Education | Santa Rosa Press Gazette

Feb 13, 2025

Meet this year’s Sunshine State Scholars from Santa Rosa County

In January, Santa Rosa District Schools announced the Sunshine State Scholars for the district. Each high school chose one student to represent the very best of their school’s math and science education.

Feb 12, 2025

Education

Holley Navarre Intermediate teacher named district teacher of year

A cacophony of celebration ignited inside Kayla Stanford’s fifth-grade classroom Tuesday, Feb. 4, as Santa Rosa District Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber and others surprised Stanford with the announcement that she was District teacher of the year.

The announcement came as happy news to teacher and students alike, although for different reasons.

Feb 10, 2025

Education

First graduating class of the Santa Rosa Junior Leadership program

On Feb. 4, 35 high school juniors completed the first-ever Santa Rosa Junior Leadership program. The students were able to get a first-hand look into careers involved in robotics, virtual reality, and cybersecurity.

Feb 6, 2025

Education

School district welcomes students back with books and literacy activities

With the end of snow days came the return of school days. The first week back (Jan. 27 through Jan. 31) also marked the return of literacy week, a period where teachers, library media specialists, and students pay particular attention to reading and language arts education.

Feb 5, 2025

Education

Santa Rosa District Schools announces calendar changes

In order to meet the required instructional minutes and missed time for weather, the following updates were made to the 2024-2025 school calendar and approved at the February 4, 2025 school board meeting.

Jan 23, 2025

Education

Santa Rosa Online teacher of 59 years fosters curiosity in students

Carl O’Neal has long been a resolute educator. This year marks his 59th year teaching and he was named one of five finalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year in Santa Rosa County.

O’Neal teaches a variety of science classes at Santa Rosa Online, the first online public school offered in the county. Principal Jerilyn O’Brien said that they are lacking clubs for students to join, and O’Neal has been instrumental in launching their science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) club.

Jan 15, 2025

Education

King Middle’s Weaver brings fun to science class

For the past 17 years, Melissa “Joni” Weaver has been teaching science to middle schoolers. While the topics in science can be academically heavy and, at times tedious, Weaver said she enjoys being able to bring fun into the equation.

Jan 2, 2025

Education

Holland has a passion for teaching students with special needs

In a classroom where patience and creativity are paramount, Jodie Holland stands out. Not only for her exceptional teaching skills but also for her unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

Dec 31, 2024

Education

Hobbs Middle’s Stacy Jones a maternal figure for students, faculty

If you or your child attended Hobbs Middle School at any point in the past 20 years, chances are you know Ms. Stacy Lea Jones.

A teacher since 1995, Jones has spent the past 29 years teaching students in Santa Rosa County. She spent a decade at King Middle School before coming to Hobbs Middle, where she has been a staple of the school’s social studies department for nearly 19 years.