Mission: Educate All Students for Success
Vision: A Dynamic Educational System of Excellence
|
|
School Choice Options Announced for 2021-2022 School Year |
|
The Martin County School District has announced the school choice options that will be available to students during the 2021-2022 school year.
Choice highlights:
-
Jensen Beach High School will be open to all Martin County residents. Students will not be required to enroll in a signature program to attend JBHS.
-
Hobe Sound Elementary School, SeaWind Elementary School, Indiantown Middle School, Murray Middle School and Stuart Middle School will be open to out-of-county residents through the controlled open enrollment plan.
-
Section 1002.31, Florida Statutes, requires each district school board and charter school to adopt a controlled open enrollment plan that allows a parent from any school district in the state to enroll his or her child in and transport his or her child to any public school that has not reached capacity. The controlled open enrollment plan is in addition to the existing choice programs such as magnet schools, alternative schools, special programs, advanced placement, and dual enrollment.
-
The application window for high school signature programs is currently open and will close April 2, 2021 (Martin County High School and South Fork High School) and April 5, 2021 (Jensen Beach High School). Please click here to learn more about our high school signature programs.
-
The Choice (in-county residents/ all other grade levels) application window will open March 1 and close July 31, 2021.
-
The Controlled Open Enrollment (out-of-county residents) application window will open March 1 and close March 31, 2021.
-
The employee choice (for MCSD employees) application window will open March 1 and close July 31, 2021.
Please click here to access forms and view additional information about the School Choice process.
|
|
WPTV: During COVID-19 Pandemic, Contact Tracing is a Precise Science in Martin County Schools |
|
WPTV - School leaders have to continue learning new lessons of their own this year when it comes to contact tracing and isolating students and staff members if someone tests positive for COVID-19.
A giant board outside Principal Al Fabrizio's office outlines some of the major steps in the process when someone tests positive for COVID-19.
"It's a little bit like teaching. The goal is to get a little bit better every day," Fabrizio said.
With permanent seating charts, the Martin County School District is able to see exactly which students had close contact with an infected individual, so they don't have to unnecessarily send students home.
"Everybody just jumps in and just gets going in the process," Fabrizio said.
That process usually takes a team of up to 10 staff members about two hours from start to finish.
It involves pulling a student's schedule, checking seating charts and attendance records, and mapping out close contacts -- keeping in mind lunch seating and transportation -- then notifying and removing the impacted students.
"We do this during the school day, but this also could be at 7 o'clock on a Tuesday night, or this could be at 2 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon," Fabrizio said.
Teacher Jamie Herd-Tesson remains grateful to be inside the classroom where she knows she makes a difference.
"We don't need a lot of extra things. We just need students to come in and use what they have, and we can make anything work," she said.
And that's why Martin County school leaders said this semester it's going from surviving to thriving.
The District's website has a dashboard that displays information on both COVID-19 cases and quarantine numbers.
|
|
All District-Operated Elementary Schools, Indiantown Middle School to Serve Afterschool Snacks & Suppers to Students |
|
Earlier this school year, the Martin County School District announced the expansion of its participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Florida Department of Health's Childcare Food Program. Known locally as the Super Snack program, this resource provides nutritious snacks and suppers to students at the conclusion of each school day.
In addition to the free breakfasts and lunches that are provided districtwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Meals for Kids program, District-operated elementary schools currently offer free suppers and snacks to students every day that school is in session. Effective February 16, 2021, the program has been expanded to include Indiantown Middle School as a Super Snack serving site. No registration is required. Curbside service is not available for the Super Snack program - it is available to students who are attending school on campus. Read more...
|
|
Our Dollars, Our District: Capital Projects Funded by Half-Cent Sales Tax Increase Underway Throughout the District |
|
If you’ve been out and about in our beautiful community lately, you’ve likely seen signs advertising capital projects that are underway at several District-operated schools. These projects are being completed using funds generated by the half-cent sales tax increase that was generously approved by Martin County voters in November 2018.
To view details on capital projects that are underway or have been recently completed, please click here.
|
|
Middle, High School Students Shine During Regional STEM Fair |
|
Are you smarter than a middle or high school scientist? Martin County students made an excellent showing during this year's Regional STEM Fair. Nine students will move on to represent the Martin County School District at the State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida in late March. Read more...
|
|
Three South Fork High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists |
|
Three South Fork High School seniors have been named Finalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a renowned academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955.
This year’s competition began in October 2019 when more than 1.5 million juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The highest-scoring participants in each state, representing less than one percent of our nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state-representational basis. Approximately 15,000 students nationwide have met the criteria to advance to Finalist standing in the competition. All Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships to be offered later this year.
Congratulations to the following National Merit Scholarship Finalists:
- Stephen R. Patten
- Samuel G. Reeder
- Austin Leo Thomas
|
|
Local Senior Named Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County's 2021 Youth of the Year |
|
South Fork High School senior Mariyah Smith has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County's 2021 Youth of the Year.
Mariyah, who represents the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound, is known for her determination, "can do" attitude and commitment to leading by example. She is an Honors student at South Fork and has been accepted to Bethune-Cookman University where she plans to study anesthesiology.
In addition to being celebrated locally throughout the year, Mariyah will move on to represent Martin County in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Florida's 2021 Youth of the Year competition. Congratulations, Mariyah!
|
|
School Board Vice-Chair is Co-Founder of New Organization Dedicated to Preserving and Sharing the History of Martin County's Black Americans |
|
Pictured L-R: Martin County School Board Vice-Chair Tony Anderson (District 4), Hobe Sound native and community activist Lloyd Jones and House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. Photo credit - Martin County Black Heritage Initiatives
|
|
Knowhere News - At the start of Black History Month, a new nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories and achievements of Martin County’s black Americans has been launched.
On February 1, Martin County Black Heritage Initiatives (MCBHI), a pending 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was launched; its mission is to build a shared community legacy for the future by preserving black history in Martin County through education and action.
Lloyd Jones, a Hobe Sound native and community activist, Martin County School District Board Member Tony Anderson, and House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri founded the organization to uncover, share, and preserve the stories of challenges, achievements and contributions of black Americans in shaping Martin County during its formative years and into the community it is today. The long-term vision is to improve race relations and build a shared legacy through historic preservation and education.
“Our goal is to make the stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, courage and triumphs experienced by our pioneers more accessible to the public. By understanding more about the people who have helped to shape the world around us, we hope to build greater understanding and connection,” said Jones.
Several key initiatives are already underway:
- Martin County Oral History project, which will collect stories of local black Americans before they disappear forever.
- M.O.S.E.S project - to restore and preserve black cemeteries.
- Old Schoolhouse Preservation project - to explore the history of what was known as Port Salerno’s One Room Colored Schoolhouse, potentially a Rosenwald School.
- Historic Land Markers and Museum project to assist Martin County in becoming a repository for statewide and national museums, illuminating the blended interrelationships of blacks, Spanish Florida, black Seminoles, Native Americans, and Europeans.
The organization’s most pressing need is to raise funds for the recording equipment needed for the oral history project. To learn more, get involved, donate, or to share a piece of missing history, contact Lloyd Jones at mcblackheritageinitiatives@gmail.com or 772-260-1766, or visit the organization’s Facebook page.
|
|
Martin County High School Senior Named WPBF's Scholar-Athlete of the Month |
|
WPBF - Augie Lovelace is a two-sport athlete at Martin County High School. The senior has excelled on the gridiron and the hardwood.
He's also a member of the National Honor Society and carries a 3.7 GPA. These are just some of the reasons why he's February's Scholar-Athlete of the Month. Read more...
|
|
Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation Set to Offer Free, Virtual Afterschool Classes for Middle and High School Students |
|
Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation is offering a series of free, virtual afterschool courses for middle and high school students in the spring. Students may enroll in the following courses:
💻Technology for Good: AI - From personal robotic assistants to self-driving cars, artificial intelligence continues to grow at a fast pace. Students in this course will learn how Artificial Intelligence works, discuss ethics on developing this technology and research ideas on how to use this technology to assist humanity.
Offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. March 29- May 6, 2021
🩺Human Body Lab: Bio Med - Is your child interested in applying their passion for science to improve people’s health and well-being? From participating in live-streamed dissections to designing prototypes of protective eyewear and face masks, students will explore the anatomy of the human body, the cause and spread of diseases and the variety of careers in health care. Students will walk away with a better understanding of how they can help themselves and others live a healthy life.
Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. March 29 - May 6, 2021
🏌🏼Golfology - Because it's Tiger, right?! 🐯 Your child will learn up-to-date golf fundamentals that can be applied to their game! They'll explore practice methods, basic ball flight laws and on-course strategies and techniques. This class can prepare students for high-level performance either for recreational or competitive play.
Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. March 29 - May 6, 2021.
|
|
Thousands of Digital Books Now Available to Children Aged 12 and Under |
|
Under the leadership of Speaker Chris Sprowls, the Florida House of Representatives has partnered with Age of Learning to offer Florida families free access to their digital library through December 31, 2021. Children will have access to thousands of titles and the Reading IQ feature, which allows kids to select books at their current reading level and track their progress as they read and learn.
|
|
District Continues to Encourage Families to Choose In-Person Learning |
|
While Florida families continue to retain their choice of flexible learning options, the Martin County School District is encouraging students to resume attending school in person and on campus as they are able.
The Florida Department of Education is requiring all of this year's statewide assessments – including Florida Standards Assessments and End-of-Course Exams - to be taken in person. If your child is currently attending school remotely, we would appreciate the opportunity to welcome them back to campus. This will allow them to become reacquainted with the school-based learning environment and prepared to take state assessments.
"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."
Parents are encouraged to contact their child's school with questions or to request a change in learning options.
|
|
Recently-Launched Public Data Dashboards Offer Community Detailed Look at Demographics Throughout the District |
|
Interested in learning more about the demographics of the Martin County School District? Recently-launched public data dashboards provide detailed information on school grades, enrollment, attendance, diversity, graduation rates, COVID-19 quarantine data and more. Dashboards may be filtered by school site, year and a variety of subgroups. Click here to learn more...
|
|
Principal Morrow, Ms. Molina-Council and Ms. Taylor of Citrus Grove Elementary School hosted Preschool Story Time on Friday, February 5. Listen along as they read I Love You, Sun/ I Love You, Moon in English, Spanish and American Sign Language!
|
|
Principal Riley and Ms. Aylsworth of Felix A. Williams Elementary School hosted Preschool Story Time on Friday, February 12. Listen along as they read Elmore and The Lion and the Mouse in English and Spanish!
|
|
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 an 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 Pinewood Elementary School, today's guest reader is Principal Radcliff. Click here to tune in live at 9:30 and listen to the story!
|
|
February ESE Parent Workshop: Fine Motor Fun for Preschoolers |
|
This month's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Workshop, scheduled for February 25 at 11:00 a.m., will offer tips for parents of preschool-aged children on the development of fine motor skills. The session will be presented by Viany Adache of the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System (FDLRS). To RSVP and gain access to the Zoom session, please email ESE Coordinator Jeffrey Bolbach.
|
|
Martin Minutes With Millay |
|
Interested in learning more about Superintendent Millay and his vision for the District? It has never been easier to get connected!
Dr. Millay's next appearance on WSTU will be Monday, February 22, 2021. If you missed his appearance on February 8, please click here to access the recording. His segment begins at the 2:00:40 mark.
|
|
Mark your calendar to ensure you don't miss these upcoming meetings and events:
|
|
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. Please continue to monitor your child's symptoms each day using one of the screening tools shown below.
|
|
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
|
|
Connect with us! Follow @MCSDFlorida on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and information about the Martin County School District.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
