September 2026 | Edition I

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Dear Friend of Wellness,

Welcome back to a new school year and to another year of sharing our monthly Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) newsletters.

Last school year, we celebrated a very special milestone — 20 years of the Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF). Established in 2006, our WPTF has spent two decades cultivating connections, supporting well-being, inspiring healthier choices, and helping create a purposeful policy and culture where wellness belongs to everyone.

What an incredible 20-year journey it has been!

We were deeply honored to have this milestone recognized with a memorable proclamation from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners on April 2, 2026.

But a milestone is not an ending...It is a moment to celebrate, give thanks, and look forward with renewed purpose.

As we begin this next chapter, our WPTF newsletters will continue to share valuable information, resources, events, and opportunities that embrace and promote the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model and its 10 components.

Because wellness is more than initiatives and programs.

Wellness is caring.

Wellness is connection.

Wellness is belonging.

Wellness is making sure no one feels alone.

Our District’s mission to educate, affirm, and inspire every student takes all of us — our students, employees, families, volunteers, and community partners. Together, we have the opportunity to nurture not only healthier schools, but also kinder, more connected, and more caring communities.

Twenty years gave us a legacy.

The years ahead give us a new opportunity to continue making a difference.

So, let us carry our legacy in our hearts and continue moving forward with compassion, hope, and purpose.

Let us continue to…

Lead with kindness.

Listen with compassion.

Build bridges.

Strengthen connections.

And create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and loved.

Because our work matters…

Our students matter.

Our employees matter.

Our families matter.

Our communities matter.

And together…we matter.

Let us keep pressing on...

Never Give UP!

Let us continue being a beacon of LIGHT for all the children and for one another...

And together, let us grow STRONGER!

~ Be healthy and safe ~

Paula

Two SDPBC High Schools

Rank Among Top 1% in the Nation

Read the full story to see the complete rankings and learn more about this achievement!

Burke at Work:

Students STEP Up

to Learn Critical

Trade Skills

In this episode of Burke at Work, Superintendent Michael J. Burke visits Glade View Elementary to get hands-on experience alongside students in the Maintenance and Plant Operations Student Temporary Employment Program, STEP.

From painting and electrical work to HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry, STEP gives high school students the opportunity to earn money, learn essential skilled trades, and gain hands-on professional experience alongside experts. See how this incredible program builds career paths and helps shape the future workforce of Team Palm Beach!

Summer

Camp

Counselor

In this episode of Burke at Work, Superintendent Michael J. Burke visited District-operated summer camps this past summer. Superintendent Mike Burke learned what it's like to be a camp counselor during a summer edition of 'Burke at Work.' He worked alongside the staff at Citrus Cove Elementary School's summer camp in Boynton Beach, doing everything from exercise to art projects to sports.



Enrolling your child in a District summer camp, especially at their home school, allows them to be in a familiar environment while sharing new experiences with friends and trusted staff members, many of whom work at the school during the year as well.

Elevating School Meals:

How the District Fuels Mind and Body

Click the image to view flyers in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.

~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~

Outrun Hunger 5K - Palm Beach County

"Take Steps Against Hunger"

Walk or run with Feeding South Florida at the Outrun Hunger 5K – Palm Beach County. Create a team with your family, friends, and co-workers to raise awareness and funds to provide meals for families facing hunger.

$1 = 4 meals

📅 When: Saturday, September 19, 2025

6:30 A.M. Check-in

📍 Where: Okeeheelee Park, West Palm Beach

Click the image to register.

Annual College & Career Fair

Students and their families are invited to attend this year’s College & Career Fair on September 22 to explore a wide range of post-secondary opportunities. Connect with more than 100 representatives from a diverse range of public and private colleges and universities, including in-state and out-of-state institutions. Learn about academic programs, admission requirements, campus life, and what each school has to offer.

📅 When:

Tuesday, September 22nd

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.



📍 Where:

South Florida Fairgrounds

12th Annual Heroes for Education 5K

Lace up your shoes to support public education in Palm Beach County at the 12th Annual Heroes For Education 5K, presented by the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum, on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at

John Prince Park in Lake Worth.

Save The Date!

Click the banner to view the September Skills for Learning & Life Newsletter.

Click the banner to view the September 2026 Green Scene 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.