District Recognizes 2021-2022 School-Related Employees of the Year, Palm City Elementary School Employee Earns Top Honor |
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Ms. Maria Salome Martinez, pictured second from right, was named the 2021-2022 School-Related Employee of the Year for the Martin County School District on January 20, 2022. Also pictured (L-R): School Board Chair Christia Li Roberts (District 1), School Board Member Victoria Defenthaler (District 3), Palm City Elementary Assistant Principal Lauren Rabener, Superintendent John D. Millay and Palm City Elementary Principal Robyn Monte.
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Twenty-seven outstanding employees were honored during the Martin County School District's annual School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony on January 20, 2022. The event was held at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club in Stuart, Florida.
Part of the Florida Department of Education's (FLDOE) collection of employee appreciation programs, the School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding educational support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools or departments.
Mrs. Maria Salome Martinez, secretary at Palm City Elementary School, was named the District's overall School-Related Employee of the Year. A valued member of the Palm City school community since 2017, Mrs. Martinez is known for her reliability and willingness to assist her colleagues whenever needed. Her name will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration in the state-level recognition program.
"I am proud to serve our children alongside so many outstanding employees in the Martin County School District," Superintendent John D. Millay said. "The team members that are being recognized this year are committed to supporting our students and school district to the very best of their ability, personifying what '#ALLINMartin' is all about. Ms. Martinez's willingness to go above and beyond in any circumstance and palpable positive energy make her more than deserving of this award. I am honored to have her represent our school district as the 2021-2022 Employee of the Year."
Click here to view photos from the ceremony as well as the complete list of site-level award winners.
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On-Demand Virtual Tutoring Service Now Available to Middle & High School Students |
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The Martin County School District has partnered with Paper Education Company, Inc. to bring an on-demand virtual tutoring platform to students enrolled in grades 6-12. Paper's online tutors will be available 24/7 to assist students with learning and assignments across more than 200 subject areas. These virtual tutoring services will be offered in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin.
Thanks to support provided by federal ESSER II Grant funds, the service is being offered at no cost to students. Teachers will also have access to the platform, allowing them to pinpoint learning gaps by reviewing subjects and concepts covered during tutoring sessions. Students will sign in to ClassLink using their District credentials and select the "Paper" app to access the platform.
"We recognize that it is more important than ever for students and families to have access to flexible solutions that help to fill learning gaps and make instruction more accessible outside of the classroom," Superintendent John D. Millay said. "We believe Paper's academic support services will prove to be extremely beneficial to our students, teachers and families."
In addition to on-demand, 24/7 access to knowledgeable tutors, Paper also provides students with access to Essay Review, which serves as an extra set of eyes when students need it. From assignments and college application essays to lab reports and scholarship applications, students can upload any piece of written work along with their teacher’s instructions (if applicable). The tutors then provide detailed annotations and thorough feedback on grammar, structure, and content.
Each online educator is a Paper Education Company, Inc. employee who is trained in the Socratic teaching method and undergoes a criminal background check prior to employment. All student activity on the platform is recorded, tracked, and made readily available to teachers and administrators.
To learn more about Paper or to access resources for parents/guardians, please click here. Parents and caregivers may register for a free 45-minute information session by clicking here.
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High School Scholars Shine During 7th Annual Constitution Academic Competition |
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Jensen Beach High School students Courtney Jones, Shea Powers, Emilia Glover and Rachelle Korte participated in the school's Constitution Academic Competition earlier this month.
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Martin County High School students Nira Goyal, Gianni Porcelli, Laurali Firestone and Jordan LoSardo participated in the school's Constitution Academic Competition earlier this month.
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South Fork High School students Noyana Pierre-Louis, Sophie Suereth, Dawson Hawkins and Matthew Mastrosimone participated in the school's Constitution Academic Competition earlier this month.
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In partnership with the Center for Constitutional Values' Scholarship Fund and the YMCA of the Treasure Coast, the Martin County School District conducted the seventh annual “Constitution Academic Competition” last week. Teams of students from each District-operated high school debated the U.S. Supreme Court case “Miller v. Alabama” before presiding judges - the Honorable Kathleen Roberts (19th Judicial Circuit Court), the Honorable William Roby (19th Judicial Circuit Court) and the Honorable Alan O. Forst (4th District Court of Appeals). The case addressed the constitutionality of enacting life sentences without parole for juveniles convicted of capital crimes.
Although all of the students eloquently and effectively articulated their positions, the presiding judges were tasked with determining debate winners for each school. The winning teams earned scholarships valued at $250 each and will advance to the next round of interscholastic competition in April, where they will compete for additional scholarships.
Congratulations to the following student teams:
Jensen Beach High School
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Courtney Jones and Shea Powers (advocated for Miller)*
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Emilia Glover and Rachelle Korte (advocated for Alabama)
Martin County High School
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Nira Goyal and Gianni Porcelli (advocated for Miller)
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Laurali Firestone and Jordan LoSardo (advocated for Alabama)*
South Fork High School
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Noyana Pierre-Louis and Sophie Suereth (advocated for Miller)*
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Dawson Hawkins and Matthew Mastrosimone (advocated for Alabama
*denotes winning team that will advance to the next round of competition in April.
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Survivor of the Holocaust to Share Story With Community in Honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day |
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In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Palm City resident and Holocaust survivor Louis Schneider will share his powerful story of perseverance and hope with the Martin County community. Rabbi Matthew Durbin of Temple Beit HaYam will provide opening remarks for this experience, which will take place one night only and is sure to be unforgettable for all in attendance.
Mr. Schneider was born in Belgium in 1934. Although many Holocaust survivors share their heartbreaking stories of concentration camps and life in Eastern Europe, Mr. Schneider chooses to share his harrowing experience as a young child in a family desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazi regime. After his father was shipped to Auschwitz Concentration Camp, he—along with his mother and sister—tried to evade the enemy throughout Belgium, Southern France and Northern Italy.
After the war and miraculously being reunited with his father, the Schneider family immigrated to the United States in 1948. They became naturalized citizens in 1954 and resided in New York. Mr. Schneider studied Biochemistry and Microbiology as an undergraduate and graduate student, performing work with the U.S. Military. He then earned his Juris Doctor and practiced international trade law, representing many German companies. Besides English, Mr. Schneider is fluent in French, Italian and German.
After retiring and relocating to Florida in 2000, Mr. Schneider worked with the Holocaust Documentation Center in Miami and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. His goal is to continue to tell his story as long as he is able.
Mr. Schneider will speak at Jensen Beach High School at 6:00 p.m. on January 27, 2022. While there is no charge to attend, those interested in attending must RSVP to reserve seats. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
To learn more about Mr. Schneider and what to expect during his presentation, please click here to watch a video segment produced by WPTV in December 2021.
Jensen Beach High School is located at 2875 NW Goldenrod Road, Jensen Beach, FL 34957.
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High School Artists Honored for Creativity, Originality and Artistic Skill |
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Martin County High School student Sydney Launay won a Regional Scholastic Art Gold Key Award for her photography project titled "Divine." The Martin County School District's gold and silver key award winners will have their original artwork displayed as part of the Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition from February 9 - 19, 2022, at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach.
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The National Scholastic Arts Competition's Palm Beach and Martin Counties Region has announced its 2021-2022 Scholastic Arts Competition winners. More than 4,000 local student artists submitted pieces for consideration as part of this year's competition.
The Martin County students listed below have been recognized for their creativity, originality and artistic skill. Gold and Silver Key winners will have their original artwork displayed at the Regional Scholastic Art Exhibition from February 9 - 19, 2022, at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Gold Key winners will move on to compete in this year's National Scholastic Arts Competition.
Jensen Beach High School
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Tatum Bean, Silver Key Award - Painting for "Systemic"
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James Fowler, Silver Key Award - Digital Art for "Portrait"
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Mackenzi King, Silver Key Award - Painting for "Thoughts?"
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Skyler Miller, Silver Key Award - Drawing for "A Voice for Those Strangled Into Silence"
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Madisyn Boudreau, Honorable Mention - Drawing for "Moving Forward" and "Endangered Emergency"
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Mia Kerner, Honorable Mention - Drawing for "New Friend" and "Birds of Paradise"
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Mackenzi King, Honorable Mention - Painting for "JJ"
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Skyler Miller, Honorable Mention - Drawing for "Billie Eilish"
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Amelia Rose, Honorable Mention - Drawing for "Lost Inside the Clouds"
Martin County High School
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Rebecca Cotton, Gold Key Award - Photography for "Disappearing"
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Sydney Launay, Gold Key Award - Photography for "Divine"
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Anna Tullidge, Gold Key Award - Photography for "Happy Place"
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Rebecca Cotton, Silver Key Award - Photography for "Dysmorphia"
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Amanda Ferrier, Silver Key Award - Photography for "The Sins of Yesterday Remain"
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Brianna Gibson, Silver Key Award - Senior Portfolio for "Portfolio"
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Mia Gifford, Silver Key Awards - Photography for "Sovereign Gaze" and "After Dark"
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Martina Maresca, Silver Key Award - Painting for "Grief"
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Natalie Ricketts, Silver Key Award - Photography for "A Hint of Garlic"
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Vivian Thedford, Silver Key Awards - Photography for "Materialistic", "Sunrise Love", "Trapped" and "Presence"
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Shirley Zhu, Silver Key Award - Digital Art for "Away on a Lotus Leaf"
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Ferdousy Ahmed, Honorable Mention - Senior Portfolio for "Studies of the Natural World
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Mia Gifford, Honorable Mention- Photography for "Imperfect Perfection"
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Sydney Launay, Honorable Mention - Photography for "High Fashion"
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Martina Maresca, Honorable Mentions - Painting for "Heart Shaped Trench" and "Slumber"
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Mary Polak, Honorable Mentions - Photography for "The Inside Out" and "Suppress It"
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Vivian Thedford, Honorable Mention - Photography for "Blinded"
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Anna Tullidge, Honorable Mentions - Photography for "Low Light" and "Chiaroscuro"
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Brooke Vanderwarn - Honorable Mentions - Photography for "Remain Standing", "Delicate Blooms" and "Judgeful Stares".
South Fork High School
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Ryan Campbell, Gold Key Award - Photography for "Waterfall No. 3"
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Emily Brown, Silver Key Award - Drawing & Illustration for "Ghost-Quiet"
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Samatha Conner, Honorable Mention - Drawing & Illustration for "encaustic"
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Kiarra Hold, Honorable Mentions - Photography for "Depth of Fear" and "Wonderland"
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Brianna Toth, Honorable Mention - Comic Art for "How to Bee A Baker"
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Schools Eager to Foster a Love For Reading in Students During Celebrate Literacy Week |
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The Martin County School District has joined other districts from throughout the state in participating in "Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!" this week. This event is an annual celebration designed to promote literacy and excellent reading habits in Florida's students.
This year's theme as designated by the Florida Department of Education is "Launch Into Literacy, Blast Off Into New Worlds!" Schools have scheduled many daily activities designed to help students build their literacy skills while fostering a love for reading.
From buddy reading and appearances by guest readers to schoolwide read alouds and family literacy nights, our schools have something planned for every learner! Please click here to learn more.
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Head Start, VPK Enrollment Period for 2022-2023 School Year to Begin in February |
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The Martin County School District's Head Start and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs will begin accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year in February.

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Head Start helps prepare 3 and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. To be eligible, students must be three (3) years of age on or before September 1, 2022.
- The program offers encouragement and support to parents/caregivers as their child’s first and most important teachers.
- Head Start helps with education, health, nutrition, social skills, and other services.
- Breakfast and lunch are included.
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Registration will begin on February 7, 2022.
- The school year will begin on August 10, 2022.
To learn more about the Head Start enrollment process, please click the appropriate link below:
The District's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) will begin accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year on February 7, 2022. The program is available at select schools with limited enrollment.
VPK is an early learning program that provides developmentally appropriate instruction and activities to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond by building a solid foundation for school success. To be eligible, students must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the school year in which they attend VPK and must reside within an eligible home school zone.
The three-hour VPK program is provided at no cost to parents and the full school day program is available for a monthly cost of $270.00* (*subject to change).
Parents will be able to apply for one of the seats in the District’s 2022-2023 VPK Program during Open Enrollment. The Open Enrollment will take place in two phases beginning on February 7, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
For Bessey Creek, Citrus Grove, Crystal Lake, Felix A. Williams, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach and Palm City elementary schools, the link below will be open for responses on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.:
For J.D. Parker Elementary School, Salerno Learning Center and Warfield Elementary School, the link below will be open for responses on Monday, February 14, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.:
To learn more about the VPK enrollment process, please click the appropriate link below:
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Your Calling is Calling: Join Team MCSD Today! |
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Start the new year with a brand new career! Bring your passion for success and desire to make an impact on the future generation to the A-rated, academically high-performing Martin County School District. We are hiring for a variety of positions, including:
- Classroom Teachers
- School Bus Operators/Assistants
- Paraprofessionals
- Custodians
- Food Service Workers
- Extended Day Staff
- Maintenance (Plumber, Electrician, HVAC Mechanic) and Trades Workers
Learn more about current employment opportunities and subscribe to our jobs e-newsletter here. Interested in discussing your career goals and qualifications with a recruiter? Email Shannon Armstrong, Director of Recruitment & Retention, at armstrs1@martinschools.org.
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Health & Wellness Resources |
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Bookmark our symptom screening tools (English and Español). Monitoring your child's health daily is key to preventing the spread of illness. To help protect their health and the health of those around them, keep your child home from school and other activities when they are ill.
Our screening tools will help you quickly assess your child for a wide variety of symptoms, advising what action is recommended and providing listings for local healthcare providers.
Team MCSD - please click here to access our employee symptom screener. You will be able to find local care providers who participate in our Florida Blue network and seek care as necessary.
Many local physicians and pharmacies are offering COVID-19 immunizations to interested, eligible individuals. Please click here to locate a provider near you. The CDC and DOH Martin advise that the COVID-19 vaccine is the best, long-term way to fight the virus.
COVID-19 testing is available throughout our community. Click here to view upcoming opportunities for free PCR testing through the Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH Martin). Click here to view testing opportunities offered by local pharmacies and physicians.
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Children are invited to join their grandparents for a day of fun, learning and exploration at the Environmental Studies Center. There will be crafts, snacks, opportunities to experience the touch tanks and more! While there is no charge to attend, donations will be accepted. Learn more...
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Interim reports will be issued Monday, February 7, 2022, for students enrolled in grades 6-12. The FOCUS Parent Portal is the easiest way to monitor your child's grades and attendance information. If you haven't claimed your free parent account, please click here to view instructions for doing so.
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Consistently named one of the area’s Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society, ArtsFest will continue its 35-year history and showcase a diverse selection of arts to be enjoyed by Martin County residents and visitors alike! This year's event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 12 and 13 at Gazebo Park in downtown Stuart. Students will be admitted at no charge and parents may purchase tickets for just $5 each. Learn more here...
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Around the District Photo Gallery |
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Students in Ms. Rooney's VPK class at Citrus Grove Elementary School enjoyed juicing their own lemons to make lemonade this week. This hands-on lesson was part of their learning about the letter "L."
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Fifth-grade students at J.D. Parker Elementary School learned how to use displacement to determine the volume of irregular shapes of matter last week.
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Third-graders in Ms. Curtner's class at Jensen Beach Elementary School enjoyed their "cool" animal adaptions demonstration last week. Great work, Viking scientists!
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Students at SeaWind Elementary School are bringing conservation conversations to the classroom as they learn about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
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Talented musicians from Indiantown Middle School performed as part of the 43rd Annual Four County Honors Band Festival at Indian River State College on January 22.
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One hundred days of learning, friendships, inquiry, laughter and FUN! Students at Warfield Elementary School proudly celebrated the 100th day of school on January 24.
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Congratulations to the Jensen Beach High School Wrestling team for winning the Florida High School Athletic Association's Class 1A Dual Championship! The Falcons defeated Clay High 42-21 to earn the title.
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We are #ALLINMartinđź‘Š and ready to help ALL students achieve their #MCSDPotential! |
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