The halls of A. Crawford Mosley High School were abuzz with excitement and anticipation as we recently had the honor of hosting some distinguished guests: Florida's First Lady, Casey DeSantis, Florida Department of Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz and Florida’s Secretary of the Lottery John F. Davis. Their visit marked a special occasion and a significant milestone in Florida’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and student well-being.
We were deeply honored to welcome First Lady Casey DeSantis, Commissioner Diaz and Secretary Davis to our district. Their personal stories of overcoming challenges were inspiring and served as a testament to the power of resiliency. Along with the First Lady, Commissioner Diaz and Secretary Davis, the panel included Audrey Rothman, a rising star on the Florida State University Beach Volleyball Team, and Florida’s Teacher of the Year Adrianna Swearingen, who hails from Bay County. Together, panelists underscored the importance of parental involvement and community support. At the same time, they were here supporting the First Lady’s new, exciting, initiative regarding resiliency education for our students.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the importance of resilience cannot be overstated. It is a quality that empowers individuals to navigate challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and emerge stronger than before. Recognizing this, the First Lady's initiative seeks to equip our students with the tools they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Parental involvement lies at the heart of this initiative. We know that when parents actively engage in their child's education, students are more likely to succeed academically and emotionally. It's heartening to see that most students in a recent survey expressed feeling supported by a trusted adult in their lives. However, it's concerning that nearly a third of students reported not having this crucial support system.
This is where the First Lady's initiative comes in. Thanks to her visionary leadership and the state's support, the Florida Department of Education will roll out a groundbreaking program to bridge this gap. The program will invite parents and grandparents from our community to apply to become resiliency coaches in our schools.
The DOE will provide these resiliency coaches with comprehensive training and ongoing support, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as mentors and advocates for our students. In recognition of their invaluable contribution, resiliency coaches will also receive a stipend of $150 for their dedication and commitment.
This initiative represents more than just a program—it's a powerful testament to the strength of community and the importance of investing in our students' future. By forging meaningful connections between parents, grandparents, and students, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.
As we look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the possibilities that lie ahead. As a dedicated Team of Teams, we can empower our students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Thank you, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Commissioner Diaz and Secretary Davis, for your unwavering support and dedication to the well-being of our students. Together, we are putting the “A” back in Bay!
