Osceola-News-Gazette_353639

2023-24 OSCEOLA COUNTY SCHOOL YEAR Just in time for the tax free shopping! By Ken Jackson Editor There are still some events scheduled throughout the community prior to the first day of school on Aug. 10 to provide school supplies to families of children who still need but may not be able to afford them. Suncoast Credit Union, as part of its grand opening in Kissimmee, made a backpack donation to Highlands Elementary on Thursday. Here’s a list of a few other events: July 22, Osceola County Welcome Center: JTB Home Foundation will host this day of fun and free school supplies and backpacks while supplies last, starting at 11 a.m. For information or to register (or donate!) call 844- 290-HOPE or email JTBHope@yahoo.com. July 28, Kissimmee Hart Memorial Library: Join Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb at a free Back to School backpack giveaway inside the library. Starting at 9 a.m., supply kits will be available for the first 400 K-12 students to prepare for the new school year. Students must be present and accompanied by a parent/guardian. Residents can also sign up for a library card and enjoy STEAM and reading activities. Aug. 2, Osceola Heritage Park: County Commissioners Peggy Choudhry and Viviana Janer, in collaboration with the Salvation Army and other community partners, will co-host the Back to School Bash, a free drive-through backpack distribution for Osceola County residents (no exceptions) at OHP beginning at 10 a.m. Receiving child must be present. Still need school supplies? Here’s some Back to School events See SCHOOL SUPPLIES Page 4. I am honored and delighted to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as the new Superintendent of the Osceola School District. It is with great excitement and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into this esteemed role, entrusted with the task of guiding our educational community towards excellence. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Osceola community for the reception and support I have received thus far. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve in this capacity and to work alongside such dedicated educators and staff, passionate students, and engaged parents and community residents. As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to assure you that my utmost priority is to foster an environment that nurtures the growth and development of every student. Education is a transformative journey, and I am committed to ensuring that every Osceola school provides an innovative and high-quality learning experience for all. To achieve this vision, I believe in the power of collaboration. I encourage open dialogue, active participation, and shared decision-making among students, parents, staff, and community members. Together, we can create a supportive network that empowers our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally to reach the highest of expectations. I also recognize the importance of embracing emerging technologies and 21st-century skills in our educational practices. In an ever- evolving world, it is essential that we equip our students with the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability required to succeed in their future endeavors. Additionally, I am committed to promoting safe and supportive school and work environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard. By fostering a culture of caring, we can create a harmonious atmosphere that celebrates and cultivates a sense of belonging. As we move forward, I am eager to support the amazing work of the Osceola County School Board and collaborate with all stakeholders to shape the future of our Osceola schools as we enhance the educational experience for our students. I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with me, as your feedback is invaluable in guiding our collective efforts. I am confident that together, we can and will achieve great things and provide our students with the best possible educational experience. I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand to create a brighter future for our Osceola County students and community. A message from new school superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff Dr. Mark Shanoff Learn new schools, meet new teachers at Open Houses Summer break may seem to have just started — bad news kids (and teachers), it’s already half over — but it’s time to think about the 2023-24 school year and Open House nights for School District of Osceola County schools. All students and parents are encouraged to attend their school’s Back-To-School open houses to prepare for the new year. Here is the schedule: Monday, Aug, 7, 4-7 p.m. All high schools. This includes Osceola County School for the Arts Grades 6-12. Tuesday, Aug. 8, 4-7 p.m. All middle schools. This includes K-8 schools. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 3-6 p.m. All elementary schools. Students in Osceola County will begin classes for the 2023-24 school year on Thursday, Aug. 10. The School District’s Back to School website is again live. Go to https://bit.ly/ SDOCBacktoSchool2023 to register new students, check bell schedules, and prepare for the new school year. Día de Visitas Escolares De Regreso a las Clases Para las Escuelas del Condado Osceola Se alienta a los estudiantes y padres del Condado de Osceola a asistir al Día de Visita de su escuela para que se preparen para el curso escolar del 2023-2024. Las escuelas públicas de Osceola ofrecerán Días de Visitas conforme al siguiente horario. • lunes, 7 de agosto - Todas las  escuelas de nivel secundario tendrán el Día de Visita Escolar de 4:00 pm a 7:00 pm.  (Incluyendo The Osceola County School for the Arts, grados 6 a 12) • martes, 8 de agosto - Todas las  escuelas de nivel medio y K-8 tendrán el Día de Visita Escolar de 4:00 pm a 7:00 pm. • miércoles, 9 de agosto - Todas las  escuelas de nivel primario tendrán el Día de Visita Escolar de 3:00 pm a 6:00 pm. Los estudiantes del Condado Osceola comenzarán las clases el jueves, 10 de agosto del 2023.