NewsLine staff
Local schools are roaring into spring with a wave of new student resources and community-wide celebrations, anchored by significant partnerships and the dedication of parent volunteers. From the unveiling of a specialized sensory room at Ocean Palms Elementary to the inaugural “Lion Fest” at Landrum Middle School, the First Coast education community is highlighting the impact of collaborative support, according to a recent release.
A major milestone was reached at Ocean Palms Elementary through a partnership with the JT Townsend Foundation to create a new sensory room. The space is specifically designed to serve the school’s Varying Exceptionalities Program, providing a dedicated environment where students can safely explore and self-regulate, said the release.
The room features specialized equipment funded by the foundation, allowing students to engage in tailored learning activities. “The sensory room is a wonderful gift for Ocean Palms,” said Kim Bays, assistant principal. “It provides a calming space when needed and really allows them to express themselves,” according to a recent release.
The JT Townsend Foundation has a long history with the school, having previously funded adaptive playground equipment in 2020 and classroom tools in 2024, said the release.
While institutional partnerships provide the hardware for student success, individual volunteers provide the heart. Ocean Palms recently recognized Sierra Boyce as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Boyce, who currently serves as PTO president, has spent four years managing the school’s digital communications, including social media and the school website, according to a recent release.
Boyce’s role in streamlining PTO newsletters and fliers has been credited with bringing the school community closer together. Beyond her communications work, she has served as vice president and a member of the school’s SAC committee, said the release.
The spirit of community extended to Landrum Middle School this month as the PTO hosted its inaugural Lion Fest. The event brought together students, families, and local vendors for a night featuring a pep rally, a half-court basketball challenge, and the Scholastic Book Fair, according to a recent release.
The festival also emphasized student safety, featuring a talk hosted by the school principal and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Other highlights included food trucks and a dunk tank where students had the opportunity to “splash” members of the school administration, said the release.
