The first day of school in Volusia and Flagler counties is Monday, Aug. 11, and while that’s not news to students, parents and all of the staff — teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and security team members — who run schools, it’s noteworthy for entire communities.
Even if you don’t have kids going to schools, chances are you’ll drive by school-bound children in school zones where speeds are reduced and short-term traffic buildups might delay commutes. And the metro area covering Volusia and Flagler counties is plagued with deadly pedestrian-vehicle crashes.
The schools themselves have been abuzz with preparation, from meet-your-teacher events to strategic planning for how Volusia County Schools can maintain its A grade and Flagler County Schools can improve on its B.
Jamie Haynes, chair of the Volusia County School Board, said regardless of whether kids had good summers or not-so-good summers, many will be happy to get back into the daily routine.
“They’re happy to get back to school because kids thrive on having a schedule and knowing what’s going to happen,” she said. “They’re coming back to school because it’s their safe place.”
Haynes said she has had this reminder for everyone who comes into contact with school children on the first day: “A smile goes a long way, and just remember on that first day to greet them with a smile, because we don’t know what the summer’s been like.”
With the start of school, there are more storylines than can be collected in one report, but here are some of the highlights.
Starke Elementary, which went from D to A school, will soon move into new building
Replacement school buildings at two West Volusia schools, Orange City Elementary and Starke Elementary in DeLand, will not be ready for the first day, but rather are expected to open sometime in September.
“With Starke, the latest I heard is we’re probably looking at mid- to late-September,” Haynes said. “And I think Orange City may be sometime around the same time period.”
Hurricane Milton last year threw construction off schedule, Haynes said.
The new building for Starke is under construction next door at a cost of $38.9 million for a building that will be 88,416 square feet, serving up to 652 students, according to a district statement.
Starke also starting STEM-arts curriculum
Starke is also starting as a STEM-arts magnet school. The Volusia district is banking on attracting students from beyond the southwest DeLand neighborhood where Starke has been in operation since 1956.
Haynes, who has visited other magnet schools in Seminole and Miami-Dade counties, is excited about the possibilities of engaging students in a curriculum heavy on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and how STEM relates to the creative thinking inspired by the arts.
“It’s something that I felt would be really good for not only that school but the community,” she said. “And what it allows once they’re open and we get to next year, there will be a little bit of rezoning and then the thought is that if parents want their children to be in that school with the program piece, there will be some seats where they can apply to come.”
Starke went from a D-graded school in 2023-24 to an A in 2024-25.
Principal Jessica Aivazis has noted the school’s A, but also another significant area of improvement: chronic absenteeism.
“We achieved the largest decrease in the entire district — reducing it by 10.38%. This milestone speaks volumes about the importance our families placed on daily attendance and how vital your support is to student success,” Aivazis wrote in her summer newsletter.
The district provided a statement explaining the transition to a STEM-arts curriculum.
“Today’s students must be prepared for careers that don’t yet exist. Integrating the arts into a strong STEM foundation promotes creative thinking, innovation and perseverance. These are key qualities for success in the 21st century. Through hands-on projects, performance opportunities and real-world problem-solving, students will build confidence and develop transferable skills they’ll use for life,” according to the district statement.
The district said the program is open to students from anywhere in Volusia County.
“The launch has already drawn new interest from families beyond the immediate neighborhood,” the district said. “We’re seeing more students enrolling and families who are excited about the opportunities the magnet program offers in both STEM and the arts.”
The curriculum enhancements will allow students at Starke to participate in enrichment programs such as robotics, coding, visual arts, music, dance and drama. “Learning is project-based and collaborative, helping students make meaningful connections across content areas.”
Flagler schools also start Monday
Two Flagler County schools begin the new year with new principals.
Mike Rinaldi starts as Matanzas High School’s principal on Aug. 11, while Katie Hansen begins as Buddy Taylor Middle School principal.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Rinaldi and Ms. Hansen into these important roles within Flagler schools,” said LaShakia Moore, the district’s superintendent. “Both are talented and experienced educators with a passion for helping educate the next generation, as well as building strong school communities. I’m confident they’ll lead with integrity, vision and heart as they both prioritize putting children first in all they do.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: First day of school: Big changes for A-school Starke Elementary in DeLand
Reporting by Mark Harper, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
