School District of Indian River County Back-to-School Media Coverage Opportunities Tuesday, August 5 & Monday, August 11, 2025
The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) invites members of the media to join us as we launch the 2025–2026 school year. Two signature events—Thrive, the District’s Professional Learning Day, and the First Day of School—will offer multiple opportunities to capture powerful moments, hear from District leadership, and witness our strategic priorities in action.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025
THRIVE: Districtwide Professional Learning Day
Time: 7:30 AM
Location: Vero Beach High School, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Focus: Opening Session of Thrive Professional Learning
Spokesperson(s):
Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent
District and School Leaders
Media Opportunity:
Over 1,000 teachers will gather for this high-energy professional learning kickoff. Media are invited to capture the Welcome Tunnel, where community members and District staff celebrate and welcome educators. The Opening Session will spotlight major accomplishments and set the tone for the year ahead, reinforcing our commitment to instructional excellence and strategic growth.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
First Day of School for Students
Time | Location | Focus | Spokesperson(s) | Media Opportunity |
5:45 AM – 6:30 AM | Department of Transportation 5235 41st Street Vero Beach, FL, 32967 | School Bus Driver Send Off | Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools | Dr. Moore will highlight districtwide goals, commitment to instructional quality, and transportation readiness. Photo/video ops with Board Members, Superintendent, and Cabinet. |
7:05 AM – 7:30 AM | Freshman Learning Center 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | Student Code of Conduct and the Proactive Establishment of a Cell Phone Policy | Ms. Beth Crisafulli, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership & Management Joy Griffin, Assistant Principal Gabriella McKay, Teacher | Discussion on proactive expectations for student conduct and readiness, including the continuation of the cell phone policy aimed at promoting academic engagement. |
7:45 AM- 8:15 AM | Vero Beach High School 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | Teacher Vacancies and Staffing Readiness | Mr. Bruce Green, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Rachel Serra Finnegan, Principal Lugene Ross, Teacher | Address staffing stability, recruitment efforts, and the District’s commitment to placing high-quality educators in every classroom. |
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Gifford Middle School 4530 28th Court, Vero Beach, FL 32967 | Instructional Priorities and Academic Acceleration | Ms. Kelly Baysura, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Mr. James Thimmer, Principal Ms. Trina Van Os, Parent | Highlights of instructional goals, data-driven strategies, and middle school achievement priorities. |
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Vero Beach Elementary School 1770 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | Strategic Priorities in Action | Dr. Christina Jacobs, Chief of Staff Sarah Van Brimmer, Principal Barbara Hammond, CEO and Co-founder of The Learning Alliance | Showcase how these three priorities (e.g., Connected by Community, Fueled by Innovation, Driven by Leadership) are embedded into school culture, student engagement, and family partnerships. |
Please contact Kyra Schafte at Kyra.Schafte@indianriverschools.org to coordinate coverage, request interviews, or confirm attendance.
For the most up up-to-date information, follow us on Facebook at School District of Indian River County and Dr. David K. Moore, and on Instagram @MySDIRC.