On behalf of St. Johns County School District School Board and staff, I want to wish you all a joyous holiday season. This is a wonderful time of the year in our schools with students, teachers and staff putting in every effort to finish the semester strong while eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break.
I acknowledge that this semester has pulled us in many different directions and the uncertainty of this year has caused some to feel mentally, emotionally and physically drained. I want to challenge you during this winter break to rest, relax, renew and refresh. May you be able to unplug, create new experiences and engage in healthy activities while taking part in the joy that comes with this season.
As I visit schools this time of the year, I witness the spirit of giving at every turn. Our schools have continued to provide opportunities to teach the importance of generosity and helping others in need. I am always so humbled seeing students have compassion and empathy toward others and being a beacon of light in our community. Our faculty, staff and families have worked so hard to stir a passion of generosity among the next generation and it is satisfying to see this in action. Over the last month, I have seen schools collaborating with one another through toy drives, clothing drives, partnering with local pet shelters, giving to children’s hospitals, donating to local food pantries and taking time to plan ways to give back to others in need.
I am grateful for the countless and continuous support of our community and faith-based organizations helping to meet the needs of our students and families. Each year, Somebody Cares St. Augustine collects and distributes winter coats for students through a program called “Coats 4 Kids.” Hugs Across the County partnered with our schools to serve over 1,200 students with “No Hungry Holiday” bags. St. Johns CARES giving tree collected and donated over $30,000 in wish list items last year for students and community members with needs that were vast and varied. Our ASSIST program has more than 443 homeless students identified to date and is currently working with the St. Johns Fire Rescue Department and the “Firefighters for Families” program which collects and distributes toys, clothing, sports equipment, etc. to local families. Many schools have clubs and community organizations that are supporting families directly. If you have interest in supporting a family during the holidays with gifts, food or other items, please contact our Student Services department at 904-547-7797.
Enjoy this time with your loved ones and appreciate the joy of this special season. I am humbled and honored to be your superintendent and look forward to continuing our learning and achievement journey together in 2021.
Sincerely,
Tim Forson, Superintendent of Schools,
St. Johns County School District
