Mission: Educate All Students for Success
Vision: A Dynamic Educational System of Excellence
Seasons Greetings from Superintendent John D. Millay
Dr. John D. Millay, Superintendent of Schools, expresses his gratitude to all Martin County students, employees and families for their hard work, dedication and commitment to success this year. Watch the video...
District Encourages Students to Resume In-Person Attendance
Hobe Sound Elementary School students took advantage of the cooler weather earlier this month by participating in a "snowball" fight during recess. The Martin County School District is encouraging parents/guardians - especially those whose children are struggling in the remote learning setting - to consider sending their students back to campus.
While Florida families will continue to retain their choice of flexible learning options next semester, the Martin County School District is encouraging students to resume attending school in person and on campus as they are able.
 
Emergency Order 2020-EO-07, issued by the Florida Department of Education in November, requires school districts to notify the parents and guardians of students who are participating in remote learning at home if their child is not making adequate progress. Students will be invited to return to their school campus for in-person instruction with parental consent. 
 
"We know that the majority of students perform best when they are physically present in classrooms receiving instruction from highly-qualified teachers," Superintendent John D. Millay said. "Our schools remain safe, nurturing places for learning, and we encourage our students to begin returning to campuses as they feel comfortable doing so. The District will follow the requirements issued by the Florida Department of Education, offering targeted intervention and support to students who are struggling to make adequate progress. We remain committed to partnering with our families to ensure that every child is learning, demonstrating growth and achieving success."
 
The District was required to submit a Spring 2021 Education Plan to the Florida Department of Education that satisfies all requirements of the Emergency Order on December 15, 2020. To view the plan as presented to the School Board, please click here. 
WPBF: Martin County School Board Urges Governor DeSantis to Prioritize Teachers and Staff for COVID-19 Vaccine
WPBF - The Martin County School Board sent out a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran on Wednesday asking them to make teachers and staff in close contact with students a priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the letter, school leaders explain disruptions caused by quarantines would be less of an issue if employees were vaccinated.

“I think it’s really important as local leaders that we voice our opinion and that we represent those here in Martin County,” School Board Chair Marsha Powers (District 2) shared. Read more...
WPTV: Spectrum Academy Students Find Path to Success at Project LIFT
WPTV - The Martin County School District has joined forces with a local charity organization to help local teens who are at risk.

Project LIFT, is a mental health and vocational career training program that serves students at Spectrum Academy, the District's alternative school for secondary students.

Charles Taylor is a student at Spectrum Academy and recently graduated from the Project LIFT program. In his spare time, you can find him giving back to the program by helping teach other teens how to weld. Prior to attending the program, Taylor says staying out of trouble wasn't an easy task.

“I went from a kid that was dependent on other people that weren’t a good influence on my life and I sort of gave up on life," said Taylor.

With the help of staff at Project LIFT, he has since turned his life around. Graduating from high school is now in sight and he also has high hopes of ultimately becoming a stick welder.

"This program changes people, it changed me and it saves lives," Taylor said.
Spectrum Academy teacher, Robert Adriel, says he has witnessed the program's impact first hand.

“It gives them the sense that they can accomplish something and stand on their own two feet, some of them for the first time that’s the first experience they’ve ever had with something positive," Adriel said. Read more...
South Fork High School's Advanced Theatre Students Present A Whiteout Christmas
Move over, Hallmark Channel! If you enjoy feel-good romantic comedies and "Christmas conquers all" holiday specials, you'll love this virtual holiday show written by South Fork High School senior Grace Lloyd. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and hit the play button above. Don't forget to share your rave reviews with SFHS advanced theatre students on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
WPTV: Martin County High School Giving Back to Community This Holiday Season
WPTV - Inside Martin County High School, you could hear the crinkling of wrapping paper inside Mr. Hessler’s classroom Thursday.

“This is the most we’ve ever had,” said Don Hessler.

But on Thursday afternoon, senior Erika Van Vliet was the one in charge.

“I just didn’t want to leave this family hanging, so I knew there was something that could be done and I just spread the word to family, friends, and the community,” said Van Vliet, who is the President of the National Honor Society (NHS) at Martin County High.

For the past five years, NHS members have adopted a family for Christmas.

“We do this by raising money through fundraisers for our school, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 this year we were unable to do that,” Van Vliet said.

But with Van Vliet’s hard work and leadership, and community support, she was still able to raise $1,300 and received other donations including new bicycles and a decorated Christmas tree.
Other members of NHS also brought in other gifts, blankets, and clothes for a single mom and her five kids in Indiantown.

“They view this not as a project, it’s not even an activity. It’s kind of a way of life, it’s something they choose to give back,” said Mr. Hessler.

The students spent Wednesday and Thursday afternoon wrapping the presents, and they will be delivered to the family on Friday.

“That’s a life-changing moment, and not only from that celebratory oh look what we got for Christmas but look what somebody gave us for Christmas,” said Al Fabrizio, principal at Martin County High School.

Through all the struggles and challenges in 2020, this year the students have been able to wrap more gifts than ever before and will provide their adopted family an unforgettable Christmas.

“No matter what is going on, even if it’s a worldwide pandemic, there’s no excuse not to give back or to help others,” said Van Vliet.
CBS12: Local Assistant Principal is Elf on the Shelf
CBS12 - Assistant Principal Patty Morris of Pinewood Elementary School has enjoyed dressing up as the Elf on the Shelf this holiday season! Families have watched with glee as she's performed whimsical shenanigans for families in the car line each morning. Read more...
Experience the Sounds of the Season with the Jensen Beach High School Falcon Band
The holiday season wouldn't be the same without the Jensen Beach High School Falcon Band! Join Thomas Dougherty, Director of Bands, and Joshua Daniels, Student Teaching Intern, as they guide you through the sounds of the season in this holiday charity concert! Watch the video...
Creativity on Display: District Schools, Departments Build Festive Gingerbread Houses
The District's Building Healthy Lifestyles Employee Wellness Program recently held a gingerbread house decorating contest. Employees were asked to build their gingerbread houses as individuals or groups for a chance to win Amazon gift cards courtesy of our medical insurance provider, Florida Blue! All District staff were invited to vote for their favorite creations earlier this week.

Congratulations to our winners:

School/Department Spirit
1st place – Better at the Beach (Lori Vogel & staff, Jensen Beach High School)

2nd place – Falcon Fabulous (Sarah Gillooly, Jensen Beach High School)

3rd place – Maintenance Services - Sandra Sedeno, Sarah Kane and Travis Merrit

Traditional
1st place – Traditional Florida Style (Melissa Nelson, Hidden Oaks Middle School)

2nd place – Cozy Cottage (Amanda McConnell, Port Salerno Elementary School)

3rd place – Candy Cottage St. Nicholas (TerriAnn Besing, Hobe Sound Elementary School)

Whimsical
1st place – Whoville (Jessica Lam, Jensen Beach High School)

2nd place – Santa’s Shell Shack (Joanne Getherall, Jensen Beach High School)

3rd place – Charlie’s Christmas Cottage (Charlie Santos, Instructional Services)


Martin County High School's OPUS Choir: Angelic Voices Spread Holiday Cheer
Martin County High School's renowned OPUS Choir is proud to share a selection of holiday favorites with our community. Press play on both videos above to experience the beauty of the season through these angelic voices!
District Staff Spread Cheer, Give Back to Community
The Martin County School District's Divisions of Human Resources and Instructional Services embraced the spirit of the season this week, donating toys and other gifts to families in our community. The Human Resources Division (pictured at left), led by Chief Human Resource Officer Carlos Perez, collected toys for the Hibiscus House. In what has become an annual tradition, Chief Academic Officer Tracey Miller and the Instructional Services Division purchased gifts for a local family in lieu of giving gifts to one another. A portion of the presents collected for the family are pictured at right.
Holiday Update from Food & Nutrition Services
Food & Nutrition Services will resume curbside meal service for families on January 5, 2021. While all Martin County children aged 18 and under will continue to be eligible for free breakfasts and lunches next semester, we encourage families to complete a meal application for this school year.
Help Your Child Grow in Winter Wisdom This Holiday Season
School may be out, but achievement doesn't stop! Our Curriculum and Instruction Department has compiled a variety of age-appropriate resources that will help your child remain engaged in learning this holiday season. Click here to learn more...
Preschool Story Time
Principal Memmer-Novak and Ms. March of Hobe Sound Elementary School hosted Preschool Story Time on December 11, 2020. Students in Ms. Lucky's VPK class enjoyed listening to The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out along with families of toddlers and preschoolers participating from home.
As Dr. Seuss famously shared, "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." Guest readers throughout the Martin County School District are doing just that as part of a new early childhood story time initiative.
 
Families of toddlers and preschool-aged children are invited to join us on Facebook Live each Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. for story time. Principals and other District staff will read an engaging story to your child while also sharing an activity for the two of you to complete together. It's a great way for toddlers, preschoolers and their families to get to know the administration at their home-zoned school before they start VPK or kindergarten!
 
For families zoned to attend school in Indiantown, this morning's guest reader is Principal Smith of Warfield Elementary School. Click here to tune in live at 9:30 - the story will be read in English and Spanish! 
Celebrating Safely: CDC Tips for Holiday Gatherings
Traditional holiday gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of acquiring or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make your Winter Break safer:

Wear a mask
  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth, keeping it secure under your chin.

  • Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

 
Maintain social distance
  • Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from others who do not live with you.

  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or the flu.

  • Keeping 6 feet (about two arm lengths) from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

 
Wash your hands
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.

  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.


Travel considerations

  • Are cases high or increasing in your community or at your destination? The more cases in your community or at your destination, the more likely you are to get and spread COVID-19 as a result of your door-to-door travel. Check the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker for the latest number of cases in each area.



  • During the 14 days before your travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?

  • Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or airplane, which might make staying 6 feet apart difficult?

  • Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?


If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should consider making other plans, such as hosting a virtual gathering or delaying your travel.


If your answers are “no” and you do decide to travel, be sure to take these steps during your trip to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:




  • Get your flu shot before you travel.

  • Always wear a mask in public settings, when using public transportation, and when around people who you don’t live with.

  • Wear your mask correctly over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.



  • Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

  • If driving, pack your food and limit stops.



Please continue to monitor your child's symptoms each day using our symptom screening tools:
If your child or anyone in the household is symptomatic, awaiting test results or has tested positive for COVID-19, your child must stay home from school and refrain from participating in activities (sports, clubs, gatherings, etc.) outside of your home.

Students are eligible to participate in remote learning only in the following scenarios:
 
·  A parent/guardian has registered them for the remote learning option with their school and they are successfully making adequate progress
 
· They are currently following quarantine or isolation protocols at the direction of DOH Martin or a healthcare professional
 
·  They are sick and staying home due to symptoms, but are well enough to participate in remote learning from home temporarily. Students must provide a note from their parent or physician if they will be temporarily participating in remote learning due to illness.
 
·    They or a member of the household is awaiting testing results or has tested positive for COVID-19. 
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