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Heartfelt Tributes Highlight Superintendent Sam Himmel’s 28 Years of Service at School Board Meeting

Posted on October 24th, 2024 by

Heartfelt Tributes Highlight Superintendent Sam Himmel’s 28 Years of Service at School Board Meeting

At the conclusion of the Citrus County School Board Special Meeting on the morning of Tuesday, October 23, 2024, an emotional and unexpected tribute unfolded, honoring retiring Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel for her remarkable 20 years of service as Superintendent of Schools. Before taking on this pivotal role, Ms. Himmel had served as a Citrus County School Board member for eight years, making her total contribution to the district a distinguished 28 years of leadership and dedication.

What began as a routine board meeting took a heartfelt turn when several unexpected speakers appeared during the public comment session to express their gratitude to Ms. Himmel. Family members, close friends, and colleagues had quietly gathered in the audience, preparing to surprise her with personal stories and tributes celebrating her lifelong commitment to education.

As the final agenda items were addressed, Ms. Himmel’s family and close associates began to file into the school board chambers, each prepared to share their own memories and reflections. One by one, speakers took to the podium, recounting how Ms. Himmel’s leadership had touched not only the school district but also the broader community.

Gerry Mulligan, the former publisher of the Citrus County Chronicle, and Patrick Simon, a retired school administrator, were among those who spoke. They shared stories of Ms. Himmel’s steady hand in navigating the school district through challenging times, always with a focus on students and the community. Former Assistant Superintendent Kenny Blocker, current Chief Academic Officer Amy Fallon Crowell, and Director of Professional Development Laura Lindeman, also offered their thanks, highlighting her forward-thinking leadership and dedication to innovation.

Ms. Himmel’s granddaughter, Rorie Himmel, delivered an especially moving tribute, reflecting on the personal side of her grandmother’s commitment to education. And former Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart shared her admiration for Ms. Himmel’s impact, which extended far beyond Citrus County.

The tribute culminated with remarks from Dr. Scott Hebert, incoming Superintendent-Elect, and each of the Citrus County School Board members, who acknowledged the profound difference Ms. Himmel had made during her two decades as Superintendent.

As a parent and school board member, I too shared my own reflections during this memorable moment. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the tremendous impact Superintendent Sam Himmel has had on our school district over the past 20 years. As both a parent and a school board member, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable achievements and innovations she has led. Citrus County Schools are now recognized as a model across the state, thanks to her forward-thinking leadership.”

I added, “On a personal level, as a parent, I can point to numerous opportunities my children benefited from directly because of her vision for our schools. Her influence has left a lasting mark on both our district and our community, and it has been an honor to serve alongside her.”

The morning’s special tribute was a fitting farewell to a leader who has left an indelible legacy in Citrus County, shaping its schools and impacting countless lives along the way. Ms. Himmel’s 28 years of service, including 20 as Superintendent, have set a standard for leadership and community dedication that will be remembered for years to come.

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Act of Kindness Restores Hope for Crystal River Middle School Bearcat Football Team

Posted on October 23rd, 2024 by

Act of Kindness Restores Hope for Crystal River Middle School Bearcat Football Team

New beginnings in the locker room! Thanks to the generous support from our community, the Bearcat football team is back in action with fresh cleats ready to hit the field!

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene brought many challenges to the Crystal River Middle School (CRMS) community, and one of the more personal setbacks was faced by the Bearcat football team. In the wake of the storm, their cleats—essential for every game—were destroyed by floodwaters. These cleats had been individually purchased by families who were already dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane, making this loss an added burden. With their season already impacted by limited field practices and rescheduled games, the loss of their athletic gear felt like a tough blow. However, thanks to an incredible act of kindness from the contractors working on the school’s restoration, the team and their families were able to find relief and hope again.

Jason Stoltzfus, Director of Recovery for Emergency Advantage, who is overseeing the recovery of CRMS for the Citrus County School District’s insurer, the Florida School Board Insurance Trust, took the situation to heart. Having a son who plays high school football, Stoltzfus understood how critical sports are to students’ lives. Through a conversation with Bearcat Head Coach Ryan Reynolds, Stoltzfus learned that all of the Bearcat football team’s cleats had been ruined in the flooding. He was personally moved to act, recognizing the significance of replacing these cleats, which had been purchased by families already facing so many challenges.

What began as a concern quickly grew into a grassroots movement. Stoltzfus shared the story with his recovery team, and their response was immediate. The team discussed the situation with their families, who rallied together in a collective effort to replace the cleats. However, finding the right sizes for a whole football team on short notice wasn’t easy.

Undeterred, members of the recovery team, along with their spouses, reached out to local sporting goods stores in search of cleats. As word of the effort spread, Crystal River High School Assistant Principal Mike Einspahr, a former high school and collegiate athlete, heard about the mission and stepped up to help. His love for sports and understanding of the impact on the Bearcat players and their families fueled his involvement. Stoltzfus’s team and Einspahr’s team each worked to ensure the players could get back on the field.

Through the combined efforts of Stoltzfus’s team, 23 pairs of new cleats were secured, and Einspahr’s team managed to obtain the remaining pairs the team needed. With all the cleats secured for the Bearcat football team, this provided immense relief to the players and their families, many of whom had already endured so much from the storm.

CRMS Principal Brian Lancaster expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support the Bearcat team received, stating, “The coaches, players, and families were beyond grateful. There is no way they could’ve played without this help.” The generosity shown wasn’t just about providing cleats—it was about easing the burden on students and their families and allowing them to continue being part of something bigger, even in the face of adversity.

This act of kindness is just one of many examples of the extraordinary community spirit surrounding Citrus County Schools during its recovery from Hurricane Helene. The compassion of individuals like Stoltzfus and Einspahr, along with the unwavering support of the restoration team, demonstrates how deeply people care about rebuilding not just the school’s structures but also the lives and experiences of the students and their families. For the Bearcat football team, it was a reminder that no matter how tough things get, they have a community ready to stand behind them.

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Progress and Perseverance: A Look at Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Crystal River Schools and Facilities

Posted on October 21st, 2024 by

Progress and Perseverance: A Look at Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Crystal River Schools and Facilities

Today, I had the opportunity to spend time visiting both Crystal River Middle School (CRMS) and Crystal River Primary School (CRP) to observe the progress of the ongoing construction and recovery work. As I arrived at CRMS, I immediately saw the dedication in action. Principal Brian Lancaster was carrying a large folding table to one of the classrooms, ensuring that a teacher returning next period would have a temporary workspace. It was clear that Mr. Lancaster was fully engaged, making sure that both students and staff had what they needed to continue learning in the midst of the ongoing renovations.

I had the privilege of shadowing Mr. Lancaster as he made his rounds from classroom to classroom, checking in on teachers and the progress being made in the recovery effort. Many of the rooms not only had new drywall installed but had already been painted as well. We visited several affected areas, and I was impressed by the significant progress that had been made in a relatively short period of time. While detailed work remains, it was heartening to see the CRMS administrative team continuously making adjustments to meet the needs of both students and teachers. Despite the challenges, there was a positive, encouraging atmosphere throughout the entire campus.

Mr. Lancaster spoke highly of the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), which has once again stepped up to support the school’s recovery. Teachers who had lost personal educational supplies were being helped, and the agricultural teacher, who had over $1,500 worth of fundraising items destroyed, was also receiving assistance. We are incredibly grateful to CCEF for their unwavering support of our students, staff, and schools during this challenging time.

After visiting CRMS, I headed over to Crystal River Primary School, where I met up with Principal Christina Touchton. Ms. Touchton was kind enough to show me the ongoing construction work in various classrooms and areas of the school. Like CRMS, CRP had a strong sense of optimism in the air. As Ms. Touchton checked in with teachers, she asked one how things were going, to which the teacher enthusiastically replied, “We are great!” It was clear that the staff were resilient and focused on the positives despite the challenges. Teachers at both schools expressed how glad they were to be back in their classrooms with their students, even though some are still in temporary spaces. Everyone is adapting, and the small classroom environments are fostering a sense of normalcy.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Citrus County School District Executive Director Steve Baumer, who is overseeing the recovery management, and to the district’s incredible facilities, construction, maintenance, and custodial teams. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly to restore and maintain everything. We are also appreciative of the outside contractors and recovery teams from the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust, who are working during non-school hours to make sure our classrooms are restored, better than before.

In addition to the work at CRMS and CRP, major recovery efforts are underway at the Marine Science Station (MSS) and CR bus compound. At MSS, walls have been taken down to the studs, and significant recovery is in progress. I will continue to keep you updated on these efforts as we move forward.

Please continue to be patient with our schools, educators, and students as we navigate this recovery process. Our community is strong, and together, we will come out of this stronger than ever.

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Resilience and Unity: Citrus County Rises Stronger in the Face of Adversity

Posted on October 7th, 2024 by

Resilience and Unity: Citrus County Rises Stronger in the Face of Adversity

Photo taken one morning from the Salt River Bridge by Marine Science Station supervisor and marine biologist Earnie Olsen. The MSS is on the left.

Over the past few weeks, our Citrus County community has faced challenges that few could have anticipated. On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall at Big Bend, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and seriously affecting Citrus County and the Nature Coast. Yet, despite the obstacles, the strength and resilience of our community have shone brighter than ever. Now, as we prepare for the approach of Hurricane Milton, which is heading toward the Tampa Bay area and Nature Coast, it’s time to reflect on the extraordinary efforts of our educators, staff members, administrators, and community leaders who have come together to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and families.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the educators of Citrus County School District. The last few weeks have been incredibly challenging, but you have shown unwavering dedication to our students. In the face of your own personal struggles, you’ve remained a constant source of stability for the children in our community. Whether by creating innovative learning solutions, organizing food drives, or simply checking in on families, you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure our students continue to feel connected, safe, and supported. Thank you for your tireless work and for always prioritizing our children’s well-being. Many of our educators who were not directly impacted by the storm have stepped up to support their colleagues and students in countless ways, proving that our unity as a district is stronger than ever.

Our school staff members, bus drivers, maintenance and custodial teams, family services teams, and district leaders have also played an instrumental role in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. From ensuring transportation for displaced families to organizing supplies for those in need, your contributions have been invaluable. Many of you have worked long hours, balancing the demands of your jobs with the needs of your own families. Your dedication to this community is deeply appreciated, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Special recognition must go to our recovery, insurance, and construction teams within Citrus Schools. Your efforts have been nothing short of heroic. Working around the clock to assess damage, manage repairs, and rebuild our schools, you’ve ensured that our students can return to safe learning environments as quickly as possible. Your expertise, hard work, and commitment have been essential in helping us navigate this challenging time. I’d like to especially commend Executive Director and Risk Manager Steven Baumer for his behind-the-scenes work coordinating critical insurance and recovery efforts—his role has been monumental in our recovery process.

I also want to take a moment to recognize Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek. His proactive leadership and deep love for this community have been evident in his support for our students and residents. Mayor Meek has worked closely with local leaders, volunteers, and emergency personnel to ensure that Crystal River is not only recovering from Helene but also prepared for the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton. His commitment to the people of Crystal River is a shining example of the spirit that makes our community so special.

As we watch the next few days unfold, I have no doubt that we will persevere. We are a resilient people, and when we come together as a community, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Whether through recovery efforts, mutual support, or simply being there for one another, we will emerge from this stronger and more united.

Together, as a school system and a community, we will face the challenges ahead, grow collectively, and demonstrate that our resilience, compassion, and teamwork will see us through this difficult time. I am proud to be a part of such an incredible community.

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Academy of Health Careers Freshmen Tour Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River

Posted on October 4th, 2024 by

Academy of Health Careers Freshmen Tour Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River

Over the past two weeks, freshmen from Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers (AHC) had the opportunity to tour Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River, gaining invaluable insight into the diverse world of healthcare. This exclusive educational visit allowed the students to explore various healthcare careers, meet local professionals, and get a firsthand look at hospital operations in action. Many of the healthcare professionals they met have deep ties to Citrus County and even to Academy of Health Careers itself, making the experience even more personal and inspiring.

The visit kicked off with a series of presentations from key department leaders at TGH. Neal Johns, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, was one of the first to speak. Johns, who holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a degree in Business Management, shared his inspiring career path. He began as a radiology technician in the U.S. Army. Now managing one of the busiest departments at TGH, Johns emphasized the many opportunities available in the Emergency Department and highlighted the important partnership between Tampa General and the University of South Florida (USF) Medical School. This collaboration provides a platform for medical students and healthcare professionals to learn and grow together.

The presentations introduced students to a wide range of healthcare careers, both clinical and non-clinical. TGH Crystal River offers various clinical roles, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Patient Care Technicians (PCTs), and Certified First Assistants (CFAs) in the Operating Room. There are also non-clinical positions such as Patient Sitters, Admitting Clerks, and roles in Food & Nutrition.

The hospital leaders stressed that healthcare is more than just clinical work. Careers like Phlebotomists, Cardiovascular Technicians, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Paramedics are vital to hospital operations. This wide array of career options gave students an exciting glimpse into their future possibilities. Additionally, they were informed about volunteer programs at TGH, which provide high school students with hands-on experience and deeper insight into the medical field.

After the presentations, the students were divided into smaller groups for guided tours of the hospital, led by healthcare professionals. One of the tour guides, Katie Dominguez, a registered nurse and a former graduate of the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, added a personal touch to the experience. She shared her journey from being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the AHC program to becoming a nurse through the College of Central Florida, reminding students that she once stood in their shoes.

The tour included visits to several key hospital departments. In the Emergency Department (ED), students met Jen Russel, Director of Emergency Services, who explained the different areas and introduced them to life-saving technology like the LUCAS device, which provides continuous CPR to patients in cardiac arrest. The students were also guided through radiology, imaging, the laboratory, the surgical wing, the heart catheterization unit, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, they visited the wound care department, physical and occupational therapy, and telemetry units. These tours provided a comprehensive view of how various parts of the hospital work together to provide patient care and gave students insight into the many roles they could potentially pursue in the future.

Opportunities like these are invaluable for AHC students, with approximately 70% of participants going on to pursue careers in medical or related fields after graduation. Immersive experiences such as this help students gain real-world insights, solidifying their career goals as they explore different healthcare paths.

The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School extends its heartfelt thanks to Tampa General Hospital, Senior Vice President and Hospital President Linda Stockton, and the entire TGH Crystal River team for their dedication to our students. A special thank you goes to Jonathan Noyes, Director of Professional Outreach and a CRHS alumnus, whose efforts made this experience possible. His understanding of the importance of exposing local students to the healthcare industry has been instrumental in the success of this visit. The collaboration between TGH and the Academy of Health Careers is paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community.

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Post-Hurricane Hellene Recovery – First Day Back for Students, Educators, and Staff

Posted on September 30th, 2024 by

Post-Hurricane Hellene Recovery – First Day Back for Students, Educators, and Staff

Today marked the first day back for students, educators, and staff following the devastating impact of Hurricane Hellene. I spent the day visiting several schools across the district to assess recovery efforts and observe the resilience of our educational community as students returned to the classroom.

At Crystal River High School (CRHS), Lecanto Primary School (LPS), Crystal River Middle School (CRMS), and Crystal River Primary School (CRP), I witnessed firsthand the tremendous work being done to restore learning environments. Recovery teams were hard at work assessing damage, cleaning, drying, and sanitizing facilities to ensure a safe return for both students and staff.

To maintain a learning environment and begin the recovery process, it was necessary to temporarily relocate students from CRMS to CRHS, and about half of CRP students to LPS. This was no small endeavor, and something we had largely never done before.

A Community Coming Together

The collaboration and support among our educators, administrators, staff, district leaders, and volunteers have been truly inspiring. This unified effort will help our students and community thrive. A heartwarming example occurred at LPS, where CRP students, temporarily relocated due to storm damage, were greeted with high-fives from the Lecanto High School cheerleaders and the mascots of both LPS and CRP as they arrived by bus. This welcoming gesture created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort for the displaced students.

Thanks to our district’s robust digital integration of the curriculum, CRP teachers were able to continue their lessons seamlessly in the unfamiliar classrooms at LPS. LPS Principal Mollie Chandler and Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell ensured that Teacher Edition curriculum sets and classroom supplies were ready for CRP teachers in their temporary classrooms, allowing them to focus on teaching without missing a beat.

Leadership Amidst Challenges

At CRHS, Principal Brian Lancaster and his team quickly adapted to meet the needs of the displaced CRMS students. They converted three large spaces—the gym, cafeteria, and field house—into temporary learning environments. Even the CRHS JROTC gun range was repurposed as a support room for CRMS staff. These unprecedented solutions highlight the district’s ability to face logistical challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. CRHS students, staff, and leaders also had to adjust their environments to collaborate effectively.

Another touching show of support came from CRHS Culinary Arts teacher Autumn Crabtree. After hearing that CRMS staff had been working tirelessly, she and her students prepared fresh chicken salad meals for them. This gesture exemplifies the district’s commitment to supporting one another during difficult times.

Unsung Heroes: Staff, Volunteers, and Technology Teams

We owe deep gratitude to the administration teams at CRHS, LPS, CRMS, and CRP, as well as the departments that have been instrumental in keeping our schools running. From food services and custodial staff to school resource officers and guardians, their dedication has been unwavering. Our technology department has also played a critical role in meeting the digital needs of students and teachers, proving themselves to be essential workers in this recovery process.

District Executive Director for Risk Management, Steven Baumer, has done an outstanding job leading recovery efforts, coordinating with the Florida School Board Insurance Trust (FSBIT) to ensure that repairs and restoration are progressing swiftly. We are also grateful for the many volunteers and local organizations that have stepped in to offer support wherever it’s needed.

Looking Ahead

While there is still much to be done, the strength and unity of our community are undeniable. There will be more challenges to navigate, but by continuing to work together and extending grace to one another, we will overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. Though we may not have all the answers immediately, our collective efforts will ensure that our schools and students not only recover but thrive.

Everyone is working together to minimize the amount of time it will take to restore these learning environments. Let’s continue to support each other and work collaboratively toward a full recovery. Together, we will succeed.

Check Out Photos

Check out these great photos from the Citrus County School District Facebook page, capturing the excitement of welcoming back staff and students for the new school year: Citrus County School District Facebook Page.

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