After the last bell rang on Friday evening of the first week of school, music and laughter echoed along 14th Avenue as the teaching community came together for a first-ever SDIRC Appreciation Night. The celebration was a show of appreciation for the dedication of the School District of Indian River County teachers, faculty, staff and their families, who worked tirelessly to prepare for the return of students in the new school year.
The event was organized by Main Street Vero Beach and sponsored by the Learning Alliance, whose mission is to have 90 percent of local elementary students reading at grade level by the end of third grade.
The evening kicked off the 2025-2026 academic year and celebrated the news that the school district had earned its third consecutive “A” rating, is ranked fifth in the state of Florida, and is tied for second in the state for third-grade reading.
“We proudly celebrate this historic achievement for the School District of Indian River County,” said Barbara Hammond, TLA CEO and co-founder.
“Attaining our highest rankings in recent years was forged by the unwavering hard work of our students and staff, and strengthened by the vital partnership of our parents and community. This success belongs to everyone who believes in and works for the future of our kids,” she added.
The lively block party transformed 14th Avenue in the heart of Downtown Vero Beach into a festival of gratitude, geared toward strengthening student outcomes and deepening impacts across the district.
The vision of the district’s Connected by Community commitment recognizes that to achieve the strongest outcomes, we all must prioritize a community where everyone is united, celebrated and supported.
“Our SDIRC Downtown Appreciation event was about more than celebration; it was about connection. By bringing our families, staff and community partners together in the heart of Vero Beach, we honor the spirit of being connected by community,” said School Superintendent David Moore.
“This event reflected our gratitude for everyone who supports our students and schools, especially our sponsor, the Learning Alliance, and the excitement we share for the future we are building together,” he added.
School district employees were treated like VIPs, strolling down the street and enjoying complimentary samples and specials from local establishments, including the Vero Wine Bar, Armani’s, Post & Vine and Curfew.
While adults mingled, children played and danced to music. TLA’s Moonshot the puppet visited with passersby, while children and adults alike played in a sea of suds generated by the Bubble Truck, creating an avalanche of shimmering memories.
After the music went quiet and TLA’s Moonshot Rocket drove off into the sunset, folks made the two-block walk to the Billy Livings Field at the Citrus Bowl to cheer on the Fighting Indians, who took on the Miami Norland Vikings in a preseason Kickoff Classic, ending the evening with a 30-30 tie.
The evening successfully kicked off the school year on a high note, aiming to build on what the district calls “powerful momentum” for the year ahead.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
