Beginning today, we recognize #RedRibbonWeek. We empower students to be the best version of themselves by living drug-free. This year’s theme is ‘Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free.’ Check with your school for specific activities.

THANK A TEACHER This week’s Thank a Teacher is in the spotlight for her dedication to the arts at Eagles Landing Middle School in Boca Raton. For Leah Carolan, teaching theatre isn't just a career, it's her life's work. She truly believes that arts education is something that needs to be celebrated and supported every single day. For her passion that shines through in every student who takes the stage, Ms. Carolan is this week's Thank a Teacher winner. She received a $500 check, thanks to our generous sponsor, @HCAFLHealthcare. If you know an educator who goes above and beyond, you can nominate them by visiting palmbeachschools.org/thankat…. 🌟

It's Safe Schools Week, and we are so grateful to our incredible Palm Beach Schools Police Department Officers, who are always there to support our students. Just this week, they participated in a job fair at Santaluces High School, talking to students about careers in law enforcement. When students feel safe, secure, and connected, their learning can truly take flight! Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools @PublicSchoolSup

Education doesn't stop when the final bell rings. 🔔 Today marks National Lights On Afterschool Day. This day recognizes the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering opportunities to learn, discover new skills, explore passions, participate in sports, and more. We are so grateful for our amazing afterschool staff members that give our students a safe, engaging environment when the school day ends.

Top of the class 💫 We are proud to share that U.S. News and World Report has recognized 12 District schools among the top 100 public K-8 schools in the state of Florida. This includes six elementary schools and six middle schools. They join a prestigious list, along with five District high schools previously announced in the top 100. Congratulations to students, staff, and school leaders who made the list, and continue to prove why Palm Beach County public schools are your best choice for education. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Thank you to the @TownofJupiter for recognizing our Jupiter-area principals with a special proclamation to celebrate academic excellence. The proclamation notes that all 9 public schools that serve the Jupiter area are 'A' rated, and recognizes that strong public schools are essential to a thriving community. Thank you for your support, and for recognizing Jupiter public schools as a source of pride for the community!

Let's see your ORANGE shine for Unity Day, today! This is a day to come together and send a visible message of building commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. As a District, we stand against bullying, and support an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and seen. 🤝

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Today we are visiting Boca Raton Community High School. At Boca High, Principal Dr. Joshua Davidow says what sets the school apart is its culture and community. He says, "every student has a pathway to success." The school is very proud of its 'A' rating for more than 20 years, and offers choice programs in Navy JROTC and STEM, as well as in-house programs in Medical Sciences and Early Childhood Teacher Education. To learn more about Boca High, visit the school's website at brhs.palmbeachschools.org/. You can apply to a choice program at Boca High, or any of our schools, through December 4 at mypbchoiceapp.com

Throughout October, we recognize Disability History and Awareness Month, and celebrate the countless contributions of individuals with disabilities who have shaped our society. We are proud to honor the achievements and perspectives of our students, staff, and community members with disabilities. This month is a reminder to reflect on the progress made toward inclusion and to reaffirm our commitment that every school is a place of acceptance, accessibility, and opportunity for all students.

Apply now for the more than 330 choice and career programs in the School District of Palm Beach County for the 2027-2028 school year. From entrepreneurship, to medical sciences, JROTC, culinary arts, and so much more, there's a program for everyone. Hear from one Santaluces Community High School student about how the Criminal Justice Academy is powering her future! You can apply by visiting the website mypbchoiceapp.com.

Parents, middle and high school report cards for the first quarter are now posted to the Student Information System (SIS) Gateway. 📝 If you don't have an account, you can learn how to create one, and access our Parent Portal that puts all the information you need in one place, at this link: palmbeachschools.org/student…

Thank you @WPBF25News, for highlighting our amazing students at A.W Dreyfoos School of the Arts, who launched a free, AI-powered platform designed to help others start entrepreneurial ventures. Across Palm Beach County schools, our students aren't just learning about business, they are launching it. It takes courage, grit, and vision to step into the world of entrepreneurship, and we are so proud of these students for taking the leap. wpbf.com/article/prodigy-pro…

THANK A TEACHER Kimberly James is proud to be a kindergarten teacher at the 'A' rated Glade View Elementary School in Belle Glade. She says her students are making amazing strides in reading, writing, and math. Her secret to success is a positive school culture, where everyone comes together like family. To celebrate her dedication, caring heart and positive spirit, Ms. James is this week's Thank a Teacher winner. She was surprised with a $500 check from our generous sponsor, @HCAFLHealthcare. Who will you nominate next? Visit palmbeachschools.org/thankat… to submit your nomination. 🌟

Apply NOW for choice and career programs and find the spark you need to power your future 💫 The School District of Palm Beach County offers specialized choice and career programs that prepare students for the future through rigorous, theme-based instruction by specially-trained teachers. The 2027-2028 choice application offers more opportunities than ever before. Regardless of your zoned school, students can apply to any available program at more than 100 schools. You don't have to live in Palm Beach County to apply. Applications are due by December 4 for ALL programs.

Celebrating School Board member Erica Whitfield 🎉 Wednesday, October 14, marked the final regular School Board meeting for District 4 School Board member Erica Whitfield, who is leaving the Board after serving for 12 years. Ms. Whitfield left a lasting impact on Palm Beach County Schools, always focused on student wellness and well-being. She calls her time on the Board "a dream come true." Thank you, Ms. Whitfield, for all you've done for the School District of Palm Beach County.

Celebrating School Board member Marcia Andrews 🎉 Wednesday, October 14, marked the final regular School Board meeting for District 6 School Board member Marcia Andrews, who is retiring after serving the School District of Palm Beach County for 51 years. She spent 16 of those years on the School Board. Ms. Andrews is a champion of the Glades community, helping to get multiple schools built in the region, and expanding opportunities for students. She says the School District made her who she is today. Thank you, Ms. Andrews, for all you've done for the students, teachers, and families of Palm Beach County.

We are proud to announce the School District of Palm Beach County is once again officially designated as an Academically High-Performing School District by @EducationFL for the 2025-2026 school year. We are one of only 18 School Districts in the state to earn this distinction. The Academically High-Performing designation is reserved for the state's most successful Districts, reflecting a record of excellence in academics and operations. It is based on a rigorous review of performance across key areas, including District and school grades, financial audits, and class size. This significant achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of students, staff, and families across our schools.

We are thrilled to announce the Florida Department of Education recognized 45 Palm Beach County schools with the prestigious "School of Excellence" designation. 🎉 This honor is awarded to schools that demonstrate a sustained, high academic performance over a three-year period. Congratulations to the students, staff, and families who made this possible, and continue to prove why the School District of Palm Beach County is your BEST choice. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Our District-wide community experiences are making a splash! 🐢 All first grade students are taking a field trip to @LoggerheadMC this year, providing them hands-on learning opportunities out of the classroom. We tagged along as Banyan Creek Elementary School students learned about sea turtles, marine life cycles, and ocean conservation. A big thank you to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for your support of our students and making this experience available to ALL first graders.

Remembering the past, inspiring the future 🌟 As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month this week, we are celebrating Gove Elementary School, and 30 years of its dual language program. Did you know? Gove Elementary in Belle Glade is home to the first ever dual language program in the School District of Palm Beach County! Now, we are up to 38 programs including 35 in Spanish and 3 in Haitian Creole. The celebration included performances from students, with many former Gove Elementary principals, School Board members, and District leaders in attendance. We are so proud of Gove Elementary and our dual language programs. They are not just about mastering vocabulary, they open doors to global opportunities, deepen cultural connection, and build resilient minds.