Lights, Camera, Futures: Okaloosa Schools Roll Out a Free VPK Movie Experience

In Brief:

👥 Who: Okaloosa County School District, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast
🎬 What: Free Kindergarten & VPK Registration Family Movie Afternoon
📅 When: Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Regal Cinemas Santa Rosa, Mary Esther
🎒 Why: To support families and make the transition to kindergarten easier and more engaging

OKALOOSA COUNTY — The Okaloosa County School District is partnering with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast to host a free Kindergarten and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Registration Family Movie Afternoon aimed at helping families prepare for the transition to school.

The event will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Regal Cinemas Santa Rosa, located at 300 Mary Esther Boulevard. Doors open at 2 p.m., and families with children enrolling in VPK or kindergarten are encouraged to attend.

Organizers say the family-friendly afternoon is designed to celebrate early learning milestones while making the registration process easier and more welcoming for parents.

“Our goal is to make the transition to kindergarten welcoming, supportive, and engaging for families,” said Amy Dale, director of elementary curriculum for the Okaloosa County School District.

Families who attend will receive complimentary movie tickets, with a maximum of three per household, along with a children’s snack pack. District staff and early learning partners will be on-site to assist with kindergarten and VPK registration and answer questions from families.

Attendance is free, but seating is limited. Families are encouraged to pre-register through Eventbrite to reserve their tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited on-site registration will also be available.

District leaders say the event highlights the importance of early childhood education and Florida’s VPK program, which focuses on building strong foundations in literacy, math, and social-emotional development.

Parent permission and adult participation are required for children attending the event.

Eventbrite Registration Link: Register here

For more information:
Contact Amy Dale at DaleA@okaloosaschools.com or the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast at communications@elc-ec.org.