Q: What is special about the beginning of May?
A: The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week. I encourage families and community members to honor and recognize the noble work of our amazing teachers. Make sure they know they are loved and make a difference.
Q: What else is happening as we near the end of this school year?
A: There are many end of the year activities that are beginning this month. It’s such a fun and celebratory time when we honor our students, teachers, volunteers and business partners. While we are winding down this year, we are already amping up for next year, with plans to open two new schools. Over the summer, there will be lots of training and budget work on our four-day workweek.
Q: Can you share information about the Senior and Adult Volunteer of the Year for St. Johns County?
A: Jim Moyes, Ponte Vedra High School’s play-by-play announcer for football, basketball, and baseball, was named the Senior Volunteer of the Year for the district. He is a 12-year volunteer and is described as a premier statistician, a fan favorite and a student mentor.
The Adult Volunteer of the Year is Amy Parent, who developed CAAP (Children’s Access to Art Program) and presents it to two schools in the county. She recruited and trained volunteers, developed shared lessons and secured funding for the program so it can continue. In four years, she has impacted more than 1,000 students.
Q: Is it too early to register new students for next year?
A: It’s not too early! It’s very important that we know how many students are coming so that we know how much staff to hire. To register, you can contact your zoned school or go online to begin the registration process. If you don’t know which school you are zoned for, the district’s website (www.stjohns.k12.fl.us) has a school finder that allows you to input your address and learn your zoned school.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: I had the opportunity to attend the STAR banquet, recognizing the top 3 percent of seniors in our district, on April 17 at World Golf Village. Recognized from Nease were: Mridhini Beegamudre; Jamie Fishbeyn; Daniel Kurian; Shreya Kalarrikkal; Alan Li; Shubhangi Maitra; Keilana McGreevy; Shiven Neelkant; Keya Patel; Rudra Patel; Sia Patel; Pryanna Pradhan; Sanya Shah; Aadithyaa Vishegu; Caroline Whyte; Sawyer Wiltfong; Aditya Yellapragada; and Mason Zobel.
Recognized from Ponte Vedra High were: Mira Bhutani; Daniel Bustos; Richard Circelli; Graysen Gaskins; Spencer Lewis; Jason Li; Kai McLeod; Samay Patel; Taylor Perce; Charlotte Peverley; Megan Ralph; Samuel Ray; Alyssa Ruggles; Carly Thompson; and Bridgette Wells.
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.
