Q: Do you have an update on the district’s mask policy?
A: Our mask policy and health and safety protocols are slated to be an agenda item at the school board’s June 8 meeting. Right now, our district is very busy culling through all the latest information coming out about mask usage and also considering parent input. Parent input is very important to us; you can express your views at our June 8 meeting, either via call-in or attending in person.
Q: Have there been any principal changes in District 4?
A: Yes, it’s that time of year. We welcome Angie Fuller who will be coming from Durbin Creek Elementary to be the new principal of Valley Ridge Academy. Sandra McMandon is retiring. We are so very grateful for her five years of service and leadership at Valley Ridge. Ashley McCormick, who was an assistant principal at Hickory Creek Elementary, will take over as principal at Durbin Creek.
Also, Jessica Richardson, principal of Palm Valley Academy, will be moving on to a job with the district. She will be the ESE Director for Instruction for the school district. We are very sorry to see her go, but know she will be a great benefit to the district.
Q: What is the latest news on Pine Island Academy, slated to open in the fall?
A: Construction is proceeding along as scheduled for the fall 2021 opening. There is not as yet a firm date for the certificate of occupancy, but there are plans to move furniture in at the end of June.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: Yes, I’d like to recognize the following students for Character Counts! At Nease High School, congratulations to Kyle Bazler, Caroline Hunt, Nicholas Zuino, Ryan Roman, Kaitlyn Boggs, Tyler Covell, Jayde Dauley, Sam Dec, Amber Horn, J’Ana Ransom, Isabella Rivera, and Logan Ryan. At Ponte Vedra High School, congratulations to Annabelle Barnett, Alana Edwards, Jared Reinheimer, Risa Slepikas, Eugenio Abruzzini, Taylor Baggs, Sean Caracciolo, Eden Daughtry, Tayler Dietrich, Luke Hargitai, Joley Hill, and Lauren Paton. And I’d also like to recognize Olivia Peoples of Nease and John Campbell Parker of Ponte Vedra High School for Pursuing Victory with Honor.
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.
