The School District of Palm Beach County

May is Haitian Heritage Month ✨ It is a celebration of Haitian history, heart, and culture, and an opportunity to share that culture with the community. We honor the incredible contributions of our Haitian students, educators, and families in the School District of Palm Beach County!

IT'S TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK. We join our students, families, and school administrators in celebrating the educators of the School District of Palm Beach County. Our teachers' commitment to the success of every child defines our schools and inspires our students.

Show off your YELLOW today for School Lunch Hero Day 🍱 💛 We are honoring all of the incredible School Food Service teams across the School District of Palm Beach County. From early morning prep, to the final bell, they make sure every student has access to nutritious and delicious meals. They don't just serve food- they serve kindness, consistency, and smiles. Join us in saying THANK YOU to the heroes in our cafeterias!

This week's Thank a Teacher celebration takes us to Starlight Cove Elementary School in Lantana, to honor an educator who turns her classroom into a second home. Fourth grade teacher Isabel Vaughn doesn’t just teach lessons, she builds a culture. In her room, every student is encouraged to lead with confidence, lean on their community, and always choose kindness. Ms. Vaughn received a $500 check thanks to our generous sponsor, HCA Florida Healthcare.

Congratulations to Ms. Stephanie Cook on being named Principal of Banyan Creek Elementary School, effective this summer, after serving as Principal of Hammock Pointe Elementary School.

Congratulations to Ms. Danielle Garcia on being named Principal of Del Prado Elementary School, effective this summer, after serving as Principal of Orchard View Elementary School.

Congratulations to Ms. Darline Winewski on being named Principal of the new elementary school in Westlake, effective this summer, after serving as Principal of Acreage Pines Elementary School. The new school is expected to open in August 2027.

Right now- our partners at Florida Prepaid College Plans are offering extra savings. 💸 Today is the last day to receive a $50 account contribution when opening a new plan. Florida Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in the cost of college with fixed monthly payments. Use the unique code PALMBEACH2026 to take advantage of the $50 offer. Open Enrollment ends today! Learn more by visiting this link: bit.ly/3NDUZic

Senior Spotlight: Jamarkus from Forest Hill Community High School ✨ Through our 'Senior Spotlight' video series, we are highlighting the unique talents and achievements that make the class of 2026 so special. At Forest Hill Community High School, Jamarkus is being recognized for his athletic and academic success. He is a tough competitor on the school's football, track, and weightlifting teams. Jamarkus is also part of Forest Hill's engineering program. He holds several school records in track and even state records in weightlifting, and hopes to play sports in college. Congratulations, Jamarkus, on leaving your mark at Forest Hill! 🏆

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SHOUTOUTS 🌟 We're excited to recognize the hard work and dedication of our substitute teachers, who go above and beyond for our schools and students. Each month, two substitutes will be awarded $100 from our generous partners at iThink Financial. Let's meet April's recipients! Bonnie Fauls was recognized for her work at Sandpiper Shores Elementary School in Boca Raton. Her nomination says, "Ms. Bonnie is a shining light, whether she comes to us as a teacher or a paraprofessional. She is willing to help us in any way she can." Vanessa Kerner was recognized at Morikami Park Elementary School in Delray Beach. Her nomination says, "Ms. Kerner is an amazing sub. She treats everyone with a kind heart and smile. She is always flexible and ready for the day. We are so thankful for Ms. Kerner and beyond happy whenever she is on our campus!"

Innovation is taking center stage at Polo Park Middle School as two of Florida’s most inspiring educators join forces. Mr. Mark Harrison from Union County, the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year, visited Ms. Kimberly Stalker's classroom, last year's Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year. Mr. Harrison got a front-row seat to the "STEM Stalkers" in action- a group of pre-engineering students known for turning complex blueprints into real-world solutions. This visit celebrates how state-level leadership, coming together with local classrooms, is building a bright future for Florida’s students.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT 🌟 We continue our ‘School Spotlight’ series today with Diamond View Elementary School in Greenacres. Every Tuesday, we’ll showcase one of our amazing schools, with a special message from the principal about what makes their campus your best choice for education. At Diamond View, Principal Carolyn Seal says classrooms are filled with curiosity, innovation and the tools to help students succeed. She says, "our students explore their passions and discover new talents every day." To learn more about Diamond View, you can visit the school's website at: dves.palmbeachschools.org

MUSIC TO OUR EARS 🎼🥁 The School District of Palm Beach County proud to share we've been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation for the 10th consecutive year! This national distinction recognizes the District’s 183 schools for outstanding commitment to music access and equity, reflecting high standards in funding, staffing, and instructional time. Congrats to all of our incredible music teachers and talented students for this wonderful recognition.

Give your child a HEAD START! 🏫 Head Start fosters a child's growth through services supporting early-learning development, health, and family well-being. Serving families year-round, all Head Start programs are FREE. The School District of Palm Beach County is accepting applications for 3 and 4-year-olds. For registration information visit the District's Head Start website at: palmbeachschools.org/HeadStart

Senior Spotlight: Adam from Jupiter Community High School Through our 'Senior Spotlight' video series, we are highlighting the unique talents and achievements that make the class of 2026 so special. At Jupiter Community High School, Adam is being recognized for his outstanding leadership in the Criminial Justice Academy. He is a captain in the program, often working with the underclassmen on their drills. He is a member of a number of school honor societies and also values his work at an after-school program outside of school. Adam will attend Northwestern University as a QuestBridge scholar to study elementary education. Congrats, Adam!

Spring Art Dazzle 🎨🖌 More than 40 panels of artwork showcase our students' amazing talent and creativity for the Spring Art Dazzle display in the District office lobby. From paintings and sculptures, to portraits and so much more, the beautiful artwork shows the strength of our students' artistry, and the thoughtful guidance from their wonderful teachers.

Spring Art Dazzle 🎨🖌 More than 40 panels of artwork showcase our students' amazing talent and creativity for the Spring Art Dazzle display in the District office lobby. From paintings and sculptures, to portraits and so much more, the beautiful artwork shows the strength of our students' artistry, and the thoughtful guidance from their wonderful teachers.

Senior Spotlight: Cienna from Seminole Ridge Community High School Through our 'Senior Spotlight' video series, we are highlighting the unique talents and achievements that make the class of 2026 so special. At Seminole Ridge Community High School, Cienna is being recognized for her stellar work in the school's TV Production Academy. She has received both national and statewide awards for her work in the field, and it has inspired her career path moving forward. Cienna will attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year to study communications and journalism. Congratulations, Cienna!

During the School District of Palm Beach County's annual Volunteer and Business Partnership Breakfast, the District celebrated two incredible business partners as Palm Beach County’s honorees for the Florida Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards. Today, we're honoring OneBlood. OneBlood supports the community's blood supply, and also works with our high school medical academies. Representatives come into the classroom to give presentations, help with skills, and contribute to scholarship programs. Thank you OneBlood, for everything you do for our community and educating the next generation of doctors.

During the School District of Palm Beach County's annual Volunteer and Business Partnership Breakfast, the District celebrated two incredible business partners as Palm Beach County’s honorees for the Florida Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards. The first, is the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The Kravis has been supporting Palm Beach County students for more than 30 years. They entertain and educate through free performances and workshops, and are a key partner in the District's community experiences initiative, hosting all fifth grade students for a performance. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kravis Center team for the invaluable impact they make on our students!