DCPS Behavioral Health

08/20/2025

Instead of “how was your day?”

08/15/2025

Please take extra caution when driving. Talk to your children about toad safety. Every life is precious.

From the Office of the Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier

Good evening, parents and families, this is Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Bernier.

As we come to the end of our first week of the school year, I want to take a moment to share a difficult but deeply important message with you.

Tragically, this week, two of our students were struck by vehicles. One of them—a young middle school student—lost his life. There are no words to describe the heartbreak his family, friends, and school community are experiencing. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and the other family affected by these incidents.

No family should ever endure such a tragedy. As a parent and as your superintendent, I feel this loss deeply—and I know many of you do as well.

That’s why I’m reaching out not just as an educator, but as father, grandfather, and as a member of this community. We have been reminding families through our “Be Safe. Be Seen” campaign that safety starts with awareness and shared responsibility. The safety of our students—whether they are walking to school, riding a bike, getting on the bus, or being picked up at dismissal—is everyone’s responsibility.

This weekend, I’m asking you to please take time to talk with your children. Remind them what it means to be a safe pedestrian: to use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, stay alert, and put phones and headphones away when crossing streets.

And just as importantly, let's all recommit to being attentive drivers—especially in school zones, neighborhoods, and during busy drop-off and pick-up times. A moment of distraction can have lifelong consequences.

We continue to promote our “Be Safe. Be Seen.” campaign—focused on simple, life-saving habits that help protect our children. These reminders may seem small, but they make a difference.

The safety of every student in our district—no matter where they are—matters. Let’s take action, together, and ensure that the remainder of this school year is one where every child gets home safely each and every day.

Thank you for being our partners in keeping all of our students safe.

08/13/2025

More opportunities for our students!

08/13/2025

Look for the monthly Attendance Alerts from your school social workers! Need more information about attendance services? Visit: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/attendance-services

08/09/2025

07/30/2025

DCPS First Day of School is August 11th!

📚✨ Back-to-school season is around the corner! Help your kids ease into the new routine with these simple, practical tips. From sleep schedules to school supply prep — we've got you covered. 💼✏️

What do you do to make the transition smoother for your kids? Share in the comments!

07/22/2025

One of the key reasons Team Duval has earned its status as a Florida A-Rated district is the strong support our schools provide for students’ emotional and mental well-being. When students are equipped with the resilience to face life’s challenges, they are better able to stay focused and thrive academically.

Our dedicated School Counselors, School Social Workers, School Psychologists and Full Service Schools Mental Health Counselors play a vital role in this effort—another powerful reason to choose traditional public schools.

Yesterday, nearly 200 of these dedicated professionals gathered for a day of learning, collaboration, and preparation—led by the University of Florida Prevention & Intervention Team—as they gear up for the new school year beginning August 11.

A big Team Duval shout-out to this outstanding group of DCPS School Mental Health Professionals for the incredible work they do every day!