EVERY DAY COUNTS

"EVERY DAY COUNTS"   Good evening! School districts nationwide have been grappling with chronic student absenteeism in recent years. The Covid pandemic has intensified school absences, establishing a new norm for attendance. Chronic absenteeism is characterized by missing two or more days of school per month, which can accumulate to at least 18-20 days annually. This equates to an entire month of lost instructional time!   The pandemic has led to a perception of school attendance as somewhat "optional" for some.  Liberty County is no exception to this mindset. Consider these statistics regarding chronic absenteeism: *  In the US, over seven million students, which is 16% of the student body, missed 15 or more days of school. * Several school districts have reported more than 30% of their students missed at least three weeks of school. * The highest rates of chronic absenteeism are found in high schools, where approximately 20% of students are chronically absent. * 14% of all public school students in the United States are chronically absent, missing 15 or more days annually. * There is a correlation between chronic absenteeism and negative outcomes such as  poor academic performance, low school engagement, and increased dropout rates. "EVERY DAY COUNTS" is an initiative designed to motivate parents to ensure their children attend school daily. While illness and unforeseen events are understandable, it's crucial to prepare your children for school each day. Here are some tips to support this goal: 1. SLEEP - Establish a regular bedtime that provides 8 hours of sleep. Children continue to grow and develop until the age of 21 and require adequate rest. Enough sleep contributes to a productive learning day at school. 2. DEVICES - It's common for children to use devices late into the night. Set bedtime rules for device usage. 3. PLANNING - Prepare for school the previous evening. A simple act like setting out clothes can make mornings more efficient. 4. ROUTINE - Humans are habitual beings. A steady morning routine of waking up, having breakfast (which is always free at school), and dressing can start the day smoothly. Involve your children in creating a fun morning schedule and ensure they stick to it. 5. TRANSPORTATION - Liberty County Schools provides bus transportation for all students. Ensure they're ready for the bus each day. If you drive your child, leave at a consistent time as part of your routine. Let's make a concerted effort in Liberty County for students to ATTEND SCHOOL DAILY throughout 2025! Remember, in terms of your child's education, EVERY DAY COUNTS!

Sunday, Jan 12 2025

Updated Family Empowerment Scholarship Information (...

Please see attached Family Empowerment Scholarship Information flyer.

Monday, Dec 30 2024

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Good afternoon, I wanted to take this time and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Wishing you and your children the happiest this Christmas season as you enjoy time with your family.  Thank you for allowing the Liberty County School District to be a part of your lives.  We love our staff, students, and parents!  May God bless you all!!   Just a reminder that students return to school on Monday, January 6th. Go Panthers and Go Dawgs! Sincerely, Kyle Peddie Liberty County Superintendent of Schools

Friday, Dec 20 2024

Heiken Vision Exam Application

Parents/Guardians, The district is tentatively scheduled to have the Heiken Vision Exam staff in our district again this year (end of February).  In order for your child to participate in this program you must submit an application (see link below).   Even if you completed an application last year, you will need to re-apply again in order for your child to participate.   Please go ahead and submit your child's application as soon as possible. ​ Parents can   apply now   in less than 3 minutes:   via the Heiken Portal at  www.floridaheiken.org  using their phone, tablet or computer .   The portal and website are available in English, Spanish, Creole and Portuguese.  See attached flyer for more information.

Tuesday, Dec 17 2024

New Worlds Reading Family Engagement

Good morning Liberty County families, Do you want to help your child both learn and love to read while building a FREE collection of books at home? New Worlds Reading is Florida’s free reading program that mails eligible kids a free book each month during the school year, along with resources and activities for families to use together to help students strengthen their literacy skills.    To be eligible, kids must be VPK - 5th graders who are not yet meeting grade level expectations in reading in Florida VPK programs, public schools, and charter schools. Once enrolled, eligible students automatically remain in the program through fifth grade, even if their reading scores improve!   To learn more or apply visit newworldsreading.com. Applications only take five minutes, and you get reading support tailored to your child delivered straight to your door for free! Also, be sure to check out the New Worlds Reading Family Engagement Video for additional information.

Tuesday, Dec 10 2024

F.A.S.T. Assessments PM2 : 2024-2025 School Year

Greetings Parent/Guardian- The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T.) is a state assessment for ELA/Reading & Math that is administered three times a year.   These assessments are given to track your child's progress in mastering the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.)  Standards throughout the school year.  This message is to inform you that your child will participate in the second administration of F.A.S.T. (PM2) for grades KDG-10th grades in English/Language Arts (ELA) and KDG-8th grades in Mathematics beginning the week of December 9th. PM2 is for informational purposes only and are used to track progress and drive instruction in the classroom.  The third administration (PM3) is given at the end of the school year and is for accoutability purposes. The F.A.S.T. PM2 assessment dates for specific grades and subjects are listed below: ENGLISH/ LANGUAGE ARTS 6th - 8th Grades      >>>     Tuesday; December 10th KDG - 2nd Grade    >>>     Wednesday; December 11th 3rd - 5th Grades     >>>     Thursday; December 12th 9th & 10th Grades  >>>     Thursday; December 12th MATHEMATICS KDG -  2nd Grade  >>>   Friday; December 13th 6th - 8th Grades    >>>   Tuesday; December 17th 3rd - 5th Grades    >>>   Wednesday; December 18th * Dates and times regarding VPK will be sent out in a separate communication. * For full assessment details, you can visit our website to view the  Liberty County Schoool District Assessment Calendar . If you are the parent of a home-school child, your child can be administered these assessments at the school you are zoned for.  However, it is up to you to contact the school to ensure arrangements ​and preparations are made for your child to test at the school.  The results of these assessments can be shared by your child's school, or be accessed via the F.A.S.T. Family Portal .  Resources and Information (including practice tests), can be assessed in the Students & Families Page of the F.A.S.T. Portal.  If you have any questions related to this test administration, please contact the guidance office of your child's school: Liberty County High School:   Lisa O'Bryan (850) 643-2241 W.R. Tolar (K-8) School: Bess Revell or Brenda Green (850) 643-2426 Hosford Elem. & Jr. High School: Beckie Black or Jessica Peddie (850) 379-8480 Thank you for supporting your child(ren) and encouraging them to do their best during this test administration.  Our partnership is vital to their success and we look forward to working with you during the 2024-2025 school year.  Regards, Jeff Sewell Assistant Superintendent Liberty County School District

Monday, Dec 02 2024

FortifyFL...It's NO JOKE!!

Dear Parents and Guardians, The start of this school year has brought new challenges. We are working to keep our students and teachers safe. One problem we are seeing across the state is a big increase in false reports being sent through FortifyFL. All reports are taken seriously and investigated fully. This takes a lot of time and effort. I ask that you look at the following PowerPoint presentation and talk to your child about using the FortifyFL app correctly. Help us keep Liberty County Schools one of the safest and best school districts in the state. Go Panthers and Go Dawgs! Sincerely, Kyle Peddie Liberty County Superintendent of Schools

Tuesday, Nov 19 2024

Disability Awareness Month Information and Resources

Please see the attached flyer for more information regarding Disability Awareness Month.

Monday, Oct 07 2024

Bus Crash Update

Good morning.   There were no life threatening injuries to anyone involved in the crash this morning.  What a blessing!  Those involved were taken to the hospital for injuries/treatment, but everyone is ok. Thanks for your prayers! Kyle 

Friday, Oct 04 2024

Paint the Town Pink-Wear Pink Oct. 11th

Please see attachment regarding the "Paint the Town Pink" event. 

Friday, Oct 04 2024