How quickly we have found ourselves immersed in the world of virtual learning. Since transitioning to a virtual platform, I expect that you and your child are getting confirmation of assignments submitted as well as responses on quizzes and assessments. I hope that your child has been engaging with his/her teacher and is receiving meaningful feedback regarding academic progress. The change to online learning has been challenging to say the least, but I am very proud of the efforts put in by our administrators, teachers, support staff, students and you.
Although we are not currently in our normal school surroundings, I do not want to miss the opportunity to thank all our volunteers for the hard work and dedication they provided throughout the school year. The impact of volunteers in our district cannot be overstated. Last year we had 26,905 volunteers who gave over 264,378 hours of service for the betterment of our students and schools. Volunteering is more than just the giving of time. Volunteers assist teachers in the classroom, work one-on-one with students, raise funds, work with our PTOs, mentor some of our most vulnerable students and much, much more.
I would like to personally recognize those individuals who were selected as the St. Johns County Outstanding School Volunteer district winners. Congratulations to student Chase Magnano, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer; Jennifer Stevenson, a volunteer at Sebastian Middle School, as the Outstanding Adult Volunteer and Lynda Eidson, who volunteers with ESE students at Sebastian Middle School, as the Outstanding Senior Volunteer. In addition, the Florida Department of Education selected Chase Magnano and Jennifer Stevenson as Region II winners. A truly remarkable accomplishment marking them in the top five of volunteers in the state in their respective categories.
Looking ahead to the next school year, I want to encourage you to consider volunteering some of your time reading with students, assisting in classrooms, mentoring a student, helping at school events or with any of our various volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact at the RSVP/Volunteer Services Department at (904) 547-3945 or Cheryl Freeman, volunteer coordinator, at Cheryl.Freeman@stjohns.k12.fl.us.
Stay well.
TIM FORSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
