​Three years ago, Peggy Brockman of United for a Good Cause came to Superintendent Chambers with a proposal. She wanted to bring a national program called HOPE Squad into each of the Okaloosa County School District schools. HOPE Squad is a peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program in which students and advisors participate in training to help those who feel helpless find the help and HOPE that they need. Mr. Chambers said, “YES” without hesitation.

The second i-Ready diagnostic is in the books, and there is cause for celebration!  Schools around the district are getting creative in acknowledging students’ growth.  Melissa Bowell, principal of Meigs Middle School, credits her Math and ELA department and grade-level chairs with the idea of providing an ice cream truck for students showing growth on both diagnostics.  Bowell says, “IT was a BLAST today!”  The administration at Destin Middle School pushed carts around the school delivering treats to students based on typical or stretch growth.  Bruner decided to forgo the calories and schedule a 4-Square Tournament while Davidson teachers select from incentives ranging from a note or call home or Panther Praise tickets as rewards. Fridays in February at Davidson include extended cell phone privileges for students achieving 70% or higher overall growth. What ingenious ways to show students that progress matters!