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February 2026 | Edition VI
| | To view this newsletter in its entirety, click on 'View entire message' found at the bottom of your screen. | | DISTRICT & COMMUNITY UPDATES | | |
Dear Friend of Wellness,
As we embrace this month of LOVE, and prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day this Saturday, let us remember that love is not only expressed in words — it is demonstrated through unity, service, and shared responsibility. It is found in the daily encouragement we offer, the trust we build, and the care we extend to every child and to one another.
We are pleased to share the release of the FY25 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report, which will be presented to our School Board Members and District Leadership. This comprehensive report reflects another year of meaningful progress and continued collaboration in advancing the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) culture across our District.
The WSCC framework reminds us that when we intentionally support the whole child, we strengthen the entire community. Through partnership, alignment, and dedication at every level of practice, we are building environments where students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
Thank you for the compassion, professionalism, and commitment you demonstrate each day. Your work embodies love in action and unity in purpose.
As we move forward, let us continue to choose kindness, foster connection, and remain steadfast in our shared mission.
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
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FY25 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report
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In this edition of the newsletter, we are proud to share the FY25 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report which highlights the District’s commitment to the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
This comprehensive report showcases numerous initiatives, projects, and accomplishments across all 10 WSCC components, reflecting our ongoing dedication to fairness, access, and continuous improvement.
We appreciate the phenomenal collaboration that made this robust report possible. We invite you to explore how our internal and external stakeholders support the wellness of our students, staff, families, and community.
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Whole School, Whole Community,Whole Child
~ WSCC UPDATES ~
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School District Celebrates Another Increase in
High School Graduation Rates
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The School District of Palm Beach County is celebrating its highest ever graduation rate according to new data released by the Florida Department of Education. The 2025 graduation rate, including District-operated and charter schools, increased from 92.1% to 93.5% overall. The graduation rate for District-operated high schools increased from 95.9% to 96.7%.
"Maintaining high graduation rates requires a relentless focus on academic excellence and a commitment to preparing every student to be college and workforce ready,” Superintendent Michael Burke said. “This success affirms our status as an 'A' rated, Academically High-Performing School District and is driven by the collective effort of 'Team Palm Beach' and the support of our community. Congratulations to our graduates and their families!"
Read more about this record-setting accomplishment.
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Celebrating Excellence:
The 5th Annual Celebrate the Great Awards
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Congratulations to the Winners:
Principal of the Year
Dr. Tameka Robinson
Santaluces Community High
Assistant Principal of the Year
Syrenthia Boldin
Pahokee Elementary
Teacher of the Year
LaWanna S. Jackson
Galaxy E3 Elementary
School-Related Employee of the Year
Connie Sterling
Equestrian Trails Elementary
| | The School District of Palm Beach County, along with the Education Foundation, honors the 2026-2027 Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and School-Related Employee of the Year during the Celebrate the Great Awards. Winners were announced on January 29th during a ceremony at the new Center for Public School Excellence and Innovation. The winners will represent the District as they go on to compete at the State level as part of the Florida Department of Education recognition programs. | | Behind the Badge with Officer John Brock | | Meet Officer John Brock. A 10-year veteran at Boca Raton Community High, his deep experience makes him a trusted mentor who treats every student like family. | | |
Free Books and Resources Available to
Eligible Florida Students
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The New Worlds Reading Initiative strives to improve literacy among Florida students by providing families with the tools to read and grow at home.
This state-supported program, administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, provides free books and resources to eligible Florida students. Books ship between October and June each school year.
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Free Tax Services
by the United Way of Palm Beach County
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United Way of Palm Beach County’s Taxes Filed Free Initiative provides free, confidential, and secure tax preparation and e-filing for qualifying taxpayers. To qualify, incomes must be $78,000 or less.
Taxpayers can choose from two options, both supported by IRS-Certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers:
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Filed For You – Face-to-face tax preparation at county VITA sites, no appointment required.
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Filed Yourself – File online with access to support via email, webchat, or helpline.
For site locations and more information, visit www.MyFreeTaxes.com or call 2-1-1.
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Young Singers of the Palm Beaches (YSPB) is Palm Beach County’s community chorus for singers in grades 2–12.
The YSPB Mary Murray Family 5K Walk/Run is a great way to walk or run with family and friends and then enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. All proceeds benefit scholarships for children who are unable to afford tuition. Your participation helps ensure that any singer who wants to participate can find their voice.
📅When: Saturday, February 14, 2026
8:00 A.M.
📍Where: Okeeheelee Park, WPB, FL
| | February Let's Move 365 Classes! | | This February, get active with Let's Move through free fitness events offered throughout Palm Beach County. Click the image to view the full February schedule. | |
2026 Let's Move Campaign:
Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge
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Join the 14th annual Let’s Move March Challenge from March 1-31, 2026, and commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day!
Presented annually by Digital Vibez, Inc. and Palm Health Foundation, this county-wide initiative encourages Palm Beach County residents to prioritize their health through movement—whether it’s a walk, dance, or workout. Learn more and get involved here.
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ATTENTION:
District EMPLOYEES Only
| | 'The School District Palm Beach County' Let's Move Team | | | |
Registration is Now Open!
A team called “The School District of Palm Beach County” was created on the Let’s Move website, with each school and department added as sub-teams under the overall District team.
How to Join the SDPBC Team:
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Go to www.letsmovepbc.org
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Click on the “JOIN A TEAM” button on the homepage to ‘CREATE NEW ACCOUNT.’
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Enter your ‘LOGIN INFORMATION’ and ‘PERSONAL INFORMATION.’
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Under ‘JOIN A TEAM’:
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Select “The School District of Palm Beach County” under “Organization/Team Name.”
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Choose your respective school or department name under “Sub-Team/Department Name.”
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Click “Submit.”
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You will then receive a Registration Confirmation Email from Let’s Move Website.
| | | The school site that logs the most minutes during the March 2026 Let’s Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge will win and receive a $1,000 small grant to support their physical activity programming. | | AACY Hearts & “Soles” Sneaker Ball Benefit | | |
Join the American Association of Caregiving Youth on March 13, 2026 at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton for the Hearts & “Soles” Sneaker Ball, a benefit honoring caregiving youth—middle and high school students who provide care for family members while pursuing their education. This inspiring evening celebrates their resilience and helps fund programs that support their academic and personal success.
Save the date and be part of an unforgettable night that uplifts and champions these remarkable young people!
| | | 12th Annual SMHaW Conference | |
ATTENTION:
District EMPLOYEES Only
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The 12th Annual Student Mental Health and Wellness Conference, "Resilience Through Connection: Empowering Schools with Empathy, Unity and Wellness," takes place on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Park Vista Community High School.
The in-person, full-day conference will include a keynote featuring the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, break-out sessions, and a community resource fair, providing information and strategies supporting student and staff resiliency, well-being, and mental health.
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Workforce Education Scholarships for
Graduating SDPBC Seniors
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The Department of Adult and Community Education is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 to help graduating seniors enroll in career and trade programs at District Technical Centers and Schools.
Awards may be used toward tuition, supplies, and required program fees.
Eligible pathways include Medical Sciences, Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Carpentry, and more.
| Due date: March 12, 2026 @ 12:00 P.M. | | | |
The Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) Scholarship supports young women graduating from Palm Beach County high schools who plan to attend select local colleges, helping them continue their education and grow as future community leaders. Applications are now available. Please share this opportunity with others who may be interested!
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Click the banner to view the February skills for Learning & Life Newsletter. | | 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. | | 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. | | | | |
