Escambia County Public Schools

Tate High graduate, Adam Norre, knew from a young age that he wanted to be in law enforcement. What he didn’t know is that just 3 years in, he would be named Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year. In this episode, Adam traces his path to becoming a Sheriff’s deputy and his hopes for what’s next.

 Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

Across the country, middle school has proven to be a unique and often difficult time. In contrast to elementary school, students no longer have the comfort and familiarity of one classroom, one teacher and one group of classmates. The school day is filled with multiple classrooms, teachers and groups of students in each class. Not to mention that adolescence brings many physical and psychological changes.  Yet, middle school can be filled with new and exciting opportunities too.                                                                                                                               An important part of adolescence is forming an identity, and a critical aspect of identity formation is establishing oneself in the social hierarchy. Students tend to adjust their interests, goals and behaviors to align with their group. Capitalizing on the potential power of belonging and striving to prevent group conflict, career and technical education (CTE) programs give our students a shared sense of purpose.  With CTE programs in middle school, our students have the ability to explore different career paths to see where their talents and passions might lie. Moreover, these programs give our middle school students the opportunity to find similarities and a shared purpose with classmates outside of their groups. In addition, CTE programs give our middle school students a headstart and pathway to numerous career academy programs in our high schools—or in life—from basic knowledge on how to build or work on things; to being a good cook or caregiver; to using digital tools or growing things with their own hands. No matter what a student wants to be or do in life— and a large percentage of students don’t have a clue—the middle school years are the ideal time to start the discovery process.

In Florida public schools, HB379 is the bill that prohibits a student from using smartphones and other wireless communications devices during instructional time. Learn about the rules and the exceptions. Read the full article in the Pensacola News Journal: https://lnkd.in/eXvPFgKp

Jennifer Causey is a social studies teacher at Pine Forest High School whose econ class includes a mock investing challenge. She is working to end the cycle of poverty in Escambia county, by not just educating kids on money management basics, but making growing it accessible and fun. In this episode she shares what motivates her to dig in, when others short change this issue, and where to start if you if you're feeling behind. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

Sue Straughn may be the most recognizable news anchor in Pensacola, but she has also been an outstanding advocate for children and education - earning a spot in the 100 Most Influential People by inweekly, the Martin Luther King Junior "Living the Dream" Award, the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and more. Listen as Sue, an Escambia High graduate, shares her unique vantage into the community from both the news desk and her front porch. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

Hassan Hills is the founder and Director of Youths Left Behind, a nonprofit working to build up at-risk kids in Escambia County. In this episode, he shares his own story of incarceration and how he's working to reduce gang violence and increase opportunities for youths in Escambia County. Hear from Michael Jeter, one of the young teens positively impacted by organization. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

Jasmine Simms is a Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Tobacco Free Florida. In this episode, she shares vaping myths, why you may not recognize a vape pen if you saw it and practical strategies to talk to your kids about it. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

This trio of guests are leveraging a school elective that turns creative problem solving into a competition. Melissa Hughes, Cheri Stoker and Sophia Worley are part of the Ferry Pass Middle School's Odyssey of the Mind program where seven of their eight teams advanced to the state level. Odyssey of the Mind is an international program designed to help students grow as confident learners and team members. Listen as they share five benefits this program brings to the classroom and beyond. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

Dr. Kimberly Thomas and Mr. Derrick Thomas are both principals at Escambia County Public Schools on the rise - C.A. Weis Elementary School and Workman Middle School. They share their work/home relationship dynamic and their unique perspectives on successful school outcomes. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ

According to Boeing, the pilot shortage means that over the next 20 years, we'll need 200K new pilots in the US alone. Escambia High School has a unique solution facilitated by a unique leader. Greg Pyle is a flight academy instructor. After 20 years in the United States Air Force, six of which were spent as a navigator flying a FB1-11 fighter jet, he has combined his love of aviation with his passion for teaching a special dual enrollment program - created in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hear how the program sets students up with a technologically engaging career and minimal student loans. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e6TsMpqJ