Leon County Schools

Happy First Day of School, it's going to be a GREAT DAY!

When we talk about what makes Leon County Schools exceptional, we’re talking about people like Mrs. Gia Gallon. As the Literacy Coach at Pineview Elementary, Mrs. Gallon is more than a support, she is a driving force behind student growth and teacher success. Her leadership, strategic planning, and real-time coaching have transformed literacy instruction on campus. Working side by side with teachers, she ensures every lesson is aligned to standards and designed with student outcomes in mind. Her ability to provide meaningful feedback and encouragement has elevated instruction and inspired growth across classrooms. Pineview’s recent “A” school grade and the remarkable gains among students in the bottom quartile are a direct reflection of her impact. Mrs. Gallon’s work is proof that excellence isn’t just a goal it is something we live every day by at LCS. She represents the very best of who we are, and we’re proud to celebrate her as a true champion of literacy and learning.

For 26 years, Freda Hayes-Dupree has faithfully served Leon County Schools as a teacher, coach, and mentor. She began her career at Ruediger Elementary, teaching various grade levels before stepping into leadership as a Primary Grades Reading Coach. Her roles beyond the classroom as an instructional coach and ELA trainer allowed her to impact students and educators across the district. But the classroom called her back, and after 19 years at Ruediger, she joined Chaires Elementary, where she now teaches second grade. Mrs. Dupree is respected for her professionalism, calm presence, and ability to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Her wide-ranging experience continues to benefit every student who walks through her door.

For more than a decade, Claire Dolly has been a pillar of support, compassion, and expertise at Leon County Schools. As the speech-language pathologist at Canopy Oaks Elementary, she serves over 100 students, nearly 20% of the school, with dedication that inspires everyone around her. It’s not unusual to spot Ms. Dolly moving quickly through the halls, ready to greet another eager student awaiting speech or language therapy. Her sessions are filled with encouragement, engagement, and a small treat to celebrate their hard work, because she knows that progress is worth celebrating. But Ms. Dolly’s impact doesn’t stop there. As a key member of the Problem-Solving Team, she brings a deep understanding of student needs and a solution-oriented mindset to the table every week. Her innovative spirit led to the creation of a new service delivery model that is helping students get the personalized support they need to thrive. Ms. Dolly is more than a pathologist. She is a motivator, a changemaker, and a living example of our district’s mission in action. Thank you, Ms. Dolly, for all you do!

Today is National Principal Appreciation Day and we could not be more thankful for the men and women leading our schools. Each one of them is unique and exceptional at what they do. We are grateful for their dedication to their students, staff and parents. We hope they had a wonderful day.

Today is National Principal Appreciation Day and we could not be more thankful for the men and women leading our schools. Please take a moment today to acknowledge and thank your school's principal! Have a great day.

Tomorrow is Kindergarten Orientation Day throughout our school district. We invite all of the new members of the Class of 2038 to get to know their new school starting at 9:00 a.m. Welcome to LCS! We are honored you have chosen our schools for your student. If you have not enrolled your child year, don't wait to join the Class of 2038! Visit https://lnkd.in/eqmEmiuq today.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Delmae Darling has served her students and colleagues with quiet strength, steady leadership, and a deep passion for education. As a dedicated math teacher and 7th grade team leader, she models innovative strategies that boost success for both students and fellow educators. Dr. Darling is widely respected for her classroom management and her mentorship of beginning teachers—guiding many through the early stages of their careers with care and wisdom. She’s also known for her selflessness, often spending her mornings offering extra support to students before the school day even begins. Dr. Darling is a true example of excellence in education, and we’re proud to have her in Leon County Schools. #TeacherSpotlight #LCSProud #LCSExcellence

Are you enrolling a new kindergarten student and need to find our where your home zones school is located? Click here to find out: https://lnkd.in/etPf6ET3 Don't wait to join the class of 2038 enroll today at: https://bit.ly/44dFHXw

Last week, Fergie, the Vape detecting super dog, visited six LCS schools throughout the county. The LCS Pup Patrol were welcomed everywhere they went and our school leaders were thankful for the help in deterring the use of harmful vapes on their campuses. **This vape prevention initiative is funded directly by the settlement of a multi-district class action lawsuit, not LCS general revenue.