With only a couple months remaining in this school year, we are looking forward to many end-of-year activities. It’s hard to believe graduation is right around the corner! Students have been hard at work creating science fair projects, performing in school plays, competing in athletics, enjoying educational field trips and participating in choral and band concerts. A special thanks to our community for supporting our students with your time, resources, encouragement and expertise. We see you, and we appreciate you.
I am thrilled to share some recent and exciting developments. In March, we held groundbreaking celebrations for Edith I. Starke and Orange City elementary schools, beginning a new chapter in the story of these schools. This next chapter will include the construction of new media centers and art and music classrooms, revamped drop-off and pick-up driveways, the implementation of cutting-edge technology and bolstered security measures. These improvements signify our commitment to inspire every student and provide a learning environment where every child can thrive.
I also recently had the privilege of shadowing some of our outstanding employees. I spent time as a School Way Cafe assistant, guardian, teacher and bus attendant, among other roles. Briefly serving in these special jobs has continued to deepen my appreciation for our school staff. We have so many employees going above and beyond their traditional roles and taking personal action to make sure that our students are safe, healthy and supported. I left each role with a big smile on my face after seeing our students were nurtured and loved by some very dedicated staff members.
I’ve recently had the pleasure of engaging with many municipal and business partners in a series of partner stakeholder events. I’m inspired by our shared mission to continue to grow the future workforce of Volusia County. These ongoing discussions not only enable us to thoughtfully expand our middle and high school Career and Technical Education programs, but they also signify our joint commitment to make sure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
I have the honor of working alongside the most dedicated professionals, brilliant staff members and caring community who work tirelessly to help our students grow into kind, thoughtful, curious, successful and happy individuals. Thank you for the special and important role you play in our VCS family. Together, let us continue to build a bright future for the next generation.
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools