MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

🌟CELEBRATING NEW LEADERSHIP🌟 Mrs. Elizabeth Atkinson has been named the next Principal of Bessey Creek Elementary School! Most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Palm City Elementary School, Mrs. Atkinson brings 18 years of experience as an educator and leader. She is known for building strong school communities, championing academic growth, and creating environments where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Atkinson on her new role! Read more: https://www.martinschools.org/article/2247810 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎LEAVING A LEGACY🍎 During Tuesday evening’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Michael Maine and Board members proudly honored the career of Ms. Lizabeth Careccia. Ms. Careccia has served the Martin County School District for 26 years (technically longer when counting her time as a substitute), beginning as a 1st grade teacher in 1999. She spent over a decade in the classroom before transitioning first to SeaWind Elementary - Hobe Sound, FL, and then Martin County High School in 2019 as an Intervention Problem-Solving Coach. Her dedication to students, families, and colleagues has left a meaningful mark. We thank Ms. Careccia for her years of service and wish her the very best in retirement! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎LEAVING A LEGACY🍎 Superintendent Michael Maine and the Martin County School Board were proud to recognize Mr. Kenneth Brown for 34 years of dedicated service to our schools. More than a painter, Ken transformed offices and athletic fields across the Martin County School District with his innovation and craftsmanship. One of his standout contributions—a custom-built painting robot—set a new standard for field consistency and school pride on game days. Thank you, Ken, for the care and creativity you brought to every project. We wish you all the best in retirement! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🌟CELEBRATING NEW LEADERSHIP🌟 Congratulations to Ms. Mercedes Thurston, officially approved by the Martin County School Board as the new Assistant Principal of Spectrum Academy! With nearly 25 years of experience in education and a year already serving the Spectrum community, Ms. Thurston brings compassion, consistency, and a deep commitment to student growth. From advocacy to academic planning, she leads with heart and purpose. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Thurston! 🎉 Read more: https://www.martinschools.org/article/2275098 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🌟CELEBRATING NEW LEADERSHIP🌟 We’re excited to share that Ms. Angela Gilbride was approved by the Martin County School Board as the new Principal of PreK Programs! With over 20 years of experience in early learning and leadership, Ms. Gilbride has supported Martin County’s youngest learners through her work as a teacher, literacy coach, and most recently, Assistant Principal at Warfield Elementary School. She brings that same dedication and energy to her new role, helping our PreK programs continue to grow and thrive. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Gilbride! Read more: https://www.martinschools.org/article/2275095 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🌟CELEBRATING NEW LEADERSHIP🌟 During tonight’s meeting, the Martin County School Board approved the appointment of Mrs. Lauren Gifford as the new Executive Director of School Leadership and Improvement and Mr. David Shaffer as the new Principal of Port Salerno Elementary School! As Principal of Port Salerno Elementary, Mrs. Gifford led the school’s remarkable climb from a D to a B in just two years. She championed the school’s AVID implementation and fostered a culture of academic growth and high expectations. In her new role, she will support school leaders across the District in driving continued success. Mr. Shaffer has served as Assistant Principal at Port Salerno since 2017, leading alongside Mrs. Gifford in the school’s academic turnaround. He was named the District’s 24-25 Assistant Principal of the Year for his experience in instructional systems, data-driven practices, and community engagement. As the new Principal of PSE, Mr. Shaffer will continue to push the Stingray scholars to success. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Gifford and Mr. Shaffer on their new leadership roles! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎉VOTE NOW!🎉 Congratulations to Martin County High School's Don McKindles for being nominated as TCPalm's Teacher of the Week. At MCHS, Mr. McKindles teaches Economics and U.S. Government, but he’s known for teaching much more than just the curriculum. In the words of the parent who nominated him: “He’s the teacher who taught his students about life skills that they will remember and use long after they leave high school and will help them become productive and successful adults. Hopefully, every student is lucky enough to have a teacher like Mr. McKindles." 🗳️ Vote once a day here through Friday, June 20: https://bit.ly/3SSr1q7 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎ON THE AGENDA🍎 Today's School Board meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. View the agenda: https://bit.ly/3FWiUpz Watch the livestream: https://bit.ly/4jW9oRp #ALLINMartin👊

Families: Summer is an ideal time to develop water safety skills. Please click the link for a list of community resources available - http://bit.ly/444U7HM.

☀️EXTENDED DAY, EXTENDED FUN☀️ Check out this summer fun at Jensen Beach Elementary School's Extended Day Summer Camp! Snowcones on day one, spin art, obstacle courses, and bowling to follow—and a dance party to wrap it all up! If week one is any indication, it’s going to be an unforgettable summer at our Extended Day summer camps! 😎☀️ #ALLINMartin👊

📚SUMMER READING FUN📚 Students in grades 1–6 can earn a FREE book this summer just by reading! Thanks to the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program, kids who read 8️⃣ books can choose a free one from a special selection in stores. 📖 Learn more: https://bit.ly/43YXjVn Looking for more ways to keep young minds active (and boredom at bay)? Explore our summer learning resources: https://www.martinschools.org/page/holiday-resources #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎉CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING SUPPORT🎉 Just before the end of the school year, some of our incredible English Language Learner (ELL) Paraprofessionals and Home Liaisons were surprised with a special recognition for the difference they make every day! From supporting students in and out of the classroom to building trust with families, their work is essential in our goal of educating ALL students for success. The surprise was coordinated by our Title I and Professional Learning teams as a way to say “thank you” to these dedicated team members who lead with heart. Not all paras were able to be celebrated in person, but we appreciate each and every one of you more than words can say! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎉CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING ATHLETES🎉 ICYMI: Martin County High School Class of 2025 senior Ross White was named the Scholar Athlete of the Year by Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism. Ross, a member of the Tigers’ 24-25 tennis team, was selected from nominees across the entire Treasure Coast for his achievements on the court and in the classroom. Congratulations to Ross and all of our incredible scholar athlete finalists! 👏👏 #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎓#MCSDSENIORSTORIES🎓 This afternoon, we're sharing our final senior story for the Class of 2025, and it's a special one! We're shining a spotlight on South Fork High School senior TRIPLETS Madison, Tyler and Justin Summa! "Mom, Dad, grandparents, and the rest of the family are so proud to have been able to watch you graduate together and look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of you," proud mom Tara shared. "We love you very much." Tyler plans to attend Indian River State College to pursue his associate's degree in Business Management. He hopes to continue his studies in Sports Management once he completes his AA. Justin is employed full time at Alford Air Conditioning, Inc., where he recently completed his first three months. Madison plans to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and pursue a career in nursing, with hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. 🎉 Congratulations, Tyler, Justin and Madison! 🎉 We wish you all the very best in your future endeavors! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎓#MCSDSENIORSTORIES🎓 This afternoon, we're shining a spotlight on Martin County High School senior Christian Johnson! “Friday night lights will be my most and very exciting memory," the proud senior shared. "Whether it was grinding through early morning workouts, battling under the Friday night lights, or being a reliable teammate when it mattered most,I had left a lasting impact on and off the field. l like to be known for helping shape the team culture and push us all to be better. I will be attending Indian River State College for Business, Finance, and taking a trade in HVAC! I’m excited about this next chapter and journey!" "We couldn’t be more proud of you we love you so much, Mom, Dad, Lexi and Nathan 💙💛," his family wrote. 🎉 Congratulations, Christian! 🎉 We wish you the very best in your future endeavors! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #Classof2025

🎙️ALL IN MARTIN: SUMMER EDITION🎙️ Episode 7 of 𝓐𝓵𝓵 𝓘𝓷 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓲𝓷, our monthly podcast, drops June 15—and we’re taking you out of the studio and into the field! 🌊🐢☀️ This month, we’re all about the summer vibes, Martin County style, visiting the Environmental Studies Center for summer camp, where hands-on science meets salt air and pure fun. We’ll sit down with ESC Coordinator Val Gaynor and two camp counselors who were once campers, exploring why this unique Martin County experience sticks with students long after summer ends. 😎 Catch up on past episodes and be ready for a fresh one on June 15! 🎧 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Cbrsac 🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4jSX3hZ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4gGE2fU #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎓#MCSDSENIORSTORIES🎓 This afternoon, we are shining a spotlight on South Fork High School senior Jynessa Simmons! "Since I'm her uncle, I'm blessed to have known Nessa her entire life, since she was a wittle bitty baby," her proud uncle James shared. "Seems that she grew up overnight, and although she is a beautiful young lady now, I still see her as my goofy little niece with big ole glasses! Myself and my entire family couldn't be more proud of her, and I can't wait to see everything she accomplishes in life and cheer her on the whole way!!" Jynessa plans to attend the University of Florida and pursue a career as a Pediatric Psychiatrist and Entrepreneur! 🎉 Congratulations, Jynessa! 🎉 We are so very proud of you! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD #Classof2025

🎉VOTE NOW!🎉 Congratulations to Stuart Middle School's Jordan Claus for being nominated for TCPalm's Teacher of the Week. Now, Martin County, let's vote for her! "As a parent: Jordan is the teacher I always want my child to have. As a co-worker: I am in awe of her incredible impact on students every day," says the coworker who nominated her. 🗳️ Vote once a day here through Friday, June 13: https://bit.ly/43ZIm5H #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🍎KINDERGARTEN READY🍎 It’s only week two of summer, but the first day of school will be here before you know it! Have a child who will be 𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝 on or before 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓? Get them registered for kindergarten today! Now's the perfect time to complete registration (for any new student!) so they are ready for day 1️⃣ on August 11, 2025. Register now, relax later: https://www.martinschools.org/page/online-registration #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolPROUD

🎓#MCSDSENIORSTORIES🎓 This evening, we are shining a spotlight on South Fork High School senior Breanna Berg! “Breanna graduated from South Fork High School as a student athlete with impressive academics, dual enrolled and also Vet assistant certified," proud mom Michelle shared. "Breanna will attend Indian River State College in the Fall and plans to study Biology. Breanna is a great friend, teammate and daughter! We are so proud of all she has accomplished and we look forward to a bright future. Keep shining!!" 🎉Congratulations, Breanna! 🎉 We are so very proud of you! #ALLINMartin👊 #PublicSchoolProud #Classof2025