Shark Families,
What a fantastic start to the school year! I’ve been so encouraged by the energy and spirit across our campus. Just this week, a student shared with me that Destin High is the “kindest school” she has ever attended. She spoke about how welcoming her teachers are and how supportive and friendly her classmates have been. That kind of feedback captures exactly who we strive to be as a school community.
This morning’s pep rally was another highlight. The energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit on display reminded us of the power of coming together as Sharks. It set the perfect tone for the year ahead and for tonight's game against Northview (Kick-off at 7pm at DMS - Don't miss it!).
As we celebrate these strong beginnings, I want to invite each of you to join the Annual Anchor Society. Our goal is 100% participation from families, because every gift makes a difference. Whether it’s $2, $20, $200, $2,000, or more, your support fuels programs, opportunities, and experiences that directly benefit our students. You can find out more about how to contribute near the bottom of this edition of Shark Bites.
Together, we can continue to build something truly special at Destin High School. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Have a FINtastic Weekend and Go Sharks,
Mr. Williams
Executive Director
Destin High School
|
|
📣 Shark Nation! 🦈🏈
Join us TONIGHT at the Destin Middle School Football Field as your Destin High School Sharks take on Northview!
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Students in spirit wear or theme wear get in FREE!
🔥 The fun starts early!
-
Pre-Game Fan Zones → From 5–7 PM, head over to LuLu’s and Graffiti Pizza for specials and Shark Spirit events!
- Our Cheer Team will be at Graffiti Pizza at 4:30 PM for their pre-game meal, fan meet-and-greet, and social media promo!
🍕 After the Game → Keep the celebration going at Graffiti Pizza, where fans in DHS gear or USA-themed spirit gear will receive 15% off full-size pizzas.
Let’s pack the stands, show our Shark Pride, and make it a night to remember! 💙🤍
Be a Fan, Not a Fanatic — Go Sharks!
Purchase tickets online at:
|
|
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This coming week, our 9th and 10th grade students will take their first round of PM1 baseline testing. This assessment provides valuable information to help guide instruction and measure growth throughout the year.
I want to encourage you to take a few moments to speak with your student about the importance of these assessments. A positive mindset and effort can make a real difference in how well they perform.
Here are a couple of helpful tips for your student as they prepare:
-
Get a good night’s rest the evening before testing and eat a healthy breakfast.
-
Arrive on time and prepared, with a charged Chromebook and any materials needed.
-
Take your time and read carefully — thoughtful pacing often leads to better results.
We will be sharing more details very soon about where students need to report and when.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s academic success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Diane Kelley
Principal, Destin High School
|
|
Parents and families, join us at Destin High School this Thursday, August 28, 2025 for our Open House!
🛍️ Doors open at 5:00 PM — stop by the Shark Shop from 5:00–5:30 to stock up on spirit wear.
🎤 Open House begins at 5:30 PM in the Auditorium.
This is an excellent opportunity to walk with your student through their daily schedule, meet their teachers, and learn more about their classes and the year ahead.
📌 Please note: This is not a conference time, but you will be able to request a conference for a later date if needed.
We look forward to welcoming you and partnering together for a successful school year, see you Thursday evening! 💙🤍
|
Congratulations to Shark Science Teacher, Ms. Shannon Madison, who was recently accepted into the American Association of Chemistry Teachers and American Chemical Society partnership program with Eglin Air Force Base Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership Program. Ms. Madison is awarded a partnership with Eglin AFRL scientists, $550 to spend on laboratory supplies, and collaboration with AFRL.
Shannon was also recently invited to attend and participate in the AVS 71st International Symposium and Exhibition. Shannon will collaborate with other physics and chemistry teachers and will also receive a state-of-the-art vacuum system for the laboratory.
|
|
Destin High School will follow the Okaloosa County School District’s guidance on student cell phone use, in accordance with Florida House Bill 1105 (2025).
During instructional time, cell phones must remain put away and out of sight unless a teacher gives permission for educational purposes. Students who violate this policy may have their phone temporarily confiscated, and repeated violations may result in disciplinary action.
For emergencies, please follow the procedures outlined by OCSD:
-
Student to Contact Family – Go to the main office
-
Family to Contact Student – Call the main office
-
Medical Needs – Students with documented medical conditions (IEP, 504 plan, or health plan) may have approved phone access
-
School Emergencies – DHS will communicate directly with families
Our goal is to create a focused, distraction-free learning environment while maintaining clear lines of communication for urgent matters.
|
Destin High School is now using ParentSquare as our all-in-one communication platform to help keep you better informed, more connected, and engaged with your student’s education.
With ParentSquare, you’ll receive all school, grade-level, and classroom communications in one place—translated into your preferred language and accessible by email, text, app, or web. You'll also be able to:
- Stay updated on school news and events
- Message teachers and staff directly
- Complete forms and permission slips
- Sign up for conferences and volunteer opportunities
- View calendar items and school photos
To make this transition as smooth as possible, please delete any BAND or Remind apps you’ve used for Destin High School in the past. Moving forward, ParentSquare will be the only platform we use for school communication.
We highly encourage you to download the free ParentSquare app for iOS or Android to stay fully connected. You can also log in at www.parentsquare.com from any web browser.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s success!
|
At Destin High School, dressing for success means being ready for college, career, and representing our Shark community with pride. Our Acceptable Dress for Shark Policy ensures students present themselves professionally and respectfully while being easily identifiable as DHS students.
👕 Shirts & Tops
✅ Must have sleeves to the edge of the shoulder (no spaghetti straps, one-shoulder tops, or tops that fall off the shoulder)
✅ Polos, button-down shirts, t-shirts, PFG shirts are welcome
🚫 No thin straps, crop tops, or tops exposing the abdomen
👖 Dresses, Pants, Shorts, Skirts
✅ Must cover the middle of the thigh and fit appropriately (not skin-tight or revealing)
✅ Khakis, blue jeans (no rips), pants, skirts, and shorts worn at the waist
🚫 No spandex and/or leggings as pants (unless covered to the mid-thigh), or clothing exposing the midsection, buttocks, or upper thigh
💙 Spirit Wear
- Shark spirit shirts may be worn any day
-
Every .5 Friday is Spirit Day — wear DHS gear to show your school pride!
Let’s start the year looking sharp and showing what it means to be a Shark! 🦈
|
|
Interested in helping others? Join the Light/Care Club. Our first meeting is September 4 at 7:25 in room c124 (Ms.Dill's room) write april.dill@staff.destinhighschool.org for more details. |
Are you creative, full of school spirit, and ready to be part of something BIG at Destin High?
DHSPN is the heartbeat of our school, where students, athletics, clubs, and entertainment all come together. We post it. We capture it. We cover it. We share it. And we want YOU on the team.
📸 Positions include:
- Sports Coverage
- Student Spotlights
- Club Highlights
- Game Day Coverage
- Behind-the-Scenes Features
- Entertainment, Trends & More
No experience needed — just bring your energy and Shark Pride! 💙
Let’s continue building something special together.
|
|
We meet Fridays after school in the Destin High School Studio (across from Mr. Williams’ office).
Last year, our members:
• Broadcast live on DestinFM
• Created the first-ever DHS podcast — Shark Talk
• Produced commercials
• Hosted interviews with two Miss Destins and other local celebrities
• Learned hands-on skills in podcasting and broadcasting!
This year is going to be even bigger and better!
First Meeting: Friday, August 29th at 11:20am
|
|
To be cleared to participate in athletics at Destin High School, all student-athletes must follow the step-by-step directions outlined in the clearance guide linked below:
Please note:
You are not cleared to participate in any practices, tryouts, or games until ALL required forms are completed and uploaded, and you have received an official clearance notification through the system.
Thank you for your attention to this process. Let’s have a great season, Sharks! 🦈
|
Destin High School uses hub stops for student transportation. That means you just need to be at the closest hub stop to you at the appointed time to ride.
✅ No special sign-up required — just show up!
✅ Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the bus.
📄 Updated Pickup & Drop-off Schedules are available on the school website!
Let’s make this a safe and smooth start to the year on the bus! 🦈
|
Shark Families — the countdown is on! 🦈 The first day of school is Monday, August 11, and the school day begins promptly at 8:00 AM. Please make sure your student arrives early and ready to start strong!
To help your family stay on top of all important dates — including holidays, early release Fridays, grading periods, testing windows, and more — we’ve published the full 2025–2026 School Calendar online.
✅ View the calendar here:
A smooth start begins with being informed and prepared. Let’s make this our best year yet as we continue to ElevAte every aspect of school life together!
#FirstDayReady
#ElevAteDHS
#SharkLife
#GoSharks
|
|
Dear Shark Families and Friends,
At Destin High School, we believe that great things happen when community, purpose, and opportunity come together. As a tuition-free public charter school, we were founded to do things differently and better. We offer a dynamic, college and career-focused experience with the look and feel of a private school and the accessibility of a public one.
We’re proud of the academic and extracurricular programs our students enjoy, but here’s what many people don’t realize:
As a charter school, we do not receive the same level of funding as district schools. This year, we will receive only 60% of the local millage tax funding per student. We won’t reach full funding parity with Okaloosa County School District until 2028. And while we benefit from the county’s half-cent sales tax for facilities, these limited funds don’t cover the full cost of an exceptional public education.
That’s why we created the Anchor Annual Fund, a vital giving initiative that supports every student, every day. It helps fund classroom materials, technology, safety upgrades, academic support, counseling, enrichment programs, and more.
🔹 Our goal is simple: 100% participation by our families.
Whether you give $25 or $2,500, your participation matters.
Every gift sends a powerful message that we are all in on our mission and our students.
This Annual Fund is part of a broader strategy to grow our financial sustainability. Our overall fundraising goal for the year is $800,000, which includes not only the Anchor Fund but also major gifts, grants, and special events. We recognize that to build a secure future, we must diversify our revenue streams and establish donor pathways that align with the needs of our community.
For those interested in making a larger impact, we also offer opportunities to support strategic priorities like:
- Recruiting and retaining the best and brightest educators
- Expanding our Career and Technical Education programs
- Investing in our campus and athletic facilities to meet student needs
And giving isn’t limited to dollars, your time and talent are just as valuable. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, we invite you to participate in our Parent Liaison Group (See below), where your voice, service, and ideas make a meaningful difference.
💙 As a charter school, we have the freedom to innovate, offering a customized, student-centered experience you won’t find anywhere else. We provide multiple pathways to success, a vibrant campus culture, and hands-on learning that reflects the best of what public education can be.
Let’s build something remarkable—together.
🎯 Make your gift today:
Sincerely,
Mr. Williams
Executive Director
|
Sharks, we need YOU! 🦈💙
We’re launching our 'Sponsor a Teacher ' campaign—just 38 teachers need champions like you! For $1,000, you’ll directly support student success, classroom innovation, and essential supplies for the year.
Whether you’re a proud parent, local business, or alumni, this is your chance to leave a legacy.
Let’s unite and sponsor every single teacher before the school year kicks off.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we build excellence, one teacher at a time.
|
|
Did You Know?
Just $10 a month can help provide classroom materials, fund student events, and improve our campus.
If 100 supporters gave up just one fancy coffee each week, we’d raise over $24,000 a year, enough to change lives at Destin High School.
Give up a latte, just one a week,
To help our school reach goals we seek.
A streaming sub, a snack on the go,
Trade a little to help us grow.
Give up the extra, not the heart,
Each small gift plays a mighty part.
From classroom needs to dreams we chase,
You’re helping build a stronger place.
So join the wave, make kindness track,
It’s time to Give Up to Give Back.
Your small change fuels a future bright,
For every Shark, a guiding light.
🎁 Start your ripple effect today:
Let’s build a better Destin High, one small sacrifice at a time. 💙🦈
|
|
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
- (850) 204-4044
- info@destinhighschool.org
- www.destinhighschool.org
|
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
