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,
Happy New Year. As we step into 2026, let us do so with grateful hearts, renewed hope, and a continued commitment to caring for ourselves and one another. January invites us to pause with intention—reflecting on our journey while moving forward thoughtfully and together.
This school year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the District Wellness Promotion Policy (2.035) and the Wellness Promotion Task Force. For two decades, this work has been guided by collaboration, purpose, and a shared belief that wellness is foundational to success. We extend our sincere gratitude to all stakeholders—past and present—whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership have helped build and sustain a culture where well-being, fairness, and opportunity for all remain priorities for our students, staff, families, and community.
As we move through the midpoint of the school year, our District remains steadfast in embracing and promoting the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSSC) culture every day. By continuing to lead with compassion, resilience, mutual respect, and a spirit of collaboration, we strengthen our collective ability to support positive and lasting outcomes for all.
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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Whole School, Whole Community,Whole Child
~ WSCC UPDATES ~
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Go Behind the Badge for
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
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In recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed on January 9, get to know the brave men and women of the District's School Police Department through the 'Behind the Badge' video series.
Take a look at how they go above and beyond to protect our students and staff by watching Behind the Badge and learning more about our School Police Officers.
| | | January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month | | |
January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and The School District of Palm Beach County is promoting January 2026 as a time to raise awareness, increase prevention efforts, and strengthen reporting practices across our schools.
District Employees: Please view Bulletin #P 26-188 DSCOS for more information and resources on Human Tracking Prevention.
| | January is National Blood Donor Month | | January is National Blood Donor Month, a dedicated time to honor the generosity of volunteer blood donors and raise awareness about the ongoing need for lifesaving blood donations. One pint of donated blood can save multiple lives, and every donation helps ensure hospitals have what they need for emergencies, surgeries, chronic care, and more. Whether you are a regular donor or considering giving for the first time, this month is a great opportunity to make a life-saving impact in our community! | | |
Free Tax Services
by the United Way of Palm Beach
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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.
| | Greenacres Education Fair | | | | |
Looking to advance your education or career? The Greenacres Education Fair is a free community event connecting residents and employees with colleges, universities, and technical programs from across the region. Attendees can explore degree and certification programs, workforce training opportunities, and financial aid resources, including FAFSA guidance. Registration is encouraged.
📅When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
📍Where: Greenacres Community Center
| | 2026 Lynn University Wellness Summit | | |
Join Lynn University for the second annual Wellness Summit!
This half-day event supports clinicians, educators, and helping professionals with CE-eligible sessions, a keynote by Dr. Jon Sperry, wellness activities, networking, and more, all centered on this year’s theme, “Helping the Helping Professional.”
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📅When: Friday, February 13, 2026
9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
📍Where: Lynn University - University Center
| | | 16th Annual School Bus Drug Prevention Contest | | |
The 16th Annual School Bus Drug Prevention Media Contest is now open for students in grades K–12 to enter before the February 8, 2026 deadline.
Students are encouraged to inspire their peers to make healthy choices using the theme “Art of Self-Care: Alcohol-Free or Vape-Free” or another positive message that promotes wellness and a drug-free lifestyle.
Submissions may include creative posters, digital artwork, or engaging short video reels.
For full contest details and submission guidelines, visit www.pbcbusposter.org.
| | | 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 | | | | |
The 12th Annual Student Mental Health and Wellness Conference will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The in-person, full-day conference will feature a keynote speaker, 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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Interested in presenting?
Submit your workshop proposal and be part of a conference that empowers students and supports their well-being.
| | 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! | | The Palm Health Foundation offers scholarships for students pursuing nursing education at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level. These awards support local students as they train to advance in the nursing profession and strengthen our community’s healthcare workforce. Applications are open now, with a deadline of February 1st. | |
Click the banner to view the January 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. | | | | |
