Welcome to this week's edition of Shark Bites! We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our school community, keeping you informed and engaged.

Dear Destin High School Families,

We’re excited to announce that 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:

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.

More information will be coming soon, including how to set up your account and customize your notification preferences.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s success!

Sincerely,

Mr. Williams

Executive Director

Destin High School

🚗 Time to Purchase Your 2025–2026 Parking Pass!

Students who plan to drive to school this year will need to purchase their annual parking pass for the 2025–2026 school year.

🎟️ Cost: $100

🌐 Purchase Online: https://igfn.us/form/xgi3tQ

Be sure to complete your purchase soon to secure your spot!

Let’s start the school year ready to roll!

#SharkParking #GoSharks #ElevAteDHS

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:

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:

👉 https://destinhighschool.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/18352

Sincerely,

Mr. Williams

Executive Director

We’re inviting passionate and engaged parents like you to help shape the future of Destin High School by joining our team of Parent Liaisons!

This is more than just a volunteer role—it’s a chance to be a driving force behind our school’s culture, fundraising efforts, and community connection.

🌟 What is a Parent Liaison?

Parent Liaisons are enthusiastic, committed volunteers who serve as a vital link between families, school leadership, and the wider community. We’re looking for representatives from each grade level to help strengthen and support our mission.

As a Parent Liaison, you’ll:

💙 Get Involved

Whether you have a few hours a month or more to give, your time and talents can make a real difference. Join a fun, dynamic team of fellow parents who are passionate about supporting our school and celebrating the people who make it special.

Together, we can help DHS thrive—now and into the future.