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 entrepreneurship, to medical sciences, JROTC, culinary arts, and so much more, there's a program for everyone. Hear from one Santaluces Community High School student about how the Criminal Justice Academy is powering her future! You can apply by visiting the website mypbchoiceapp.com.

Parents, middle and high school report cards for the first quarter are now posted to the Student Information System (SIS) Gateway. 📝 If you don't have an account, you can learn how to create one, and access our Parent Portal that puts all the information you need in one place, at this link: palmbeachschools.org/student…

Thank you @WPBF25News, for highlighting our amazing students at A.W Dreyfoos School of the Arts, who launched a free, AI-powered platform designed to help others start entrepreneurial ventures. Across Palm Beach County schools, our students aren't just learning about business, they are launching it. It takes courage, grit, and vision to step into the world of entrepreneurship, and we are so proud of these students for taking the leap. wpbf.com/article/prodigy-pro…

THANK A TEACHER Kimberly James is proud to be a kindergarten teacher at the 'A' rated Glade View Elementary School in Belle Glade. She says her students are making amazing strides in reading, writing, and math. Her secret to success is a positive school culture, where everyone comes together like family. To celebrate her dedication, caring heart and positive spirit, Ms. James is this week's Thank a Teacher winner. She was surprised with a $500 check from our generous sponsor, @HCAFLHealthcare. Who will you nominate next? Visit palmbeachschools.org/thankat… to submit your nomination. 🌟

Apply NOW for choice and career programs and find the spark you need to power your future 💫 The School District of Palm Beach County offers specialized choice and career programs that prepare students for the future through rigorous, theme-based instruction by specially-trained teachers. The 2027-2028 choice application offers more opportunities than ever before. Regardless of your zoned school, students can apply to any available program at more than 100 schools. You don't have to live in Palm Beach County to apply. Applications are due by December 4 for ALL programs.

Celebrating School Board member Erica Whitfield 🎉 Wednesday, October 14, marked the final regular School Board meeting for District 4 School Board member Erica Whitfield, who is leaving the Board after serving for 12 years. Ms. Whitfield left a lasting impact on Palm Beach County Schools, always focused on student wellness and well-being. She calls her time on the Board "a dream come true." Thank you, Ms. Whitfield, for all you've done for the School District of Palm Beach County.

Celebrating School Board member Marcia Andrews 🎉 Wednesday, October 14, marked the final regular School Board meeting for District 6 School Board member Marcia Andrews, who is retiring after serving the School District of Palm Beach County for 51 years. She spent 16 of those years on the School Board. Ms. Andrews is a champion of the Glades community, helping to get multiple schools built in the region, and expanding opportunities for students. She says the School District made her who she is today. Thank you, Ms. Andrews, for all you've done for the students, teachers, and families of Palm Beach County.

We are proud to announce the School District of Palm Beach County is once again officially designated as an Academically High-Performing School District by @EducationFL for the 2025-2026 school year. We are one of only 18 School Districts in the state to earn this distinction. The Academically High-Performing designation is reserved for the state's most successful Districts, reflecting a record of excellence in academics and operations. It is based on a rigorous review of performance across key areas, including District and school grades, financial audits, and class size. This significant achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of students, staff, and families across our schools.

We are thrilled to announce the Florida Department of Education recognized 45 Palm Beach County schools with the prestigious "School of Excellence" designation. 🎉 This honor is awarded to schools that demonstrate a sustained, high academic performance over a three-year period. Congratulations to the students, staff, and families who made this possible, and continue to prove why the School District of Palm Beach County is your BEST choice. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Our District-wide community experiences are making a splash! 🐢 All first grade students are taking a field trip to @LoggerheadMC this year, providing them hands-on learning opportunities out of the classroom. We tagged along as Banyan Creek Elementary School students learned about sea turtles, marine life cycles, and ocean conservation. A big thank you to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for your support of our students and making this experience available to ALL first graders.

Remembering the past, inspiring the future 🌟 As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month this week, we are celebrating Gove Elementary School, and 30 years of its dual language program. Did you know? Gove Elementary in Belle Glade is home to the first ever dual language program in the School District of Palm Beach County! Now, we are up to 38 programs including 35 in Spanish and 3 in Haitian Creole. The celebration included performances from students, with many former Gove Elementary principals, School Board members, and District leaders in attendance. We are so proud of Gove Elementary and our dual language programs. They are not just about mastering vocabulary, they open doors to global opportunities, deepen cultural connection, and build resilient minds.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Today we are visiting Okeeheelee Middle School in Greenacres. At Okeeheelee, Principal Eli Morales says opportunity is everywhere! The school's choice programs include an award-winning International Spanish Academy, sports management, and STEAM. Students can take a variety of high school credit courses and even earn college credit in AP Spanish. Principal Morales says they have options to inspire every student, including culinary arts, art, dance, band, drumline, yearbook, AVID, and emerging leaders, plus athletics, clubs, leadership organizations, and performing arts. To learn more about the programs at Okeeheelee Middle, visit the school's website at this link: okms.palmbeachschools.org/. If you are interested in applying to a choice program at Okeeheelee or any other District school, be sure to complete your application by December 4."

This week marks National School Lunch Week. School lunch is a critical part of the day, providing students with the nutritional foundation they need to succeed in the classroom and build healthy habits for life. We appreciate all of our School Food Service staff for putting our kids' health and nutrition first, each and every day.

With more than 330 dynamic choice and career academy programs, the School District of Palm Beach County is the spark you need to power your future. Apply now to enter the lottery for the 2027-2028 school year. From medical sciences, to performing arts, JROTC, engineering, culinary arts, and so much more, there's a program for every student to find their passion. Check out the choice booklet at this link for everything you need to know: palmbeachschools.org/choice2…

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month 💙💛 We recognize the incredible talents, unique perspectives, and vital contributions of our students with Down syndrome. We are committed to fostering a school environment where every individual is fully included, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential. Our classrooms are stronger because of the diversity we share!

Exciting news is unfolding at Santaluces High School, as the school celebrated its new Scaling the Future of Finance program, with help from the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and Bank of America. The four-year Finance Academy equips students with a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum aligned directly with global financial standards. This academy is another example of how students can power their future in the School District of Palm Beach County, which continues to design pathways that empower students to build real-world confidence, dream boldly, and secure in-demand jobs. You can apply for the program, or any other choice and career academy for the 2027-2028 school year, by visiting mypbchoiceapp.com.

REMINDER: There is no school for students today, Monday, October 12. District offices will remain open. To view the District calendar, visit this website: palmbeachschools.org/calenda…

Moving together for safety and health 🚲👟 More than 60 schools participated in this week's National Walk and Roll to School Day, to raise awareness about pedestrian safety. With such a large turnout, our event was the largest in Florida and one of the largest in the United States. More than 2,800 schools nationwide took part in this special day to focus on safe routes to school. Thank you to ALL of the schools who participated, and the community partners who made it possible.

Walk and Roll! More than 300 families at Saddle View Elementary School got out their helmets and sneakers for Walk and Roll to School Day. This special event showed how staying safe, healthy, and active is the best way to kick off the morning. A huge thank you to our crossing guards, law enforcement, Safe Kids Palm Beach County, and the Children’s Services Council for their partnership. These efforts help our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools @PublicSchoolSup

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: WOW! It was amazing to see nearly 1,900 people gathered at John Prince Park Sunday morning for the Heroes for Education 5k, hosted by The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. Our students and staff brought their school spirit and their fast feet to raise money for public education in Palm Beach County. The family-friendly fitness event raised a record $142,000 for our schools. Congrats to everyone who came out to support this mission.