St . Johns County School District
By Tim Forson , Superintendent of Schools
I want to encourage everyone to take a moment this month to discuss and practice the February CHARACTER COUNTS ! pillar of caring with your families . May we inspire our students and children to be kind to others , be compassionate and show you care , express gratitude , forgive one another , help people in need and to be charitable and altruistic .
Throughout the St . Johns County School District ( SJCSD ), I am always encouraged seeing the pillar of caring displayed in so many ways . A focus this year has been to celebrate the caring work of teachers and administrators who dedicate their time , resources and enthusiasm to inspire good character and a passion for lifelong learning in all students , creating educated and caring contributors to the world .
Congratulations to Allison Olson , principal of Patriot Oaks Academy ( POA ) for receiving the 2021-2022 SJCSD Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership . Mrs . Olson is an extraordinary leader who serves over 1,420 students and staff in a community where the population is growing at a rapid pace . It is extremely rare to find her in her office as she is in the halls , classrooms , lunchroom and common areas among her students . Mrs . Olson joined the SJCSD in 2015 when she was selected to be the principal at Julington Creek Elementary before becoming the leader of POA in 2017 . Her calm , decisive manner is one of her main attributes . She exudes professionalism and courtesy in her dealings with parents , teachers , students and the community .
I would also like to recognize the 2021-2022 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year , Mr . Trevor Abbs . Mr . Abbs has served as an assistant principal in the SJCSD since 2014 , first at Bartram Trail High School and currently at St . Augustine High School . He is an exceptional leader and has held varied positions within the district including that of a coach , which helped to prepare him for his role as an assistant principal . Mr . Abbs is an extremely hard worker who always puts students first . He is fair and consistent while always focusing on what is in the best interest of the students he serves .
Investing in Kids ! ( INK !) along with sponsors , school board members and district leadership recently celebrated the Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year for each school . Andrew Burk , middle school music teacher at Valley Ridge Academy was selected as the 2021-2022 SJCSD Teacher of the Year . Mr . Burk is described as an innovative teacher who has found his calling and purpose in life through teaching students the art of music . He provides real world learning opportunities to give his students a deeper understanding of music appreciation , collaborating with their peers , reading music and learning how to play instruments . The 2021-2022 SJCSD Rookie Teacher of the Year is Kaitlyn Holle . Ms . Holle serves as a science teacher at Mill Creek Academy . I am very appreciative of the INK ! staff and board members for their tireless efforts to produce the Teacher of the Year celebration each year . They spend countless hours securing sponsors , planning and bringing this special event to life in recognition of our county ’ s finest teachers .
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