I am pleased that the theme of this month’s Flagler Parent is Education. Here at Flagler Schools, education is always our highest priority throughout the year. That, as well as the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.
This school year, our mission is Flagler Forward. It’s not just a slogan; rather, it is a daily goal in which we challenge ourselves to keep moving ahead in a positive direction.
Not long ago, the Florida Department of Education released the 2022-2023 informational baseline grades, and Flagler Schools received a “B” overall. This was largely due to our students' overall increase in science and social studies performance. This is the first set of school grades to use the new state assessment results.
Educating our children is truly a community-wide effort. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our teachers, faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents and guardians.
I’d also like to mention that February is CTE Month, a public awareness campaign about Career and Technical Education. It is hosted by ACTE and sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders and celebrates the accomplishments of CTE programs, as we have in our district, and the importance of CTE for students of all ages.
Here in Flagler Schools, we offer 76 courses designated as CTE, with more than 3,300 students participating. Additionally, CTE students here graduate at an astounding 98.9% rate (versus an overall 90.5%).
Some of our new CTE programs include Technical Agriculture Operations at Flagler-Palm Coast High School, while a new program at Matanzas High School is called Principles of Teaching. Last year, MHS students earned a total of 154 Industry certifications in various programs, the most in the school’s history.
Our middle schools also have CTE programs. Buddy Taylor’s new course options are Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism and Exploration of Tech Design. Indian Trails boasts an 80% pass rate for students who have attempted an Industry Certification Exam this past year.
We couldn’t do this alone. Our district has local articulation agreements with Flagler Technical College and Daytona State College, with programs ranging from Emergency Medical Technician ATD to Practical Nursing, Culinary Management, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism, Business Administration and more.
Overall, Flagler Schools is proud to offer 23 unique certification options, with 432 unique students passing at least one digital tool or industry certification with 801 digital tools and industry certifications earned overall and an estimated CAPE funding earned of more than $263,000.
February may be the shortest month of the year, but each day affords us an opportunity to strive to be better academically and as productive and caring human beings.
LaShakia Moore
Superintendent, Flagler Schools
