It's Character Counts! Week, and in the Martin County School District, we are proud to recognize the importance of good character in shaping future leaders and building strong, respectful communities.
Grounded in the six pillars of Characterโtrustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenshipโour students are learning that excellence isnโt just about achievement, but about integrity and heart. ๐
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925 #charactercountsweek

UPDATE: The event at Indiantown Middle School has been canceled. Thank you for your understanding.
๐ฒ DIGITAL DEFENSE ๐ฒ
Missed the first Digital Defense event? Donโt worryโthereโs another opportunity to join the conversation!
The Martin County School District's Student Services Department and Visionary School of Arts are teaming up to help families navigate the digital world.
โน๏ธ Behind the Screen: What Every Parent Needs to Know
๐ All Grade Levels: Oct. 23 | 6โ7:30 p.m. | Indiantown Middle School
These free workshops are designed to give MCSD families tools and insights to help keep children safe and supported online. In this digital world, safety online is so important.
#ALLINMartin๐


Join us in celebrating this week's TCPalm Teacher of the Week nominee, Ms. Dorie Laymon of The Pinewood Elementary! ๐๐ค
Here's what her nominator said: "I will never be able to fully put into words the impact she has on my sonโs life. She didnโt just teach him subjects from a book โ she taught him to believe in himself. Her patience, encouragement, and belief in his potential helped him grow in confidence and made him a stellar student. When he walked in, he knew nothing, and now he is unstoppable. I can't thank her enough. Because of her, he loves school now; because of her, he wants to learn more."
โก๏ธ Vote for her today and every day through Friday afternoon: bit.ly/46ZGNWI
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925

Hello Pinewood Family,
This past week we wrapped up the first quarter of the school year! As we look ahead to our second progress monitoring (PM2) in December, weโre ready to work hard, learn, and grow together.
Remember: You donโt come to school because you know everythingโyou come to learn everything. Some lessons may feel challenging, but your mind is powerful beyond measure. Keep showing up with an open mind and a โcan-doโ attitude, and amazing things will happen.
Of course, learning isnโt all weโre aboutโwe have some fun events lined up this week, too:
๐
10/14 โ Cub Scouts, 6:00 PM
๐ 10/15 โ Wear Pink, Girl Scouts 5:00 PM, PTA Meeting 5:30 PM
๐ 10/16 โ Trunk or Treat 5:15 PM, followed by Bingo! at 6:00 PM
๐ป Families are welcome to come in costume. (Face paint and masks are not allowed.)
Letโs make this quarter one to remember. We canโt wait to see all of you this week!
Hola Familia Pinewood,
ยกLa semana pasada terminamos nuestro primer trimestre del aรฑo escolar! Mientras nos preparamos para nuestro segundo progreso monitoreado (PM2) en diciembre, estamos listos para trabajar duro, aprender y crecer juntos.
Recuerden: No vienes a la escuela porque lo sabes todo, vienes a la escuela para aprenderlo todo. Algunas lecciones serรกn desafiantes, pero tu mente es mรกs poderosa de lo que imaginas. Llega cada dรญa con la mente abierta y una actitud positiva, y verรกs grandes resultados.
Y por supuesto, ยกtambiรฉn tenemos actividades divertidas esta semana!
๐
10/14 โ Cub Scouts, 6:00 PM
๐ 10/15 โ Viste de Rosa, Girl Scouts 5:00 PM, Reuniรณn de PTA 5:30 PM
๐ 10/16 โ Trunk or Treat 5:15 PM, seguido por Bingo a las 6:00 PM
๐ป Las familias son bienvenidas a venir disfrazadas. (No se permite pintura facial ni mรกscaras.)
Hagamos de este trimestre uno inolvidable. ยกEsperamos verlos a todos esta semana!

Visit our one-of-a-kind Environmental Studies Center for its Open House on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. โ 1:00 p.m.!
Come explore the gem of Martin County and enjoy:
๐ Creative art projects
๐ Delicious food & fun games
๐ Self-guided tours
๐ Meet-and-greet with Joey the Alligator
๐ Student Entrepreneur Fair featuring local creativity and businesses
๐ One last chance to say goodbye to Saylor the Sea Turtle before her release ๐ข
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, learning, and exploration! See for yourself why this place truly is a gem. ๐๐ข๐
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925

On Wednesdays, we wear pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! ๐
Students, staff, and familiesโjoin us in showing support and spreading awareness by wearing pink each Wednesday throughout October. Together, we honor survivors, remember those weโve lost, and stand with those currently facing breast cancer. Letโs fill our schools with love, hope, and a sea of pink this month. ๐
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud #unstoppablesince1925 #MCSDCares #PinkInMartin

When students are in class every day, they gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
Attendance always matters, but October 6-10 is especially important. That's the week the state takes its enrollment snapshot to decide school funding for the year.
โ Students in class = accurate snapshot = the right funding to support stronger schools in our A-rated District and better opportunities for our kids.
Let's work together to make sure our students are here next weekโit makes a difference for everyone.
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925

It's officially National Principals Month, and we couldn't be more excited to give a well-deserved shoutout to these school leaders!
Their vision and dedication fuel student success and support teachers in delivering exceptional learning experiences. With their leadership, our A-rated District continues to set the standard for excellence. Join us in celebrating each of our remarkable principals by leaving your message of gratitude in the comments!
๐Melissa Eversdyke, Adult Education
๐Elizabeth Atkinson, Bessey Creek Elementary School
๐Rose Rynca, Citrus Grove Elementary School
๐Brenda Watkins, Crystal Lake Elementary School
๐Dana Pallaria, Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
๐Sarah Tuthill, Felix A. Williams Elementary
๐Christopher Forte, Hidden Oaks Middle School
๐Trisha Elliott, Hobe Sound Elementary School
๐Melora Norman, Indiantown Middle School
๐Greg Bottari, J.D. Parker Elementary School
๐Cristina Smith, Jensen Beach Elementary School
๐Lori Vogel, Jensen Beach High School
๐Janice Cizek (Interim), Martin County High School
๐Tiffany Roth, Murray Middle School
๐Lauren Rabener, Palm City Elementary School
๐Susanna Deutsch, The Pinewood Elementary
๐David Shaffer, Port Salerno Elementary School
๐ Gary Sparks, Riverbend Academy
๐Jennifer Michels, SeaWind Elementary
๐Jaime Thompson, South Fork High School
๐Mercedes Thurston (Assistant Principal serving as Principal), Spectrum Academy
๐Dr. Chris Jones, Stuart Middle School
๐Adelle Sumner, Warfield Elementary School
๐Deb Stull, Willoughby Learning Center
๐Angie Gilbride, Martin County PreK Programs
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925

Reminder: Tomorrow, Thursday, October 2, is a non-school day.
View our complete school calendar: https://www.martinschools.org/page/calendars
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud

Visit our one-of-a-kind Environmental Studies Center for its Open House on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. โ 1:00 p.m.!
Come explore the gem of Martin County and enjoy:
๐ Creative art projects
๐ Delicious food & fun games
๐ Self-guided tours
๐ Meet-and-greet with Joey the Alligator
๐ Student Entrepreneur Fair featuring local creativity and businesses
๐ One last chance to say goodbye to Saylor the Sea Turtle before her release ๐ข
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, learning, and exploration! See for yourself why this place truly is a gem. ๐๐ข๐
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925

Mark your calendars (if you haven't already!): next Thursday, October 2, is a non-school day.
View our complete school calendar: https://www.martinschools.org/page/calendars
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud

Friendly reminder, families: there is no school tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23.
View our complete school calendar: https://www.martinschools.org/page/calendars
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud

Itโs almost time for our 3rdโ8th graders in the Martin County School District to showcase their skills in the Academic Games!
From math to language to social studies, these competitions challenge students to think critically, strategize, and display their unstoppable skills. Students can compete in the following games:
๐ฐEquations
๐ค LinguiSHTIK
๐ Social Studies (Current Events, Presidents, and Norse Mythology)
Academic Games build the skills that prepare our students for the future while letting them represent their schools with pride...and they are also SUPER FUN!
โก๏ธ Sign-ups are happening now! Learn more and sign up here: https://bit.ly/488gTCc
#ALLINMartin๐ #UnstoppableSince1925 #PublicSchoolPROUD

Reminder: Our first early release day of the school year is tomorrow, September 10! Students will be dismissed two hours earlier than normal.
View our complete school calendar: https://www.martinschools.org/page/calendars
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud


Our Student Services team was on the move today, surprising schools with shoutouts that celebrate support, collaboration and student success! Whether itโs building strong attendance habits or stepping in with support, our leaders are showing what it means to go #ALLINMartin๐ and highlighting the unstoppable heart behind our A-rating.
Today's shoutouts go to Hidden Oaks Middle School, The Pinewood Elementary, Willoughby Learning Center, Port Salerno Elementary School and Citrus Grove Elementary School. Thank you for leading the way! ๐
#PublicSchoolPROUD #UnstoppableSince1925







We are excited to invite you to our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:30 pm!
SAC is a wonderful opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to come together, share ideas, and make decisions that help our school grow and succeed. You donโt have to attend every meetingโjust come when you can. Your voice matters, and we would love to hear from you!
โจ What to expect:
Light snacks to enjoy
Spanish translator available
Child care provided if needed
Parent trainings and information that support you and your child
Updates about Pinewood and the District
๐ฒ Please RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/ZUD2qx3Ji2
(You can also use the QR code provided.)
We canโt wait to see you on September 9th and begin this school yearโs journey together. Thank you for being such an important part of the Pinewood Family!
Hola Familia Pinewood,
ยกEstamos muy emocionados de invitarlos a nuestra primera reuniรณn del Consejo Asesor Escolar (SAC) del aรฑo el martes, 9 de septiembre de 2025, a las 5:30 pm!
El SAC es una excelente oportunidad para que padres, personal y miembros de la comunidad se reรบnan, compartan ideas y tomen decisiones que ayudan a que nuestra escuela crezca y tenga รฉxito. No es necesario asistir a todas las reunionesโpueden venir cuando les sea posible. ยกSu voz es importante y nos encantarรญa escucharla!
โจ Quรฉ pueden esperar:
Refrigerios ligeros
Traductor disponible en espaรฑol
Cuidado de niรฑos si es necesario
Capacitaciones e informaciรณn para apoyar a usted y a su hijo
Actualizaciones sobre Pinewood y el Distrito
๐ฒ Por favor confirme su asistencia aquรญ: https://forms.office.com/r/ZUD2qx3Ji2
(Tambiรฉn puede usar el cรณdigo QR proporcionado).
Estamos ansiosos por verlos el 9 de septiembre y comenzar juntos este nuevo aรฑo escolar. ยกGracias por ser una parte tan importante de la Familia Pinewood!


Why choose anywhere else? Every Martin County School District Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program was recently recognized by the State of Florida as meeting or exceeding expectations! ๐
In our Martin County Pre-K Programs, learning feels like play, but every activity is designed to strengthen the skills your child needs for kindergarten success and lifelong learning.
โ๏ธ Must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025
โ๏ธ Reside in an eligible school attendance zone
It's not too late to enroll! Give your child a strong start and enroll today: https://bit.ly/3DQ2ihS
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolProud


Just a heads upโour first day off from school is already almost here! Schools and District offices will be CLOSED next Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
View the full 25-26 calendar here: https://www.martinschools.org/page/calendars
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD


Fall may be around the corner, but you know the Florida heat (and swim season) is here for a while.
Did you know the Florida Department of Health is offering vouchers for free swim lessons to income-eligible Florida families with children up to age 4?
โก๏ธ Apply online BY SEPTEMBER 1: watersmartfl.com
#ALLINMartin๐ #PublicSchoolPROUD



