SJCSB Meeting – February 10, 2026
SJCSB Meeting – February 10, 2026 Read More »
2026
2026 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk
Join the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee for its 13th Annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin and end at Palencia Elementary School, located at 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine.
Walkers and runners will enjoy a course running through the neighborhoods of Kensington and Las Calinas and can choose to participate in the 6K (3.73 miles) or 3K (1.86 miles) distance.
Registration fees are as follows:
6K Walk/Run
$30 before January 1
$35 January 1 – 31
$40 on race day
3K Walk/Run
$30 before January 1
$35 January 1 – 31
$40 on race day
Register by December 31, 2025, to receive a race t-shirt and other give-aways from sponsoring businesses and community organizations!
Registration forms and more information are available online.
Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD). The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the schools with the most registrants. At the finish line, each race participant will receive a finisher’s medal.
This event is produced by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee and is presented by Beaver Toyota with support from businesses and community groups. Action News Jax CBS47/FOX30 is the official media sponsor.
The SJCSD, along with area businesses, youth organizations and civic groups, selected the national character education program of CHARACTER COUNTS! as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in young people throughout the county. Additionally, the SJCSD became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory With Honor in all of its athletic programs. Character education is an important part of every School Improvement Plan and a major component of the Student Code of Conduct and the school district’s Strategic Plan.
2026 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk Read More »
Now Accepting Controlled Open Enrollment Applications
YOUR SEAT. YOUR SCHOOL. YOUR CHOICE.
St. Johns County School District Now Accepting
Controlled Open Enrollment Applications
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — The St. Johns County School District is now accepting applications for the second window of Controlled Open Enrollment. For this window, there are sixteen schools available: Crookshank Elementary School, Cunningham Creek Elementary School, Freedom Crossing Academy, W. D. Hartley Elementary School, Hickory Creek Elementary School, Julington Creek Elementary School, Ketterlinus Elementary School, R. J. Murray Middle School, Ocean Palms Elementary School, Osceola Elementary School, Palencia Elementary School, PVPV-Rawlings Elementary School, Sebastian Middle School, South Woods Elementary School, Timberlin Creek Elementary School and James A. Webster Elementary School.
The application window is open from February 2 through February 20 and is available to all Florida residents. Controlled Open Enrollment is a state-wide school choice option that allows families to choose schools outside of their district-assigned attendance boundary, based on availability.
The St. Johns County School District is one of Florida’s highest-performing districts, with students consistently achieving top results in reading, mathematics, science, and end-of-course assessments. Students also perform above state and national averages on Advanced Placement exams and ACT and SAT assessments.
“Controlled Open Enrollment reflects our district’s commitment to providing families with meaningful educational choices while maintaining balanced enrollment across schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen.
Selecting a preferred district school offers several benefits, including access to high-quality academic programs supported by strong instructional practices, schools that align with a child’s interests, learning style, or future goals, and locations that may be closer to home, work, or childcare.
Families interested in applying for Controlled Open Enrollment can find eligibility information at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/coe/.
Now Accepting Controlled Open Enrollment Applications Read More »
Join the AI Task Force
Please complete the survey to share your interest in participating in the SJCSD AI Task Force. The information you provide will help us form AI Task Force Cohorts which may be held virtually or in person. Participants can expect a response within 10 business days at the email address provided. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 28.
Join the AI Task Force Read More »
All Access with Dr. Asplen: Osceola Elementary
This episode of All Access follows Dr. Asplen on a tour of Osceola Elementary School, where students are learning about measuring distances, staying organized, and Florida’s invasive plant species.
All Access with Dr. Asplen: Osceola Elementary Read More »
2026-2027 School Start & Dismissal Times
For the 2026-2027 school year, the school start and dismissal times will change for two schools: South Woods Elementary and Mill Creek Academy. The start and dismissal times will not change for all other elementary schools, middle schools, K-8 academies, and high schools.
In brief, both South Woods Elementary School and Mill Creek Academy will move from a start time of 8:25 a.m. to a start time of 8:40 a.m., and will follow the same schedule as Liberty Pines Academy, Palm Valley Academy, Trout Creek Academy, and Valley Ridge Academy.
Additionally, two new K-8 academies will be opening for the 2026-2027 school year. K-8 Academy “QQ” will begin at 8:00 a.m. and K-8 Academy “RR” will begin at 8:40 a.m.
For more details, visit the School Hours web page.
2026-2027 School Start & Dismissal Times Read More »
Celebrate Literacy Week!
The theme for the upcoming 2026 Literacy Week is Read, White and Blue. (Jan 24-30) We’re excited to see our schools embrace the 250 chapters of our nation integrated with Literacy Week this year. Our school media specialists take the lead with planning Literacy Week celebrations. Please see the list of sample activities happening in our schools.
Celebrate Literacy Week! Read More »
Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools
St. Johns County School District, in conjunction with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), is pleased to announce the launch of Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools Communications Initiative. This coordinated, statewide effort will elevate public awareness of the value and positive impact of Florida’s public schools under the unifying theme: Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools.
We know that every Florida school district achieves remarkable outcomes daily — whether through student achievements, innovative programs, or community partnerships — yet these stories often remain isolated within individual districts. This campaign will highlight our school district and school successes, innovations, and achievements, alongside the diverse school choice options we offer that can only be found in Florida public schools.
The recent announcement of the historic, record-breaking 92.2% high school graduation rates for the 2024-25 school year is a prime example of how Florida’s Future is Powered by Public Schools.
“Achieving a 97.1% graduation rate in the 2024-25 school year reflects the dedication of our students, families, teachers, and staff, and we are proud of every graduate,” said St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen.
This campaign will delve into the programs, people, and positive outcomes resulting from the hard work of our dedicated students, teachers, administrators, school staff, volunteers, and community partnerships, and celebrate those successes.
By uniting around shared messaging and amplifying local success stories, school districts will reinforce the value of Florida’s public schools and showcase how Florida’s Future Is Powered by Public Schools.
Florida’s Future: Powered by Public Schools Read More »
Graduation Rates
According to a Florida Department of Education report, St. Johns County School District graduated 97.1% of its students during the 2024-2025 school year, placing our district 3rd in the state. We are proud of our students, teachers, and administrators for achieving this outstanding educational milestone. Congratulations!
Below is the historical data for the last 5 years for the state, St. Johns County, and each of our schools with graduates.
Hear Superintendent Dr. Asplen discuss SJCSD’s excellent graduation rates with Beach 105.5 News Radio.
Sabina Atic Named Teacher of the Year for 2026
Ink! Names Sabina Atic and Ashley Vizcarra St. Johns County Teachers Of The Year
Educational foundation recognizes dedication of local teachers with prestigious award
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (January 16, 2026) – The St. Johns County Education Foundation, known as Investing in Kids (INK!), honors the dedicated work of the local teaching community with two annual awards: Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year. After an extensive selection process, INK! is proud to announce that Sabina Atic has been named the 2025-2026 St. Johns County District Teacher of the Year, while Ashley Vizcarra has received the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award. They were recognized at the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday, January 15th, at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.
“The level of professionalism and commitment from all of our nominees is extraordinary,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s Executive Director. “Teachers play a huge role in the development of our children, supporting the growth of our next generation. It’s our honor to recognize and continue the legacy of educators in St. Johns County.”
Sabina Atic teaches Biomedical Sciences at Beachside High School, where she is also the sponsor of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)-Future Health Professionals, a career and technical student organization that provides guidance and mentorship to high school students interested in pursuing a career in health services. Atic has taught for 7 years in St. Johns County and was named St. Johns County Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2018. “Ms. Atic is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor and a role model,” writes former student Pranavi Nagpal, now majoring in Health Sciences at the University of South Florida. “Her dedication, compassion, and patience have inspired countless students, myself included.”
Ashley Vizcarra is a 7th and 8th-grade teacher at Valley Ridge Academy. Her teaching duties include Advanced Science, Accelerated Math, and Pre-Algebra. Vizcarra began teaching after serving in the United States Navy as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, trained in Nuclear Engineering. Vizcarra also serves as the school’s Soaring High program coordinator, which provides guidance and material support to students and their families. “Ms. Vizcarra possesses a rare gift for connecting with students, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where they feel welcomed and supported,” writes Angie Fuller, principal of Valley Ridge Academy.
Finalists for the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year include Kylie Benetsky from Switzerland Point Middle School, Katelin Bonner from Pedro Menendez High School, Pauline Harris from Valley Ridge Academy, and Denise Shedlock from Creekside High School.
ABOUT INVESTING IN KIDS: The St. Johns County Education Foundation, Inc., which operates as Investing in Kids (INK!), promotes success for all St. Johns County public school students and teachers by providing innovative programs, teacher support, classroom resources, and scholarships to benefit more than 52,000 students and approximately 3,200 teachers. INK! is a 501(c)3 education foundation with offices at 1 Christopher St. in St. Augustine.
2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Katelin Bonner, 10th-grade English II teacher, Pedro Menendez High School (16 years)
- Pauline Harris, 6th-grade math teacher, Valley Ridge Academy (14 years)
- Kylie Benetsky, 6th–8th grade instructional coach, Switzerland Point Middle School (7 years)
- Denise Shedlock, 9th–12th grade science teacher, Creekside High School (13 years)
- Sabina Atic, 10th–12th grade biomedical science teacher, Beachside High School (7 years) — Teacher of the Year Winner
Teacher of the Year Nominees (2025–2026)
- Angela Adams – Palencia Elementary
- Angela E. Coleman – St. Johns Technical High
- AnneMarie Young – PVPV Rawlings Elementary
- Ashley Fee – R.B. Hunt Elementary
- Avita Sandoval-Beatty – Palm Valley Academy
- Brian Keenan – St. Augustine High
- Carly Smolek – Crookshank Elementary
- Cathy Ragusa – Julington Creek Elementary
- Clare Wagner – James A. Webster Elementary
- Deb Lee Crupi – Gamble Rogers Middle
- Denise Shedlock – Creekside High
- Erin Samartan – Pacetti Bay Middle
- Faie Pellegrino – Ocean Palms Elementary
- Gena White – Ponte Vedra High
- Gina Stinson – Treaty Oaks Preparatory Academy
- Hannah Glynn – Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
- Heather Pfeiffer – The Evelyn Hamblen Center/Gaines Alternative School
- Iwona Bielaszka – Hallowes Cove Academy
- Jacquelyn Woodard – Freedom Crossing Academy
- Jaime Smith – Ketterlinus Elementary
- Jeanette Vadbunker – Pine Island Academy
- Jennifer Jacobson – St. Johns Virtual
- Jenny Moore-Jones – South Woods Elementary
- Julie Prager – Cunningham Creek Elementary
- Kaitelin Leonard – Mill Creek Academy
- Katelin Bonner – Pedro Menendez High
- Kelly Yelvington – Picolata Crossing Elementary
- Kelli Vance – Durbin Creek Elementary
- Kylie Monsanto – Patriot Oaks Academy
- Kylie Shaye Benetsky – Switzerland Point Middle
- L’Erin Standley – Hickory Creek Elementary
- Leanne Fortune – Sebastian Middle
- Megan Narin – Fruit Cove Middle
- Michelle Chapman – Timberlin Creek Elementary
- Monique Paula Lyman – St. Augustine Public Montessori
- Morgan Williams – Alice B. Landrum Middle
- Natalie Gavarrette – Lakeside Academy
- Neiland Bergman – Osceola Elementary
- Pauline Harris – Valley Ridge Academy
- Renee Tatman – Otis A. Mason Elementary
- Sabina Atic – Beachside High
- Shaheinda Moffat – W.D. Hartley Elementary
- Shannon Ford – Liberty Pines Academy
- Susie Ament – Trout Creek Academy
- Tara Amato – Allen D. Nease High
- Terrence Smith – First Coast Technical College
- Tinyka Reese – R. J. Murray Middle
- Toni Adair – Tocoi Creek High School
- Vanessa Ochaita – Bartram Trail High
- Ximena Vergara – Wards Creek Elementary
Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominees (2025–2026)
- Abby Sadler – Otis A. Mason Elementary
- Alexa Frisbey – Trout Creek Academy
- Amy Ryan – Allen D. Nease High
- Ashley Rott – Creekside High
- Ashley Vizcarra – Valley Ridge Academy
- Bruce Blazing – The Evelyn Hamblen Center/Gaines Alternative School
- Caroline Durham – PVPV Rawlings Elementary
- Catherine Silva – Hickory Creek Elementary
- Danielle Holtman – Gamble Rogers Middle
- Delilah Kuzan – Osceola Elementary
- Dr. Stephanie Brighton – Switzerland Point Middle
- Elise Falstreaux – Pacetti Bay Middle
- Emma Golston – First Coast Technical College
- Emma Kordek – Ponte Vedra High
- Erica Knuckley – Liberty Pines Academy
- Erika Harpe – Pine Island Academy
- Erin Beazzo – Picolata Crossing Elementary
- Fred Flenorl Jr. – Sebastian Middle
- Isabella Jones-Gonzales – Durbin Creek Elementary
- Jadon Mattox – Freedom Crossing Academy
- Jeiko Delgado – R. J. Murray Middle
- Jeremy Hunze – Mill Creek Academy
- Jenny Voreis – Timberlin Creek Elementary
- Jordan Cook – Tocoi Creek High
- Karen Moritz – Palm Valley Academy
- Kody O’Connor – W.D. Hartley Elementary
- Leslie Walsh – Treaty Oaks Preparatory Academy
- Lindsey Taylor – Palencia Elementary
- Mackenzie Hudgins – South Woods Elementary
- Madison Parent – St. Johns Technical High
- Madeline McGinnis – Alice B. Landrum Middle
- Maggie Burkhard – James A. Webster Elementary
- Mathews Huey – Beachside High
- Melissa Balbir – Patriot Oaks Academy
- Melissa Colson – Fruit Cove Middle
- Michael Brinkley – St. Augustine High
- Rachel Blanton – Wards Creek Elementary
- Ryan Muscarella – Pedro Menendez High
- Sarah Dlugopolski – Lakeside Academy
- Sreevidya Iyengar – Cunningham Creek Elementary
- Sydney Skanes – Crookshank Elementary
- Taylor Castilla – Hallowes Cove Academy
- Tom Buckles – Bartram Trail High
- Tori Worthington – Ketterlinus Elementary
- Zachary Bridgett – Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
Sabina Atic Named Teacher of the Year for 2026 Read More »
School Budget Transparency Presentation for Taxpayers
View the School Budget Transparency Presentation for Taxpayers provided by Superintendent Dr. Asplen on January 12 and 14.
School Budget Transparency Presentation for Taxpayers Read More »
Spelling Bee Winner 2026
Jahnavi Doneparthi, a seventh-grade student at Liberty Pines Academy, won the annual St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) Spelling Bee held Wednesday at First Coast Technical College. She won by spelling the word “katana” correctly. The second-place speller was Betty Teplova, an eighth-grade student from Pine Island Academy.
It took 17 rounds for the winner to be determined. The participants were congratulated by School Board members Jennifer Collins, Dr. Linda Thomson, and Beverly Slough.
Forty-nine elementary and middle school students from 36 public schools and three private schools competed for the honor of representing St. Johns County in the First Coast Regional Spelling Bee scheduled to be held on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The winner of the regional spelling bee will advance to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee scheduled in May in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Rebecca England, SJCSD Program Specialist for Elementary Language Arts, served as the spelling bee coordinator and the pronouncer was Kate Houston, Program Specialist for Secondary Language Arts. Judges for the event were Sam Evans, 2022 Regional Spelling Bee Champion, Eilea Van Scoy, community member and SJCSD parent, and Cheryl Freeman, Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
The Spelling Bee will be available for viewing at a later date on St. Johns Educational Access TV channels 99 or 262 and on the St. Johns County School District website.
Spelling Bee Winner 2026 Read More »
Dr. Asplen On Beach 105.5 News Radio
On January 12, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Asplen spoke with Beach 105.5 News Radio about a recent report from the Florida Department of Education that ranks St. Johns County School District 3rd in the state for graduation rates.
Dr. Asplen On Beach 105.5 News Radio Read More »
All Access with Dr. Asplen: Career and Technical Academies
The SJCSD Career & Technical Education High School Showcase was held on December 10 at the World Golf Village Renaissance Conference Center. See all the amazing opportunities our high schools have to offer!
All Access with Dr. Asplen: Career and Technical Academies Read More »
AI Task Force Virtual Input Meeting on January 22
Join us on Thursday, January 22 at 5:30 p.m. for a virtual meeting to gather information from stakeholders about the future of generative AI in education. Participants will share perspectives, ask questions, and provide feedback to help guide the district’s approach to generative AI.
AI Task Force Virtual Input Meeting on January 22 Read More »
Apply Now for a High School Career Academy / Program of Interest
Families of Current SJCSD 8th and 9th Graders,
Students in 8th and 9th grade may apply for enrollment in a Program of Interest for any of the St. Johns County School District high schools.
Programs of Interest include high school Career Academies, IB and AICE acceleration programs, JROTC, Early College Program, Early Career Program, and the St. Johns County Center for the Arts (SJCCA).
To learn more, please visit the Career & Technical Education website.
Ready to Apply?
All current 8th and 9th graders may apply by completing the general application in the Student’s Home Access Center (HAC).
Eligible students who are currently attending a private school, charter school, home school, or a virtual school may also apply to a Program of Interest. Preference is provided to full-time student applicants with opportunities for part-time students as seats are available.
The deadline for all applications is January 26th .
Apply Now for a High School Career Academy / Program of Interest Read More »