St . Johns County School District
On behalf of the St . Johns County School District School Board and staff , I want to wish you all a wonderful and joyful holiday season . This is an inspiring time of year in our schools with students , teachers and staff putting in every effort to finish the semester strong while eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break .
I am filled with hope as we approach the holidays and start off the new year leaving behind some of the most challenging times in recent history . I encourage all of you to take this winter break to rest , relax , enjoy time spent with loved ones and renew your spirit . May you be able to unplug , engage in healthy activities and rejoice in the warmth and happiness of the holiday season .
As I visit schools this time of the year , I am witness to the spirit of giving across the district . Our schools have continued to provide opportunities to teach the importance of citizenship and helping others in need . I am always humbled by the compassion and empathy our students have toward others . Our faculty , staff and families have worked so hard to stir a passion of generosity among the next generation and it is evident in the activities taking place in our schools . Over the last month , I have seen schools collaborating with one another through toy and clothing drives , supporting local pet shelters , giving to children ’ s hospitals , donating to local food pantries and taking time to plan ways to give back to some of our most disadvantaged students and families .
I am grateful to our community partners and faith-based organizations that support the school district throughout the season . Each year , Somebody Cares St . Augustine collects and distributes winter coats for students through a program called “ Coats 4 Kids .” Hugs St . Johns partnered with our schools to serve over 1,000 students with “ No Hungry Holiday ” bags . St . Johns CARES giving tree collected and donated over $ 15,000 in wish list items last year for students and community members with needs that were vast and varied .
Our ASSIST program has more than 650 homeless students identified to date and is currently working with the St . Johns Fire Rescue Department and the “ Firefighters for Families ” program which collects and distributes toys , clothing , sports equipment , etc . to local families . Many schools have clubs and community organizations that are supporting families directly . If you have interest in supporting a family during the holidays with gifts , food or other items , please contact our student services department at ( 904 ) 547-7797 .
May the blessings of the season fill you and your loved ones with joy during this special season . I continue to be humbled and honored to serve as your superintendent and look forward to continuing our learning and achievement in the new semester .
Tim Forson Superintendent of Schools
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