Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope you were able to enjoy quality time with loved ones over the holidays and relax during the winter break. The new year is the perfect time to highlight some of the amazing educators, support staff and students we have in the St. Johns County School District. People are our greatest asset and I always enjoy showcasing the many talented folks we have on our team.
At the annual banquet last month, I had the honor of announcing our district School-Related Employee of the Year, Beth Sullivan, a 27-year paraprofessional at The Webster School.
Ms. Sullivan is described by her principal and colleagues as an outstanding employee with the heart of a servant who holds her students to the highest standards of excellence in academics and behavior. Her initiative and innovation make her classroom projects engaging and fun. Ms. Sullivan constantly displays compassion and empathy for all people and routinely helps those in need. She is an asset to her school and our district, and I am proud to submit her name to the Florida Department of Education for the School-Related Employee of the Year state competition.
School-related employees are the backbone of our district, and I was so pleased to recognize all these hardworking people who do everything from preparing healthy meals, to assisting teachers in the classroom, getting students safely to and from school, keeping our grounds and buildings clean, providing healthcare to students, and performing secretarial duties, just to name a few! Our district could not be successful without you!
I am so glad to announce the return of our annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk! This family fun community event is Saturday, February 5 at 9 a.m. beginning and ending at Palencia Elementary School. Online registration is available at https://bit.ly/31YaxG9.
Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District. The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the top three schools with the most registrants. Race participants who preregister will receive a tech t-shirt and other goodies from area businesses and organizations.
The second semester brings the annual High School Showcase on Thursday, January 13 at the World Golf Village Convention Center from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. All parents and students are invited to attend to learn about the high school Programs of Choice and meet representatives from each high school. In addition, the St. Johns County Secondary STEM Fair is Wednesday, February 9.
For the most up-to-date information, recognitions, highlights and fun facts, be sure to follow the St. Johns County School District on social media! We are on Facebook @SJCSD; Instagram @sjcsd2021; Twitter @SJCSD and LinkedIn.
I look forward to the coming weeks and months and spending time in our schools getting to talk with not only students, teachers and administrators but also support personnel and school staff as we head full force into the new year!
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
