Supporting Literacy Week at Citrus Springs Elementary

Each year, schools across Florida come together to celebrate Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, an initiative led by the Florida Department of Education to promote the importance of reading and to encourage students and families to make literacy a daily habit. Here in Citrus County, we are proud to participate in this initiative, ensuring that our students develop a lifelong love of reading.

As part of Celebrate Literacy Week 2025, I had the privilege of visiting Citrus Springs Elementary School to read in First Grade Teacher Kristel Frati’s classroom. For many years now, Ms. Frati has graciously invited me to share stories with her students, and it remains one of my favorite traditions. There is truly nothing more rewarding than spending time with young learners, witnessing their enthusiasm, and sharing in the joy that reading brings.

Walking into Ms. Frati’s classroom is always a delight. Her students radiate excitement, their eager faces ready to embark on new literary adventures. The atmosphere she fosters is one of warmth, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning. Today, students dressed in costumes of their favorite literary characters, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day’s activities. It’s clear that she creates an environment where books are not just part of the curriculum but a gateway to imagination and discovery.

This year, I had the pleasure of reading two of my favorite books to read aloud: Coco and Cavendish: Circus Dogs and Coco and Cavendish: Fire Dogs from the Step into Reading series. These stories, perfect for young readers, follow the adventures of two lovable canine companions as they navigate exciting challenges. The students were captivated by the characters and their adventures, eagerly listening and responding with enthusiasm. It’s always heartwarming to see the magic of storytelling come alive through their reactions—wide eyes, laughter, and thoughtful questions about the story.

What took place in Ms. Frati’s classroom during Literacy Week was similar to what was happening in classrooms throughout Citrus County Schools. Across the district, teachers and students celebrated reading with special events, guest readers, and engaging literacy activities. Schools embraced the opportunity to highlight the importance of books and encourage a love of reading, reinforcing the idea that literacy is a fundamental part of education.

Beyond the fun of reading together, Literacy Week serves a greater purpose. It highlights the critical role that reading plays in a child’s academic success and overall development. Research consistently shows that strong reading skills in early childhood lead to better educational outcomes and increased confidence in learning. By celebrating literacy and emphasizing the importance of reading, we are setting our students up for future success.

One of the greatest joys of reading in the classroom is witnessing the spark of excitement in young readers. Seeing them engaged in a story, making connections, and eagerly discussing their favorite parts reminds me of just how impactful these moments can be. Encouraging students to develop a love for reading at an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

I am already looking forward to my next visit to Ms. Frati’s classroom and the opportunity to share more stories with these incredible students. Literacy is a gift, and by fostering a love for reading, we are helping to shape bright futures. Thank you to Ms. Frati and Citrus Springs Elementary for continuing to make reading a priority and for allowing me to be part of this special celebration!

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Students Return to Marine Science Station Following Hurricane Helene

Friday, January 10, 2025, marked a truly special day for Citrus County Schools and the Marine Science Station (MSS). For the first time since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, students returned to the Marine Science Station and its boats. The occasion symbolized resilience, renewal, and the enduring commitment of the Citrus County School District to hands-on, immersive science education.

The MSS team, led by Lead Educator and Supervisor Earnie Olsen, greeted the return of students with heartfelt enthusiasm. Educators Josh O’Leary, Office Manager Tonya Briggs, Aide Sheryl Janecek, and Maintenance Technician Bryan Brooks, all worked tirelessly to prepare the campus for this moment. Their dedication was clear as they welcomed Central Ridge Elementary School’s Ms. Alysha Spears’ and her fourth-grade class to an unforgettable day of exploration and learning.

The students fully embraced the experience, engaging in a variety of activities that highlight the unique educational opportunities MSS offers. They made observations from the station’s 50-foot observation tower, conducted bird surveys aboard boats “floating classrooms”, tested water quality in local springs and estuaries, and were thrilled to spot dozens of manatees. These activities combined scientific inquiry with hands-on exploration, bringing science lessons to life in a way that only MSS can provide.

Founded in 1967, the Marine Science Station is one of fewer than five such facilities in Florida, making it a cornerstone of science education in Citrus County. Each year, approximately 2,500 elementary, secondary, and specialty school students, along with 70 teachers, participate in its programs. These include enrichment opportunities for fourth-grade, seventh-grade, and high school science students. The hands-on, field-based experiences are deeply integrated into the district’s science curriculum and are offered at no cost to students.

The return to the MSS was made possible through immense teamwork and perseverance. Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm surge left the facility severely impacted, presenting significant challenges to its operations. However, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, the Citrus County School Board, the entire MSS team, and district facility teams, restoration efforts have progressed steadily. The return of students symbolizes not only the physical recovery of the campus but also the collective determination to preserve the station’s legacy as a vital educational resource.

“This day was about more than just reopening our doors,” said Supervisor Earnie Olsen. “It was about reconnecting our students to the incredible environment we’re privileged to share and giving them the opportunity to learn in a way that inspires curiosity and stewardship of our natural world.”

As the MSS team continues working toward full recovery, long-term plans are underway to safeguard the facility for future generations. The unwavering commitment of educators, maintenance teams, and district leaders ensures that the Marine Science Station will remain a beacon of experiential learning in Citrus County.

Friday’s milestone serves as a reminder of the unique role MSS plays in fostering a love for science, nature, and conservation. For the students, educators, and staff involved, it was a day of discovery, joy, and renewed purpose. As the MSS continues to rebuild, it reaffirms its place as a cherished tradition and an invaluable asset to the Citrus County School District.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1.

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Home For The Holidays: Honoring 2nd Lt. Zach Kahler And Our Community’s Heroes

The holiday season brings a unique and heartfelt joy as families across our community are reunited with their loved ones. For many, including my family, it’s a time of warmth, reflection, and shared memories—a chance to reconnect and celebrate the journeys our sons and daughters have undertaken since leaving home. These reunions remind us of the incredible individuals our community has helped shape.

My wife and I are fortunate to experience these blessings firsthand. Over the years, we’ve welcomed former students, our children’s friends, and student-athletes I’ve had the honor of coaching and mentoring. These gatherings are more than just catch-ups—they’re celebrations of personal growth and achievement. This holiday season, one reunion stood out: a coffee chat at Dunkin’ with U.S. Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Zach Kahler.

Zach Kahler: A Hometown Hero

Zach Kahler, a 2020 graduate of Crystal River High School (CRHS), embodies the values of determination, service, and excellence that our community holds dear. As a high school student, Zach excelled as a Cadet in the CRHS NJROTC program and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Phil Royal EMT program, showcasing his passion for service early on. I had the privilege of being one of Zach’s volunteer swim coaches, where his ethical standards, determination, and charismatic personality set him apart.

After graduating high school, Zach earned a prestigious ROTC scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2024, he graduated with a degree in Aviation Business Administration, specializing in Supply Chain Management. His academic and leadership accomplishments culminated in his commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Zach is now pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.

Preparing for the Skies

Zach’s journey to the cockpit has been nothing short of rigorous and inspiring. Recently, he completed the U.S. Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, a program that prepares military personnel to survive and evade capture in hostile environments. This intense training reflects Zach’s resilience and readiness to serve.

Currently stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, Zach is preparing to take the next step in his aviation career. Soon, he will return to Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus for flight school, where he’ll train on the Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42 aircraft before beginning Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) with the T-6 Texan II. Zach’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to serving our nation exemplify his character and the values instilled in him by his family and our community.

A Legacy of Service

Zach’s roots run deep in Citrus County. His father, aunts, and uncles are all graduates of CRHS, and his uncle, Mark Kahler—a former Air Force airman—currently serves as the Principal of Citrus High School. This legacy of service, both in education and the military, highlights the values that define the Kahler family and our community.

Gratitude and Reflection

As we celebrate Zach’s achievements, we also honor all former students who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation—whether in the military, public service, or other roles. These individuals represent the best of our community, and their accomplishments are a source of immense pride for those who have had the privilege of teaching, coaching, or mentoring them.

To Lt. Zach Kahler and all our past and present military service members: thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and service. You inspire us with your courage and commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. May God bless you and your families always.

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let us remember the strength of our community, built on the values of service, resilience, and mutual support. These reunions remind us that we are part of something greater—a community that nurtures and uplifts its own.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1.

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