On behalf of the St. Johns County School District School Board and staff, I want to wish you all a wonderful and joyful holiday season. This is an inspiring time of 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 am filled with hope as we approach the holidays and start off the new year leaving behind some of the most challenging times in recent history. I encourage all of you to take this winter break to rest, relax, enjoy time spent with loved ones and renew your spirit. May you be able to unplug, engage in healthy activities and rejoice in the warmth and happiness of the holiday season.
As I visit schools this time of the year, I am witness to the spirit of giving across the district. Our schools have continued to provide opportunities to teach the importance of citizenship and helping others in need. I am always humbled by the compassion and empathy our students have toward others. Our faculty, staff and families have worked so hard to stir a passion of generosity among the next generation and it is evident in the activities taking place in our schools. Over the last month, I have seen schools collaborating with one another through toy and clothing drives, supporting local pet shelters, giving to children’s hospitals, donating to local food pantries and taking time to plan ways to give back to some of our most disadvantaged students and families.
I am grateful to our community partners and faith-based organizations that support the school district throughout the season. Each year, Somebody Cares St. Augustine collects and distributes winter coats for students through a program called “Coats 4 Kids.” Hugs St. Johns partnered with our schools to serve over 1,000 students with “No Hungry Holiday” bags. St. Johns CARES giving tree collected and donated over $15,000 in wish list items last year for students and community members with needs that were vast and varied.
Our ASSIST program has more than 650 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.
May the blessings of the season fill you and your loved ones with joy during this special season. I continue to be humbled and honored to serve as your superintendent and look forward to continuing our learning and achievement in the new semester.
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
