GLADES REGION FINALISTS Let the celebrations begin! It was a day of cheers, hugs, and high fives, as four amazing educators in the Glades Region were surprised to learn they were recognized as finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards. Congratulations to: • Glades Region Principal of the Year: Melanie Bolden-Morris, Glades Central Community High School • Glades Region Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Hansje Laguerre, Glades Central Community High School • Glades Region Teacher of the Year: Eric Bibeau, Crossroads Academy • Glades Region School-Related Employee of the Year: Erin Cross, Behavioral Health Professional, Glade View Elementary School Winners will be announced at the Celebrate the Great Awards in January 2027.

In Palm Beach County Schools, we are empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Educators representing more than 30 of our schools teamed up with 12 local environmental partners to spark big ideas for our classrooms during the 6th Annual Sustainability Symposium at Manatee Lagoon. Together, we are empowering educators and students to make a positive environmental impact, and discovering new ways to bring hands-on conservation and eco-friendly learning directly to our students. Special thanks to FPL and Manatee Lagoon for making this powerful collaboration possible.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Today we are visiting Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens. At Duncan, Principal Corey Ferrera says "students are challenged to discover their passions, develop their talents and achieve their goals." The school has a Literary and Fine Arts Academy, Pre-Finance Academy, and strong performing arts opportunities. She says excellence becomes a habit at Watson B. Duncan Middle School. To learn more about what the school has to offer, visit its website at wbdm.palmbeachschools.org/. You can apply to a choice program at Duncan, or any of our schools, through December 4 at mypbchoiceapp.com

We are thrilled to announce this year's finalists for the Celebrate the Great awards! Each finalist was selected by their Regional leadership team, recognizing their history of excellence and meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and the District will host a ceremony to honor the finalists in January 2027, and announce the winner in each category. All week, we'll be sharing videos of the finalists being surprised with the news. Congratulations to all of these amazing educators. We are so proud to have you on Team Palm Beach. palmbeachschools.org/about-u…

Powering futures at Omni Middle School 💫 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 medical sciences, to criminal justice, construction, performing arts, and so much more, there's a program for everyone. You can apply by visiting the website mypbchoiceapp.com. The deadline for ALL programs is December 4.

As Safe Schools Week wraps up, we are sending our deepest gratitude to our Palm Beach Schools Police Department officers 👮 Behind every thriving classroom, safe hallway, and successful morning drop-off, is a dedicated team keeping our school communities secure. Our School Police officers do so much more than protect our campuses. They build meaningful connections, serve as mentors to our students, and foster an environment where learning and growth can happen safely every single day. Thank you for making a difference! Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools @PublicSchoolSup

Congratulations to School Board member Marcia Andrews for receiving The @UrbanLeague of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast Youth Advocate and Educator Award. This award recognizes Ms. Andrews' longstanding commitment to education, youth advocacy, and public service. The Urban League praised Ms. Andrews' advocacy for students and families throughout the Glades and western communities, noting her engagement with students, career-readiness initiatives, and efforts to connect young people with educational and career opportunities. The Youth Advocate and Educator Award honors Ms. Andrews' extraordinary contributions and celebrates the example she continues to set for the next generation. Ms. Andrews will retire from the Palm Beach County School Board next month, after 16 years on the Board and a total of 51 years serving the District.

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. 🌟