Honoring Our Heroes: A Grateful Tribute on Veterans Day
“The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”

Today, as our nation pauses to observe Veterans Day, we are reminded of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Across generations, their courage, sacrifice, and devotion have preserved the freedoms that define our country.

As I reflect on this day of remembrance and thanks, I am especially mindful of the remarkable members of my own family who have selflessly served. Their legacy of honor continues to inspire and strengthen us all.

• James E. Kennedy, Sr. (Father) – U.S. Army National Guard, Korea
  My father, a man of steadfast character and quiet strength, served with the U.S. Army National Guard during the Korean War. His sense of duty and love of country remain a guiding example in our family.

• Frank Kennedy (Grandfather) – U.S. Army, WWI & WWII
  My grandfather’s extraordinary service through both World Wars stands as a lasting testament to courage and perseverance. His story continues to echo through our generations.

• Thomas Cobb (Father-in-Law) – U.S. Army, Vietnam
  My father-in-law served during the Vietnam era, contributing to the defense of freedom in one of our nation’s most difficult chapters.

• Christopher Cobb (Brother-in-Law) – U.S. Navy
  My brother-in-law’s service in the Navy exemplifies the strength and discipline that define America’s sea power and commitment to global freedom.

• Earl Cobb (Grandfather-in-Law) – U.S. Army, WWII
  A proud member of the Greatest Generation, my grandfather-in-law served honorably in World War II. His sacrifice—and that of his generation—paved the way for the liberty we cherish today.

• Kenneth Mallette Sr. (Uncle) – U.S. Army, Korea
  My uncle’s service during the Korean War reflects unwavering dedication and resolve in the face of hardship.

• Sue Sturgeon (Aunt) – U.S. Army, Vietnam
  My aunt’s service in Vietnam highlights the resilience and leadership of women who have answered the call to serve our country.

• John Kennedy (Cousin) – U.S. Marines
  My cousin’s proud service as a Marine reflects the strength, precision, and commitment that embody this elite branch.

• Joseph Mallette (Cousin) and Paula Mallette (Cousin) – U.S. Army
  Together, the Mallette cousins exemplify the spirit of teamwork and sacrifice that defines America’s soldiers.

• Henry Kenaston (Uncle) – U.S. Army
  My uncle’s service adds yet another chapter to our family’s proud tradition of defending this nation.

This list represents only part of the veterans in my family, but each one contributes to a shared legacy of service, honor, and love of country. Beyond family, my gratitude extends to countless friends and fellow Americans who have also stood in defense of freedom.

On this Veterans Day, may we all take a moment to thank every veteran—past and present—for their courage and commitment. Let us also remember the families who have supported them, standing shoulder to shoulder through every sacrifice and homecoming.

As we honor their service, may we be inspired to live each day in a way that upholds the values they fought to protect.

With heartfelt gratitude—God Bless our veterans, and God Bless America.

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Advancing the Future of Learning: Reflections from the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force

This past week offered another excellent opportunity for educators, educational leaders, and policymakers to come together and advance our state’s ongoing work in artificial intelligence in education. As part of the Florida K-12 AI in Education Task Force [https://fl-aitaskforce.org/], our team joined leaders and innovators from across the state for a productive and energizing meetup, co-located with the Charter Schools USA National Conference in Osceola County. The event united educators, policymakers, researchers, and technology experts around a shared goal: ensuring Florida’s students and teachers are prepared to learn, teach, and thrive in an AI-driven future. As we prepare students and teachers for that future, it is more important than ever that critical thinking remains at the center of classroom instruction. While AI tools can enhance learning, it is our students’ ability to reason, question, and create that will truly define their success.

Representing Citrus County Schools on the Task Force were our Director of Technology, Kathy Androski, Education Technology Specialist, Eileen Sidor, and myself. Our participation alongside colleagues from districts and organizations statewide reflected our district’s commitment to shaping thoughtful, responsible, and safe integration of AI into teaching and learning.

A Shared Vision for AI in Education

The meeting opened with updates from Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), who shared their ongoing work to embed artificial intelligence tools and computational thinking across curriculum areas. Their presentation highlighted not only the potential for AI to personalize learning but also the need to prepare teachers with the professional development and safeguards necessary for effective classroom use.

We were pleased to hear from Erika Donalds, a new member of the Task Force, who serves as Chairman of the Education Freedom Foundation and Chair of Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. She recently became the first Floridian appointed to the U.S. Department of Education’s AI in Education Task Force. Her remarks underscored the vital role Florida is playing nationally in shaping policies that ensure AI strengthens, rather than replaces, the human connections at the heart of education. She challenged us to view AI as a tool for empowerment, particularly in expanding educational choice and closing opportunity gaps. Her message also served as a reminder that while AI can support and extend what educators do, it cannot replace the essential human capacities of critical thinking, judgment, and creativity that lie at the heart of meaningful learning. These must remain the cornerstone of instructional practice as we integrate new technologies into our schools.

Collaborative Updates and National Partnerships

The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) shared ongoing efforts through its AI and IT Committee, which meets monthly to exchange best practices, share emerging research, and coordinate AI-related initiatives across districts. Co-chair Roberto Alonso (Miami-Dade School Board member) and I provided an update on our committee’s collaboration with the statewide Task Force to align policy guidance and professional learning resources.

Partnerships with higher education and national organizations are another cornerstone of this work. The University of Florida’s CS Everyone Center, led by Dr. Maya Israel, continues to advance groundbreaking research and outreach in AI for education. Their recent collaborations include a Google-funded National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, which is building capacity for AI-ready teachers and schools nationwide. Additionally, UF’s ongoing study with Miami-Dade County Public Schools is examining how AI tools affect teacher practices, student outcomes, and school leadership.

Dr. Israel and other district leaders also recently testified before the Florida Senate Education Committee and the Florida Department of Education, emphasizing the growing need for AI literacy and readiness across K-12 systems. These policy conversations in Tallahassee are helping shape a statewide framework that will guide how schools adopt AI responsibly and equitably.

From Policy to Practice: Breakout Sessions and Next Steps

The day’s most engaging moments came through our breakout sessions, where we tackled two critical themes: State & National Policy and AI Teaching & Learning. These discussions were designed not just to brainstorm ideas but to generate actionable outcomes that will inform upcoming guidance from the Task Force.

In the policy breakout, participants began conversations outlining a Florida K-12 Education AI Bill of Rights, a framework to protect students and educators while ensuring innovation can flourish. Key questions included how to safeguard student data when working with AI vendors, how to ensure parental transparency, and how to balance student privacy with the need for school safety technologies. The group also debated what a “right to AI literacy” might look like for all Florida students, proposing age-appropriate instruction on how AI works, its ethical risks, and its role in society.

The teaching and learning discussions focused on practical supports for educators and families. We examined resources such as the AI Teaching Tips Working Document and family engagement materials that can help districts roll out AI-related learning opportunities responsibly. Participants emphasized the importance of cohesive district-level strategies, professional development that counts toward teacher recertification, and equitable support for schools with limited technology staff. There were also conversations about creating multilingual family resources and incorporating gamified approaches to make AI learning engaging and accessible.

Building Momentum Statewide

The energy in the room was tangible. What emerged from the day was a shared sense that Florida is not just participating in national conversations about AI in education; we are helping lead them. The Task Force is uniquely positioned to develop model policies, classroom resources, and district-level supports that other states can learn from.

Looking ahead, the Task Force announced several upcoming opportunities for engagement, including the FETC Meetup and Classroom of the Future events in January, National AI Literacy Day on March 27, and the AI in Education Fair in May. These gatherings will continue to build upon the groundwork laid, connecting educators and leaders who are ready to explore the next chapter of AI’s role in K-12 education.

A Florida-Built Future

As we continue this work, one thing is clear: preparing students for an AI-powered world requires more than new tools or curricula. It demands a commitment to ethics, equity, and empowerment. As AI becomes a regular part of our classrooms, our focus must remain on cultivating students’ ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions. These are the timeless skills that no technology can automate and that will anchor education in purpose and humanity. Florida’s educators, from the classroom to the state level, are proving that thoughtful collaboration can ensure AI serves our core mission of helping every student learn, think, and create with confidence in a changing world.

Our Citrus County Schools team is proud to contribute to this effort, representing the voices of our teachers, students, and community. Together, we are helping shape a future where technology enhances, not defines, education in the Sunshine State.

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Shark Week in Citrus County: Local Students Hunt for Baby Bull Shark Nursery in Crystal River

Leaving the classroom behind, Lecanto High School students dove headfirst into marine science. This past week, they joined researchers from the Crystal River Bull Shark Project and the Citrus County Marine Science Station (MSS) for an unforgettable field study aimed at uncovering whether Crystal River serves as a nursery for baby bull sharks.

The exciting expedition was captured in the latest episode of Citrus County Schools’ Beyond the Bell series, Episode 12: “Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?”

Unlocking the River’s Secrets

The Crystal River Bull Shark Project, the first of its kind in the area, was launched after a surprising uptick in baby shark sightings in 2021 and 2022. Project co-founders Dr. Alyssa Andre, a postdoctoral researcher at Florida State University, and Harrison Clark, a state biologist, are working to understand how this remarkable species, one of the few sharks that thrives in both salt and freshwater, is using the river’s unique ecosystem to raise its young.

“We’re trying to figure out who is here, where the babies came from, how long they stay, what they’re eating, and whether they’re happy,”
— Dr. Alyssa Andre, Crystal River Bull Shark Project

Students Dive into Real-World Research

Under the guidance of Marine Science Station Supervisor Capt. Earnie Olsen and MSS teacher Josh O’Leary, Lecanto High students traded textbooks for tools of the trade, including nets, sensors, and data sheets, taking on the role of field scientists for a day.

The students conducted environmental monitoring, testing water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, and pH. These are key factors in determining whether the river provides a healthy shark nursery environment. They also assisted with acoustic tracking technology, helping retrieve and clean a submerged receiver that records signals from tagged sharks, offering researchers critical insights into shark movements.

Even though the group reeled in hardhead catfish instead of bull sharks on this trip, the students gained valuable experience with fieldwork protocols. They practiced proper methods for measuring and weighing marine life and learned how to safely use a resuscitation hose, a vital tool for ensuring sharks can breathe while temporarily brought aboard for scientific study.

Marine Science Station: Launchpad for Futures

The Citrus County School’s Marine Science Station, located along the Crystal River, continues to be a powerhouse for experiential learning and career inspiration. The station’s programs have shaped generations of students, many of whom, like Bull Shark Project co-founder Harrison Clark, have gone on to become professional scientists.

“I got a lot from being out with the Marine Science Station,” Clark said. “Now we’re doing this science through the same programs that first got us out there and in it.”

From environmental monitoring to aquatic ecology, the MSS offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage directly with Florida’s marine environments. To learn more about the Marine Science Station, visit mss.citrusschools.org.

Beyond the Bell: Showcasing Student Excellence

The Beyond the Bell video series continues to spotlight innovative programs, students, and educators that make Citrus County Schools extraordinary. Each episode pulls back the curtain on hands-on learning, showcasing the curiosity, collaboration, and creativity that thrive across our campuses.

The series is produced by Citrus County School District Public Information Officer Lindsay Blair, a proud Citrus High School graduate whose accomplished broadcasting career includes serving as an executive producer for major television news outlets, including The Today Show in both New York and Tampa. During her time in television, Blair led award-winning teams, developed engaging human-interest segments, and produced live broadcasts seen by millions. She now brings that same professional polish and storytelling excellence home to Citrus County, capturing the heart of education and the people who make it shine.

🎥 Watch the full episode:
“Is Crystal River a Nursery for Baby Bull Sharks?” – https://youtu.be/HDLmHJu68G0?si=fgPGbaTOhOBzUWaP

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