IRSD Spotlight

Many of us have probably heard the acronym “IEP,” but do we really know what it means and what it’s all about? Director of Special Education Melissa Whisted and Supervisor of Special Education Patti Harris are here to explain this essential tool for students receiving special education services in the Indian River School District.

October 5 will be a special day in the Indian River School District, as we host our first-ever We Are IRSD Community Festival on the campuses of the Howard T. Ennis School and Sussex Central High School. Nika Reid, IRSD Supervisor of Support Services, gives us all the details about this exciting event. “Stay” courtesy of Hotel Apache and California Pop is Not Dead, 2017.

They’ve come from far and wide to join the Indian River School District team and bring with them a wealth of skills and talent. In this Back to School episode for 2024-2025, we meet four new IRSD administrators – Dr. Melissa Whisted, Patricia Harris, Carolyn Fries and Dr. Andrew Davis. All have come from outside the district, with one relocating nearly 3,000 across the country to join the IRSD team. “Stay” courtesy of Hotel Apache and California Pop is Not Dead, 2017.

On May 9, Deborah Treherne of the Howard T. Ennis School was named IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. In this episode, we sit down with Deborah to discuss her interesting career path and what it's like to work with special needs students on a daily basis.

In November, Indian River High School senior Brynn Crandell captured her third consecutive state cross country championship and solidified her place among the most-decorated athletes in school history. Meanwhile, Sussex Central High School music teacher Phoebe Marvel marched in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as a member of the Band Director’s Marching Band. In this episode, we speak with both Brynn and Phoebe about their recent experiences. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010. “Everyday Glory” courtesy of Rush and Atlantic Records/Anthem Entertainment, 1993.)