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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Santa Rosa County School District announced East Bay K-8 Principal as the Innovative Principal of the Year.

What started out as a vacation to see her sister-in-law a decade ago has turned into a career at East Milton Elementary School for Debra Adkins, the school’s choice for teacher of the year.

The recent State Board of Education meeting, held alongside the 2024 Charter School Conference and School Choice Summit, marked a significant moment for education in Florida.

Locklin Technical College teaches a variety of trades and skills that students can directly apply in their future careers. This year the school nominated Greg Smith as their Teacher of the Year.