Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 23, 2009

The School District's Public Affairs Department has won a national  Golden Achievement Award for its educational programming for the Kinsey Art Exhibition last year. The communications and public relations programs that highlighted the exhibition at the Norton Museum of Art won the award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) " for exemplary public relations." 

The  award will be presented at the NSPRA conference in San Francisco on July 2. "The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey: In the Hands of African American Collectors"  broke records between April and July 2008 when it attracted nearly 7,000 students, hundreds of educators and thousands of community members to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. The Public Affairs Department, assisted by a committee of key district personnel, staged community events, a Principals' Academy and education receptions for education, business and political leaders around the exhibition. The unusual exhibition inspired both art  and history lessons and projects throughout the schools, including through the African American Studies Department and school guidance counselors.

 The 90-piece collection of African American paintings, artifacts, rare books, sculptures, documents, manuscripts and photographs dating to 1632 is  the personal collection of  Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, son and daughter in law of the late Ulysses B. Kinsey,  a veteran local educator for whom the U.B. Kinsey Elementary School of the Arts in West Pam Beach is named. The exhibition brought together diverse audiences and showcased the local family, the community and the unique world-class art exhibit that had never been seen before in Florida.  "The exhibition made art and history lessons more relevant for students, teachers and the community," said Nat Harrington, Chief Public Information Officer. Bank of America sponsored the project and provided a $30,000 grant to fund the projects. The Palm Beach Cultural Council partnered with the district to stage the events.  Original student art work was displayed during the exhibition and several original student art pieces not on display were presented as gifts to the sponsor and partners.

Public Affairs also won the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association  Sunshine Medallion Award "for excellence in communications and stake holder relationships." The Sunshine Medallion Award will be presented at the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) conference Monday, July 27 in Buena Vista, Florida. 

For more information, contact Connie Ayers in Public Affairs at 561 434-8228.

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 18, 2009

The School District of Palm Beach County will conduct a seminar to provide information on how to become a new vendor and conduct business with the School District.

The conference will be held Monday, July 13, 2009 at the Fulton Holland Educational Services Center, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL, in the Board Room.

To take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by July 7, 2009 at bids@palmbeach.k12.fl.us  and include the following information:

 The session you will attend: 8:30-10:00 AM or 10:30–NOON, your company name, type of service or product you offer and name of person(s) attending.

Directions: Take I-95 to Exit 66 - Forest Hill Blvd.-West. Pass Florida Mango and Congress Ave. Approx. 1/4 mile west of Congress Ave., the light colored brick building is on the left/south side of street.  Turn left into the driveway.

For more information, contact Sharon Swan, Director of Purchasing, (561) 434-8214.

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 8, 2009

Over 400 teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, and instructional support staff have registered for the annual language and culture conference hosted by the District’s Multicultural Education Department, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9-10. *Charting a Course for Success in a Global Society is the theme of this year’s conference, which includes presenters from K-12 and higher education; community allies such as the Caridad Health Center, ASPIRA, and For the Children; as well as governmental agencies such as the The U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The event is set for 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at **John I. Leonard High School in Lake Worth.

Organizers say the conference—which is being held in conjunction with Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Community College—will provide participants with hands-on, interactive sessions that will help them prepare all learners for success in the 21st century. Topics of sessions include information on Dual Language Education; World Languages; ESOL; Support Services and Resources for Students; Global Education; Visual and Performing Arts; Immigration and Legal Issues; Human Trafficking; Communication and Culture; Multicultural Studies; and more.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Robert K. Greenleaf, who is the author of eight books and a consultant who specializes in strategies for understanding behaviors and building esteem and achievement in students. Dr. Carlos Cortes, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of California will also present a keynote address. Many know Dr. Cortes as an advisor for Nickelodeon’s Peabody Award-winning children’s television series, Dora the Explorer, and its sequel, Go Diego,Go!

For more information, contact Lisa Capra, (561) 434-8251. 

###

*The itinerary for breakout sessions.

**John I. Leonard High School is located at 4701 10th Avenue. Take I-95 to 10th Avenue North. Head west past Military Trail. The school is on the north side of 10th Avenue.

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 1, 2009

What:     END OF THE YEAR BASH STARRING THURSDAY NIGHT’S RITUAL

When:    Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 pm

Where:  West Boca High School Theater

Who:       Mike Bansbach and his rock and roll band, Thursday Night’s Ritual!  M&PO “Smart/Zone Team”

Why:       To support West Boca High School’s Theater Department!

How:       Drinks and snacks will be served, and admission is just a donation

Damon Weaver's Report On Joe Biden Selected As Finalist For Shortie Awards - Weaver Travels To Washington For International Film Festival, Awards

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 2, 2009

During the 2008 presidential campaign, student  K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary School student reporter Damon Weaver became a world-wide media sensation when he interviewed  Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden when he was at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.  The report about Joe Biden filed by  Weaver, 11, a fifth grade student at the school,  has been viewed by nearly half a million people on YouTube. Weaver's Biden report can be viewed at this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW5X1eaozxQ

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 16, 2009

Strength. Determination. Perseverance.

Those qualities will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, in Palm Beach County and throughout the world, as the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Office of Refugee Services joins in recognition of World Refugee Day.

DCF’s Office of Refugee Services helps refugees gain economic self-sufficiency and social adjustment within the shortest time following their arrival into the United States. For the first time, Palm Beach County will join Floridians and others around the world in the annual World Refugee Day celebration, recognizing the plight of more than 30 million refugees who have fled their home country or have been internally displaced because of fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion.

The World Refugee Day Work Group invites everyone to Forest Hill High School’s cafeteria on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration that will include a Girl Scout flag ceremony, local proclamations, children performing cultural dances, musicians of varied heritage sharing their traditions and keynote speaker, Boynton Beach City Commissioner and former refugee Jose Rodriguez. A Venezuelan refugee also will display his paintings, and local students who competed in the UNHCR World Refugee Day Poster Contest will be recognized. The students – elementary, middle and high school – designed posters on the theme, “Real People, Real Needs.” The school is located at 6901 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach.

Throughout the month of June, the Palm Beach County Library System will display books about refugees, post a bibliography of such stories on its Web site, and host relevant storytelling and other activities for children and adults. The West Palm Beach Public Library also will host storytelling focused on refugees, and the Barnes & Noble book store at CityPlace is showcasing books about refugees.

Florida’s Refugee Services Program partners with several agencies and organizations to provide adult education, case management, child care, youth and family services, job skills training, employment, health services, legal services, interpretation and integration assistance. The Community Liaison (Miriam Bracero-Rosario in Palm Beach County, (561- 837-5022) collaborates with community-based organizations, the school district, the community college, libraries, adult literacy programs, government agencies, law enforcement and others addressing the needs of refugees.

For more information, please call Lesline Alexander-Gregory, Project Transition-Adult & Community Education, at (561) 687-6370.

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 18, 2009

WHAT:  Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Pahokee Middle School

WHERE:  Pahokee High School Auditorium, 900 Larrimore Road, Pahokee, Fl.

WHEN:   Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

WHO:   School and District administrators and personnel, Board Members, parents, community and Architect and Construction Company personnel. Refreshments will be provided by local vendors following the ceremony.

School District Wins Three Sunshine Medallion Awards

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 16, 2009

The Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA) recently announced this year's Sunshine Medallion Award Winners.  The awards are given for excellence in communications and stake holder relationships.  Three School District entries received winning honors and will be recognized by the Board at the July 15, 2009 School Board meeting.

Hagen Road Elementary, Multicultural Diversity category - "Murals" - The murals created at Hagen Road Elementary make a contribution to the mental, emotional single school culture, a positive school climate, cultural diversity and social growth of  students.  It stimulates thought and acts as a medium for developing creative and critical thinking and expression.

Public Affairs Departments, Other Programs/Projects category - "Engaging the Community with Art History" - The Personal Treasures of Bernard & Shirley Kinsey: In The Hands of African American Collectors, was on display at the Norton Museum of Art.  The collection of more than 90 rare sculptures, paintings, books, documents, manuscripts and vintage photographs tells the story of African-Americans in the Americas.  The School District partnered with the Norton Museum of Art and the Kinsey family and staged three events in conjunction with the exhibit to further the School District's education programs, including African-American studies.

Supplemental Educational Services Department, Promotional Video or Radio category - "Guidance Counselors in Palm Beach County" - With the help of six school counselors, the video captures how they and their colleagues use their hearts, minds, and spirits to touch children's lives and guide them toward a successful future.

Glade View Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 2, 2009

Glade View Elementary will be hosting their annual Kindergarten Round-Up on June 4, 2009 and August 11, 2009 in the cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The Kindergarten Team at Glade View has put together a “Kindergarten Readiness Packet”.  Parents will be registering their child/children for the FY 2009/2010 school term.  Entering Kindergarten students must be five on or before September 1st.   Parents are required to bring the following information for registration:

                              Two Proof of Residency

                              Original Birth Certificate

                              Physical

                              Tuberculosis Test Result

                              Immunization Records

                              Hepatitis B Shot series completed, and proof of Chicken Pox Vaccine

For more information please contact Mattie Singletary, Jessie Terry, Mitsie Watson, or Harold Joseph at (561) 993-8800.

Inlet Grove High Academies Certified

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 5, 2009

Inlet Grove Community High School’s Commercial Arts Academy, The Architectural Drafting Academy, and the Health/Pre-Medicine Academy had their programs reviewed to evaluate how they rate on the National Standards of Practice for career academies.  A team from the Miami-Dade reviewers National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) assessed the academies using the career academy national standards of practice.  These standards were developed by a consortium of persons actively engaged with career academies to define what components a standard career academy should have for success.

The schools spend the first half of the year preparing for the visit.  Their preparation included compiling a large amount of information on how their schools have implemented the career academy model.  Each school then hosted the evaluation team for a half day review of the information and interviews of the administration, staff, students, and community supports.

NCAC have designated the Commercial Arts Academy, The Architectural Drafting Academy and the Health/Pre-Medicine Academy as “CERTIFIED” Academies.

Constance Scotchel-Gross, Manager Choice Programs and School Choice/Career Education said, “We applaud Inlet Grove Community High School receiving “Certified” on their three academies.  Their dedication, support and the focus on providing the best education for our students is commendable.”

For more information please contact Ms. Scotchel-Gross at 561-357-7537.

Suncoast Principal Presents at the Beijing International Principals Forum on Fundamental Education

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 18, 2009

Suncoast Community High School Principal Dr. Linda Cartlidge received an invitation to present on June 11 and 12, 2009 at the Beijing International Principals Forum on Fundamental Education authorized by the Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China and sponsored by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission in Beijing, China.  The Principals Forum was part of the Beijing International Education Expo (BIEE), one of the most successful annual international education expos in China and one of the largest education expos in Asia.  Since 2004, BIEE has attracted more than 2,400 education institutions and organizations from more than 50 countries all over the world.  The Expo consisted of the international education exhibition, seminars, forums and other cultural activities. 

The Beijing International Principals Forum hosted speakers from Finland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the United States as well as four principals from Beijing.   Dr. Cartlidge’s presentation was entitled “Transforming School Culture from Effectiveness to Greatness.” The major activities of the expo included the forum opening ceremony, series of lectures given by principals, and group discussions. BIEE paid all expenses of her trip including accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and transportation fees.  As part of the forum experience, the international team of principals visited the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, and The Summer Palace. They also climbed The Great Wall of China,  visited a copper factory and explored the city shopping areas and local flea markets. 

Dr. Cartlidge met with Angela Wei, PR Manager from Huijia Head Office, to form a partnership with Beijing Huija (IB) Private School, a K-12 day and boarding school where Chinese and foreign students study together.  The school is an international school based on the IB philosophy.  It is the first member school of the International Baccalaureate Organization which admitted Chinese students in China.  Huija was also an Olympic Education Demonstration School in Beijing for 2008.  Currently, the school has over 2500 Chinese and foreign students from 28 countries and more than 500 Chinese and foreign teachers and staff.  It is the largest private school in Beijing.

For more information, contact Dr. Linda Cartlidge at Suncoast Community High School at 561-882-3418.

Dreyfoos Students Win Congressional Arts Competition - Artist’s Work To Hang In The Capitol For One Year

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 10, 2009

Dreyfoos School of the Arts visual art students Vinh Pham, a graduating senior from Royal Palm Beach, and Jessica Kleinman, a Dreyfoos junior from Boca Raton, were recently announced as the first place winner and runner up winner, respectively, of the Congressional Arts Competition.  The other runner up winner was Danielle Zfat of Donna Klein Jewish Academy.

Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL) made the announcement at a reception May 29 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.  As the first place winner, Pham and his parents were presented with three roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Southwest Airlines, where they will join Congressman Klein on June 24 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception honoring the young artists.  He also received a year pass to the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

The 28th Annual Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery, provides Members of Congress with the unique opportunity to showcase the talents of their creative, dynamic high school constituents.  Since the competition’s inception in 1982, thousands of students have participated.  This year the theme was left up to the artist’s imagination.  

Pham’s winning piece, representing the 22nd Florida Congressional District, will be showcased at the Capitol in Washington, DC, along with the pieces created by the winning artists from Congressional Districts across the country. 

For more information about the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, call the School of the Arts Foundation at 561-805-6298 or visit www.soafi.org.

Media Contact:  Margie Yansura, Wordsmith Communications, 561-313-5028; mywordsmith@bellsouth.net

"Departmentalization" Teaching Model Now In Place in 72 Elementary Schools - Remaining 35 Schools To Transition To New Model For Fall 2009

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 5, 2009

Departmentalization is the teaching model in which teachers elect or are chosen,  based on their specialized training and/or their student data,  to teach one or two subjects, Reading, Math, Science, etc.,  to several classes of students throughout  the day.  Teachers become subject matter "experts" and their students have two or more "expert" teachers during the day. 

 "There are clear advantages to both the student and the teacher," said District Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez, "and teacher training is more effective for teachers within a focused content area," he said.

Of the District's  107 elementary schools, only 35 do not currently have departmentalization.  To maintain consistency, the  remaining 35 elementary schools are transitioning to this model at grades 3,4,and 5 for the Fall of 2009. Grades K,1, and 2 are optional. 
(List of schools now transitioning.)  

Principals in the 35 transitioning schools have communicated with their staffs and parents and are working on implementation plans during the summer. 

Some advantages to Departmentalization from  Marsh Pointe Elementary School Principal  Maureen Werner's perspective include:

1. Teachers become "curricular experts" in one or two subject areas rather than "Jacks of all Trades" at the elementary level. Planning time is maximized!

2. Each classroom can be set up as a "lab" situation where centers, word walls and the "print rich environment" would be totally revolving around the area of expertise (i.e.: Science lab, Math lab, Reading lab, etc.) This eliminates the transition times where self-contained teachers have to start, stop and restart everything (subjects) every day, all day.

3. District-wide this is a maximization of resources. Example: I have 8 Third grade, self-contained classes. All 8 teachers need all of the new MacMillan Reading series kits. These kits include Teacher Editions, Classroom sets of books, ancillary materials, FCAT prep materials, workbooks, resource libraries, etc. at an extremely expensive  cost. Next year, I have 4 of those third grade teachers teaching reading. I only need 4 sets of all of the above mentioned instructional materials to teach ALL of the 3rd graders the reading standards. (The same holds true for Math, Science, SS and Writing!)

4. All schools will now have a Reading Coach and some will have limited access to a Science and Math Coach, while others will have full time Science and Math Coaches. These coaches can now focus their efforts on the limited number of teachers that teach each of the curricular areas. (i.e.. The reading coach will only have to work, mentor and demonstrate in 4 classes rather than the 8 of my 3rd grade team, etc. for the math and science.) This is focused, specific training for each of the curricular areas that the coaches have to work with.

5. There is "power in numbers" in the teaching and learning process. When a student has 2, 3 or 4 teachers and the behaviors, attitudes, work samples, etc. demonstrate that there is a problem,  ALL teachers (team) will conference with parents and give a full accounting of the child's performance.  "The teacher doesn't like my child" syndrome would not occur.  The same will hold true for those positive conferences where all teachers meet as a team to let a parent know how phenomenal their child is! Win-win!   

For more information, contact Marsh Pointe Elementary School Principal Maureen Werner at 366-6800 or Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez at 357-7641.

Seminole Ridge High Students Win $28,000 In U.S. Army’s eCYBERMISSION Competition

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 5, 2009

Three teams from Seminole Ridge High School have won $28,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds by taking regional awards in this year’s national eCYBERMISSION competition.

eCYBERMISSION is a U.S. Army-sponsored, free, web-based science, math and technology competition that allows students in grades six through nine to compete for regional and national awards while working to solve problems in their communities.

The “HAWKS” team, comprised of students Michael Fracalossi, Logan Jones, Katherine Macomber and Kirstina Thompson, received a first-place award. With this award, each team member will receive a $3,000 U.S. EE Savings Bond, a certificate of recognition from the U.S. Army, and a free trip to the National Judging and Education Event in Washington, D.C., in June to present their final projects. The team was recognized by judges for its investigation into the effects of fertilizer on living organisms. The students tested both organic and inorganic fertilizer on plant life and fish, and found that the inorganic fertilizer was very harmful. They hope to share these results with their community and promote organic fertilizer as a safer alternative.

The “RAPSCAM” team, comprised of students Aileen Roblero, Nicole Perdomo, Sarina Alba and Michael Canlas, received an Application of Science, Math and Technology criteria award, which includes a $2,000 U.S. EE Savings Bond per student. The team was recognized by judges for attempting to determine if the DNA of store-bought tomatoes differed from the DNA of home-grown tomatoes. Although the experiment results were inconclusive, the students learned that it was easier to extract DNA from store-bought tomatoes than those grown at home.

The “pyronyx” team, comprised of students Tyler Post, Jesse Pentz, Rebecca Heine and Bianca Brescia, received a Benefit to the Community criteria award, which includes a $2,000 U.S. EE Savings Bond per student. The team was recognized by judges for its investigation into the most effective method of hand washing. Although the students’ hypothesis stated that hand sanitizers would not be as effective as soap and water, their experiments revealed that the hand sanitizer was more effective in killing bacteria.

All three teams were led by Team Advisor Karensa Wright. In the past seven years, Seminole Ridge High School has won 59,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds by students competing in eCYBERMISSION.

“We are extremely proud of these Seminole Ridge High School winners for their use of outstanding research, experimentation and analysis during this year’s eCYBERMISSION competition,” said Mike Doyle, U.S. Army eCYBERMISSION program manager. “These students were selected out of thousands of their peers, not only for their potential as future leaders in science, math and technology, but for their work to make their communities a better place to live.”

This year, more than 12,000 students registered for eCYBERMISSION and 2,005 teams submitted their research for scoring. Now in its seventh year, eCYBERMISSION has awarded more than $6.8 million in U.S. EE Savings Bonds in support of the science, math and technology leaders of tomorrow. Since its inception, more than 58,000 students from across the country, in U.S. territories and Department of Defense Education Activity schools worldwide have participated in the competition.

For more information, please visit www.ecybermission.com.

Allamanda Elementary Student Wins Writing Competition

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 9, 2009

Allamanda Elementary School’s Lindsay Lonano, 4th grade, won first place in WLRN Radio Station’s “Write Under the Sun” elementary school writing competition.  Allamanda runners-up include 4th grade students, Alex Woodward and Connor Voorhees. 

1. Lindsay, in Ms. Connie Howe’s class, wrote the winning entry, entitled “The Swamp.” 
2. Alex, in Ms. Deborah Long’s fourth grade class, wrote a piece called, “The Vicious, Ferocious, Terrifying  Killer Monster in Palm Beach County.” 
3. Connor, from Mrs. Nicole Wilson’s class, wrote an essay called “South Florida.” 

Lindsay will record her winning entry, to be broadcast on WLRN.  She will also participate in events WLRN is having with local authors, poets and literary figures in South Florida.  All three entries, along with student biographies, will be posted on WLRN’s “Under the Sun” Web page.  The students are also invited to read their essays at WLRN’s “Write Under the Sun” live event June 21 at the Hollywood, Florida, library.

For more information, please contact Marilu Garcia, Principal, at (561) 803-7200.

From Seminole Ridge High to Saturn: Student Semi-Finalists in NASA Contest

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 2, 2009

Seminole Ridge High School Science teacher Erich Landstrom received out-of-this-world congratulations in May. NASA emailed to say that his physics students in a national contest for an interplanetary mission were semi-finalists. At least one of his students’ essays passed the first round of selection in the Cassini Scientist for a Day essay contest, and they were invited in June to teleconference with scientists studying the planet Saturn remotely by robotic spacecraft.

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying the planet Saturn. Participants examine three target images taken by Cassini and choose the one they think will yield the best science. This choice must then be supported in a 500-word essay. 

Mr. Landstrom used it as teaching opportunity for his students to practice their FCAT Writes persuasive essay skills, and encourage excellence in FCAT Science. Juniors Anthony Bass, Alex Cohen, Kris Hansen, and Jessie Twigger are now invited to teleconference with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Using the Distance Learning Classroom in Seminole Ridge’s Biotechology Academy, they can participate in a scientific debate by deciding which imaging target brings the most scientifically interesting results.

Jessie Twigger in his essay wrote, “Not every satellite we launch or every telescope we point towards the sky is searching for another Earth but if the chance to learn more about Earth-like planets presents itself, why not seize this opportunity? That is the reason we should be photographing Dione. No – that that is the reason we should be exploring space. Dione is worth all its scientific merit just for the smallest chance that we will discover something that we never even dreamed possible, just for the shear enjoyment of discovering that a distant moon is similar to Earth, and most importantly just for the challenge it presents in understanding such a mystery.”

All semi-finalists’ essays are now being judged to determine the overall contest winners.  Winners will be announced in mid June, after the end of the school year for Seminole Ridge.  Please visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov to see the winners list online when it becomes available

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The cameras on NASA Cassini-Huygens Mission have been taking stunning images of Saturn and its rings and moons for the past five years. These images have helped planetary scientists learn more about this amazing planet Saturn. For most of its tour, Cassini has a chance to point its cameras at various targets, but only one image can be taken at a time. Before each imaging opportunity, Cassini scientists have to decide which image they think would yield the best science. They make a case for specific images, and debate why one image would be better than another. Finally, they agree on which image will be taken. The command to take the image is uplinked to the spacecraft. The image is downlinked to Earth, a billion kilometers away.

In the Cassini Scientist for a Day contest, students get to be the scientists.  Seminole Ridge High School physics students learned about possible images that the cameras on Cassini could take on May 25, 2009. Students needed to weigh all the factors and choose one of the targets. What do we already know about Saturn, its rings, and its moons? What do we hope to learn from the image selected? The decision is based on which image would yield the most scientific results, but the artistic value of the image can be an added bonus.

For more information please contact Mr. Landstrom at 561-422-2600.

Wynnebrook Elementary Business Partner Treats Educators To Lunch

Bellante's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, a business partner of Wynnebrook Elementary School in West Palm Beach, invited the entire school staff to lunch to thank them for teaching the children of our future.  During the course of the school year Bellante's Pizza has sponsored Wynnebrook Elementary School's Family Night at the restaurant on Okeechobee Blvd and Haverhill Road. 

“Owner Anthony Orcinolo is a huge supporter of education and the Palm Beach County School system and donates a percentage of the sales back to the school,” said Wynnebrook Elementary Principal Jeff Pegg.  “Wynnebrook Elementary School is so fortunate to have amazing business partners that support the school and community.”

For more information please contact Principal Jeff Pegg at 561-640-5086.

West Boca High School Drama Presents ARC Music And Studios Student Ensemble Recital

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 23, 2009

WHAT:      A Showcase of talented children and adults from ARC Studios in Boca Raton

WHEN:     Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE:   WEST BOCA PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE - On the campus of West Boca High School, 12811 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 3+ Miles West of 441

ARC Is Raffling a Dean Evo Electric Guitar or 4 private lessons worth over $600.  Refreshments will be served.

Donations only – all proceeds will benefit West Boca High Drama Department.

For more information, please contact Keith Detone at (561) 470-6875, ARC MUSIC & STUDIOS, 8182 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Fl.

FCAT Night At Publix Wins State Parent Involvement Award

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 26, 2009

Wynnebrook Elementary School along with Publix on Jog Road and Okeechobee Blvd and Publix on Community Drive in West Palm Beach will be honored by the Department of Education at the PTA Conference on July 18th in Tarpon Springs, Florida. FCAT NIGHT at Publix was implemented by Wynnebrook educator Leslie Millar to support parents and guardians in their efforts to help their children strengthen the critical skills that are outlined in the Sunshine State Standards and tested on the FCAT in a real-life situation. 

Although Wynnebrook Elementary School already gets a huge response and participation at FCAT Night at Publix, the goal is for parents to continue practicing with their child/children in a real-world consumer setting using the skills that were presented to them at FCAT NIGHT at Publix.  Teachers hope families continue to help their child practice solving real-world math problems that involve number concepts, properties and computation at any consumer setting.  Many schools in Palm Beach County and Broward County have now adopted this program. 

If you have any questions about implementing this program, you can contact Leslie Millar at Millar@PalmBeach.k12.fl.us.

Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSA Holds Annual Membership Appreciation Event

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 28, 2009

Members from the PTA’s (Parent Teacher Association) and PTSA’s (Parent Teacher Student Association) of Palm Beach County gathered May 20th for the annual Membership Appreciation celebration.  The event is held to show appreciation for all the local PTAs and PTSAs in Palm Beach County.  President Kay Stagray said, “The council would like to extend their thanks to our entire membership for the wonderful programs they provide to the students, families and schools through out our school district.”

Awards were presented in the following categories:

PTSA of the Year – Omni Middle School PTSA

PTA of the Year – Hidden Oaks Elementary PTA

Advocacy – Elbridge Gale Elementary PTA

Communication – S. D. Spady Elementary PTA

Environmental – Sunrise Park Elementary PTA

Family Involvement – Waters Edge Elementary PTA

Health & Safety – Sandpiper Shores Elementary PTA

Outreach to School – Omni Middle School PTSA

Outreach to Community – Hidden Oaks Elementary PTA

President’s Award – Spanish River High School PTSA

Rising Star – Sandpiper Shores Elementary PTA

Show & Tell – Del Prado Elementary PTA

Team Leadership – S. D. Spady Elementary PTA 

Special guests from the Florida PTA Karin Brown, President, Eileen Segal, Vice President for Leadership and Elinor Adler, Family/Community Involvement Chair installed the newly elected officers for 2009-2011.  The new officers are: President – Kay Stagray, President Elect – Jen Martinez, Vice President of Membership & Business Relations – Candace Rojas, Vice President of Communication and Public Relations – Jen Olson, Vice President of Leadership –Mindy Haas, Secretary – Wendy Corso Ruud, and Treasurer – Laura Dunn.

Ms Stagray said, “The County Council looks forward to seeing many PTAs and PTSAs in June at the National Convention in Fort Lauderdale and in July at the Florida PTA Leadership Conferences at Innisbrook.”

For more information please go to www.PalmBeachCountyPTA.com.

Dreyfoos Students Put On Arts Camp For 10th Straight Year - Students Raised Funds To Sponsor 20 Children

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 10, 2009

WHAT:           Arts Camp at Dreyfoos  -- 10th Anniversary -- Arts Show

WHEN:            Camp runs this week, June 8-11 from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. at Dreyfoos School of the Arts – culminating in an Arts Show by the students ages 6-11, Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m. at Meyer Hall on the school campus

WHO:               More than 100 Dreyfoos School of the Arts students volunteer to be teachers and counselors at the camp.  The 87 campers rotate through all the Dreyfoos art areas each day - Communication, Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. 

WHERE:         Arts Camp takes place at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, located north of the Kravis Center on Tamarind and Fern St. in Downtown West Palm Beach.

WHY:               This is the 10th Anniversary of Dreyfoos Arts Camp for children ages 6-11.  Due to the tremendous interest, the parents entered a lottery on May 9th to sign up their children.  Only 87 spots were available, but approximately 150 parents showed up to enter the lottery.  During the school year, the Arts Club at Dreyfoos raised money to offer scholarships for children whose parents cannot afford the registration fee.  This year the Club raised funds to sponsor 20 children. 

CONTACTS:   Jacob Passy is the Camp Director, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, 561-427-3217 

                        Cookie Davis, Media Specialist and Arts Camp Sponsor, A W Dreyfoos School of the Arts, 561-762-3819

Boca Raton High Teacher Receives Fulbright Award

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 18, 2009

Hakima Mazouz of Boca Raton Community High School has been awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange grant to teach in France, the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board announced recently.

Ms. Mazouz is one of approximately 60 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2009-2010 academic year through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program.

The Fulbright Program, America's flagship international educational exchange program, is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright Program has provided approximately 294,000 people – 111,000 Americans who have studied, taught or researched abroad and 183,000 students, scholars and teachers from other countries who have engaged in similar activities in the United States – with the opportunity to observe each others' political, economic, educational and cultural institutions, to exchange ideas and to embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world's inhabitants. The Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.

Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Among the thousands of prominent Fulbright alumni are: Muhammad Yunus, Managing Director and Founder, Grameen Bank, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006; Javier Solana, Foreign Policy Chief, European Union; Ruth Simmons, President, Brown University; Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board, Intel Corporation; Shamshad Akhtar, the first woman to hold the position of Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Alejandro Jara, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization; Raoul Cantero, Justice, Florida Supreme Court; Renee Fleming, soprano; Gish Jen, Writer; Daniel Libeskind, Architect; Aneesh Raman, CNN Middle East Correspondent; and Sibusiso Sibisi, President and CEO, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa..

Fulbright recipients are among over 40,000 participants annually in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. For more than sixty years, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has supported programs that seek to promote mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and people of other countries. The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program is administered by the Academy for Educational Development.

For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit the website at http://fulbrieht.state.gov or contact James A. Lawrence, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, telephone 202-453-8531 or e-mail fulbriuht@state.gov.

For more information about Ms. Mazouz please contact Boca Raton Community High School Principal Geoff McKee at 561-338-1400.

Free Summer Meals for Youth - School District and County Host Sites Countywide

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 27, 2009

*The School District of Palm Beach County is offering the Summer Food Service Program weekdays starting June 11 through August 7.  This is the 12th year the District has sponsored this program.

Nutritionally balanced meals will be provided to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin during summer vacation when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. All children who are 18-years-old and younger are eligible for meals at no charge and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. The programs are only approved for geographical areas of need where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free and reduced price meals during the school year.

Summer Food Service sites that are located at schools provide meals to all children in the immediate vicinity in addition to those enrolled in summer school or summer camps. Call 2-1-1 to get information about District or County Summer Meal sites closest to your home.

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should immediately write or call:

USDA

Director, Office of Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY)

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

###

*Participating School District meal sites.

Adult Education Graduation to Take Place at Kravis

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 26, 2009

On Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 225 adult education students from Palm Beach County will receive their Florida High School Diplomas.

The graduates represent the Adult Education Center and other Adult Education Programs throughout the county, from Boca Raton to Jupiter, and the Glades.  They have earned their high school diplomas either by completing the entire graduation requirements of the school District of Palm Beach County or by passing the GED examination.

The renowned pianist, Copeland Davis will serenade the graduates with a variety of his musical renditions.  Copeland Davis is a Graduate of Florida Atlantic University, and he captivates his audiences with a musical spectrum from jazz to the classics.  It has been noted that “The keyboard is Copeland’s Kingdom”. 

Copeland Davis’ TV debut was the “Tonight Show”.  He has appeared on “Good Morning America”, and his own PBS Special.  In addition, Copeland has had three appearances on “B.L. Stryker”; and subsequently inducted into The International Who’s Who in Music.  Copeland Davis will accompany Ms. Selina Johnson, Vocalist who is a graduate of Adult Education.

Twelve scholarships will be presented at the ceremony to the Adult Students who will march with their class as Merit Scholars for having achieved high scores on the General Educational Development (GED) examination.

The tradition spanning more than 20 years, will be continued, whereby Palm Beach Community College will award ten full scholarships for the recipients to earn their associate degrees.  Dr. Patricia Anderson, Vice President of Student Services will make the scholarship presentations.

Two scholarships will be presented by a representative from The Zonta Club of the Greater Palm Beach, an affiliate of Zonta International.  Zonta was founded in 1919 and is a global organization of executive and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  Zonta members volunteer their time, talents and money to local and international service projects; as well as scholarships and awards programs aimed at furthering the education of women and men.  Dr. Cynthia R. Smith, Principal of the Adult Education Center, is an active member of the organization and advocated for the students at her school to receive the generosity of this philanthropic group.

The final scholarship to be presented was created by the dedicated administration, faculty and staff of the Adult Education Center for a student who has overcome an exceptional obstacle to earn his or her GED.

For further information regarding the event, please contact Dr. Cynthia Smith, Principal of the Adult Education Center at (561) 616-7800 or the Assistant Principals Tom Shetler and Joan Lagoulis at (561) 616-7801.

Grassy Waters Elementary School Receives Walmart Foundation Grant

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 28, 2009

The Walmart Foundation has awarded Grassy Waters Elementary School in West Palm Beach a local charitable grant of $2,500.  Grassy Waters Elementary Schools’ Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) applied for the grant in March, 2009. Through this grant, known as “Picture Writing”, the school will be integrating Art and Literature. Students in grades K-5 will showcase their colorful art work, along with their written expressions, at the neighborhood Walmart Market (Store#4560) located on the northeast corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Job Road.  Walmart store manager, Tim Wallace, Grassy Waters Elementary art teacher, Steve Miller, and PTO Vice President, Susie Rae, will invite the local community (parents, students, teachers, and the public) to come to the Walmart store and vote for their favorite pieces. 

“This is a wonderful Art and Literature based approach to writing that integrates visual modes of thinking at every stage of the writing process. We anticipate that students will show remarkable academic gains from these tactual tools and this way of combining art with writing. We see this grant as an integral partnership between our school and the community” commented Amy Wilkinson, Grassy Waters Elementary Principal.

New Book to Guide Parents Through Middle School Experience - Boynton Beach Middle School Teachers Partners With Publishing Company

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 29, 2009

Teachers at Christa McAuliffe Middle School and American Life Publishers are partnering to produce a book titled A Parent’s Guide to Middle School Academics.  Managing editor Patricia Mavo says the book will be written over the summer and she welcomes any teacher or parent who wants to give input.  “The inspiration for the book came from my own experiences as a parent of three children who entered middle school almost consecutively,” states the career educator, who says she did find resources---but they were scattered in a variety of different places.

Christa McAuliffe Principal Faith-Ann Cheek says the guide will be user-friendly.  “The book will help parents adjust to the many changes that students experience when they transition to middle school,” she adds.  Twenty percent of the proceeds from the book will benefit each middle school that sells the resource. Plans include an accompanying website to provide online resources for parents to just “point and click” on the topics covered in the book.

Chapters cover topics such as how students learn, how teachers assess, and a variety of local and state resources for homework and testing assistance.  For more details, contact Patricia Mavo, (561) 254-1883, or email her americanlife@bellsouth.net.

Royal Palm Beach High Freshman Becomes Eagle Scout - Returns to Middle School To Give Back

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 29, 2009

Simeon T. Lyons, a freshman at Royal Palm Beach High School, became an Eagle Scout this month, carrying on a proud tradition of the Gulfstream Council’s Troop 120. He becomes one of the youngest scouts in the county to earn the honor and the troop’s first African American scout to do so.

More importantly though was his project. Simeon chose to landscape the courtyard of his former school, Osceola Creek Middle School in Loxahatchee. The project occurred in the spring of 2007, when Simeon and 15 other scouts and adults planted fire bush and mondo grass and mulched around the palm trees that dot the school’s courtyard. Simeon felt the beautification project would make the campus a more attractive place for students and faculty.

“The reason why I chose to do my project at my middle school was that I wanted to give back to the place that prepared me for high school,” Simeon said. “In the process I also hoped to enhance the learning environment there.”

Simeon canvassed nearby nurseries and obtained the plants and mulch. By the time he was through, he raised about $400 in donations, more than enough to beautify the campus. It took the scouts six hours to complete the landscaping, which consisted of planting 20 new plants around the 10 palm trees.

Crosspointe Elementary Principal Cheryl McKeever Named Florida Elementary Principal of the Year

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 29, 2009

Cheryl McKeever, Principal of Crosspointe Elementary in Boynton Beach has been named the Elementary Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (FAEMSP).  Dr. McKeever said, “When I was first notified that I was the recipient of this prestigious award, I was extremely honored and felt privileged to be recognized amongst the best.”   Dr. McKeever will be honored at the Florida Association of School Administrators’ Summer Conference in Orlando, July 27, 2009 and during the National Distinguished Principal Recognition ceremony to be held in Washington D. C. in October 2009.

Dr. McKeever was appointed Principal at Bear Lakes Middle School in September 2000 and transitioned in June of 2006 to Principal at Crosspointe Elementary School.  Schools under her leadership received the Florida Gold School Award and 5 Star Award each year.  This school year, Crosspointe Elementary has logged 7,116 volunteer hours with 175 parent and community volunteers.

Married to Vito McKeever and the mother of two children, Dr. McKeever has been employed with the School District of Palm Beach County since August 1993, serving in many capacities from Assistant Principal to Personnel Specialist recruiting teachers for the District.  “We as administrators work hard on behalf of the students we service each and everyday establishing true relationships and building environments of trust, loyalty and integrity.  That’s all I do, it’s my job and to receive an award for what you do everyday is even more special.   My motto is “if it’s not good enough for my two children then it’s not good enough for my students.”

Highland Elementary Dedicates Memorial to Fifth Grader - Students, Staff, and Family Remember Skyy Jones

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
May 27, 2009

The beautiful trail and garden is located on the side of the small Lake Worth elementary school tucked away on Highland Avenue. Those who knew the popular fifth grader say she would have loved the spot. The Highland Elementary School family gathered on this morning to dedicated the trail and memorial garden to Skyy Ashley Jones--a student who lost her battle against Leukemia earlier this semester.

Lake Worth Mayor Jeff Clemmons joined Skyy’s mother, Shawn Brown, and other family members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Principal Brian Killeen, and the school’s intermediate students and teachers also participated in the event. The Highland Chorus performed, “Farewell, My Friend” as their song of dedication. For more information, contact JoAnn Braziel, (561) 202-0550.

7th Grade Class Completes All Six Classes Of Golf - PGA Professionals Introduced Golf to Eighteen 7th Graders at Howell L. Watkins Middle School

Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228
June 1, 2009

The last of six in-school golf sessions encompassing a new initiative called the Golf After School Program was conducted recently at Howell L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens. South Florida PGA Professionals Jack Carney of Boynton Beach and Pat O’Brien of Port St. Lucie visited the school twice a week for the past three weeks, teaching the 7th grade class the fundamentals of golf with the goal of growing the game of golf through youth in South Florida.

Over the span of three weeks the students were taught some of the fundamentals of the game, including how to hold a golf club, how to set-up and eventually progressed onto learning the full swing and putting. The improvement seen after each class was amazing and very rewarding to both instructors and Physical Education Teacher Jane Panse. The students were very grateful for the opportunity they were given to learn about the sport, and the hope is that they will continue to gain interest in the game.

At the end of the final session, each student was awarded a certificate of participation in the program and a small goodie bag including golf related items.

ABOUT GOLF AFTER SCHOOL:

This program was created through the partnership of The PGA of America and United States Golf Association focusing on expanding the number of junior golfers and fostering life-long participation in the game. The SFPGA Section is one of the seven PGA Sections throughout the country selected to conduct this program.

ABOUT SFPGA FOUNDATION:

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports the South Florida community, with efforts focused on the following four areas: junior golf, education and scholarships, growth of the game initiatives and charitable gifting, with over $51,000 in grants and $13,000 in scholarships distributed annually to organizations and youth in the South Florida community. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation and interest in the game of golf.

For more information please contact Meredith Winkelmann at: winkelmann@pgahq.com