On behalf of the St. Johns County School District, it is an honor to serve your children and families. I want to start by congratulating the graduating class of 2020. This past month over 3,000 seniors participated in virtual graduations and shortly they will begin their new adventures whether it be college, military or the workforce. This senior class has reached the highest of mountains and dealt with unexpected hardships but through it all they walked with their heads held high and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
I am especially grateful to work for a district with such devoted and talented people whose focus remains steadfastly on the success and well-being of students. While there is no doubt we continue to be faced with many challenges beyond our control, I am confident in the ability of our teachers, administrators, staff members, students, parents and community to forge ahead and continue our tradition as a top-performing district. We are fortunate to have a school board who makes decisions based on a philosophy of “children first.” Their leadership during difficult times has demonstrated the true character of our board, and I am honored to work with each of them.
I know the past several months looked differently than what any of us could ever have imagined, though we have and will continue to become a stronger community together. The additional support from our local business and community-based partners have been unwavering during this season. We are beyond grateful for the monetary and in-kind donations that have been provided to support the needs of teachers, schools, students and families.
Nutritionally balanced meals will be provided to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin during summer vacation when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. All children 18 years old and younger are eligible for meals at no charge. To locate a summer feeding site and for meal service times please visit www.summerbreakspot.org.
My sincere hope is that these summer months provide you and your family and friends the opportunity to spend valuable, quality time together and recharge for the 2020/2021 school year. I encourage you to read a book with your children, take a vacation, have a picnic, or go for a walk in the park. It’s the small things that make such an impact on our children and help strengthen a family. Nothing comes before caring and nurturing those we love most.
Best wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable summer, and I look forward to an outstanding 2020/2021 school year.
Tim Forson, Superintendent of Schools,
St. Johns County School District
