🦈 7 WEEKS UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS

June 22-28, 2026

ACADEMIC READINESS

Destin High School families,

With just seven weeks until students return on August 11, now is the perfect time to begin preparing for a successful school year. Each week this summer, we'll share important reminders, opportunities, and resources to help students start the year Shark Strong!

✅ THIS WEEK'S CHECKLIST
□ Review graduation requirements and course planning:

• Curriculum Guide

□ Discuss college and career goals as a family.

• Table Talk Guide

□ Confirm course selections with your school counselor.

Counselor Assignments:
• Matt Means (Students A-K)
matt.means@staff.destinhighschool.org
• Cynthia Marsh (Students L-Z)
cynthia.marsh@staff.destinhighschool.org

□ Explore Dual Enrollment opportunities through Northwest Florida State College.

• Dual Enrollment Link

Students interested in Dual Enrollment should contact their counselor as soon as possible.

🎓 RISING SENIORS
Now is the time to begin planning for:
• College applications

• Common App

• Scholarships
• SAT/ACT testing

1. SAT Info
2. ACT Info

• Bright Futures eligibility requirements

Senior Portrait Information:
Email Katherine Lake at:
katherine.lake@staff.destinhighschool.org

JULY 4TH IS NEXT WEEK – ORDER YOUR FLAG NOW!
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Destin High School is proud to participate in a nationwide effort to honor America through our partnership with Allegiance Flag Supply.
If you would like your flag to arrive in time for Independence Day, we encourage you to place your order as soon as possible.
By participating:
✔ You proudly display the American flag during this historic celebration.
✔ You receive a discount on your purchase.
✔ Destin High School receives 15% back to support student programs, academics, and extracurricular activities.
Order your flag here:
https://www.showallegiance.com/FLYITFORWARD259197
Please share this opportunity with family and friends throughout our community.

🌱 COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Help maintain the Destin Church of Christ Community Garden!
📅 Every Saturday
🕘 9:00 AM
Students can earn volunteer service hours while helping support a valuable community resource.
150 Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541

🍰 FEATURED CLUB: DHS CULINARY CLUB
Do you love baking? Have a passion for food and creativity?
The Destin High School Culinary Club offers students a fun, hands-on environment where they can learn professional baking techniques, create amazing desserts, participate in special projects, and give back through bake sales and community events.
Led by Chef Lasheeda Perry (Lasheeda Perry | Food Network), students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and real-world culinary skills.
No experience required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

📱 PARENT RESOURCE: SCREEN TIME & STUDENT SUCCESS
Summer is a great time to establish healthy technology habits before the school year begins.
Research continues to show that excessive screen time can negatively impact sleep, attention, academic performance, and emotional well-being.
This week's parent resource provides practical tips on:
• Setting screen-time expectations
• Monitoring technology use
• Encouraging healthy balance
• Supporting academic success

📚 CHARTER SCHOOL FACT OF THE WEEK
Did you know?
Florida charter schools currently serve more than 408,000 students statewide, and charter school students continue to outperform traditional public-school students across many grade levels and subject areas. Charter schools provide families with additional public-school choice while remaining accountable to state academic standards and assessments.

Thank you for your continued support of Destin High School.
Together, we are preparing Sharks for success in school, career, and life.

#SharkStrong

Dr. Willy Williams
Executive Director
Destin High School