Please allow extra travel time and plan accordingly, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. As families settle into their routines, traffic patterns typically improve over the first couple of weeks.
Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our students, staff, and community safe as we kick off another great school year!
We understand the important role this program plays for families and we recognize the inconvenience this may cause.
In the meantime, Beyond the Bell is offering a private-pay after-school option for families who need care. We encourage those who are interested in this option follow their Facebook page for more information.
Families continue to place their trust in public education. Approximately 75% of Florida parents choose Florida public schools, a testament to the opportunities and dedicated educators that make our schools special.
Here in the Suwannee County School District, we're proud to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and achievement.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
We are SO excited to see our hallways filled with students again! The first day of school is finally here, and we can't wait to kick off another great year across the Suwannee County School District.
Reminder: Monday, August 10, is an Early Release Day. Please make sure you know your child's school dismissal time and have a plan in place for the afternoon.
Back-to-school traffic: Please allow extra travel time, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Traffic around our schools is expected to be heavier during the first few weeks as everyone gets back into their routines.
Welcome back, SCSD!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
From healthcare and welding to culinary arts and technology, students can build skills that lead directly to the workforce.
✔️ Job Training
✔️ Certifications
✔️ In-Demand
✔️ Local Careers
Building brighter futures right here at home.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Today, we're featuring Leon "Dupree" Hatch, III, a 2000 graduate of Branford K-12 (now Branford Elementary School and Branford High School). Every day, Dupree helps give some of the tiniest and most vulnerable patients a fighting chance. He serves as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Attending Neonatologist, and Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
As a neonatologist, Dupree specializes in caring for critically ill newborns, including premature babies born as early as 22 weeks, infants requiring complex surgeries, and babies facing life-threatening medical conditions. In addition to providing direct patient care, he oversees one of the largest NICUs in the country, helping lead a team that cares for approximately 120 babies each day.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on him, Dupree shared:
"The faculty and staff at Branford K-12 had a huge impact on who I am and my love for education. Between my parents and the teachers at Branford—chiefly Willie Veal—they developed and grew a love for science that turned into my career in medicine."
While at Branford, Dupree was involved in varsity football, basketball, baseball, and FFA. Although he says it's impossible to pick just one favorite memory, some of the moments he treasures most include traveling to football and basketball games, competing in state and national FFA competitions, and the wisdom he gained in Mr. Veal's classroom.
Looking back on everything he's accomplished, Dupree says he is most proud of:
"I have been married to my wife Brittney for 15 years and we have three sons. I am extremely proud of my three boys and my family."
For today's SCSD students, Dupree offers this advice:
"Don't be afraid of picking a career that requires you to do a lot of extra schooling or training. The years fly by, and some of your best memories will happen during your training."
Thank you, Dupree, for representing Branford and the Suwannee County School District so well.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
These resources help strengthen academic achievement while building strong connections between schools and families.
✔️ Extra Support
✔️ Parent Engagement
✔️ Student Success
✔️ Family Focus
Because student success starts with strong partnerships.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
As you schedule vacations, routine appointments, and family events for the upcoming school year, we encourage you to use our 2026–2027 SCSD Family Vacation Planner to take advantage of scheduled school breaks whenever possible.
Regular attendance is one of the greatest predictors of student success. Every school day provides valuable opportunities for learning, building relationships, and staying on track academically.
Please note that students also have additional days off throughout the year for Professional Development (PD) Days and Teacher Work Days.
🗓️ View the complete 2026–2027 School Calendar here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4355/Scsd/9c2dce23-0c13-4b74-9996-775a9f119e63/2026-2027_School_Calendar__Revised_8.12.25_.pdf?disposition=inline
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Today, we’re featuring Nathalia Veal, a 2022 graduate of Branford High School. Since walking the halls of SCSD, she has gone on to become a pilot for the U.S. Air Force in Enid, Oklahoma.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on her, Veal shared:
“I attended Branford schools from kindergarten through graduation and was fortunate to be surrounded by teachers, coaches, and mentors who challenged me to pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom. SCSD gave me opportunities to develop as a student, athlete, and leader through academics, athletics, FFA, National Honor Society, Beta Club, various other clubs and community service. The support and encouragement I received helped me build the work ethic, resilience, and leadership skills that ultimately led me to the United States Air Force Academy. Growing up in a small community taught me the importance of service, integrity, and giving back to others, values that continue to guide me today. ”
One accomplishment Veal is especially proud of since graduating is:
“I am most proud of graduating from the United States Air Force Academy and earning a pilot slot in the United States Air Force. Attending one of the nation’s most challenging leadership institutions taught me perseverance, discipline, and service. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve my country and pursue my dream of becoming a military pilot.”
And for current SCSD students, Veal offers this advice:
“Don’t let where you come from limit where you believe you can go. Take advantage of every opportunity, work hard even when no one is watching, and don’t be afraid to pursue big goals. Success rarely happens overnight, but consistent effort and a positive attitude can take you farther than you ever imagined. Most importantly, invest in your relationships and remember to help others along the way.”
Thank you, Nathalia, for representing SCSD so well and for inspiring the next generation of students.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Students receive support from certified teachers while learning at a pace that fits their individual needs.
✔️ Flexible Learning
✔️ Self-Paced
✔️ Online Access
✔️ Student Support
Meeting students where they are and helping them succeed.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Advanced Placement success continues to shine in the Suwannee County School District!
We are proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of our students during the 2025–2026 school year:
13 AP Scholars
4 AP Scholars with Honors
13 AP Scholars with Distinction
These prestigious recognitions are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional performance on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams:
📘 AP Scholar – Earned by students who score 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
📗 AP Scholar with Honors – Earned by students who maintain an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and score 3 or higher on four or more exams.
📙 AP Scholar with Distinction – Earned by students who maintain an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and score 3 or higher on five or more exams.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their hard work paying off!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Today, we're featuring John Medina, a 1982 graduate of Suwannee High School. Originally from the Dominican Republic, John moved to Florida at the age of 10 and quickly became an active member of the Suwannee community. A Hall of Fame member of the Class of 1982, he earned varsity letters in multiple sports while also participating in numerous academic, social, and service organizations.
Today, John serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of First Federal Bank. Throughout his career, he has held executive leadership positions in banking, served as an Army Light Infantry Officer in the Army Reserves and Florida National Guard, and has dedicated countless hours to community service through Rotary, education, business, and nonprofit leadership. In 2025, he was recognized by Florida Trend as one of Florida's 500 Most Influential Business Leaders.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on him, John shared:
"Coming to this country (Live Oak) and Suwannee Elementary at the age of ten and not knowing the language or culture could have been a catastrophic setback in my life. The only words I knew in English were “Please” and “Thank You”. What I know today that I didn’t realize then is that God was exposing me to role models and mentors who would shape the rest of my life. From elementary school to middle school to high school, it was my teachers and coaches who became my role models and mentors, not just in academia, but in the fundamentals of life. I became a product of the SCSD assembly line and developed talents like a strong work ethic, faith, values, character, teamwork, conation, and so many others. SCSD prepared me not only for my post-high school academic journey, but for a lifetime of learning and having the value system to do good in the community, state, nation and world."
Thank you, John, for representing Suwannee County so well and for demonstrating that hard work, service to others, and a commitment to lifelong learning can open doors to incredible opportunities.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
These experiences help students explore future careers in science, technology, engineering, and more.
✔️ STEM Learning
✔️ Technology
✔️ Innovation
✔️ Future Careers
Creating opportunities for tomorrow’s innovators.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
✅ 93 students passed 165 AP exams
🎓 Earning approximately 500 college credit hours before graduating high school!
Congratulations to all of our AP students on this outstanding achievement!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕢 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 SCSD Board Room
✔️ Required for all instructional and non-instructional employees
🍳 Breakfast and 🥪 lunch will be provided
📅 Wednesday, July 29
🕣 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 SCSD Resource Center
✔️ Instructional employees only
🍽️ Lunch will be on your own
If you have any questions, please contact us at (386) 647-4634 or (386) 647-4641.
We look forward to welcoming you and helping you get off to a great start with SCSD!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
Branford Elementary School is currently seeking a Guidance Counselor to help support the academic, social, and emotional success of our students.
For more information and to view current openings, visit the Suwannee County School District employment page.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
This summer, we’re celebrating the amazing alumni of Suwannee County School District and the journeys they’ve taken since graduation.
Today, we’re featuring Elizabeth Valdez, a 2023 graduate of the Practical Nursing Program at RIVEROAK Technical College. Since graduation, she has gone on to be a LPN in the Medical-Surgical and Wound Care departments at Madison Hospital.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on her, Valdez shared:
“I fell in love with nursing as a child, and that passion has only grown stronger over the years. Attending the LPN program at RIVEROAK Technical College gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to turn my lifelong dream into reality. Today, I am honored to serve as a LPN, providing compassionate, Patient-centered care in Medical-Surgical and Wound Care. Nursing is more than a career to me, It is a calling to care for others with empathy, excellence, and integrity every day.”
Valdez shared her favorite memory while enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at RIVEROAK:
“I remember going through difficult times at the beginning of the LPN program. There were moments when I questioned whether I could keep going, but one person made a lasting difference in my journey. Suzanne Depew showed me incredible compassion, understanding, and encouragement during one of the hardest seasons of my life. She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and continually reminded me not to give up. Her support gave me the strength to persevere and keep pursuing my dream. ”
One accomplishment Valdez is especially proud of since graduating is:
“I am incredibly proud to be a nurse and grateful for the opportunity to help care for others every day. One of the greatest joys of my career is mentoring nursing students when they come to my department for their clinical rotations. I remember how challenging it was to be in their shoes, learning new skills, building confidence, and overcoming the fear of making mistakes. Because of those experiences, I strive to be the kind of nurse and mentor who is patient, encouraging, and willing to teach. I want every student to feel supported, ask questions without fear, and leave my unit with greater confidence and knowledge.”
And for current SCSD students, Valdez offers this advice:
“My advice is to trust God and never give up. There will be days when the journey feels difficult, when the workload seems overwhelming, and when the weight of the world feels heavy. During those moments, remember why you started. Keep trusting God, keep moving forward, and don't let temporary challenges stop you from reaching your purpose. Go out into the world and become the best version of yourself. Nursing is more than a career. It's an opportunity to serve others, bring hope, and make a lasting impact, one person at a time. ”
Thank you, Elizabeth, for representing SCSD so well and for inspiring the next generation of students.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
