Q: What do you have to share from the district level?
A: As a district, we are preparing for the new state standards, called BEST (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking), with an emphasis on professional development. These BEST standards include new items like a reduction in standardized testing and civics being taught in every grade, and will be incorporated over the next few years.

Also, we have a joint meeting with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners scheduled for Feb. 3. We plan to cover the county’s growth and how we can work together to advocate for our community in Tallahassee. I’m looking forward to coming together and working together on behalf of our county.

Q: Have there been any recent student recognitions?
A: At our school board meeting in early January, we had a public recognition — that was actually in person — of our Sunshine State Scholars. Andrew Ryan of Nease High School and Anderson Davis of St. Augustine High School were named Sunshine State Scholars; Alyssa Buckingham of Creekside High School was named an alternate; and Adam Dumas (Bartram Trail High School), Milla Mrozek (Pedro Menendez High School), Elizabeth Devault (Ponte Vedra High School) and Liam Guske (St. Johns) were named as representatives. It’s so exciting to celebrate our kids, but even more when we can do so in person.

Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: Online applications for our Academies are now available with a Feb. 5 deadline for all applications for Programs of Choice. These Academies give our students so many great options.

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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