The holiday season is upon is, and I know we’re all looking forward to some well-deserved time with our families. Seeing the holiday spirit fill our community and classrooms is a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for and celebrate.
Here are a few highlights from the district that made it feel like the season came early:
New safety measures on the way:
The safety and security of students and staff is our top priority, and I am pleased to share that, thanks to an investment from the Florida Legislature, we have been selected as one of three school districts in the state for a pilot program with Campus Guardian Angel, a company pioneering the use of drone technology to protect students and staff during active threat emergencies. The Guardian Angel Program deploys non-lethal drones within seconds of an emergency alert, providing real-time video to law enforcement and using deterrents like sirens, flashing lights, and pepper spray pellets to disorient potential attackers.
Making it official:
In November, we celebrated the official transfer of ownership of the Nathaniel E. Jackson Gym to the DeLand PAL program, a nonprofit dedicated to giving kids a safe, positive space for activities, mentorship, and growth outside of school. This partnership ensures the gym will continue to serve as a hub for youth programs that build character, confidence, and creativity. In the words of PAL board member and retired educator Al Bouie, “Each child has God-given gifts, and it’s up to us to provide for them the proper experiences to develop those gifts.”
Helping students “Level Up” for success:
This season of giving reminds us that the greatest gifts are those that prepare our students for a bright future.
Recently, Volusia County Schools students received an incredible gift of knowledge and mentorship at the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Level Up” event, a soft skills youth summit during which local professionals helped students sharpen the soft skills that lead to greater success. Students from every high school gathered at Daytona State College, where business and community leaders shared their time and expertise to help students strengthen essential soft skills—communication, leadership, organization, time management, punctuality, and work ethic.
We are grateful to our VCS Partners in Education for investing in our students during this special time of year. These real-world lessons are more than skills; they’re stepping stones to success, helping students bridge the gap between the classroom and their future careers. With your support, our students are ready to lead, collaborate, and shine wherever life takes them.
Superintendent’s Winter Reading Challenge:
While I encourage our students to enjoy spending quality time with their families this holiday season, I hope they also spend some quality time reading a book or two or more. My Winter Reading Challenge runs through Jan. 5, and students who record enough reading minutes in Beanstack can qualify to earn prizes. Students who log 400-599 minutes of reading can earn an hour of unlimited play at Family Fun Town’s arcade or a Sky Zone jump pass if they read 600 minutes or more. The top three winners at each level also will receive a $50 gift card to Turtle and Bea Book Boutique.
This season is a time for gratitude, and I am thankful for the collaboration and care that make Volusia County Schools a community where every child can thrive. Together, we’ve achieved milestones in academic excellence, expanded opportunities for career and technical education, and strengthened programs that support the whole child.
As we look forward to the new year, our focus remains clear: ensuring every student has the tools and resources to succeed.
May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and time to connect with loved ones. On behalf of Volusia County Schools, I wish you a safe and happy holiday and a bright start to the new year.
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools
