The School District of Palm Beach County

A big THANK YOU to @GossettSeidman, who secured $350,000 in the state budget for the robotics program at Boca Raton Community High School during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. The money will fund necessary lab improvements and competition costs. Representative Gossett-Seidman visited the school to meet with students, Principal @joshua_davidow, and teacher Mr. Rob Sweeten to see the amazing work they are doing first-hand.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: It was an evening of celebration at the GoTeach! Classroom Grant Awards, hosted by the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. More than 130 School District of Palm Beach County teachers earned classroom grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to fund their innovative classroom projects. The grant categories focused on the priority areas of literacy, career education, increasing graduation rates, financial literacy, STEM and more. It was an opportunity to celebrate the teachers who are going above and beyond, by developing classroom projects that fuel the future of learning. Students from the Culinary Academy at West Boca Raton Community High School catered the event with delicious appetizers and desserts. Congratulations to all of the teachers receiving grants and thank you to the generous funders and sponsors who make it possible.

As a dedicated Dual Language teacher at Hope-Centennial Elementary School, Alejandra Jimenez goes above and beyond every day to bridge cultures and open up a world of opportunities for her students. She says she is incredibly proud of her young scholars, who pour their hearts into their schoolwork each day as they strive to become fully bilingual, biliterate, and global citizens of tomorrow. For her hard work, Ms. Jimenez is this week’s Thank a Teacher winner. Nominate an outstanding teacher at palmbeachschools.org/thankat… Special thanks to our sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare: hcafloridahealthcare.com

CELEBRATE THE GREAT: NORTH REGION FINALISTS Our last group of finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards comes from the North Region. It's been so special to surprise these all-star educators with the news that they are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to: • North Region Principal of the Year: Philip Preddy, Western Pines Middle School • North Region Assistant Principal of the Year: Kenisha Coates, Roosevelt Elementary School • North Region Teacher of the Year: Natalie Joyce, Allamanda Elementary School • North Region School-Related Employee of the Year: Melanie Furton, Administrative Assistant, Jerry Thomas Elementary School Winners in each category will be announced at the Celebrate the Great Awards in January 2027. Good luck to all!

CELEBRATE THE GREAT: CENTRAL REGION FINALISTS We are continuing to share the special moments when our amazing educators learned they are finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards. Congratulations to the finalists representing the Central Region: • Central Region Principal of the Year: Claudia Mejias, West Gate Elementary School • Central Region Assistant Principal of the Year: Magda Dominique, Wellington Community High School • Central Region Teacher of the Year: Deanna Jones, Highland Elementary School • Central Region School-Related Employee of the Year: Tracy Dahl, Administrative Assistant, Wellington Landings Middle School Winners will be announced at the Celebrate the Great Awards in January 2027.

CELEBRATE THE GREAT: SOUTH REGION FINALISTS There were tears, hugs, and high-fives, as four South Region stand-out educators were surprised to learn they are finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards. Congratulations to: • South Region Principal of the Year: Chris Schroeder, Tradewinds Middle School • South Region Assistant Principal of the Year: Shantel Dlugos, Addison Mizner School • South Region Teacher of the Year: Shereen Collins, Boynton Beach Community High School • South Region School-Related Employee of the Year: Yohanna Brutus, Administrative Assistant, Poinciana STEM Elementary School Winners will be announced at the Celebrate the Great Awards in January 2027.

GLADES REGION FINALISTS Let the celebrations begin! It was a day of cheers, hugs, and high fives, as four amazing educators in the Glades Region were surprised to learn they were recognized as finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards. Congratulations to: • Glades Region Principal of the Year: Melanie Bolden-Morris, Glades Central Community High School • Glades Region Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Hansje Laguerre, Glades Central Community High School • Glades Region Teacher of the Year: Eric Bibeau, Crossroads Academy • Glades Region School-Related Employee of the Year: Erin Cross, Behavioral Health Professional, Glade View Elementary School Winners will be announced at the Celebrate the Great Awards in January 2027.

In Palm Beach County Schools, we are empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Educators representing more than 30 of our schools teamed up with 12 local environmental partners to spark big ideas for our classrooms during the 6th Annual Sustainability Symposium at Manatee Lagoon. Together, we are empowering educators and students to make a positive environmental impact, and discovering new ways to bring hands-on conservation and eco-friendly learning directly to our students. Special thanks to FPL and Manatee Lagoon for making this powerful collaboration possible.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Today we are visiting Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens. At Duncan, Principal Corey Ferrera says "students are challenged to discover their passions, develop their talents and achieve their goals." The school has a Literary and Fine Arts Academy, Pre-Finance Academy, and strong performing arts opportunities. She says excellence becomes a habit at Watson B. Duncan Middle School. To learn more about what the school has to offer, visit its website at wbdm.palmbeachschools.org/. You can apply to a choice program at Duncan, or any of our schools, through December 4 at mypbchoiceapp.com

We are thrilled to announce this year's finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards! Each finalist was selected by their Regional leadership team, recognizing their history of excellence and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and the District will host a ceremony to honor the finalists in January 2027, and announce the winner in each category. All week, we'll be sharing videos of the finalists being surprised with the news. Congratulations to all of these amazing educators. We are so proud to have you on Team Palm Beach. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Powering futures at Omni Middle School 💫 Apply now for the more than 330 choice and career programs in the School District of Palm Beach County for the 2027-2028 school year. From medical sciences, to criminal justice, construction, performing arts, and so much more, there's a program for everyone. You can apply by visiting the website mypbchoiceapp.com. The deadline for ALL programs is December 4.

As Safe Schools Week wraps up, we are sending our deepest gratitude to our Palm Beach Schools Police Department officers 👮 Behind every thriving classroom, safe hallway, and successful morning drop-off, is a dedicated team keeping our school communities secure. Our School Police officers do so much more than protect our campuses. They build meaningful connections, serve as mentors to our students, and foster an environment where learning and growth can happen safely every single day. Thank you for making a difference! Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools @PublicSchoolSup

Congratulations to School Board member Marcia Andrews for receiving The @UrbanLeague of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast Youth Advocate and Educator Award. This award recognizes Ms. Andrews' longstanding commitment to education, youth advocacy, and public service. The Urban League praised Ms. Andrews' advocacy for students and families throughout the Glades and western communities, noting her engagement with students, career-readiness initiatives, and efforts to connect young people with educational and career opportunities. The Youth Advocate and Educator Award honors Ms. Andrews' extraordinary contributions and celebrates the example she continues to set for the next generation. Ms. Andrews will retire from the Palm Beach County School Board next month, after 16 years on the Board and a total of 51 years serving the District.

Beginning today, we recognize #RedRibbonWeek. We empower students to be the best version of themselves by living drug-free. This year’s theme is ‘Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free.’ Check with your school for specific activities.

THANK A TEACHER This week’s Thank a Teacher is in the spotlight for her dedication to the arts at Eagles Landing Middle School in Boca Raton. For Leah Carolan, teaching theatre isn't just a career, it's her life's work. She truly believes that arts education is something that needs to be celebrated and supported every single day. For her passion that shines through in every student who takes the stage, Ms. Carolan is this week's Thank a Teacher winner. She received a $500 check, thanks to our generous sponsor, @HCAFLHealthcare. If you know an educator who goes above and beyond, you can nominate them by visiting palmbeachschools.org/thankat…. 🌟

It's Safe Schools Week, and we are so grateful to our incredible Palm Beach Schools Police Department Officers, who are always there to support our students. Just this week, they participated in a job fair at Santaluces High School, talking to students about careers in law enforcement. When students feel safe, secure, and connected, their learning can truly take flight! Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools @PublicSchoolSup

Education doesn't stop when the final bell rings. 🔔 Today marks National Lights On Afterschool Day. This day recognizes the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering opportunities to learn, discover new skills, explore passions, participate in sports, and more. We are so grateful for our amazing afterschool staff members that give our students a safe, engaging environment when the school day ends.

Top of the class 💫 We are proud to share that U.S. News and World Report has recognized 12 District schools among the top 100 public K-8 schools in the state of Florida. This includes six elementary schools and six middle schools. They join a prestigious list, along with five District high schools previously announced in the top 100. Congratulations to students, staff, and school leaders who made the list, and continue to prove why Palm Beach County public schools are your best choice for education. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Thank you to the @TownofJupiter for recognizing our Jupiter-area principals with a special proclamation to celebrate academic excellence. The proclamation notes that all 9 public schools that serve the Jupiter area are 'A' rated, and recognizes that strong public schools are essential to a thriving community. Thank you for your support, and for recognizing Jupiter public schools as a source of pride for the community!

Let's see your ORANGE shine for Unity Day, today! This is a day to come together and send a visible message of building commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. As a District, we stand against bullying, and support an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and seen. 🤝