The school year is in full swing and we have welcomed more than 43,000 students into our classrooms through various instructional models. The hard work and dedication by our administrators, teachers and support staff making opening day and the days that followed the very best was apparent. We will, as a community of educators, administrators, and families, continue to create the best possible learning opportunities for our students.
Preparation for the start of a school year starts months before the first bell rings. Transportation, food service, custodial and maintenance staff plan, practice, clean, beautify, and build to get ready for students and teachers alike. This school year will have many unique challenges that we will face together. I want to assure you that we have continued to design a safe, healthy environment for students, faculty and staff to the highest standard.
Many protective recommendations have evolved throughout this pandemic. The required use of facial coverings, brief daily health screening questionnaire and temperature checks are necessary to minimize the health risks in our schools. All schools will have appropriate protective equipment for students and staff, and will be diligent in providing clean, sanitized facilities for learning.
This summer administrators, teachers, faculty and staff engaged in professional development opportunities to grow their knowledge in the areas of academics and social-emotional learning as well as mental health. I am looking forward to seeing these practices in place in the classroom setting to help us uphold the mission of St. Johns County School District, which is to inspire good character and a passion for lifelong learning in all students, creating educated and caring contributors to the world.
Tim Forson, Superintendent of Schools,
St. Johns County School District
