In observance of Memorial Day, all Alachua County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 25. School will resume on Tuesday, May 26. We hope you enjoy a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.







Kindergarten Kick-Off is this Wednesday, May 6 at 2:15 for all schools that serve elementary students EXCEPT the new Oak View K-8 School in Newberry, which will hold its Kick-Off at 3:30 pm. Great opportunity for incoming kindergarteners and their families to meet teachers and staff, tour the campus and learn more about their school!


This past month, 112 teachers, 19 literacy specialists, and 50 school leaders from 25 schools took part in our Expansion of Model of Instruction training.
Based on Instructional Empowerment, the focus is on student-centered, team-based classrooms with active learning and meaningful discussion. Participants practiced strategies that shift learning from teacher-led to student-driven, helping students think critically, collaborate, and take ownership.
We’re building toward higher achievement, stronger engagement, and more student ownership. Take a look some photos that show our educators doing that work themselves!









Alachua County Public Schools families and staff:
There were several wildfires in Alachua County this evening which resulted in some neighborhood evacuations and road closures. After consulting with fire officials, Alachua County Emergency Management, and law enforcement about this situation, Alachua County Public Schools will be OPEN on Monday, April 20.
Out of an abundance of caution, there will be no outdoor activities during the school day on Monday. Information on extracurricular outdoor activities will be provided later tomorrow.

The GHS Hurricane Players are bringing the laughs (and a little Shakespearean chaos) to the stage with Something Rotten! — a hilarious musical you won’t want to miss!
📅 Show Dates:
April 10th and 11th at 7:00 PM
April 12 at 1:00 PM
💲 Tickets:
Students: $10
General Admission: $15
Directed by Lauren Wilkinson and student-directed by Rowan Archer & Aiden Turner, this high-energy production is packed with comedy, music, and unforgettable performances.
⚠️ Rated PG-13 for occasional suggestive humor, mild language, and innuendo.
Come out and support these talented students—grab your tickets and enjoy a night of theater! 🎶👏






Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy musical that’s full of heart, humor, and a whole lot of spelling! 🎭 🎟️
Eastside High School presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
📅 Show Dates:
- April 9, 10, 11 at 7 PM
- April 4 & 11 at 2 PM
From awkward middle schoolers to unexpected life lessons, this crowd-favorite musical is packed with laughs, relatable moments, and seriously impressive performances by our talented students. Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning show brought to life on stage!
Come support Eastside’s theater program and see who will take home the trophy! 🐝🏆



This special performance features outstanding student musicians from across Alachua County, conducted by guest conductors Tamara Lewis (Director of Bands at Riverview HS) and Dr. Scott Lubaroff (Director of Bands at UCF).
Come support talented students from: Buchholz HS, Eastside HS, Fort Clarke MS, Gainesville HS, Howard Bishop MS, Kanapaha MS, Lincoln MS, Mebane MS, Newberry HS, Oak View MS, Santa Fe HS, Westwood MS and be inspired by their incredible music! 🎼









FREE Mental Health Summit for Athletes 🧠🏃♀️
Alachua County Public Schools is hosting a Mental Health Summit for Athletes—and you’re invited!
Thursday, April 2 from 6:00 – 8:30 PM in the Champions Club at the University of Florida Football Stadium (121 Gale Lemerand Dr.).
This interactive evening will feature:
✔️ Special guest speakers
✔️ Breakout sessions
✔️ Food & giveaways
✔️ Real conversations about mental health in athletics
We’re proud to partner with coaches and community organizations to help students better understand how to take care of their mental health—on and off the field.
This event is free and open to the public, but seats will be prioritized for ACPS students.
Register now at www.alachuaschools.net/studentathletesummit
Questions? Call 352-955-7517 x1106 or email stevensondj@alachuaschools.net
Let’s support the whole athlete—mind and body. 💙

🍎 Say “Thank You” to an Amazing Teacher!
The Education Foundation of Alachua County, in partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare, has launched the “Thank a Teacher” program to celebrate the incredible educators making a difference across ACPS.
Each month, one outstanding teacher will be recognized for their impact, and every nominated teacher will receive messages of appreciation from our community. 💙
👏 Congratulations to our first honoree, Joshua Forgione of Gainesville High School, whose quiet acts of kindness and support for students truly embody what this program is all about.
💬 Know a teacher who goes above and beyond? Nominate them and share your story!
📅 Nominations open the first Monday of each month
🔗 Learn more or submit a nomination: edfoundationac.org
Let’s come together to recognize the educators who inspire, support, and uplift our students every day.





🧠✨ Superintendent’s Math Challenge ✨🧠
ACPS students in grades 4–8 are invited to take part in a fun, fast-paced math competition!
📍 Buchholz High School
📅 May 9, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Students will work through engaging problems that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills—all in a supportive and exciting environment.
📝 Registration deadline: April 17
🔗 Learn more & register: www.alachuaschools.net/smc
📧 Questions? mathchallenge@alachuaschools.net
Let’s see our students rise to the challenge! 💡📊

