, courage, and dedication. 🇺🇸 #homeofthefreebecauseofthebrave #PublicSchoolProud

🇺🇸HONORING HEROES🇺🇸 Happy Veterans Day to all who have served our country! Join us in honoring the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms. We are forever grateful for their dedication and service to our great nation. 🇺🇸 #ALLINMartin👊 #HomeoftheFreeBecauseoftheBrave

🔬🧮CELEBRATING STEAM🧮🔬 Felix A. Williams Elementary celebrated STEAM Day by immersing the students in the subjects! Scroll through the photos to see how FAWE students embraced science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in these hands-on activities! Shoutout to the parent volunteers who helped put this celebration of education together. 👏 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolProud

⭐️STUDENT SERVICE SPOTLIGHT⭐️ South Fork High School senior Hollon Trent went above and beyond to give back to her community! Hollon, an International Baccalaureate student, organized a festival benefiting the The Hope Center for Autism, a school close to her heart since she began volunteering there in middle school. The event was a huge success– she scheduled food trucks, sensory activities, provided a variety of vendors, and found generous sponsors. Around 200 children and families attended, including Congressman Brian Mast. Hollon raised an impressive $12,000, with every bit of the profit going directly to the Center. What an incredible way to go #ALLINMartin! #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🏆🏐BACK TO BACK CHAMPS🏐🏆 Congratulations to the Lady Sharks for securing the Girls Volleyball District Championship two years in a row! 🎉🏆 A great season and a strong effort by all of our middle school volleyball teams! 🏐👏 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolProud #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

❤️A HELPING HAND❤️ We are incredibly grateful to the Education Foundation of Martin County and Women's Health Specialists, Jensen Beach, FL for their support in our community's time of need after Hurricane Milton. Women's Health Specialists generously donated hundreds of essential items—including air mattresses, cleaning supplies, diapers, and more. Lisa Rhodes and the EFMC team went above and beyond, delivering THREE truckloads of supplies to the District office, where we can distribute them to families in need of a helping hand. In times of recovery, it’s the strength of our community that makes all the difference. ❤️ #ALLINMartin👊