As the first day of school approaches on Monday, August 11, Okaloosa County is rolling out several initiatives to ensure local students are well-equipped and supported for a successful year. Whether it’s enrolling a new student, donating supplies, becoming a mentor, or opening a new learning center—there’s something for every member of the community to help make a difference.
New to Okaloosa County Schools? Register Early!
The Okaloosa County School District encourages families new to the area to register their children now to ensure a smooth start. Early registration allows time to connect with teachers, understand school procedures, and get students prepared to learn on day one. Visit www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration to get started.
“Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive Set for Aug. 2
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation will hold its annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive on Saturday, August 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart locations in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. Coinciding with Florida’s Tax-Free Weekend, it’s a great time to donate while shopping for your own supplies.
Donation boxes will also be available at businesses across the county leading up to the event. For updates or to volunteer as a collection site, visit okaloosaschools.com/page/stuff-the-bus or contact Debbie Tate at (850) 974-0742.
Mentors Needed for Take Stock in Children Program
The Take Stock in Children program is seeking volunteer mentors to support Okaloosa high school students in grades 9–11. Mentors meet with students 15 times per year at school and receive training and support materials.
To apply, visit takestockinchildren.org/mentors. For more information, contact Lori Lipnicky at LipnickyL@okaloosaschools.com.
ECCAC Back-to-School Supply Drive
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Centers (ECCAC) are collecting school supplies through August 4 for students in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Donations can be made via the Amazon Wishlist or dropped off at ECCAC centers, churches and businesses in Destin, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and DeFuniak Springs. “We are asking people to support our communities by helping ECCAC fill the backpacks with donations of school supplies,” said CEO Julie Porterfield. “We also need volunteers to help us sort and distribute the supplies to ensure they will reach the students who need it the most to thrive in the classroom.”
Visit https://eccac.org/back-to-school-campaign/ for more information, a link to the Amazon Wishlist page, drop off locations or to donate. All donated items will be distributed to local schools and community centers before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Visit eccac.org for info or to donate. To volunteer, contact Kate McDougall-Mason, 530-392-0802, or kate@eccac.org. If abuse is suspected, report it by calling the anonymous Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Ohana Day School Opens Second Location
Ohana Day School, part of the Ohana Institute, has opened a new preschool location at Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, serving children ages 3–5. A special tuition lottery for the 2025–2026 school year is now open. To apply, visit OhanaDaySchool.org and select the Grand Boulevard location. One student will receive free tuition for a year.
