By Mark McQueen, Superintendent, Bay District Schools
As we begin the final month of the 2023-2024 school year, I reflect on the significance of the Month of the Military Child in our vibrant community of Panama City Beach. This observance holds a special place in our hearts, as we celebrate and honor our military-connected students’ resilience, sacrifices, and unique experiences.
Our schools have had the privilege of fostering a solid and supportive relationship with the esteemed military installations in our area, particularly the Naval Support Activity Panama City (NSA-PC). Witnessing the outpouring of support for our military children throughout the month was heartwarming.
One of the most remarkable aspects of April was the array of special events held at each of our schools to recognize and celebrate our military students. From assemblies to art projects, our educators went above and beyond to ensure these young heroes felt valued and appreciated for their contributions to our community.
I am particularly proud of the collaborative efforts between our schools and NSA-PC personnel. We work tirelessly to provide comprehensive support to our military children, addressing their unique needs and challenges with care and compassion. The dedication and commitment demonstrated by our school staff and military partners were genuinely inspiring.
Furthermore, I am thrilled to announce that Panama City Beach is home to five of our Florida Department of Education Purple Star Schools of Distinction. These schools have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families, earning this prestigious recognition. With only 200 Purple Star Schools statewide, the fact that 17 of them are in our district is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serving our military community. I am proud to highlight the five Purple Star Schools located right here at the beach:
• J.R. Arnold High School
• Breakfast Point Academy
• Hutchison Beach Elementary School
• Surfside Middle School
• Patronis Elementary School
Rest assured, our other 18 schools are working hard on their Purple Star Schools of Distinction applications. We’re hoping to be the FIRST district in Florida recognized as a Purple Star District, with 75 percent or more of our schools receiving this prestigious award.
As we reflect on the past month, it is clear that the spirit of unity and support that permeates our beach community is truly remarkable. Our collective efforts to celebrate and uplift our military children have not gone unnoticed, and I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and partnership of everyone involved.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making April a memorable Month of the Military Child in Panama City Beach. Your dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on the lives of our military-connected students, and I am honored to be a part of such a remarkable community. Together, we will continue to celebrate and support our military families, ensuring they feel valued, appreciated, and embraced by our schools and community.
