On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Brevard Public Schools and the Brevard Schools Foundation celebrated the district's employees of the year.

Terri Bagby, Before and After Care Coordinator at Quest Elementary, was named the BPS Employee of the Year.

Ms. Bagby was one of six finalists profiled during an evening where every school's or work site's employee of the year was honored. In all, 96 BPS employees were celebrated for their work and leadership.

Video: Meet Terri Bagby

Thank you to the Brevard Schools Foundation for hosting the Employee of the Year celebration. We also would like to thank event sponsor Community Credit Union for their support of education in Brevard County. 

It is awards season at BPS, and on Wednesday, Nov. 15, we surprised the six finalists for the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Award.

The finalists are:

• Jeffrey Draves – Social Studies Teacher at Viera High
• Chef Michelle Noble – Culinary Arts Teacher at Titusville High
• Deborah Price – 6th Grade Teacher at Riviera Elementary
• Colleen Rockstraw – School Counselor at Southwest Middle
• Alicia Street – Content Specialist at School District
• Ashley Varela – 6th Grade Teacher at Endeavour Elementary

The district’s Teacher of the Year will be announced at the ABC Awards on February 1, 2024.

Three BPS schools are among the 73 Florida schools awarded the Purple Star School of Distinction due to their support for military families.

Roosevelt Elementary School, Sea Park Elementary School, and Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School were all announced as Purple Star schools by Governor Ron DeSantis.

To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, schools are required to maintain the following:

• A school military point of contact to serve as the central liaison for military families.
• A school webpage for military students and families that includes resources like academic planning, transition planning, and educational opportunities.
• A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school.
• Staff professional development to identify and respond to the needs of military families.
• Five (5) percent open enrollment seats for military students and families.
• Three additional activities to support military families, such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or offering a JROTC program, among others.
• For this year’s recipients, the Purple Star School of Distinction designation lasts through the 2025-26 school year.

Last year, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, Holland Elementary School, and Quest Elementary School were honored as Purple Star Schools of Distinction.

For more information about the Purple Star Schools of Distinction program and a complete list of schools, visit Purple Star School of Distinction Designation. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary School hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to open their new playground! This playground is even more special because it is accessible to ALL of their students! The playground is unique for being the first in Brevard Public Schools with an intentional ESE inclusion, a Trans-Glide. The Trans-Glide is an innovative and fun activity that enables wheelchair-bound students to play with their peers. The Trans-Glide has a geared handle mechanism that activates a gliding back-and-forth motion. While most of the playground was funded through state surtax, the Trans-Glide was funded entirely through the school’s PTO. 

Thank you to Principal Gaumond, Assistant Principal Oberbeck, and Creel PTO for helping make this playground possible for the students. Thank you to the Melbourne Police Department and mural artist Jesse Travis for supporting Creel as well.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Marine Science students at Cocoa High School took a field trip to Manatee Cove Park in Merritt Island to kayak on the Indian River Lagoon. Guided by Calypso Kayaking Tours, over 50 students took to the waters. This was the first experience on a kayak for many of the students, making it a special and eye-opening adventure for some. As the group glided through the pristine river waters, the students were able to interact with wildlife, including non-stinging cone jellyfish, crabs, birds, and a small group of dolphins on the hunt for their lunch. After collecting water samples that will be tested in their science lab at Cocoa High School, the group explored one of the many islands scattered throughout the Indian River Lagoon to observe one of the most biodiverse and important ecosystems in Florida.

Thank you to Lockheed Martin, a generous partner of Brevard Public Schools, for making this trip happen. Lockheed Martin gifted Cocoa High School with a special grant specifically aimed at helping students study the health of the Indian River Lagoon by testing water samples taken from various spots in the river at different points throughout the year. Science students will study the nitrate levels, algae blooms, and other chemicals and components found within the river system. Thank you to Cocoa High School Science Coach, Dennis Mattson, Cocoa High School Marine Science Teacher, Matthew Sandle, the chaperones, the district officials, and Calypso Kayaking Tours for making this trip as exhilarating and informative as possible.

This is the first of four trips that will take place in the fall and spring of this school year. Eventually, every Marine Science student will have the opportunity to attend this engaging outing, with many students attending multiple times.

While the day trip was undoubtedly a fun time outside of the classroom, it was more than a simple day of playing around on the water. While observing the students laughing and making the most of a beautiful day, Mr. Mattson noted that, “In 10 years, these kids might not even remember my name, but what they will remember is this day. This could be the moment when they realize they have found a new passion or an interest to expand on in their future.”

Elisa Frye is the Heart of Brevard!

The Heart of Brevard is a person who puts their heart and soul into teaching, inspiring, and supporting our children in whatever role they play in BPS.

If you know of a BPS staff member or community partner who is the “Heart of Brevard,” nominate them HERE!

We’re Hiring School Bus Drivers!

Why drive for BPS?

• No experience necessary + paid training time
• CDL License provided at no cost
• Drive in an area convenient for you
• $20/hr. starting pay + eligible for up to $1500 bonus
• Eligible for BPS benefits

Superintendent's Town Hall Meeting

Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell's next Town Hall will take place Wednesday, Dec. 6 at John F. Kennedy Middle School at 6:00 p.m. 

Make your calendars and plan to attend.

The Independent Citizens Committee for Millage Oversight will conduct their first meeting and officer elections on November 28, 2023 at the Brevard Public Schools district office in Training Rooms 5&6 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The public is welcome but space will be limited.

Contact Email: mason.corey@brevardschools.org

PreK-12 Scholarship Programs

Florida provides a variety of school choice options, inclusive of scholarship programs. Please check our website for information related to the following scholarships: Family Empowerment Scholarship and Hope Scholarship. 

Brevard County Festival of Wreaths

The five-member school board elected Megan Wright as the next School Board Chair during Tuesday’s board meeting. Gene Trent was also chosen as the Vice Chair. Previously, Matt Susin represented District 4 as the board’s chair, and Megan Wright represented District 1 as the vice chair for the past year.

During the meeting, the board approved the meeting dates and times for the calendar year 2024. The schedule can be seen here: 2024 Board Meeting Schedule

Additionally, the Titusville High School NJROTC conducted a demonstration for the board and the audience. You can see video of them in action here: https://youtu.be/NWfffosDyn0

The board also sanctioned the naming of two high school tracks in honor of individuals who made a significant impact on their school community. The board approved the dedication of Cocoa High’s track to James Folston, an esteemed Cocoa High alumnus, coach, and mentor to student athletes for many years. https://sites.google.com/share.brevardschools.org/cocoahighschoolproposedtrackna/home

Cocoa Track Video: https://youtu.be/azZlVt4Ws1M

Furthermore, Viera High’s track will be dedicated to Mike Acosta and Brittany Steufert, recognized for their contributions through community events supporting athletics, music programs, and various community groups. https://sites.google.com/share.brevardschools.org/vierahs/home

Viera Track Video: https://youtu.be/lPRVPW7c538