Big things are happening at Parker Elementary School, and the entire state is taking notice!

Parker Elementary School has been named the 2026 Community Partnership School of the Year for the state of Florida, an incredible honor recognizing the school's commitment to supporting students, strengthening families and building a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

As Bay County's first Community Partnership School, Parker has embraced a simple but powerful idea: when schools and communities work together, students thrive.

Through a partnership among Bay District Schools, Children's Home Society of Florida, Gulf Coast State College and PanCare Health, Parker has become much more than a place where children come to learn. It is a place where families can find support, resources and opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.

The Community Partnership School model focuses on removing barriers that can interfere with student success. From academic enrichment and health services to family engagement and access to essential resources, the program brings community organizations together to meet the needs of students and their families.

At the heart of that work is Parker's SHIP team, which plays an important role in connecting families with the resources and support they need. Through the school's SHIP initiative, families can access essential supplies, connect with community organizations, and find assistance with challenges that extend beyond the classroom.

One example is Parker's annual SHIP Day, which brings community partners together to provide families with school supplies, groceries, health services and other valuable resources. The school's efforts also include refrigerated food lockers that provide convenient access to nutritious food for families in need.

These initiatives reflect a larger commitment to making sure students have the support they need to arrive at school ready to learn, while helping families feel connected to a community that cares about their success.

Since launching the Community Partnership School model in 2022, Parker has demonstrated what is possible when educators, families and community partners share a common purpose. The SHIP team's efforts, along with the dedication of school employees and community partners, have helped bring that vision to life.

This statewide recognition is a tremendous accomplishment for Principal JoBeth Davis and the entire Parker Elementary team, as well as the dedicated SHIP team and community partners who work alongside them to make a difference for students every day.

While the award carries Parker's name, it represents something much bigger: a community that has come together to make sure children and families have the support they need to succeed.

Congratulations to Parker Elementary School, its SHIP team, students, families, employees, and community partners on this outstanding honor!

One crew. Four houses. Endless possibilities. And now, one incredible statewide recognition!