Palm Beach County came into existence on July 1, 1909. The county was created from Dade County, which at the time, stretched from the St. Lucie River to the tip of the Florida Peninsula.
The School District of Palm Beach County was then formed and had its first meeting on July 6, 1909. The first School Board was composed of Herbert A. Pennock, Chairman, Henry T. Grant and J.J. Schabinger. The first Superintendent, James C. Harris, was appointed July 13, 1909.
The School District has played a very important role in the life and development of Palm Beach County. For example, the first woman Superintendent, Agnes Ballard, served from 1921 to 1925. (Click here for photo.)
During our Centennial Year, all Palm Beach County Schools will be given an opportunity to celebrate our history and to educate our students and communities about the role of our schools and educators.
District Centennial Kick off January 25, 2009...
Kaleidoscope 2009: Go Back 100-Celebrating the Cultures and Rich History of Palm Beach County
Kaleidoscope 2009, January 25, 2009, on the West Palm Beach Library Waterfront downtown, will mark the kick off of the District's Centennial as well as the County Centennial. Nearly two dozen schools participated last year, and more are expected to participate this year.
Kaleidoscope is celebrating the School District's and the County's Centennial
by asking each village to include a representation of what was happening in
their country 100 years ago, and the Kids Area will include an interactive
celebration of the history of Palm Beach County. Okeeheelee
Middle School and their cultural partner The
Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach will build a "village"
depicting life in a school house in 1909.
Among the events and activities that are planned:
9/9/08: The District's Centennial Celebration and website were announced at the A & S meeting.
9/11/08: The District's Centennial Celebration web page debuted on the Public Affairs website.
9/11/08: The Little Red Schoolhouse was founded in 1886. It was the first schoolhouse in South Florida. (Click here for photos and video)
9/19/08: Dr. Johnson issued a Bulletin to schools and support staff inviting them to participate in Centennial related academic activities and fun events. (Click here for school/department activities and events)
9/30/08: The SDPBC will formalize partnerships with varied organizations, historical societies, etc. to participate in Palm Beach County’s Centennial events.
1/09: Principals and Department Heads are encouraged to recognize School District staff that attended and graduated from the School District of Palm Beach County. The recognitions could take place at school/department functions, performances, meetings and athletic events. Schools are also encouraged to recognize alumni at school events throughout the year.
1/09: School District initiates the Centennial Year with new employee
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1/14/09: The District's Centennial Theme “Celebrating 100 Years of Educational Excellence" will be shared with staff as a suggested email and stationery footer for 2009.
1/14/09: Dr. Johnson will deliver a Phone-out message to welcome staff and students back to school and highlight the beginning of the District's Centennial Celebration.
1/21/09: The Centennial Celebration Kick-off will occur at the January 2009 School Board meeting.
1/25/09: A Kaleidoscope event - "A Visit To A 1909 Historic Village in Palm Beach County". Visit the Kaleidoscope Web site.
1/25/09 – 12/01/09: Periodic emails will be sent to employees, partners, supporters, and diverse stakeholders highlighting School Board decisions occurring from 1909 to 2009.
1/25/09 - 12/01/09: Multi-disciplinary academic and fun activities will be completed by schools, students, and staff related to the District's Centennial. Possible activities include, but are not limited to the following: Academic assignments and lesson plans, Student Essay Contest, School District of Palm Beach County Trivia Contest, School District of Palm Beach County School Names Activity, 100 days of Fitness, Facts, and Fun, and many more activities!
2/19/09: The Education Foundation’s 25th Anniversary; "Spirit of Youth Dinner" will highlight the SDPBC’s Centennial anniversary. Dr. Johnson is the keynote speaker for this event.
5/6/09: The SDPBC’s Volunteers and Partnership Centennial Breakfast will be held at the Kravis Center.
7/09: The 100th anniversary of the 1st SDPBC School Board meeting held on July 6, 1909 will be recognized at a School Board meeting.
8/19/09: A video presentation related to the District's Centennial theme
will be previewed at the School Board meeting.
