The weather is warming up, and spring is almost here. Before our students, teachers and staff enjoy a well-deserved spring break, I’m delighted to share what Volusia County Schools has been up to.
At the end of February, we held our inaugural State of Our Schools event. It was an opportunity for us to share with community representatives, business partners and leaders at state and local levels how our schools and students are progressing and what our teachers, principals and staff are doing to ensure students engage in high levels of learning every day. Attendees were able to see how we have increased our Career and Technical Education Programs and Academies, honors courses and career pathways over the past few school years so that our students are set up for success early on. The event also included music and dance performances from some of our elementary, middle and high schools, showing that our students are excelling beyond academics. I want to express my appreciation to all who were involved in the planning, presentation and execution of the event and to all who attended. I encourage our VCS families and community members to watch the video recording of this event on our website or social media.
Last month also saw several of our student athletes commit to colleges and universities, where I know, they will continue to make us proud.
Our students continue to use their talents for good by serving the community. One such example included art students from five of our high schools making more than 200 ceramic bowls for Halifax Urban Ministries’ 17th annual Empty Bowls event, which raises money for food distribution programs.
Finally, as thousands of people visited our county to watch the Daytona 500, also known as the Great American Race, our schools got to join in some of the fun Not only did Spruce Creek Elementary lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Galaxy Middle School perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the United Rentals 300 race, but one of the sport’s top drivers was kind enough to pay a visit to one of our elementary schools for a special surprise. Erik Jones stopped by Chisholm Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach where his foundation, along with partner AdventHealth, donated a book vending machine. Erik has previously donated book vending machines to Blue Lake Elementary School in DeLand and Discovery Elementary in Deltona. Thank you to Erik Jones and AdventHealth for encouraging a love of learning and literacy.
As a reminder, March 14 is a teacher duty day (no school) and our schools will be closed from March 17 to March 21 for spring break. Our final grading period begins when students and teachers return on March 24. I hope everyone finds time to relax and have some fun before coming back feeling refreshed and ready to learn.
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools
