Q: What can you tell us about the zoning process that is now in progress for High School III and how does it impact District 4?
A: We began the zoning process on March 23. The three plans that were submitted to the school board are available on the school district website, along with a dedicated email address for parents to comment and offer suggestions on the plans. The public will also have the opportunity to comment at our board meetings prior to the June 8 meeting, when we will adopt a zoning plan.

High School III is located within the Twin Creeks Development, off County Road 210. Other possible attendance zone changes relate to West End at Town Center and River Landing, both in Nocatee.

Q: Do you have an update on graduations for the Class of 2021?
A: Yes. We are very excited to be able to offer in-person graduation this year at TIAA Bank Field. Nease students will graduate on June 3 at 7 p.m. and Ponte Vedra High School students will graduate on June 5 at 7 p.m. 

Q: Looking ahead to next school year, what plans are in place so far?
A: As of now, and definitely subject to change, the plan is to go back to traditional brick and mortar school for the St. Johns County School District for the 2021 – 22 school year. Parents who desire online education for their children can utilize St. Johns Virtual School or Florida Virtual School.

As we move towards the end of the school year, I feel we are so fortunate to live in a community that prioritizes education and the very best for our students and teachers.

Q: A couple of months ago, we discussed the adoption of new state standards or BEST (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking). Do you have any updates?
A: English Language Arts will be the first standard that we tackle and I want to reassure parents that as we roll out the new standards, our curriculum team will have lots of information for them, so that they can understand the changes and facilitate the learning of their students.

Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: I’d like to give kudos to three Ponte Vedra High School students who received awards at the virtual History Fair on March 8. Congratulations to Katie Shapiro, who earned first palace for her senior paper entitled “How the Telegraph Helped the Union Win the Civil War” as well as Lola Oden and Olivia Howe, who earned first place for their senior group exhibit, “How Tattoos are Used to Communicate in Asian-Pacific Countries.”

Q: How can our readers contact you?

A: They can email me at kelly.barrera@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.

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