Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers has a new web site

Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers has a new web site

Honored to serve on the Board of Directors of this vital Coalition. Please check out the new web site by Citrus County Coalition for College & Careers (CCCCC) in partnership with the Citrus County School District, Citrus County Education Foundation, College of Central Florida, Citrus County YMCA and the Florida College Access Network.

Read more about it in the Citrus County Chronicle by clicking here.

https://www.citruscollegecoalition.org/

 

Citrus County Schools and students ROCK!!

Citrus County Schools and students ROCK!!

Schools Open, Day 1

Schools Open, Day 1

When the first students walked into the school I watched as some of the staff began to weep with joy to see them back in school.

Today I spent time at seven different schools beginning the morning at Lecanto Primary School as the students began entering the buildings. When the first students walked into the school I watched as some of the staff began to weep with joy to see them back in school. I was so impressed to see the many plans and procedures at work.  The students were nothing less than exceptional from the moment they walked in. At the front door, a staff member checked as students came in to see if they needed a mask. If so, they would receive a disposable one. On this day only one mask needed to be given out and that was only because the mask the student brought was a little too big for them. We are so proud of all our students. These young people handled themselves so well.  I know I am partial, but our staff and teachers were just superstars and are the best in Florida and our nation!! The love and care they have for each and every student and person at their schools is overwhelming.

After leaving LPS, I had an opportunity to help deliver PPE (personal protective equipment- masks, gloves, etc.) to a number of our schools. At each school, I found a similar positive learning environment.

One of my favorite new things is seeing all the cool masks the students and staff are wearing. Some are homemade, some bought, and some decorated. I love that peoples’ personalities and likes are being expressed on these masks. I was pleased that families are taking this opportunity to make masks fun.

I also want to give a shout out to our new virtual students and families. We are just as excited about your school year. I know today looked different, but we are so excited about your choice of virtual school.

I have enjoyed all the first-day of school photos on social media, and this year was no exception. Some first-day photos had students in masks, some virtual ones were funny ones with students in pajamas. I love that each family is finding unique ways to make this first day special and not letting these challenging times get us down.

Well done everyone!

Welcome Back to School Students!

Welcome Back to School Students!

Whether you as a student walked onto your school campus this morning or began virtual studies, we are so happy and excited to have you back! 

Today we welcome back our students! Over 15,000 students will head back to school today in Citrus County Public Schools. Almost 4,000 of those students this year will start the school year attending virtually.

Thank you, our parents and families, for your continual patients during these unique times.

I want to take a moment to thank our Superintendent Sam Himmel for her teams’ tireless work for months developing our return to school plans. Because of the everchanging situation, these plans often have had to re-plan and re-develop.  For weeks staff from custodians to technology specialists, secretaries to administrators have worked 10, 12, and more hours a day trying to ensure our schools open safely and promptly.

I want to thank a number of people by name for their special efforts behind the scenes for their work and leadership. Thank you Superintendent Himmel, Assistant-Superintendents Mike Mullen & Jonny Bishop, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Hebert, Director of Elementary Trish Kahler, Coordinator of Title I Rene Johnson, Public Information Director Lindsay Blair, Director of Specialty Program Debra Stanley, Coordinator of Special Programs Darrick Buettner, Director of Professional Development Lindy Woythaler, all the Education Services TOSAs and department staff, Director of Educational Technology Kathy Androski, Supervisor of Technology Lance Fletcher, Director of ESE Lynne Kirby & the entire ESE department, Director of District Student Services Kit Humbaugh, Coordinator of District Student Services Jennifer Greco & the Student Service staff, Director of Finance Tammy Wilson, Director of Planning and Growth Management Chuck Dixon, Director of Food & Nutrition Services Roy Pistone II & the whole foodservice teams, Transportation Director Marilyn Farmer & the whole transportation department, our Bus Drivers, Director of Facilities, Construction & Maintenance Eric Stokes & the entire facilities staff, our school administrators, our school custodians, school staff, our teachers, our paraprofessional educators, and education aides. (This is by no means a complete list and I apologize for anyone I unintentionally left off the list) The last number of nights, including last night, most of these individuals never went home and work nearly around the clock so that our schools would be open for our students.

The Citrus County School District will continue to be challenged and each one of us will rise to these challenges. Please, stay positive, be encouraging, supportive, and respectful to one another. With the grace of God’s help, we will prevail. God bless each of you, God bless Citrus County Schools and God bless our 2020-2021 students!

Citrus County Schools Reopening Plan Video

Citrus County Schools Reopening Plan Video

Please watch this newly released video hosted by Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Scott Hebert who shares some important information about our Citrus CARES Reopening Plan.

This is focusing on what school will look like for students who choose to physically return to campus on August 20th.

This video is in partnership with the Citrus County Education Foundation which provides resources and support to teachers and students throughout the year. Special thanks to TMC productions for help with this video.

CDC: Cloth Face Covering Do’s and Don’ts

CDC: Cloth Face Covering Do’s and Don’ts

Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these “do’s”.

If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering. See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html