Escambia County Public Schools

Voices in Education Podcast Episode 101: Why Stuff the Bus? 45% of Escambia County households are below the ALICE threshold—ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed. This squeeze is sharply felt for families during back-to-school time when expenses pile up quickly. In this episode, Chris McFarland, the Coordinator of Student Services for Escambia County Public Schools and Laura Gilliam, the President of the United Way of West Florida, share why Stuff the Bus is more than a feel-good event for those involved, and how you can both give and get the supplies your child needs. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eR8SxNVm

🎆🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day, Escambia County! 🇺🇸🎆 As we light up the sky with fireworks and gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to enjoy this special day which marks the official independence of the United States of America. From everyone at Escambia County Public Schools, we wish our incredible community a safe and joyous holiday! #HappyFourth #IndependenceDay

We are thrilled to celebrate the 100th episode of our Voices In Education Podcast! Our 100th episode is a fun one: Teacher’s rock, LITERALLY! West Florida High’s juniors went from shock to awe when they found out their AP English teacher is in a band! Joey Truncale is the lead singer of the alternative rock band, Unicorn Wranglers. Grab a spot by the stage to hear how his unusual hobby has helped him better connect with and educate his students. Listen to the episode now: https://lnkd.in/e-VGb-7q

One of the many work-based learning opportunities in Escambia County Public Schools is the Member's First Wildcat Credit Union at Booker T. Washington High School. Sponsored by Members First Credit Union, this student-run branch gives Marketing and Entrepreneurship Academy students a chance to gain hands-on experience in banking. ⁠ ⁠ As the first student-run credit union in the Escambia County School District, this program offers real-world financial literacy and education. Juniors and seniors can work in these paid positions, allowing some to have two years of experience as a bank teller by graduation. Interested students are encouraged to apply in the spring, with summer training at the bank to prepare for opening on the first day of school. Typically, 4 to 6 students participate each year.⁠ ⁠ Students earn course credit and hands-on experience running daily operations with guidance from credit union staff. Throughout the year, they:⁠ ⁠ - Provide financial education to peers⁠ - Encourage personal financial responsibility⁠ - Develop leadership skills⁠ - Promote practical math applications⁠ - Cultivate career awareness and employment skills⁠ ⁠ We are so proud to offer this incredible hands-on learning opportunity to our students!

Christie Costello owns Costello’s Butcher Shop & Deli in Pensacola. In this episode, she shares not about what she’s selling, but what she is giving away – 100-150 sandwiches to hungry neighborhood kids. She also shares the unusual way this idea came to her, her history with the Pensacola food scene and how she’s also setting up the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs to give back. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dW342kGc

Funds from the half-penny are used to fund the construction of new schools (such as the new Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill), renovations, additions to existing schools, land acquisition and improvements, and school technology. Read about how the half cent sales tax has made a big difference in the Escambia County Public School District. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dqJwZDWj

Scottlin Williams is a meteorologist and the program manager for HERicane Escambia, a free summer camp that is a positive force for girls. In this episode, she shares who inspired her into meteorology, what the camp entails & how broadening representation in emergency management and public safety is good for everyone. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eSq8SJ8G

We are so proud of the incredible Career Academies that are offered throughout our school district.  Did you know that there are now 67 Unique Career and Professional Education Plan (CAPE) Certifications being offered in our middle and high schools?   From healthcare and biomedical sciences to telecommunications and multimedia, students have the opportunity to learn about their chosen field and—in most academies—have the opportunity to earn an industry certification relevant to the career academy. In high school, Students’ senior year may include work experience, paid or unpaid, in the community. 34,759 Certificates have been earned over the past 5 years! #education #CAPE #careeracademies

Esi Shannon never expected to be Principal of the Year, but she always expected to be a teacher. In this episode, she shares the story of her career, reluctant leadership, creating joyous learning & the misunderstood struggles of educational leadership. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/enDui8gA

🌍 Today, we celebrate World Caring Day!  At Escambia County Public Schools, we believe in the power of kindness and compassion to make the world a better place. Let's take this opportunity to spread love, support and understanding within our community and beyond.  Together, we can create a more caring and inclusive world.  #WorldCaringDay #KindnessMatters