Launching a Stellar School Year: ‘Blastoff’ Welcome-Back Event

Posted on August 8th, 2023 by

Launching a Stellar School Year: ‘Blastoff’ Welcome-Back Event

Yesterday’s “Blastoff” welcome-back staff event at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium marked a fantastic start to the 2023-2024 school year. The event was made truly exceptional by the presence of Gerry Brooks, a nationally renowned educator, school principal, and educational comedian, who served as the Keynote presenter. Brooks delivered a blend of humor and poignant insights, inspiring educators to embrace their awesome responsibilities and set remarkable examples for students, families, and colleagues.

At the outset of the event, Superintendent Himmel took the stage to pay tribute to those who ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools. Joined by School Board Police Chief David Vincent, School Guardians, and School Resource Officers, the audience applauded the vital service that we are so grateful for. We also had the opportunity to meet our new “four-legged” School Guardian, “Sammy.” This addition to our team brings a unique form of safety and comfort to our educational environment.

The gathering provided an opportunity for staff members to reconnect and share their summer experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the educators. Gerry Brooks’ engaging message resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the vital role we all play in shaping young minds and futures.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to Mr. Bunch and Oysters for once again providing a delectable breakfast, enhancing the overall experience. Special thanks go to Director Laura Lindeman and her dedicated team, along with all contributors, for making the event exceptionally memorable. Their efforts ensured the event’s success and positive impact.

The event was made possible by the Citrus County Educational Foundation and their community partners, who generously sponsored and contributed financially, ensuring its success. As the new school year begins, the “Blastoff” welcome-back event has set a positive tone, igniting enthusiasm and determination among staff members to excel and make a lasting impact.

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Calling all Educators to Assemble for another Remarkable Year!

Posted on August 1st, 2023 by

Calling all Educators to Assemble for another Remarkable Year!

Welcome back, mighty Citrus County School District’s champions of knowledge, as we gear up for an exhilarating new chapter in our educational saga! Your superhuman dedication and passion fuel the fires of learning in our heroic community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the unsung heroes – our extraordinary teams – who toiled through the summer, shaping our schools and facilities into fortresses of excellence for our beloved students. Embrace your superpowers, for with every lesson, you leave an indelible mark on young minds. Together, let’s soar to new heights of triumph and adventure! Thank you for the extraordinary feats you perform day in and day out!

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Empowering the Future: 2023 Summer Senior RISE Program

Posted on July 19th, 2023 by

Empowering the Future: 2023 Summer Senior RISE Program

In an inspiring gathering, the 2023 Summer Senior RISE program welcomed over 130 students, eager to seize the opportunity to grow and excel. The RISE (Resources, Information, Support, Entry) program, now in its 5th year, has once again become a beacon of hope and empowerment for these young individuals as they prepare to embrace their futures.

I had the honor of addressing the RISE students this morning. I shared with them how proud our community is of their dedication, evident as each student had taken special care to dress professionally, fully aware of the importance of leaving a lasting positive impression.

Throughout the day, the program offered invaluable experiences, with each student engaging in at least two mock interviews with community members from all areas of industry in Citrus County. These practice sessions allowed them to sharpen their communication skills, boost their confidence, and learn from valuable feedback provided by experienced mentors and professionals.

The success stories from previous RISE graduates only added to the excitement of what lies ahead. Among the alumni, some are currently pursuing further education, while others have already embarked on their professional journeys, establishing themselves in diverse fields. Engineers, nurses, business professionals, meteorologists, welders, linesmen, chefs, doctors, teachers, and more – the impact of the RISE program is evident in the diverse paths taken by these accomplished individuals.

The achievements of the RISE program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of various organizations and individuals. A special acknowledgment goes out to Citrus County Schools and Director of Special Programs, Darrick Buettner, Patrick Simon, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition, Citrus County Education Foundation, CF, and all the educators, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to facilitating and providing this transformative experience for the students. A special thanks to all our community partners for making the 2023 Summer Rise program possible!

For further insights and reflections on the 2023 Summer Senior RISE program, readers can explore the comprehensive coverage by Georgia Sullivan in the Citrus County Chronicle article: “Incoming Seniors Face Future Together at Summer R.I.S.E.” (https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/education/incoming-seniors-face-future-together-at-summer-r-i-s-e/article_1fd0951e-b06b-5340-8ab8-509b3a44bdd4.html)

The Summer Senior RISE program continues to instill hope and determination in these young individuals, empowering them to rise to their full potential and create a positive impact on their communities and beyond. The journey has just begun, and with such strong support, the future holds immense promise for this remarkable RISE class.

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CHS’s Coach Bishop inducted into Florida Coaches Hall of Fame

Posted on July 11th, 2023 by

CHS’s Coach Bishop inducted into Florida Coaches Hall of Fame

Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Welcomes Citrus High School Softball Coach and Athletic Director, Larry Bishop

Larry Bishop, the esteemed Citrus High School Softball Coach and Athletic Director, has been inducted into the prestigious Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame. The FACA recently announced their 2024 Hall of Fame Class, recognizing individuals who have made significant and positive impacts on students and teams throughout the State of Florida. Among the seven esteemed coaches inducted this year, Larry Bishop stood out for his outstanding contributions.

Established in 1965, the FACA Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. It serves to acknowledge those who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of high school sports in Florida. Each year, the FACA presents this distinguished award at their annual Hall of Fame banquet, held in conjunction with the FACA’s state championships. To be eligible for this prestigious recognition, an individual must have demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement within high school sports in Florida. The FACA Hall of Fame selection committee, composed of representatives from various FACA committees and past Hall of Fame recipients, thoroughly reviews each nomination and selects those who have made the most significant contributions to high school sports in the state.

The FACA Hall of Fame Award is a testament to the unwavering commitment and relentless efforts of exceptional individuals who have helped shape Florida into a leading state in high school sports. It serves as a celebration of their remarkable achievements and the lasting impact they have made.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Larry Bishop will be honored during the FACA Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. This prestigious event will take place at the Drury Plaza Resort at Disney Springs, located just southwest of Orlando. It will be an occasion to commend Coach Bishop for his exceptional contributions to students, teams, the district, and the state.

Congratulations, Coach Bishop, on this well-deserved honor. Your dedication and hard work have left an indelible mark on the world of high school sports in Florida. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts in shaping the lives of students and for your valuable contributions to the sporting community.

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2023 Veterans In The Classroom needs you

Posted on July 9th, 2023 by

2023 Veterans In The Classroom needs you

The 2023 Veterans In The Classroom (VITC) program is requesting Citrus County Veterans to register now as classroom presenters to Citrus County School District children during the VITC program between Oct. 30 through Nov. 10.
The VITC program is one event in a series of events during the 2023 Citrus County Veterans Appreciation Week (VAW).
For over 20 years, the Citrus County School District, in conjunction with the VAW organizations, have supported educating thousands of children each year on the importance of our veterans’ military service.
The VITC program is managed by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Citrus County Chapter program manager, COL Mark Bodenheim, USA (Ret). In conjunction with Al Balk, the school district’s Social Studies Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA), they have designed and improved digital registration and assignment processes.
The registration process allows veterans to list their military skill sets.
“I have teachers requesting a range of skills including cooks, electricians, band players, helicopter pilots, accountants or foreign language-speaking veterans,” said Bodenheim. “The digital registration process improves my ability to match the veteran’s skill set to a teacher’s request.”
He also noted that veterans are not required to present in their uniforms and can use different presentation modes ranging from items that can be touched to poster boards, videos or PowerPoint presentations.
Bodenheim encourages Citrus County veterans to serve as school presenters.
“We as veterans have been given an opportunity to educate our youth about military service to our nation. With nearly 20,000 veterans in our county, we need your help in the continued success of this program,” he said.
To register for the VITC program, go to https://tinyurl.com/CitrusVITC or to the Citrus County School District website at https://www.citrusschools.org/home. Scroll down to the red circles. Then click the arrow right or left to the “Veterans in the Classroom” flag icon. Click on the icon to read about the VITC program and complete the registration process.

Registration is open through Sept. 24.


(Reposted from, Special to the Chronicle –https://www.chronicleonline.com/lifestyle/veterans/2023-veterans-in-the-classroom-needs-you/article_1c1b2868-05b9-5cf3-95e2-6a621f8bc640.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share)

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It is School Improvement Planning Time again

Posted on July 5th, 2023 by

It is School Improvement Planning Time again

It’s that time of year again in our Citrus County School Advisory Councils (SAC) – School Improvement Planning (SIP) time. Today, I had the privilege of participating in the Central Ridge Elementary SAC SIP, and it was truly an enlightening experience. The SAC is composed of dedicated stakeholders including parents, teachers, staff, and administrators, all of whom come together to review the school’s achievement data and surveys, and collaborate on tailored improvements to address the unique needs of each school.

One of the aspects that never fails to impress me is the commitment to a deep dive into the data and needs of our students and schools. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it’s a comprehensive analysis that takes into account the specific challenges and opportunities present at each school. This attention to detail ensures that the improvement plans are relevant, effective, and capable of making a genuine impact on student outcomes.

By examining achievement data and gathering feedback through surveys, the SAC members gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their respective schools. This process allows them to identify areas where enhancements can be made, whether it’s in curriculum design, instructional strategies, student support services, or even parent engagement initiatives.

The collaborative nature of the SAC SIP meetings fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ownership among the stakeholders. Everyone’s input is valued and considered, ensuring that diverse perspectives are taken into account when developing improvement plans. This inclusive approach not only strengthens the overall effectiveness of the plans but also promotes a strong sense of community within our schools.

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SAC SIP process. It demonstrates our district’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and student success. By working together and focusing on the specific needs of our schools, we can create positive change and provide the best possible education for all students in Citrus County.

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