Edwins Elementary School

We are currently experiencing slow internet speeds district-wide. This may affect phones. We are working with our service provider to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Hello Edwins Families. We know you are going to be tired by the end of this first week of school. Let Papa Johns do the cooking. Friday the 15th is Edwins Spirit Night at Papa Johns. 30% of all sales come back to the school. Be sure to use Promo Code: Edwins. Don’t worry that it says Pensacola that’s still includes us as long as you use our promo code.

Tuesday we welcomed back and celebrated our amazing teachers and staff. We kicked off the day with a visit from Mr. Chambers to congratulate our school on being a B!!!!!
Edwins will continue TRENDING UP because we are GOAL GETTERS!

New legislation in Florida restricts student use of cellular phones during the school day, aiming to minimize distractions and to support a focused learning environment.

Educational Benefits
Research shows that limiting cell phone use in schools can:
- Improve student focus and attention during instruction
- Boost academic performance and engagement
- Reduce cyberbullying incidents during school hours
- Enhance face-to-face social interactions

Per Florida House Bill 1105 (2025)
Elementary and Middle School Students - the use of a cellular phone is prohibited in elementary and middle school during the school day.

Daily Expectations
- Before/After School: Students will only be able to use their cell phone before the first bell or after the last bell of the day
- During School: Phones must remain put away and out of sight.
- Phone Confiscation: Students in violation of the policy may have their phone temporarily confiscated and disciplinary action may be taken for repeat offenders.

Student or Family Emergencies
- Student Needs to Contact Family: must go to main office
- Family Needs to Contact Student: Call the student's main office
Medical Condition: Students with medical conditions may have phone access with proper documentation
School Emergencies: The school will communicate directly with families

OCSD has partnered with the Florida Department of Health to provide free immunizations to students on the following dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions, please contact your school or local health department for details.

Clinic Dates and Locations:
- August 6 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM - OCSD Central Office, Niceville
- August 8 - 9:00AM - 11:30AM - Shoal River Middle School
- August 8 - 1:00PM - 2:30PM - Bruner Middle School

Vaccines Offered
- Tdap (Required for entry into 7th grade)
- HPV (Human Pappillomavirus)
- Meningitis

Important Information
- Parent/Guardian must be onsite with insurance card (if applicable)
- No record transcription or religious exemptions will be available at the clinic
- After vaccination, students will receive a form with the vaccination date to give to school administration
- School staff will retrieve the official 680 form once it's received - no printing will be done onsite.

Back to School Savings Alert!

Did you know Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent and runs the entire month of August? From August 1–31, families can save on essential school items tax-free — including clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and even personal computers!

Plan your shopping and check out the official list of tax-free items here: https://floridarevenue.com/.../Documents/TIP_25A01-08.pdf

Please note: School supply lists are provided individually by each school. Many of our secondary teachers will share their specific supply requests during orientation or on the first day of school. Reach out to your school if you have any questions!

We can't wait to see everyone back in our buildings on August 11th!

The final bell of the school year is almost here! Tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, marks the last day of school for students in the Okaloosa County School District. All OCSD schools will follow an early dismissal schedule, and lunch will still be served before students head off to start their summer break! Let’s finish strong and celebrate a year of hard work, growth, and achievement. We’re proud of each and every student, and we wish you a safe, fun, and restful summer!

May 5-9 is Teacher Appreciation Week! Help us show our amazing teachers the love

The Okaloosa County School District has been made aware of scam phone calls targeting parents. In these calls, individuals falsely claim that a student has an outstanding lunch balance and instructs the parent to "press 1" to make a payment immediately. Please be advised: • The Okaloosa County School District does not contact families by phone to request payment in this manner. • Any legitimate communication regarding student meal accounts would come through official district channels. • In the recently reported case, the scammer provided incorrect student information and used what appeared to be a local phone number, which may have been spoofed. If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide personal or payment information. Instead, hang up and contact your child's school or the district's Food Services Department directly for verification. Thank you for helping us keep our families informed and protected.

Join us in-store or at TijuanaFlats.com Monday, March 10th from 5:00 PM to 8 PM. 20% of your purchase will benefit Edwins ES. Mention Spirit Night at register or input promo code SPNT205 when placing online or delivery orders on our website or app at: Tijuana Flats Fort Walton Beach.

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Next Thursday, March 13, is the last day of the 3rd 9-week grading period. Spring Break begins on Friday, March 14, and continues through Friday, March 21. Monday, March 24, is a Teacher Workday. Students return for the 4th and final 9-week grading period of the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, March 25. We hope everyone has a safe and restful week off!

Edwins Elementary School Ribbon Cutting – March 5, 2025 Edwins Elementary's deep roots in the community were on full display as students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the school's brand-new Cafetorium, Music Room, Car Rider Line, Parking Lot, Playground Equipment, and Track. The event was filled with excitement and pride, featuring a performance by the Drum Team, a moving rendition from the school chorus, and students leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Former Principal Gwen Morris shared a unique perspective, reflecting on her journey as an Edwins student, teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Current Principal Ms. Armstrong recognized the dedicated Edwins staff, as well as former employees and principals who joined in the celebration. Students and faculty from Fort Walton Beach High School also attended to show their support. Superintendent Chambers shared his excitement about this milestone, stating, "Edwins Elementary has a rich history of academic excellence and community support. These new facilities will enhance the learning experience for our students and continue the school's tradition of success for generations to come." We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this project possible—including the citizens of Okaloosa County for approving the Half-Cent Sales Tax, as well as Jacobs/Titan and Lord & Son.

Edwins would like to celebrate Mr. Ted Wojciechowski, our beloved custodian whom we lost recently. Mr. Ted began working for the Okaloosa County School District in 1975 and served 34 years in total. Twenty-three of those years were spent at Edwins. So, to say that he was an integral member of our school family is an understatement. Mr. Ted was dedicated to our little school and would often come in on the weekends to finish up a project or take care of something that needed doing. The faculty, in return, took care of Mr. Ted. Everyone here looked out for Mr. Ted and if he needed anything, his school family would provide. He had a great sense of humor and would entertain us with stories of his youthful shenanigans as well as the trouble he stirred up in his later years! He really was a character. Mr. Ted was loved and will be truly missed.

If you are part of the Art Club, upcoming meeting dates are below! Grades K-2: March 4th and April 15th Grades 3-5: February 18, March 25th, and April 29th

Happy School Counselor Week to our amazing Ms.Jackson! We appreciate the love you pour into our students each and every day!

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! This week, we celebrate and honor our incredible school counselors who play a vital role in supporting our students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. From guiding students through their educational journeys to providing a listening ear and valuable advice, our counselors are always there to help. Thank you to all our dedicated school counselors for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you make every day. Your hard work and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of our students.

This week, the Okaloosa County School District and the State of Florida are celebrating the joy of reading and the power of literacy! We are highlighting the importance of literacy in our schools and communities. From engaging classroom activities to exciting reading challenges, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Thank you to all our dedicated teachers, librarians, and staff for fostering a love of reading in our students!

VPK Registration opened January 1st! Okaloosa County VPK schools include: Southside Primary School, Mary Esther Elementary School, Walker Elementary School, Northwood Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Edwins Elementary School, Bob Sikes Elementary School, Okaloosa STEMM Academy, and Longwood Elementary School. Before registering at one of the school sites listed above, you must obtain your child's VPK Certificate of Eligibility. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and spots at each site are limited. Registration information can be found at: https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/

We hope you all enjoyed a relaxing Winter Break! We can't wait to welcome our students back to campus on Wednesday, January 8th to start the second semester strong! Please be alert as School Zones will be active!