April 2026 | Edition VIII

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Dear Friend of Wellness,

Happy Spring! As we move through the month of April, we are reminded that this season represents renewal, growth, and continued opportunity to make a meaningful impact. With just a few weeks remaining in the 2025–2026 schoolyear, let us remain focused, energized, and committed to supporting the success and well-being of every student, employee, and community partner we serve.

What began as a way to stay connected during challenging times has continued to flourish into a trusted and valued communication tool. Our Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) newsletter reflects the collective voice and dedication of individuals who champion the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) culture each and every day. Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of this journey.

In celebration of this season—and in recognition of Earth Day on April 22nd—we encourage everyone to take time to step outside, reconnect with nature, and reflect on ways we can care for both our environment and ourselves. Whether it’s planting something new, taking a walk, or simply pausing to appreciate the world around you, every small action contributes to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

We are pleased to share that we had a wonderful 20th Anniversary Wellness Celebration Luncheon on April 2nd. It was a truly special milestone event for our District, celebrated in the company of so many remarkable individuals who continue to support and uplift our wellness initiatives. Another communication will be shared by next week, highlighting many of the meaningful moments, along with valuable assets and resources from this commemorative celebration.

Let's keep pressing on and...

Never Give UP!

Continue being a beacon of LIGHT for all the children and each other...

let's grow STRONGER together!

~ Be healthy and safe ~

Paula

School Food Service Named Finalist in

National Recipe Competition

The SFS team has been named a finalist in the J.T.M. Crave Recipe Contest. This year’s contest is a “Tournament of Champions,” allowing only previous winners to compete. The team previously won the top award in 2023 for Queso Chicken Chili. For the 2026 competition, the team entered Pastelón, also known as “Caribbean Lasagna.” Pastelón is a sweet and savory casserole dish made with Latin Caribbean ingredients such as plantains, sofrito, and seasoned ground meat. School Food Service’s Pastelón will advance to the finals at a “Crave Throwdown” during the School Nutrition Association National Conference this July, alongside three other finalists' recipes.

Students Explore Personal Heritage to

Experience American History

Lighthouse Elementary School second graders recently brought history to life during their annual Ellis Island re-enactment, immersing students in the American immigrant experience through interactive, hands-on learning.

Read the full story to learn more about this meaningful tradition, its impact on students, and how the event also highlights the school’s commitment to specialized learning, which will expand with a new Arts Choice program (Visual, Performing & Communications) launching in fall 2026.

The SDPBC is Now Enrolling the Class of 2039

Click the banner to learn more about kindergarten registration process and

how to find your zoned school.

After-School Program Registration

is open for 2026-2027 School Year

The School District of Palm Beach County offers high-quality after-school programs designed to meet the fundamental needs of students during out-of-school time. These programs provide a safe and secure environment where children can engage in wholesome, enriching activities that deliver meaningful out-of-school time experiences.

Parents can register for an after-school program by visiting the online registration portal, Eleyo to submit an after-school program registration contract request.

16th Annual School Bus Drug Prevention

Media Contest Winners 

Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition announced the winners of the 16th Annual School Bus Drug Prevention Media Contest. This year, more than 800 SDPBC students shared creative messages promoting healthy, substance-free lifestyles through the theme “The Art of Self-Care.”

Winning artwork will soon be displayed on over 800 school buses, reaching thousands of students daily. In addition to recognition, students earned scholarships, gift cards, and community service hours.



Explore this year’s winning poster and video entries below!

~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~

SAAM April 2026 Calendar of Events

Click the logo to explore a full week of impactful events happening across Palm Beach County in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Teen Career Conference 2026

The EJS Project Teen Career Conference 2026 is a free, interactive event for students in grades 9–12 focused on career exploration, mentorship, and skill-building. Students will have the opportunity to attend workshops, participate in mock interviews, and connect with professionals from a variety of industries.

Share this opportunity so students can take advantage of this valuable experience.

🗓Date: Saturday, April 18

⏰Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

📍Location: PBSC

Earth Day Coastal Clean-up

Join Visit Palm Beach for a community-wide Earth Day Coastal Cleanup and help protect our beautiful local shores. Kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis for an on-water cleanup experience.

Volunteers can enjoy a meaningful day of service, earn community service hours, and receive a 10% discount on a future Visit Palm Beach excursion.



Let’s work together to keep Palm Beach County clean, green, and thriving!

🗓Date: April 22, 2026

⏰Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

📍Location: 138 South Flagler Drive,

West Palm Beach, Florida

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

The District will observe Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Thursday, April 23, 2026. K–12 students may accompany a parent or guardian to work and will receive an excused absence with a submitted note. District employees bringing children to work must receive prior supervisor approval and remain responsible for them throughout the day. This event helps students explore careers and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences!

HMHB Virtual Wellness Presentation

If you are a healthcare provider or professional who works directly with families, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Palm Beach County invites you to a session designed to support your role in navigating pediatric vaccination conversations. Gain tools to communicate effectively, address concerns with confidence, and promote informed decision-making.



Register today to reserve your spot!

🗓Date: April 23, 2026

⏰Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

📍Location: ZOOM

 Flamingo Run for Rescues 5K 

Run or walk the scenic trails of Riverbend Park while supporting local animal rescues, including Palm Beach Purrs, Great Dane Rescue of South Florida, Kelly’s Fosters, and Wild Whiskers.



Dress in your best pink or flamingo-themed outfit and enjoy a fun, energetic atmosphere. Registration includes a race shirt, a flamingo finisher medal, and a cooling towel and water at the finish line.

🗓Date: May 9, 2026

⏰Time: 7:00 a.m.

📍Location: 9060 Indiantown Road

Jupiter, FL US 33478

Upcoming Events for Youth and Families -

City of Greenacres

Click the flyers to learn more.

Click the banner to view the April skills for Learning & Life Newsletter.

~WELLNESS PROMOTION~

The District's Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) purpose is to create an educational forum that allows students, staff, parents, community partners, and members of the public to successfully collaborate in the promotion of healthier lives. With the District's ultimate goal of improving student performance, the direction of the Wellness Promotion Task Force is to encourage a proactive approach to holistically address the health, wellness, and safety of all school children and staff.

Interested in subscribing?

Email us: wellness@palmbeachschools.org

Disclaimer: Information, viewpoints, opinions and comments expressed in this 'Wellness Promotion: District & Community Updates' newsletter are those of the individual organization(s) and/or presenter(s), are for informational purposes only, and may not indicate ratification or sponsorship by The School District of Palm Beach County. We are sending out this newsletter to provide information that may be helpful to our students and their families, staff, and the community-at-large.