Gradebook Parent Email Notification System
The Gradebook Parent Email Notification System is being launched. Parents can go into the Pinnacle Parent Internet Viewer and sign up to have emails sent to them concerning their student’s grades. The first time parents sign up, an email will be sent to them with a letter that they need to sign and return to their school. Click here for PIV

Parent Involvement Checklist
Children grow every day, and the research shows that increased parental involvement directly affects student achievement. The Okaloosa District Schools is proud to provide a checklist that may be used by family members and guardians to assist our students. More (8/09)

Mayor Mike Anderson visited Bruner last week and spoke to students in social studies classes about his responsibilities and the operations within the city. Mr. Cihanowic, an eighth grade US History teacher, setup the event so the Spartans could meet the mayor, ask questions, and learn about the local government.

FCAT Scores Continue to Show Improvement for Okaloosa County Students- BEST in Florida

With the most recent announcement of FCAT results, it is obvious that the Okaloosa County School District continues its legacy of excellence.  A greater percentage than ever of our students are reading at proficiency, completing complex math problems, and understanding scientific concepts.  In addition, our African American students have narrowed the achievement gap in all subjects.  This is a result of the hard work of our teachers in the classroom and the commitment to excellence of students and parents.  Through training, the use of reading strategies, and the application of science and math concepts for relevant learning, our teachers excel in their efforts to prepare students for a lifetime of success.  Congratulations to all students and teachers in our district!  On Thursday, June 12, 2008, parents may view their students’ scores via the FCAT Parent Network using the secure login and password provided by your school.  Printed reports of individual student scores will be made available next week.

As a result of our secondary school literacy focus, all middle and high schools in Okaloosa County showed reading gains in percent of students proficient.  The greatest gains in secondary reading were at Bruner and Pryor Middle Schools and Baker and Laurel Hill high Schools.  Elliott Point and Laurel Hill Elementary schools both had 7% reading percentage gains.  Growth at these schools is especially significant due to their socio-economic status.  Eglin Elementary showed the highest math gain in the district with a 13% increase in proficient students.  In middle school, Meigs Middle School and Laurel Hill Middle School demonstrated 7% student proficiency gains in math.  Baker High School showed a 5% proficiency gain in math; the greatest high school math gains in the district.  In science, tested at eighth and eleventh grade in secondary, Okaloosa County was first place in Florida with Laurel Hill Middle School demonstrating a 30% point gain.  In elementary school science, Wright Elementary School and Northwest Florida Ballet Academie posted the highest gains.

I wish all of you a wonderful summer and encourage all students to keep reading during vacation.  Research strongly indicates that children who do not continue to read during the summer months risk losing reading gains made during the school year.  This summer regression causes children to be behind when school starts in the Fall.  There is a suggested summer reading list for each grade level at www.justreadfamilies.org, with tips to help parents nurture a reading-friendly environment at home.  Have a safe and relaxing break.  I look forward to another great school year in 2008-2009.  It is an honor to serve you.