Earlier this week, athletic coaches from across Okaloosa County gathered at Crestview High School for our Annual Athletic Coaches Compliance Training. Our district team provided important FHSAA updates, we heard from our partners at the All Sports Association, and we were honored to welcome a very special guest speaker, Richie Grant.
A proud product of the Okaloosa County School District, Richie attended Wright Elementary, Pryor Middle School, and Choctawhatchee High School before continuing his football career at UCF. Drafted into the NFL in 2021, Richie has now played professionally for five seasons and shared a powerful message with our coaches about the lasting impact they have on the lives of student-athletes.
A special thank you to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation for providing snacks and to BSN Sports for supplying donuts and for their continued support of our athletic programs. Your partnership helps make opportunities like this possible! Thank you to all of our coaches for investing in their professional growth and for the positive influence you make every day. Here's to another great year of leading, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes both on and off the field!
A proud product of the Okaloosa County School District, Richie attended Wright Elementary, Pryor Middle School, and Choctawhatchee High School before continuing his football career at UCF. Drafted into the NFL in 2021, Richie has now played professionally for five seasons and shared a powerful message with our coaches about the lasting impact they have on the lives of student-athletes.
A special thank you to the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation for providing snacks and to BSN Sports for supplying donuts and for their continued support of our athletic programs. Your partnership helps make opportunities like this possible! Thank you to all of our coaches for investing in their professional growth and for the positive influence you make every day. Here's to another great year of leading, mentoring, and inspiring student-athletes both on and off the field!
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗚𝗼!
Before the first day of school, take a moment to verify your child's school assignment and school start time.
📍 Our school attendance boundaries have changed for some families this year. We re-zoned our north-end elementary and middle schools, as well as our south-end elementary schools. If you have an approved Controlled Open Enrollment (COE), your assignment will remain based on that approval.
✅ Check your school assignment using our School Site Locator: https://www.schoolsitelocator.com/apps/okaloosa/
⏰ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱: School start times indicate when learning begins. To help your student start the day successfully, plan to arrive on campus with enough time for drop-off and getting to class before the bell rings.
🚗 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗽:Plan to arrive a little earlier than usual during the first few days of school. Car rider lines are typically busier as families adjust to new routines, and giving yourself extra time can help ensure a smooth start to the school year.
❓ If you have questions about your school's start or dismissal times, please contact your school directly.
Before the first day of school, take a moment to verify your child's school assignment and school start time.
📍 Our school attendance boundaries have changed for some families this year. We re-zoned our north-end elementary and middle schools, as well as our south-end elementary schools. If you have an approved Controlled Open Enrollment (COE), your assignment will remain based on that approval.
✅ Check your school assignment using our School Site Locator: https://www.schoolsitelocator.com/apps/okaloosa/
⏰ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱: School start times indicate when learning begins. To help your student start the day successfully, plan to arrive on campus with enough time for drop-off and getting to class before the bell rings.
🚗 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗽:Plan to arrive a little earlier than usual during the first few days of school. Car rider lines are typically busier as families adjust to new routines, and giving yourself extra time can help ensure a smooth start to the school year.
❓ If you have questions about your school's start or dismissal times, please contact your school directly.
Today officially kicks off the 2026-2027 school year as our teachers and support staff return to campuses across Okaloosa County. Classrooms are being prepared, lessons are being planned, and teams are hard at work getting everything ready for a successful year of learning, growth, and achievement.
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11, and we can't wait to welcome students back!
New to Okaloosa County School District? There's still time to enroll and become part of the OCSD Family. Visit our registration page to get started: 🔗 https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration
Here's to a fantastic year filled with opportunities, accomplishments, and unforgettable memories. Let's make the 2026-2027 school year our best yet!
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 11, and we can't wait to welcome students back!
New to Okaloosa County School District? There's still time to enroll and become part of the OCSD Family. Visit our registration page to get started: 🔗 https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration
Here's to a fantastic year filled with opportunities, accomplishments, and unforgettable memories. Let's make the 2026-2027 school year our best yet!
What an incredible day at Stuff the Bus!
While the heat was certainly a challenge, our schools showed up, stayed strong, and powered through like absolute champions! Even better, our community showed up in the biggest way possible. The generosity was incredible, and we truly cannot thank you enough for showing up and supporting our students!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing partners who helped make it all happen— WEAR, Cumulus, Salvation Army Florida Division Fort Walton Beach Corps, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and especially Walmart for hosting us, going above and beyond, and supporting this effort.
And a very special THANK YOU to our VOLUNTEERS. We are so grateful for each and every one of you!
Special shout out to Sara Mathis with MTSI, Johnny Edwards & Claire Erk from Doolittle Institute, Karen Osborne with Decision Sciences, our district team—Amy Dale, Meredith Ness, Quanz Peters, and Debbie Tate, our Transportation Department and School Board Members.
Because of YOU, students across Okaloosa County will head back to school ready to succeed. That’s what it’s all about!
Visit our Facebook page for more great pictures: https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict
While the heat was certainly a challenge, our schools showed up, stayed strong, and powered through like absolute champions! Even better, our community showed up in the biggest way possible. The generosity was incredible, and we truly cannot thank you enough for showing up and supporting our students!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing partners who helped make it all happen— WEAR, Cumulus, Salvation Army Florida Division Fort Walton Beach Corps, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and especially Walmart for hosting us, going above and beyond, and supporting this effort.
And a very special THANK YOU to our VOLUNTEERS. We are so grateful for each and every one of you!
Special shout out to Sara Mathis with MTSI, Johnny Edwards & Claire Erk from Doolittle Institute, Karen Osborne with Decision Sciences, our district team—Amy Dale, Meredith Ness, Quanz Peters, and Debbie Tate, our Transportation Department and School Board Members.
Because of YOU, students across Okaloosa County will head back to school ready to succeed. That’s what it’s all about!
Visit our Facebook page for more great pictures: https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴!
One of the most important things families can do before the school year begins is make sure they're connected through our two primary family tools: the Focus Parent Portal/ App and the OCSD App.
✅ 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡/𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙥𝙥 Every parent or guardian should have a Focus Parent Portal account. Through Focus, you can:
• Complete important forms and annual updates
• Monitor grades and attendance
• Access student information
• Stay informed about your child's academic progress
📲 On the go? Download the Focus App for convenient access to your student's information anytime, anywhere.
📱 OCSD App The OCSD App puts important district and school information right at your fingertips, including:
• Rooms, our new family-school communication portal
• School and district news and updates
• Helpful links and resources
• Quick access to important information throughout the year
Taking a few minutes now to set up and familiarize yourself with these tools can help ensure a smooth and successful school year.
These apps are available for download in your device's app store!
One of the most important things families can do before the school year begins is make sure they're connected through our two primary family tools: the Focus Parent Portal/ App and the OCSD App.
✅ 𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡/𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙥𝙥 Every parent or guardian should have a Focus Parent Portal account. Through Focus, you can:
• Complete important forms and annual updates
• Monitor grades and attendance
• Access student information
• Stay informed about your child's academic progress
📲 On the go? Download the Focus App for convenient access to your student's information anytime, anywhere.
📱 OCSD App The OCSD App puts important district and school information right at your fingertips, including:
• Rooms, our new family-school communication portal
• School and district news and updates
• Helpful links and resources
• Quick access to important information throughout the year
Taking a few minutes now to set up and familiarize yourself with these tools can help ensure a smooth and successful school year.
These apps are available for download in your device's app store!
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱-𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀!
The application for free or reduced-price school meals is officially open!
✅ Healthy meals help students stay focused and ready to learn.
✅ Applying is quick, confidential, and helps support your school community.
✅ Important reminder: Families must reapply each school year—even if you qualified last year.
Even if you're unsure whether you qualify, it's worth applying—eligibility can change!
Apply today and help ensure your child has access to nutritious meals every day.
Visit http://www.myschoolapps.com/ or access the link in the OCSD app!
The application for free or reduced-price school meals is officially open!
✅ Healthy meals help students stay focused and ready to learn.
✅ Applying is quick, confidential, and helps support your school community.
✅ Important reminder: Families must reapply each school year—even if you qualified last year.
Even if you're unsure whether you qualify, it's worth applying—eligibility can change!
Apply today and help ensure your child has access to nutritious meals every day.
Visit http://www.myschoolapps.com/ or access the link in the OCSD app!
Help build your child’s reading confidence with free books and literacy activities from a Florida program called New Worlds Reading. You can choose 9 books for your child each year, including books from popular series like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Super Fly Guy and The Magic School Bus. Apply at newworldsreading.com.
Congratulations to Superintendent Marcus Chambers on receiving the 2026 Cornerstone Award from the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce. Presented by Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder, the award recognizes outstanding professional achievement, community service, and lasting contributions to the Crestview area. Superintendent Chambers was honored for his leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and dedication to strengthening both Okaloosa schools and the broader community.
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 + 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭!
Join us for a fun-filled morning as we celebrate the start of your child’s educational journey!
The Okaloosa County School District, in partnership with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, invites families to a FREE Kindergarten & VPK Registration Family Movie on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the Marquis Cinema in Crestview, Florida.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
-Complimentary movie tickets (up to 3 per household)
-A snack pack for each child
-On-site VPK & Kindergarten registration help
-Meet district staff & early learning partners
This exciting event is perfect for families preparing for VPK or Kindergarten—let’s make those first steps into school unforgettable!
Seats are limited! Pre-register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdn70a-Q3CL66WrdLrIJaZGRQpjhFv5iqDuAEt86s43ITyg/viewform
Parent/guardian attendance required.
Join us for a fun-filled morning as we celebrate the start of your child’s educational journey!
The Okaloosa County School District, in partnership with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, invites families to a FREE Kindergarten & VPK Registration Family Movie on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the Marquis Cinema in Crestview, Florida.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
-Complimentary movie tickets (up to 3 per household)
-A snack pack for each child
-On-site VPK & Kindergarten registration help
-Meet district staff & early learning partners
This exciting event is perfect for families preparing for VPK or Kindergarten—let’s make those first steps into school unforgettable!
Seats are limited! Pre-register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYdn70a-Q3CL66WrdLrIJaZGRQpjhFv5iqDuAEt86s43ITyg/viewform
Parent/guardian attendance required.
Summer Reading Activities: Embark on a Literary Adventure
🌴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 📚
➼Visit a public library and check out some books.
➼Create a map of your home.
➼Write a thank you note to your local fire station. Plan a time to visit the fire station and deliver the thank you note.
➼Take a walk around the neighborhood. Before going, make a list of things that you think you will see. When you return, review the list to check off what you saw and add other things to the list that you observed on your walk.
𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵—𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘯!
For more summer reading activities, visit the Florida Department of Education webpage: https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/families/summer-activities-elementary.stml
Instructional Time Matters! Every school day is an important opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. The Vacation Planning Student Holiday & Break Guide, which can be found on the Calendars page (https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/calendars), is designed to help families plan vacations and appointments around scheduled school breaks whenever possible so students can stay engaged and on track.
We are hiring Bus Drivers!
Every route matters—each bus trip supports a safe start and end to the school day. 🧡
Join the Okaloosa County School District as a bus driver and become part of a team that supports students every day. Paid training and driving experience are included, plus new hire bonuses!
If you are interested in becoming a bus driver, visit our website: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/employment.
Every route matters—each bus trip supports a safe start and end to the school day. 🧡
Join the Okaloosa County School District as a bus driver and become part of a team that supports students every day. Paid training and driving experience are included, plus new hire bonuses!
If you are interested in becoming a bus driver, visit our website: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/employment.
Over 60 students participated in and enjoyed a Career Exploration event last week! Students from Pryor, Bruner, and Meigs Middle Schools and Crestview High School rotated over two days between CareerSource Okaloosa Walton and Okaloosa Technical College, gaining valuable hands-on experience and real-world insight into potential career paths.
While at Okaloosa Technical College, students participated in engaging, hands-on activities in Building Trades, Cosmetology, and Culinary—getting a true feel for each industry. At CareerSource, they explored local labor market information, strengthened their interviewing skills, connected with local businesses and recruiters, and heard inspiring success stories from someone who was once in their shoes.
This impactful experience would not have been possible without the strong partnership between the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Okaloosa Technical College, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
A special thank you to Jon Williams, Tricia Sansom, Scott Brogdon, Marcus Hencinski, Andrea DeShong, and Greg Rynearson at Okaloosa Technical College; and Michele Burns, Kelly Jordan, Brad Balfanz, Cheryl Hall, Brooklyn Lee, Tabitha Ewerds, Amber Scamardo, and Melissa Rust from CareerSource—along with the many local businesses and military recruiters who made these two days such a success.
We would also like to thank the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation for their support in making this event possible, as well as Ericka Peterson, Beke Heald, Debbie Tate, and the Bus Barn for their coordination with the schools and efforts in bringing this event together.
We are so proud of these students as they explore their futures!
Many of our schools as well as the District Office are experiencing a phone and internet outage. We appreciate your patience as we work with our provider to remedy the issue.
Internet and Phones are currently down at Antioch Elementary School. We are working with the service provider to restore service. We will provide updates as we receive them!
Graduation season officially kicked off May 15! All ceremonies will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Visit our website for complete graduation details, including dates, times, locations, and direct live stream links. https://www.okaloosaschools.com/article/2867939
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆!
On Friday, Edge Elementary hosted its 9th Annual FIRST LEGO League Expo, where all 4th grade students proudly showcased the projects they’ve been designing and building since returning from Spring Break.
Through FIRST LEGO League, students explore real-world problems, design creative solutions, and bring their ideas to life using LEGO® Education SPIKE™—all while building critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills at an early age.
Students had the opportunity to present their work to community leaders, district administrators, and judges from our local military and engineering community, gaining valuable feedback and encouragement. They also experienced the next level of STEM in action with a special robot demonstration from Niceville High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, the Radioactive Roaches.
This event is a powerful example of our commitment to Academic Excellence, Continuous Learning, Modern Innovation, and Community Involvement—and a reminder that the future is bright in Okaloosa County.
We are so proud of these young innovators and grateful to our educators, community partners, and volunteers who make opportunities like this possible!
On Friday, Edge Elementary hosted its 9th Annual FIRST LEGO League Expo, where all 4th grade students proudly showcased the projects they’ve been designing and building since returning from Spring Break.
Through FIRST LEGO League, students explore real-world problems, design creative solutions, and bring their ideas to life using LEGO® Education SPIKE™—all while building critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills at an early age.
Students had the opportunity to present their work to community leaders, district administrators, and judges from our local military and engineering community, gaining valuable feedback and encouragement. They also experienced the next level of STEM in action with a special robot demonstration from Niceville High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, the Radioactive Roaches.
This event is a powerful example of our commitment to Academic Excellence, Continuous Learning, Modern Innovation, and Community Involvement—and a reminder that the future is bright in Okaloosa County.
We are so proud of these young innovators and grateful to our educators, community partners, and volunteers who make opportunities like this possible!
At the May 7 Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, students from the northern region of the county were recognized during the inaugural Military Enlistment Signing Ceremony. These exceptional young men and women have made the selfless decision to serve the nation, exemplifying courage, commitment, and pride.
Sincere appreciation is extended to the military and civilian dignitaries, recruiters, veterans, families, and community members who gathered to support and honor these future service members. Special recognition is given to the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce and Florida Power & Light for their role in making this meaningful event possible. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the character and patriotism that strengthen the community.
Sincere appreciation is extended to the military and civilian dignitaries, recruiters, veterans, families, and community members who gathered to support and honor these future service members. Special recognition is given to the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce and Florida Power & Light for their role in making this meaningful event possible. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the character and patriotism that strengthen the community.
A great school day starts before the first bell rings, and our bus drivers help by providing safe and welcoming rides for students.
Join the Okaloosa County School District team and become a familiar, trusted face for students and families in your community.
We offer paid training, behind-the wheel experience, and new hire bonuses! To apply for a bus driver position today, visit our employment webpage.
Join the Okaloosa County School District team and become a familiar, trusted face for students and families in your community.
We offer paid training, behind-the wheel experience, and new hire bonuses! To apply for a bus driver position today, visit our employment webpage.
Olympic Speed Skater, Mia Manganello, Honored Walker Elementary
Former Walker Owl and double bronze Olympic speed skater, Mia Manganello, was honored recently at Walker Elementary, and is pictured alongside Superintendent Chambers and School Board members Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, and Tim Bryant. Mia spent time with the Walker News Club, met with students, and shared her story of perseverance, challenges, and success—reminding every student that hard work and determination can lead to incredible dreams.
Our youngest learners lined the halls with American flags, proudly cheering her on, as the building filled with a powerful “U-S-A” chant.
Thank you, Mia, for returning to your roots and inspiring the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and champions!
Former Walker Owl and double bronze Olympic speed skater, Mia Manganello, was honored recently at Walker Elementary, and is pictured alongside Superintendent Chambers and School Board members Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, and Tim Bryant. Mia spent time with the Walker News Club, met with students, and shared her story of perseverance, challenges, and success—reminding every student that hard work and determination can lead to incredible dreams.
Our youngest learners lined the halls with American flags, proudly cheering her on, as the building filled with a powerful “U-S-A” chant.
Thank you, Mia, for returning to your roots and inspiring the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and champions!
