OCSB- In Action

As we prepare to kick off a brand new school year, I couldn't be more excited to welcome back our students, staff, and families! A new year brings new possibilities, and with it, the promise of growth, discovery, and achievement. Our team has been working hard all summer to ensure that every classroom is ready, every teacher is prepared, and every student feels supported from day one.

Together, we’re building on our traditions of excellence while embracing fresh ideas that move us forward. Let’s make this year one to remember!

Sincerely,

Dylan Tedders

Superintendent of Schools

Okeereads is a Footsteps2Brilliance literacy program for students PreK-2nd grade. It is a breakthrough solution that accelerates student learning. This unique mobile platform makes digital learning a fun experience for teachers, parents, and expecially students. Footsteps2Brilliance is an early learning mobile game solution that uses a game based methodology to personlize instruction.

Monday, September 1st- Labor Day- No School

Wednesday, September 10th- Progress Reports

Friday, September 12th- Early Dismissal

Monday, September 15th- Teacher Plan Day- No Students

The Florida High School Athletic Association proudly announced Yearling Middle School as the recipients of this year’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award. The award recognizes member schools that promote sportsmanship both on and off the field, the award is given to schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the 2024-2025 regular season as well as FHSAA State Series competition. This year, 10 high schools and two middle schools received the prestigious award.

The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award is presented to one school in each classification whose total sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators. Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.

The school was awarded $2500 and a commerative plaque. Great job Yearling Middle School!

On July 31st, the OCSB welcomed twenty five new teachers to our school district. The new teachers were met with open arms by our district leadership and community members. They spent two days familiarizing themselves with our district and community, learning polices and procedures and getting familiarized with their school sites. Thirteen of our new teachers hold professional teaching certificates with the state of Florida and relocated to Okeechobee from many different states to include, West Virginia, Kentucky, Iowa and Georgia. Eight of our new teachers were "home grown" in Okeechobee County Schools and were either Paraprofessionals or Substitiute Teachers last school year. We are proud and excited to see the impact our new teachers will have on their students and their schools.

Our students have been busy this summer, traveling nationally and representing their hometown! We are proud of their accomplishments, they demonstrate how our small school district makes a BIG impact.

· Rocco Cohen, an OHS student, was selected by The Spirit of Atlanta Marching Band. Rocco spent the summer performing throughout the southeast as a part of their bugle corps.

· Rhiley McQueen, an Osceola Middle School student, was invited to attend the Explore STEM camp held at the University of Miami. The camp was hosted by the National Youth Leadership Forum, and Rhiley learned about STEM careers in robotics, forensics, gaming, and biological sciences.

· Zander Noal, a student at North Elementary, will be attending the AAU Jr. Olympics for Track and Field held in Houston, Texas. Zander will be competing in the 800m and the 1500m.

· Lane James, an OHS student, earned a spot to compete at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Lane competed in the category of Bull Riding.

· Jaylin Rodriguez, a student at Seminole Elementary, is headed to Louisiana to play in the Softball World Series. Jaylin and her team will be competing at the 8U level.

· The OFC Fishing Team is headed to the Bassmaster High School National Championship in Evans, Georgia. OHS students competing are Lane Davis, Ragyn Mohney, Peyton Steiert, Dian Coxen, Ben Purvis, and Mason Fender.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) is the fastest growing area of education.

As our students head back to school, we want to remind students and families of the amazing programs available through our CTE program. These courses prepare students for trades in specific industry sectors. Okeechobee High School offers 16 high quality CTE career pathways for students to choose from.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high school are vital for preparing students for the real world by bridging the gap between academics and hands-on career skills. These programs provide students with practical experience, industry certifications, and exposure to high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, agriculture, and skilled trades. CTE helps students discover career interests early, reduces dropout rates, and boosts engagement by connecting learning to life beyond the classroom. It also opens multiple pathways, whether students plan to enter the workforce directly, pursue technical training, or go on to college. In short, CTE empowers students with options, confidence, and a competitive edge.

Congratualtions to the staff, students and families of the Okeechobee Virtual School on being an A rated school. Amazing things happen when staff, students and families work together!

If you are looking for a virtual option, with local teachers and a community feel, OVS is the right choice for you. OVS is still currently taking enrollments for the 2025-26 school year.

We are excited to invite team members to our “Giddy-Up Go-Round: Lasso a Better You –

Body, Mind, & Money” wellness event.

This health and wellness fair includes finance,

nutrition, fitness, education, mental health, and other community vendors. Our goal is to create a

healthy culture among our employees. This event will coincide with our Open Enrollment and New Employee Orientation.

The event will be held at Osceola Middle School Gym located at 825 SW 28th St in Okeechobee, FL.

The dates will be Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1st from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Are you a Brahman Alumni or know a Brahman Alumni who would want to be featured in our "Where are they now?" segments? Contact us directly for alumni information: careers@okeeschools.org