Families in Destin area invited to welcome events as South Zone schools prepare for 2026-2027 transitions
Destin, Florida – Families preparing for the 2026-2027 school year will soon have several chances to step inside their new school communities as South Zone elementary campuses open their doors for a series of welcome events.
Designed for families who are newly zoned or brand new to a school, the gatherings aim to make that first connection feel a little easier, a little warmer, and far more familiar.
Each school is shaping its event in its own way, giving families more than just a date on the calendar. Some will offer campus tours, others will create time for parents to meet teachers and staff, and several are planning special activities meant to help children and adults feel at home before the new year even begins.
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Together, the events are meant to turn what can sometimes feel like a big transition into a more personal and encouraging start.
The first event arrives quickly. Florosa Elementary will welcome rezoned families on April 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. A few days later, Shalimar Elementary will host its Math Science Night on April 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., inviting both current and new students. On April 16, Edwins Elementary will hold its “Welcome to the Block Party” at 5 p.m. for rezoned families and incoming kindergarten families. That same evening, Wright Elementary will host an Open House, “Welcome to Our Block Party,” and Book Fair from 5:50 to 7 p.m.
Later in the month, Elliott Point Elementary will welcome rezoned families from Mary Esther, Shalimar, and Wright on April 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. Kenwood Elementary will then offer two separate opportunities for families to get acquainted. A Parent Information Night for rising first through fifth grade families is scheduled for April 27 at 5 p.m., followed by a Kindergarten Parent Meeting on May 1 at 9 a.m.
District leaders are encouraging families to attend the event tied to their new school so they can begin learning the rhythm, expectations, and personality of the campus before the academic year begins. These early introductions can help families build relationships with school staff and start the year with greater confidence.
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Families who are unsure which campus they are zoned to attend can use the district’s Locator Map and should be sure to select the 2026-27 boundaries at the top of the page.
Additional details about attendance boundary changes are also available on the district’s Zoning webpage. Anyone with questions about a specific open house is encouraged to contact the host school directly.
