Enjoy that extra hour of sleep and a little more morning sunshine. ☀️
More than 150 educators from 20 elementary schools joined the sessions , including K–2 and 3–5 teachers, interventionists, paraprofessionals, and even long-term substitutes . All working toward one shared goal: strengthening early literacy instruction and supporting high-quality implementation of UFLI Foundations .
A huge thank you to our district partners, district leaders, literacy specialists, and school-based teams for their incredible collaboration and dedication to ensuring every student receives high-quality literacy instruction.
Together, we’re empowering teachers and transforming literacy outcomes for students across Alachua County! 🌟
It's no trick! Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Cathy Atria surprised Littlewood Elementary principal Justin Russell and Glen Springs Elementary assistant principal Heather Lowry with the news that they've been selected as the district's Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year! Congratulations Mr. Russell and Ms. Lowry!
🎓 Find Your Future at the 2025 Magnet Showcase!
Families — don’t miss your chance to explore the many magnet options available at our elementary, middle, and high schools!
Learn more about open house dates, shadowing opportunities, and application deadlines all in one place.
📅 Saturday, October 25
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Alachua County Sports and Event Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Avenue, Gainesville
🚗 Due to another event in the area, please enter Celebration Pointe from Archer Rd and park in the South Parking Garage before following the signage and walking to the Sports & Event Center.
Visit 🔗 www.alachuaschools.net/magnets for details.
🌟 Celebrating Our Citizens of the Month! 🌟
Congratulations to all the Alachua County Public Schools students recognized as Citizens of the Month! These students are being celebrated for their kindness, leadership, and positive contributions to their school communities.
Thank you to Mainstreet Daily News, Bosshardt Realty and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County for sponsoring this wonderful recognition program.
Cheer on the Gators and support ACPS staff appreciation programs by purchasing discounted tickets to the UF Homecoming game vs. Mississippi state on October 18 at 4:15. gofevo.com/group/Alachuacounty6
Open Houses for academic and career tech magnet programs begin next week AND the annual Magnet Showcase is October 25 from 10-1 at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center at Celebration Pointe. . More open house, Showcase and application info is available at alachuaschools.net/magnets
Fall Driver Education
Alachua County Public Schools is offering two options this fall:
🔹 Behind-the-Wheel Lab Only – for students who have already completed a Driver Education classroom course.
🔹 Classroom + Lab – for students who have not yet taken a Driver Education course (earn .5 credit).
Requirements:
✔ Must be 15 or older
✔ Must have a Learner’s Permit (for Lab Only option)
📅 Classes begin this fall
💲 Fees: $200 (Lab Only) | $250 (Classroom + Lab)
👉 Learn more and register here: www.alachuaschools.net/driversed
📞 For more information, call 352-955-6959
ACPS middle/high school families: Starting September 22, free virtual counseling and academic advising from certified school counselors offered after school through the district's Beyond the Bell program. Information at alachuaschools.net/beyondthebell
Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton and the district’s safety and security team recently met with local law enforcement and emergency response leaders to discuss school safety. Together, they reviewed state requirements, district procedures, and new initiatives, all with one goal in mind: keeping our schools safe.
Check out highlights from the meeting!
Thank you to the team from UF Health that provided Stop the Bleed training for principals today. As with our recent training on reunifying families after a school crisis, today's session is another example of the district's commitment to the safety and well-being of students, families and staff.
