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September 2025 | Edition I
| | 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,
Welcome back to a new school year and to mid-September…where we begin another year of sharing our monthly Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) newsletters with you through June 2026.
This year marks a very special milestone…the 20th anniversary of our Wellness Promotion Task Force, established in 2006. For two decades, our WPTF has been a catalyst for meaningful change, connection, and care throughout our District and community. We are proud of the legacy we have built together -- and even more inspired by what lies ahead.
Our District continues to be grounded in its mission to educate, affirm, and inspire every student within an equity-embedded school system. This mission is only possible with the strength of our village…over 22,800 employees, including more than 13,000 teachers, along with families, volunteers, and countless community partners working hand in hand.
These ten monthly WPTF newsletters will continue to highlight valuable information, resources, and events that promote the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Through the lens of the 10 WSCC components, we aim to support the overall wellness of our students, staff, families, and the broader community.
As we step into this new school year, we do so in a time that reminds us of both the fragility and the power of human connection. The 9/11 anniversary and other recent events weigh heavily on many hearts. In these moments, we remember that wellness is not just about physical health…it’s about belonging.
“Perhaps wellness isn't about climbing a pyramid from bottom to top, but about nurturing our connections first…The foundation of human flourishing might not be food and shelter—it might be love.”
This reimagining of Maslow’s hierarchy encourages us to see love and belonging not as luxuries, but as essentials. When people feel safe, seen, and supported…they can thrive.
So, as we navigate another school year…and celebrate 20 years of wellness advocacy – let us:
- Lead with kindness
- Listen more deeply
- Build bridges where there might be gaps
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And continue to build a culture of belonging in every corner of our school communities
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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Today, we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
On this Patriot Day, we recognize all who continue to be affected, including some of our very own Palm Beach School Police Officers who served as first responders on that day.
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Whole School, Whole Community,Whole Child
~ WSCC UPDATES ~
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Burke at Work -
Summer School Food Service
| In this episode of "Burke at Work," Superintendent Mike Burke rolls up his sleeves and helps out the amazing School Food Service team at Timber Trace Elementary! It's summer, but these dedicated professionals are still hard at work, making sure students have hot, nutritious lunches. | |  | |
Free Breakfast and Lunch
for ALL Students
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School Food Service will continue to offer FREE breakfast and lunch during the 2025-2026 school year at all schools that participate with us in the National School Lunch Program.
Students can enjoy a nutritious breakfast each morning with options like sandwiches, cereal, eggs, pancakes, and more. For lunch, choices include pizza, salads, macaroni and cheese, and daily vegetarian options.
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Summer Interns Gained Experience with
Future Careers
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Seminole Ridge Construction Academy
Habitat for Humanity Home
| | | | The District is proud to celebrate the dedication of the Ramsey Family Home, the 11th house built by students from the Weitz Construction Academy at Seminole Ridge Community High School. The dedication and hard work of these talented students have made a lasting impact on a local family. The District is honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County to make dreams a reality. | | September is Hunger Action Month | | This week is Suicide Prevention Awareness Week | |
Art and Essay Contest Celebrating
Florida’s Hispanic Heritage
| | Bring Sun Safety to Your School! | | Boca Helping Hands Job Training Program | | |
Boca Helping Hands’ Job Training Program is designed to provide vocational training, mentorship, and support, empowering participants to pursue their career interests
and build a sustainable future.
| | Feeding South Florida Outrun Hunger 5K | | |
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 20, 2025
6:30 A.M. Check-in
📍 Where: Okeeheelee Park, West Palm Beach
| | Students and their families are invited to attend the annual College & Career Fair to explore a wide range of post-secondary opportunities. Connect with over 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, admissions requirements, campus life, and the unique opportunities each school has to offer. This is also a unique opportunity for students and their families to gather insights, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. | | |
📅 When: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
📍 Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach
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| 11th Annual Heroes for Education 5K | | |
Lace up your athletic shoes and join the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County for the 11th Annual Heroes for Education 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare and Optum, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. This exciting and inspiring event promotes health and wellness, while also raising money and support for the A-rated School District of Palm Beach County.
Cash prizes will be given to the Palm Beach County public schools with the largest teams, as well as the fastest teams. And you don’t want to miss the popular School Mascot Race. Every Palm Beach County public school mascot that competes gets $100 for their school, and the fastest mascot on the move wins $250.
| | Attn: District Educators and/or Green Champions | | | |
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Registration is now open!!!
Space is limited to the first 60 educators and Green Champions.
Secure your spot today!
Enjoy a day of presentations,
networking, raffle prizes,
and professional growth
with refreshments and lunch provided.
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NAMIWalks Palm Beach County
| | Whether you walk, run, or simply show up in support, your participation helps fuel NAMI’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. | |
🗓️ When: Saturday, November 1, 2025
8:15 A.M.
📍 Where: Eric Call Pavilion at
John Prince Park, Lake Worth Beach
| | | | The American Caregiving Youth Institute Destination Conference | | |
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🗓️ When: Thursday, November 13, 2025
8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
📍 Where: Safe Schools Institute,
Boca Raton
| | 26th Annual RDK Luncheon & Fashion Show | | |
Preparations have begun for the
Richard David Kann Foundation 2026 Luncheon & Fashion Show!
Mark your calendars. More details to follow.
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Read the August- September Edition of
The Well of PBC!
| | Click on the banner to view the September 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. | | | | |
