Kicking Off the 2024-2025 School Year: Welcoming Our Citrus County Educators and Staff Back for the 2024-2025 School Year

As summer comes to a close and the 2024-2025 school year approaches, we are excited to welcome back our remarkable dedicated teachers and educators for Professional Learning and Workdays. This time is crucial as we prepare to inspire, educate, and support our students and their families.

Throughout the summer, our district has been a hub of activity, thanks to the tireless efforts of our custodial, facilities, maintenance, curriculum specialists, business, transportation, food service, and administrative teams. Their hard work has ensured that our schools and departments are ready to welcome students back into a safe, clean, and nurturing environment.

Our custodial teams have meticulously cleaned and sanitized classrooms, hallways, and facilities, ensuring a healthy start to the new academic year. The facilities and maintenance crews have worked diligently to address repairs, enhance safety measures, and create conducive learning environments. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every freshly painted wall, every repaired desk, and every functional HVAC system that keeps our schools comfortable.

Behind the scenes, our curriculum specialists have been busy developing innovative teaching strategies and resources that will enrich our students’ learning experiences. These specialists play a critical role in aligning our educational programs with the latest standards and ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

The business and administrative teams have worked throughout the summer, managing budgets, coordinating resources, and planning for the year ahead. Their efforts ensure that our district operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing educators to focus on what they do best—teaching and mentoring our students.

Transportation and food service teams have been preparing for the influx of students, ensuring that every child has access to reliable transportation and nutritious meals. These teams are vital to the daily operations of our schools, providing essential services that support our students’ well-being and academic success.

As we come together for Professional Learning and Workdays, let us be inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s words: “Education is the means of developing our greatest abilities. Each of us has a personal hope and dream, and when fulfilled, these can benefit everyone and strengthen our nation.”

To all our staff and educators, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students, families, and schools. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for education are the foundation of our district’s success. As we embark on this new school year, let us continue to work together, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

Together, we look forward to making the 2024-2025 school year a remarkable journey of growth, learning, and achievement for every student in the Citrus County School District. Welcome back, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

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Summer Rise 2024: Empowering Futures at the College and Career Readiness Event for Citrus County Seniors

All Students Awarded a Free Laptop, and Twenty-Five Students Awarded $500 Scholarships

The 2024 Summer Senior RISE program welcomed a record number of over 150 students, each eager to seize the opportunity to grow and excel. The RISE (Resources, Information, Support, Entry) program, now in its sixth year, has once again become a beacon of hope and empowerment for these young individuals as they prepare to embrace their futures. This transformative two-day college and career readiness event is designed to empower incoming Citrus County high school seniors, helping them plan their futures with confidence and clarity.

Organized by the Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers and Citrus County Schools, in partnership with the College of Central Florida (CF) and local supporters like the YMCA, Publix, and the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), this event aims to provide comprehensive guidance and resources. Throughout the event, students engage in workshops covering essential topics such as crafting compelling college essays, completing scholarship applications, exploring diverse academic programs, mastering interview skills, and navigating the FAFSA process. These workshops are meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors.

My wife Thomasine, a CCCCC board member and volunteer, and I had the honor of once again participating as interviewers in mock interviews of RISE students. We were joined by leaders from many diverse industries and backgrounds to interview these students, providing them with invaluable experiences. Each student engaged in three mock interviews with community members from various sectors within Citrus County. These practice sessions allowed the students to sharpen their communication skills, boost their confidence, and learn from the valuable feedback provided by experienced mentors and professionals. The preparation and impressiveness of these students were truly remarkable.

A popular segment of the event was when current RISE students listened to the success stories from previous RISE alumni, adding to the excitement of what lies ahead for the current participants. Among the RISE alumni are engineers, nurses, business professionals, meteorologists, welders, linesmen, chefs, doctors, teachers, and more – the impact of the RISE program is evident in the varied and successful paths taken by these accomplished individuals.

The event concluded with two major special announcements that thrilled the attendees. First, Patrick Simon of the Citrus County College and Career Coalition revealed that twenty-five $500 scholarships would be awarded to deserving students, courtesy of the CCCCC. Following this exciting news, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, announced that, thanks to a generous donation, the CCEF would once again provide each student who attended the RISE program with a laptop to support their college or career plans. These laptops will be distributed at the end of their senior year, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to succeed in their future endeavors.

The achievements of the RISE program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of various organizations and individuals. Special acknowledgment goes to Patrick Simon, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition, Citrus County Schools and Director of Special Programs Darrick Buettner, Al Balk, Citrus Schools Supervisor of Instructional Materials, Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, the College of Central Florida, and all the educators, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders. Their unwavering commitment to facilitating and providing this transformative experience for the students is deeply appreciated.

A special thanks to all our community partners for making the 2024 Summer RISE program possible! The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved have ensured that the program continues to inspire and prepare students for their futures, making a lasting impact on their lives and the community. The RISE program stands as a testament to the power of community support and the potential of our young people when given the right resources and opportunities.

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A Morning with Citrus County Blessings: Combatting Hunger One Meal at a Time

This morning, I had the privilege of participating as one of the Board of Directors of Citrus County Harvest, also known as Citrus County Blessings. This local non-profit organization is dedicated to silencing the weekend, holiday, and summer hunger of local children in need. Each week during the school year, and as part of the Summer Feeding Program, participants in the program receive a bag of food to take home, ensuring they have the nourishment they need outside of school hours.

Today’s board meeting was another great opportunity to dive into the vital work this organization is doing. Under the leadership of Executive Director Christina Reed and Operations Director Rachelle Garrett, and supported by Gail Bockiaro, Board Chairperson, along with the entire Executive Board and Board of Directors, Citrus County Blessings continues to make a significant impact in our community.

The meeting began with an inspiring impact story shared by one of the high school student representatives, Eli Langston from Crystal River High School. Eli recounted his experience volunteering in the Summer Feeding Program, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others. Eli is one of approximately eight student representatives from various schools including CRHS, LHS, CHS, Seven Rivers Christian Schools, and Inverness Christian Academy. These students not only volunteer in Blessings programs and fundraisers but also provide an important perspective on the Board of Directors, contributing to policy development and strategic planning.

Following Eli’s story, Rachelle Garrett provided an update on the Summer Feeding Program, “Feed the Kids.” Rachelle shared that the program is currently averaging the feeding of about 275 students and 200 adults weekly, spanning around 100 families. Participants in the summer feeding program receive fresh produce once a week during the ten weeks of summer break. This effort ensures that families have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are not readily available.

A special mention goes to our local Wawa and their team members, facilitated by Wawa director manager and Blessings board member Nancy Delaney. Each week, Wawa provides special meals and snacks, which have been a big hit with the kids. This collaboration exemplifies how local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives.

In addition to our ongoing programs, we are excited about an upcoming fundraiser. On July 18, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm, the Lecanto Culver’s will host its 40th Birthday fundraiser, where 10% of the earnings will go to Blessings. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a great meal while supporting a worthy cause. We encourage everyone to stop by Culver’s, enjoy some delicious food, and help benefit the children of Citrus County Blessings.

As I reflect on today’s meeting, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the work being done by Citrus County Blessings. The dedication of our leadership, the hard work of our volunteers, and the generosity of our community partners all contribute to our mission of ensuring that no child goes hungry. Together, we are making a difference, one meal at a time.

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