The Martin County School District’s All in Martin Podcast is giving families a head start on the 2026-2027 school year with important reminders, key dates and a preview of a new community event, all as the first day of school approaches on August 10.
In the latest episode, host Kirstie Germaine is joined by Heather Platt, Director of Organizational Excellence and Strategic Alignment and Ashley Kemler, Instructional Coach and Event Coordinator to introduce the District’s first-ever Back to School Community Celebration. The event is designed in response to student feedback to bring together schools, families and community organizations while showcasing this year’s theme, Martin Means More.
The celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at Stuart Middle School. Families can meet school leaders from across the district, connect with local organizations, pick up additional school supplies while they last and enjoy free food, music, giveaways and a scavenger hunt. Community partners will also be on hand to share information about programs and resources available to families throughout the year. Families are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help organizers prepare enough food for attendees.
The episode also features Coordinator of Executive Initiatives Mark Cowels, who walks families through several back-to-school reminders ahead of the first day of school. Topics include updating the digital “yellow card” in the FOCUS Parent Portal, reviewing emergency contact information, accessing school supply lists, completing athletic paperwork and learning about the new EKG/ECG screening requirement for incoming ninth grade and new high school student athletes. Families can find athletic clearance information through their school’s athletic website.
For additional information, school supply lists and other back-to-school resources, click here.
The latest episode of All In Martin is available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.