Santa Rosa County District Schools

🚨 Did you miss our Playing It Safe events last week? 🚨 No problem—we’ve got you covered! The event was recorded and is now available for parents, families, educators, and community members to watch: 👉 https://youtu.be/Go_ySrkTU_I A huge thank you to our partners and sponsors for making this event possible: 💜 Magdalene’s, Inc. – Learn more at magdalenes.org 👮 Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office – for participation and sponsorship ✅ Community Life Church - for allowing us to use your venue and assisting with the recording of this informative event We also extend our gratitude to our incredible panelists for sharing their time, expertise, and knowledge: 1️⃣ Cindy Peaden – Coordinator of Mental Health, SRCDS 2️⃣ Major Todd Bobe – SRSO 3️⃣ Detective Ashley Thompson – SRSO 4️⃣ Carissa Phelps 5️⃣ Dr. Andrew Doan 6️⃣ Julie Doan ⚠️ Please note: Due to sensitive content, this video is restricted to viewers 18+. We recommend children over 13 view only with parent/guardian guidance. #SRCDS1stChoice

🌍💚 September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 💚🌍 At Santa Rosa County District Schools, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, families, and staff. 💙💚💜 If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is always available: 📞 Mobile Response Team: 866-517-7766 (24/7) 📲 Call or Text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 🌐 HOPE Florida: 850-300-HOPE | HopeFlorida.com 💻 Free Tele-Health Therapy: 800-354-9308 Together, we can raise awareness, offer hope, and save lives. 💜💙💚 #SRCDS1stChoice #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness

Our September edition of LEAPS & Bounds is now available at the link below!

🔗 https://bit.ly/LEAPSSeptember2025

This edition is packed with back-to-school updates, resources for families, and so much more. We hope you’ll take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to see the amazing things happening throughout our district. 

We are pleased to share that Locklin Technical College has been nationally recognized by USA TODAY as one of the Top 250 Vocational Schools in the United States. 🎉

This recognition was based on a comprehensive evaluation developed in collaboration with Statista, using five key metrics:
➡️Graduation rate
➡️Graduate salary outcomes
➡️Time required to pay off the net cost
➡️Social mobility
➡️Diversity

Among more than 7,600 technical institutions across the country, Locklin Technical College earned a five-star rating, placing it within the top 3% of vocational schools nationwide.

This national recognition reflects the college's ongoing commitment to student success through high-quality instruction, industry-aligned training programs, and comprehensive support services. Every aspect of the student experience contributes to this outstanding achievement.

We are proud to recognize the faculty, staff, and leadership at Locklin Technical College for their dedication and impact. Their work continues to empower students with the skills and credentials needed for successful careers in high-demand fields.

For more information, you can view information here:
🔗https://www.locklintech.com/o/locklintech/article/2388731
For more information, you can view the full USA TODAY article here:
🔗 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/21/top-vocational-schools-in-us-ranked-2025/84497925007/

Congratulations to Locklin Technical College on this well-deserved honor! #SRCDS1stChoice

🏈 Santa Rosa Scoreboard – Week of August 29 🏈 Congratulations to Pace and Milton on your big wins this week! 🎉👏 Let’s keep the Santa Rosa spirit strong as we head into next week’s matchups. Stay tuned for the next lineup! 💙💚 #SRCDS1stChoice

Today, Gulf Breeze High School Spanish Honors students had the unique opportunity to attend a book fair featuring a collection of culturally authentic Spanish titles! Students explored, examined, and even purchased books that support their journey toward biliteracy and cultural appreciation. 📚✨ Experiences like this deepen student engagement with world languages beyond the classroom and help foster a lifelong love of learning. A huge thank you to: 🐬 Mrs. Rivera, GBHS Spanish Teacher, for bringing this awesome opportunity to her students 🐬 Mrs. Barona, GBMS Media Specialist, for curating and coordinating the fair 🐬Mrs. Cunningham, Teacher on Special Assignment for World Languages, for chaperoning the event #SRCDS1stChoice

As a reminder, schools and offices are closed on Monday, September 1 for the Labor Day holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, September 2. Enjoy your weekend!

🎉 PBIS Spotlight: Jay Elementary – Silver Level Recognition! 🏅

We’re proud to celebrate Jay Elementary for earning Silver Level status as an FLPBIS School! After rejoining the FLPBIS network in 2022, Jay has quickly made impressive gains in creating a positive, student-centered environment.

Their schoolwide expectations follow the P.R.I.D.E. Pact:

✅Present
✅Respect
✅Integrity
✅Dedication
✅Empathy

Under the leadership of Principal Josh Pape, Jay Elementary has seen measurable growth:
📉 Referrals are 11.32 below the state median
📈 Attendance rate has climbed to 94%

"Since implementing PBIS at our school, we have seen a decrease in discipline referrals. In addition, we have seen an increase in our student attendance rate." – Principal Josh Pape

👏 Way to go, Jay Cubs! Keep leading with PRIDE! 💙💛 #SRCDS1stChoice

Today during lunch, students at Woodlawn Beach Middle School got a tasty surprise as we kicked off our August Discovery Kitchen theme: “The Great American Roadtrip”! 🚗✨The featured treat? Warm Spiced Peaches—a flavorful bite inspired by classic American roadtrip eats. 🍽️ Students enjoyed sampling the dish and learning fun peach facts along the way!

We’ve already received lots of great feedback and smiles—thank you to everyone who joined us! #SRCDS1stChoice

It’s almost time for Friday night lights! Check out this week’s matchups and come cheer on your favorite team. 🏈 #SRCDS1stChoice

🏅 PBIS Highlight: Hobbs Middle School – Silver Level Success!

We’re proud to spotlight Hobbs Middle School, a committed FLPBIS school since 2011, for earning Silver Level Recognition!

Hobbs continues to uphold its schoolwide expectations through J.A.G.S.:
➡️Just be Positive
➡️Act Responsibly
➡️Gain Respect by Being Respectful
➡️Stay Safe

This framework supports a strong, positive school climate where students are encouraged to grow and succeed.

Principal Brandon Koger shared, “PBIS has positively impacted Hobbs by creating a supportive environment where positive behaviors are reinforced, leading to improved school climate and reduced disciplinary issues.”

With referrals .46 below the state median, Hobbs is proving that consistent PBIS implementation makes a measurable difference.📉

🎉 Congratulations to the students, staff, and leadership at Hobbs Middle School on your continued success! #SRCDS1stChoice

Seeing double? 👩‍🏫👩‍🏫 Our teachers have twinning down to a science! From matching outfits to matching smiles, they’re showing that teamwork and school spirit never go out of style. 🙂

🌟 PBIS Highlight: Bagdad Elementary – Leading with BARK! 🐶

Today, we proudly recognize Bagdad Elementary, a dedicated FLPBIS school since 2008, for their long-standing commitment to building a positive and supportive school culture through PBIS.

At Bagdad, students follow the BARK expectations:

❤️Be on time and ready to learn
❤️Always have a positive attitude
❤️Respect yourself and others and do your Bulldog share
❤️Kindness to others

These expectations are more than just rules—they’re part of the school's identity. Through consistent reinforcement and a focus on positive behavior, Bagdad Elementary has created a learning environment where students thrive.

As Principal Sapp shared, “It’s created a supportive environment where students feel encouraged.”
And that encouragement shows! From classroom routines to school-wide celebrations, the Bulldog spirit is strong.

👏 Hats off to the students, staff, and leadership at Bagdad Elementary. Keep leading with BARK and making a difference every day! #SRCDS1stChoice

From Pre-K to Grade 12 and beyond, our mission is clear: to love, educate, and prepare all students for graduation and a successful future. 🎓

Playing It Safe Community Event… Success! ✅ Tonight, a large crowd gathered at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium for our Playing It Safe event. Parents, families, educators, and community members heard from expert panelists who shared important ways to keep our children and community safe from predators. If you missed it, there’s another chance to join us! 📅 Thursday, August 28 @ 6–8 PM 📍 Community Life Church, Gulf Breeze We hope to see you there as we continue working together to keep Santa Rosa safe. 💙💚

It is a pleasure to announce and congratulate Bryan Gabbard on earning the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certification! 🎉 This respected credential, awarded by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), recognizes Bryan’s dedication to professional growth, procurement expertise, and excellence in public service. This achievement not only reflects Bryan’s commitment to high standards and ethical practices but also strengthens our organization’s ability to manage complex procurement processes with skill and integrity. Please join us in celebrating Bryan on this outstanding accomplishment! 👏#SRCDS1stChoice Pictured from Left to Right: Carol Boston (School Board Member District 3 & Chairperson), Dr. Karen Barber (Superintendent of Schools), Bryan Gabbard (Purchasing Manager), and Travis Fulton (Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration)

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming our student teachers for the fall semester! 🍎 We’re excited to support these future educators as they learn and grow alongside some of the best in Santa Rosa. #SRCDS1stChoice

HAPPENING THIS WEEK... JOIN US ON AUGUST 26 OR 28!

🚨 Did You Know?
Over 500,000 online predators are active each day!
Join us for "Playing It Safe: Exposing Dangers in Our Digital World" — an essential awareness event for parents, families, and the community! We are partnering with Magdalene's, Inc. to provide this awareness event. You don't want to miss it!

📍 Event Details:
Location 1:
Milton
🗓 August 26, 2025
🕕 6:00-8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
📍 Santa Rosa County Auditorium - 4530 Spikes Way, Milton, Florida

Location 2:
Gulf Breeze
🗓 August 28, 2025
🕕 6:00-8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
📍 Community Life Church - 4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida

➡️ It's not too late - RSVPs are not required, but encouraged so we can plan accordingly!
Link: https://bit.ly/SRCDSMagdalenesRSVP or scan the QR code! Visit our page for more information - https://www.santarosaschools.org/page/playing-it-safe

🛑 Important Note:
Content will be sensitive in nature. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Thank you to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for sponsoring this event.

Friday Night Lights Highlights (August 22)🏈 Our Santa Rosa County high school teams showed up strong last night for Week 1! 💪 Here's how it went down: 🔹 Gulf Breeze Dolphins 6 - South Walton 35 🔹 Navarre Raiders 27 - Catholic 42 🔹 Pace Patriots 21 - Mary G. Montgomery 34 🔹 Milton Panthers 20 - Crestview 19 🔹 Jay Royals 40 - Lighthouse 0 🏆 🔹 Central Jaguars 0 - Franklin County 31 Big wins for Milton and Jay – way to represent Santa Rosa! 💙💚 Let’s keep the energy high and support our teams this season. 👏🏻#SRCDS1stChoice