On Dec. 8, the Cocoa High School football team claimed their sixth state title in school history after defeating the Bradford Tornadoes, 20-6, in the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2S State Championship. Notably, Cocoa has secured back-to-back state championships under the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Schneider.

The Tigers overcame four turnovers and scored 20 unanswered points to hand Bradford their first loss of the season.

Bradford took advantage of a costly fumble by Cocoa in the first quarter and jumped out to an early 6-0 lead. However, that would be their only lead of the game.

Cocoa reclaimed the lead with a 36-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brady Hart to wide receiver Nicholas Teeter and never looked back.

Late in the second quarter, Cocoa took over at their own one-yard line and still managed to march downfield, advancing 99 yards into prime scoring position. Bradford had four penalties on the drive, and Cocoa methodically capitalized on their mistakes. The long drive was punctuated with a 10-yard touchdown run from running back Latrison Lane.

Cocoa led 14-6 at halftime with a shot at making history in sight.

In what became a defensive slugfest, both teams were kept out of the endzone in the second half, but Cocoa kicker Gunnar Trout made two field goals to extend their lead and ice the game for the Tigers.

Coach Schneider had this to say after Cocoa’s championship victory:

Our sixth state championship title is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We truly believe that our football program is one of the best in the nation. That mindset alone gives our athletes the energy to execute on a high level. As we celebrate this triumph, we look forward to carrying the momentum into the offseason, honing our skills, and preparing for even greater achievements. This win is a testament to our teamwork, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Our students' athletes understand the ‘Cocoa Standard.’ We are proud to represent our community, and we aim to continue making them proud in the seasons to come.

The district congratulates each player and coach for a truly dominant run this season. Their hard work, dedication, and achievements have proudly upheld the tradition of excellence at Cocoa High School!

On Dec. 7, Kennedy Middle School transported students, staff, and families back in time during its 25th annual Medieval Festival. The school's common areas underwent a stunning metamorphosis into the enchanting realm of "Castle Kennedy." Before families could step into Castle Kennedy, they found themselves forming long, winding lines that stretched outside the school. This highly anticipated event attracted a large crowd, with families patiently waiting, eager for the promise of an unforgettable experience.

As the lines slowly advanced, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The medieval journey began as students, adorned as guides, led families through the school's transformed hallways. These knowledgeable docents shared insights into the medieval period, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all. Along the way, the hallways came alive due to the lively skits performed by the students, leaving families delighted and captivated even before crossing the castle threshold.

Upon reaching Castle Kennedy, families were treated to the delightful opportunity to explore the focal point of this medieval spectacle, the guild village, a masterfully crafted setting entirely handmade by the students themselves. Inside the guild village, the students showcased their creativity and craftsmanship. Authentic medieval delicacies, prepared by the students, were available for purchase, providing a truly immersive experience.

The festival reached its crescendo with a captivating mini-medieval concert from the talented Kennedy band and orchestra. Their musical talents resonated throughout the campus, creating a magical atmosphere and leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

Kennedy Middle School's 25th Annual Medieval Festival not only celebrated a quarter-century of tradition but also showcased the dedication, creativity, and talent of its students. The event continues to serve as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the school community.

On Dec. 5, the Brevard Public Schools Partners in Education (PIE) team joined forces with The Children's Hunger Project to give back to the community. With a special appearance by School Board Chair and District 1 representative Megan Wright, the team was able to pack 773 meals in one hour for the benefit of our students. 

For nearly 4,000 children in Brevard County, once they leave school for the weekend, they won’t receive their next meal until Monday morning when they arrive at school for breakfast. Fortunately, due to the invaluable assistance of the Children’s Hunger Project, elementary school children in Brevard County are supplied with dedicated weekend food packages on a weekly basis.

Volunteer your time or contribute to the Children's Hunger Project today. Together, we can ensure that no child in Brevard County goes hungry. Your support matters – whether through hands-on volunteering or donations, every action counts. Let's work towards a hunger-free future for our community.

Click here to get involved now.

During Thanksgiving weekend, art students from Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School participated in the Cocoa Beach Art Show. There were over 150 artists, musicians, and exhibitors from across the country at the event. In the Fine Art category of the student art exhibit, Sara Rivera was awarded first place, Julia Martinez was awarded second place, and Lucina Ingram was awarded third place. In the 3D Art category, Aston Weber took home first place, with Maya Hornquist placing third in Digital Art. Also, Kahili Carey received the Judges Award.

Congratulations to all the talented artists involved!

On Dec. 8, Lockmar Elementary's Destination Mars team had the extraordinary opportunity to engage with Capt. Nathan Tubbs from the United States Space Force as part of the STEMtoSpace event.

Capt. Tubbs delivered a passionate and interactive presentation, breaking down the traditional notion that only astronauts play a role in space missions. With enthusiasm and expertise, he shed light on the diverse array of professions contributing to the success of space endeavors, ranging from engineering and art to science and mechanics.

The presentation concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, allowing students to reflect on their experiences with Destination Mars and gain insights into how their learning translates into real-world applications within the United States Space Force. Capt. Tubbs encouraged the students to consider the broader impact of their education on current and future space programs.

In turn, the students had the opportunity to inquire about Capt. Tubbs' personal experiences in the military, further humanizing the figure behind the uniform. This exchange not only deepened the students' understanding of the diverse career paths within the Space Force but also served as an inspirational dialogue, fueling aspirations and sparking curiosity about the possibilities that lie beyond our atmosphere.

Makaylee Orend 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!

In this podcast episode, we welcome Dr. Mark Rendell, fresh from his inaugural semester as the Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools. Join us as we reflect on the remarkable, sometimes challenging, and always thrilling events that unfolded during Dr. Rendell's initial months in office.

Join Team BPS!

Looking to support our schools? Consider joining #TeamBPS! Full-time and part-time support positions are available district-wide. Visit www.JoinTeamBPS.com to view openings and apply!

The Florida Institute of Technology has introduced the Brevard Boundless Opportunity Grant, a transformative initiative designed to eliminate financial barriers for high-achieving students from Brevard County. This grant ensures that eligible students incur zero costs for tuition and fees by providing additional funds equal to the gap between tuition and other gift assistance.

To qualify, students must reside in Brevard County, complete the FAFSA, be Federal Pell Grant eligible, qualify for the Florida Academic Scholarship or Florida Medallion Scholarship (Bright Futures), and apply and be admitted to Florida Tech by May 1. The grant reflects Florida Tech's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education, fostering a diverse and talent-rich campus.

Former Florida Tech president Dr. T. Dwayne McCay emphasized that this grant opens doors to boundless possibilities for Brevard County students, reinforcing the university's dedication to educational excellence and community support.

More information can be found here.

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 Public Schools’ newest middle school now has a name. During Tuesday’s meeting, the School Board voted to approve “Viera Middle School” as the name of the new school being built next to Viera High School. The process to name the school began in August with a public meeting where community members were able to give input on a variety of aspects of the new school. A naming committee was created in early October, and 6th grade students who will attend the school took part in the process in late October, with 41.9% of the students voting for Viera Middle as the name. The new school will open in August 2024.

Meadowlane Intermediate’s chorus helped set the Christmas spirit at the beginning of the meeting with their performance. You can watch the entire performance, featuring participation from the board and our superintendent, here.