Volunteers Help School District Prepare for First Week of School in Okaloosa County

A group of 90 volunteers from local organizations, including HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, contributed 540 hours to prepare nine Okaloosa County schools for the 2024-2025 academic year, focusing on classroom setup, maintenance, and landscaping.

Here’s How the New President Of NWFSC Gets Selected:

The search for a new president of Northwest Florida State College has begun, following the resignation of former president Devin Stephenson. The process, which involves input from the community and the guidance of the Myers McRae search firm, will focus on external candidates. Interim President Christine Kedroski has declined to seek the permanent position, with a new president expected to be appointed by January 2025. The college is hosting additional town halls and encourages public participation in the selection process.

Okaloosa County School District Will Pilot Virtual Reality In Classrooms

The Okaloosa County School Board has approved a pilot program to implement a Virtual Reality (VR) curriculum in three schools in collaboration with Prisms of Reality. This initiative aims to enhance the teaching and learning of Math and Science through innovative technology. Prisms of Reality’s Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) platform engages tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learners, offering real-world problem-solving experiences. While the program aims to bridge learning gaps and ignite interest in STEM subjects, it also raises concerns about increased screen time for students and the long-term effectiveness of VR in maintaining student engagement.

Nihill Taylor to Replace Martin at STEMM Academy

The Okaloosa County School Board has appointed Kimberly Nihill Taylor, current Assistant Principal at Niceville High School, as the new principal of STEMM Academy in Valparaiso. Taylor, a longtime educator with over three decades of experience in the Okaloosa County School District, succeeds Dr. Scheree Martin, who was reassigned following disciplinary issues. Taylor brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role, having previously served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the district.

Mid Bay News

A drone view of the activity on Boggy Bayou before the annual fireworks festival put on every year by the cities of Niceville  and Valparaiso.