MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thanksgiving Break has officially begun for our students, teachers, and school-based employees! 🦃🍁🍂 Wishing you all a joyful, restful, and safe holiday. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Monday, December 2. #ALLINMartin👊

🛠️CELEBRATING APPRENTICESHIP WEEK🛠️ The Martin County School District is proud to highlight National Apprenticeship Week and show gratitude to our local businesses and organizations for providing invaluable career training opportunities to our students. Through hands-on learning in high-demand industries such as health sciences, technology, and manufacturing, apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and employment, helping students gain skills that set them on a path to success. #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #ApprenticeFL

🧡IGNITING GRATITUDE🧡 This morning, our message of gratitude comes from Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tracey Miller and is for our Safety Manager, Mark Cocco. "Many may call him 'Mark No-No,' but he’s the first to jump in and say yes if it helps someone and is safe for kids. He has been rising early each morning for decades to serve the MCSD and ensure MCSD is not just the place to be but the place to be safely! His humor and ability to get things done have always made my job easier! He’s one of a kind!" Thankfulness is a gift that costs nothing but means everything. Stay tuned for more heartfelt messages of appreciation. 🧡 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🍎FUTURE READY INFORMATION🍎 REMINDER: Our Parent University is tonight at 6 p.m.! Curious about the unique learning opportunities available for your child? Join us for Parent University, an online information session where we’ll explore School Choice options through the Specialty Pathways designed to help students become future ready. This session will be geared more towards 8th-grade families, but all are welcomed as we’ll be covering the Specialty Pathways across elementary, middle, and high school levels. 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://www.facebook.com/share/1K7Be3yxgP/ #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🧡IGNITING GRATITUDE🧡 Today, we’re shining a spotlight on gratitude with a heartfelt message from Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School's Ms. Heather-Ann Covington to her teammate, Ms. Carol-Lee Holland: "Mrs. Holland has been my right hand and shoulder to lean on when I need it. Trying to juggle all the things can get overwhelming sometimes, but she is there for me no matter what. If I need help getting a task done for PBIS or Leadership, she's got me. If I need to vent, she listens. If I need advice - she's got it. If I need someone to remind me to take a breath and not overdo it, she supports me. When we go down rabbit holes with ideas of how to make PTSA dances better or find fun ways to increase school spirit, she is right there with me to tag team ideas. And my favorite part- we always love to match in fun shirts, no matter the occasion! I am SO thankful for my work mom!" When we express gratitude, we inspire others to do the same. Join us in showing appreciation for our amazing MCSD family. 🧡 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

⭐️🎓EXCITING NEWS!🎓⭐ Indian River State College's Promise Program is back for another year!! 🎉 This means our eligible 2025 seniors can earn their Associate Degree for FREE from Indian River State College! Seniors can pledge to the Promise Program beginning January 14, 2025. Learn more information here: https://promise.irsc.edu/ #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥 #Classof2025

🍎MONITORING PROGRESS🍎 Interim reports for students in grades 6-12 are now available 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🔥

🎨CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN ART🎨 Congratulations The Pinewood Elementary student Caleb Da Cunha and Stuart Middle School student Mason Planker for earning spots among the top 18 finalists in the 2024 Congressional Youth Art Contest for Florida’s District 21! This year, students from Pinewood Elementary, Warfield Elementary School, Murray Middle School and Stuart Middle School participated in the competition. Each student who submitted artwork will receive a special congressional recognition. 🇺🇸 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #IgniteTogetherMCSD🔥

🍎SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION🍎 The Martin County School Board conducted its annual reorganization meeting this evening. Ms. Marsha Powers (District 2) and Dr. Brian Moriarty (District 5) were inaugurated as Members of the School Board. Ms. Amy Pritchett (District 4) and Ms. Marsha Powers (District 2) were named School Board Chair and School Board Vice Chair for the 2024-2025 school year. Please click the link below to learn more: https://bit.ly/4hVsNlo #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolProud

🍎 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🔥