Okeechobee County School Board

Okeechobee County Schools has been made aware of a possible threat to school districts circulating through a "swatting" email thread. Although we have NOT received this message yet, we are aware that it has been sent to multiple districts across the State of Florida.

While we do not believe this to be a credible threat, we are taking it seriously and are working closely with law enforcement to keep everyone safe.

As always, we remain committed to transparency, vigilance, and the safety of our school communities.

👏👏Behind every great school is a great leader!

📚This National Principals Month, we’re recognizing the principals who make a difference in our students’ lives each day, with heart, vision, and a commitment to excellence. 📚

✨CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE = CONFIDENT LEARNERS 💪🍎
When students show up every day, they build skills and confidence to succeed!
🙌Attendance always matters, but October 6–10 is extra important! This week, the state takes its official enrollment snapshot, which helps determine school funding for the year.
✅ Students in class = accurate count = the right funding to keep our district strong and full of opportunities for our kids.
🌟Let’s make this week count- every student, every day, because it makes a difference!

🎗OCSB BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH🎗

On Wednesdays, we wear pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💕

🎀School community- join us in showing support and spreading awareness by wearing pink each Wednesday throughout October.
🎀Together, we honor and remember those who have faced breast cancer, and support those currently affected by breast cancer. Let’s fill our schools with a sea of pink this month. Nobody fights alone 💗

✈️☀️ Plan Ahead for Strong Attendance!

📚Before you book that trip, check out our student holiday schedule! Scheduling vacations during school breaks helps keep students learning, growing, and on track for success all year long. 💪

The September Edition of our district newsletter is here!
Inside this edition:
Family Vacation Planner
Varsity Tutors
CTE- Introduction to Teaching Program
School Spotlight-Seminole Elementary & Visible Learning

https://secure.smore.com/n/c5dzu

Okeechobee County Schools is working closely with the Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center to monitor the developments of Tropical Depression 9.

At this time, forecasts indicate minimal weather impacts for Monday, September 29th. As a result, schools will be open and in session on Monday.

We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates if there are any changes. Parents are encouraged to download the OCSB app to ensure they receive the latest updates directly.

📚Give your child the best start to their school journey!
🎓Our VPK program helps children build early reading, math, and social skills so they’re confident and ready for kindergarten.
🚀Don't miss this year's opportunity, limited spots are available!
https://bit.ly/okeevpk

The JULY edition of The OCSB Newsletter is here!
Inside:
📚Important Back-to-School Info
🌊OCSB Students Making Waves Nationwide
🚒CTE Student Success
🍎Staff Summer Highlights
Be sure to click the "subscribe button" in the lower left-hand corner to never miss OCSB updates!



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🔍🔍 This week's teacher feature takes us to Everglades Elementary School spotlighting Mrs. Hollin. 🍎📚 She said "After more than 40 years teaching, I can say that being an educator is one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ve taught students, their children, and grandchildren. The relationships I’ve built and the lives I’ve touched are my greatest accomplishments. It’s been a beautiful journey."

🌊🌴 The 2025 Summer Activity guide is here! https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4701/OFC/5613488/2025_Summer_Activity_Guide.pdf

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!🎉 We are asking our students and families to take part in our "Tell Your Teacher" campaign for the first time this year, and we are so excited to hear your responses! Here are just a few of the shout-outs we received for our amazing staff. 📢 We will be sharing testimonials all week! Submit yours here: https://forms.gle/JUdRe8m1xWhYmUiz5

☀️🏖️While our students and staff are having a safe, relaxing Spring Break, our Maintenance and Operations have been busy sprucing up our campuses! From fencing to air conditioning, painting to carpet cleaning, we are working hard to make our schools look their best. Enjoy the rest of your time off, and we look forward to seeing students back on Tuesday, March 25th!

📚The school district VPK program registration window is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. 🍎Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten and beyond. Children must be 4 on or before September 1 of the school year they enroll. Click this link, bit.ly/okeevpk, to complete the district registration form. VPK staff will use the information submitted to schedule appointments with each family in the order received. Please review the FAQ - VPK Enrollment document or contact us at vpk@okeeschools.org if you have additional questions.

4th Annual OYLS All-Star Show Yesterday our 4H and FFA students helped to put on our 4th Annual All-Star Show at the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show. ESE students from Okeechobee High School and Yearling Middle School have worked all year with our ag programs on taking care of and showing swine projects. Check out our Facebook page for a video of the highlights.

🎉2025-26 Kindergarten Registration April 15-17th: Call to make an appointment for registration If your child will be 5 years old on or before 9/1/2025, you will need the following items for enrollment: Legal proof of birth Up-to-date immunization records Health Exam Record (completed within a year of 8/11/2025) Proof of residence (utility bill/ FPL/Electric bill) Everglades Elementary 863-462-5108 Central Elementary 863-462-5077 Seminole Elementary 863-462-5116 South Elementary 863-462-5087 North Elementary 863-462-5100

The Florida Department of Education is seeking parent and guardian input to enhance services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), please complete the following survey to help us improve our services. If you have more than one child with an IEP, please complete one survey for each child. The information gathered remains anonymous and will be used to inform support and resources for parents and students with IEPs. Results will be compiled at the district and school level. *Students 18 or over may complete this survey. https://fldoepaads.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_881xTFo6E6C6ZJI

🌟 Keep an eye out ....Kindergarten Registration information is coming soon! 📚 School zoning information is available on our website: https://www.okeeschools.org/page/zone-waiver

🎉This week's spotlight comes from Everglades Elementary School, featuring one of our Paraprofessionals Mrs. Suarez. 📚Mrs. Suarez said "I always try to make my students feel safe. I am a safe place for students. I always ask how their weekend was if I see them after the weekend or how their night was if I see them for breakfast. Having positive conversation with your students is one way to get them to open up and builds a trusting relationship."

🚓👮‍♂️ Happy National School Resource Officer Day! 👮‍♀️🚓 Today, we celebrate the incredible work of School Resource Officers (SROs) who ensure our schools are safe, secure, and supportive environments for students and staff. From mentoring students to handling emergencies, SROs are true heroes in our schools. 💙 Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and service!