| November 17 School Board Meeting To Be Televised Live |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The meeting of the School Board of Palm Beach County to be held at Santaluces Community High School, 6880 Lawrence Road, Lantana, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2009 will be broadcast live via The Education Network (TEN), Comcast channel 97. |
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| "In the Click" High School Seatbelt Compliance Contests Begin This Week in Palm Beach County |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 “In the Click,” the safety competition involving seatbelt usage among high school students is conducted by the Dori Slosberg Foundation in collaboration with the School District of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. The schools competing are Boca Raton High School, Olympic Heights High School, Wellington High School and Lake Worth High School. To be a participant in the challenge each school must complete two safety belt checks- (the challenge involves two unannounced observations of safety belt usage to be observed and documented by campus security officers and student groups). “The messages that we get out during this campaign could possibly save a life,” said Captain Kenny from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The Dori Slosberg Foundation has been working with the Sheriff’s Office on specific seatbelt enforcement efforts that began in October. Most fatal car crashes are the result of not wearing a safety belt. “We have a vaccine for this epidemic, seatbelts are the difference between life and death in a car crash” states Former State Representative Irv Slosberg. The two week compliance contest that begins this week, and the safety fair for the winning school on December 17th will keep the students focused on the importance of driving safely. “We will bring the seatbelt convincer, fatal vision goggles and other safe driving tools to reinforce the message,” said Lt. Tim Frith from the Florida Highway Patrol. Eric Stern, Driver Education Curriculum Specialist from the Palm Beach County School District states “each school will have the opportunity to win money for their school if they complete the challenge, but more importantly, we hope to make students aware of being a safer and more responsible driver and passenger”. Tara Kirschner the executive director of the Dori Slosberg Foundation created the program to have its message include all traffic safety issues. “In addition to seat belt use, the campaign will promote driving alcohol and drug free, not texting or using cell phones, driving courteously, and providing methods to avoid traffic crashes,” states Kirschner. For more information about “In the Click” and other Dori Slosberg Foundation safe driving programs go to www.dorislosberg.org or call the Dori Slosberg Foundation office - 888-488-7881. |
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| “THE MUCK BOWL” Airs on The Education Network (T.E.N.) |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 “The Muck Bowl” features one of the most intense football rivalries in all of South Florida, and all this week, viewers can revel in the action on The Education Network. The game, that pits Glades Central High School against Pahokee High School, is one of the most highly-touted and high-energy games in the state and perhaps in the entire country. Players call it their biggest game of the year. The game was played last Saturday night, November 14th before an estimated crowd of 10,000…and now The Education Network will replay the game at 8:00PM every night this week on Comcast Channel 97. |
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| Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary Holds Fall Open House |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School is holding a Primary Years Programme (PYP) Fall Open House, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The PYP offers a transdisciplinary programme of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child. According to Magnet Coordinator Beverly Scruggs-Collins, “Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School aims to develop active, inquiring and knowledgeable lifelong learners who achieve high standards and who make a difference through international understanding and respect.” The PYP draws on research and the best practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune has two state of the art computer labs with I Mac Computers, as well as mobile carts completely furnished with Mac Book Computers and a Communications Lab. The school also offers clubs, which include: Band, Bak Art Club, Chorus, Spanish Club, News Crew, I.B. Ambassadors and much more. 2008-2009 Bethune became an "A" Rated School & also made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Parents that attend the Fall Open House will receive complimentary gift bags filled with goodies. For more information please contact Ms. Scruggs-Collins at 561-882-7606.
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| Mauricio Escobar: FBLA National President Presenter, Master Of Ceremonies And Lobbyist |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Mauricio Escobar, senior at Palm Beach Central High School, along with his instructor Tammy Skinner, attended the National Regional Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 7 – 9, 2009. Mauricio served as Master of Ceremonies for the conference, along with his National Officer team. He also conducted a workshop on how to increase communication of FBLA at the local, state and national level. Prior to this conference, Maurico and Ms. Skinner traveled to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where they lobbied for the March of Dimes with local House representatives. National FBLA supports the March of Dimes as their project and was recognized for collecting the most donations last year (over $500,000) which Maurico received on behalf of the student organization. On November 19, Maurico will travel to the ACTE (Association for Career Technical Education) Conference in Nashville where he will address the delegation on behalf of all career education student organizations. Attendance at the conference is expected to be over ten thousand educators. The FBLA National Adviser team has just given Maurico and Mrs. Skinner approval for attending Puerto Rico’s conference the end of April. This will be the first time a National Officer has attend this conference, and they felt Mauricio would be a great representative and thrilled that he will be attending. Constance Scotchel-Gross has stated that Mauricio’s leadership is to be commended. Dr. Matthew Shoemaker, Principal of Palm Beach Central said, “This is one truly remarkable young man. Mauricio’s humble nature—combined with his charismatic, authentic leadership abilities—will place him at the forefront of the next generation of America’s rising stars.” For more information, contact Constance Scotchel-Gross at (561) 357-7537. |
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| Former Youth Court Attorney Sworn In As Member Of The Florida Bar Association |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Anthony Arash Arsali, formerly one of Palm Beach County’s most talented Youth Court trial attorneys, was recently sworn in as a full-fledged member of the Florida Bar by Circuit Judge Lucy Chernow Brown. Now a practicing attorney with the prominent law firm of Boies, Schiller and Flexner, LLP, in Fort Lauderdale, Mr. Arsali got his start as a middle-schooler volunteering as a trial attorney in a unique juvenile diversion program run by the Palm Beach County School District’s Police Department. As a Youth Court attorney, Mr. Arsali frequently tried cases before Judge Brown. He served as prosecuting attorney in some cases, and as defense counsel in others, developing his legal skills, and in the process, finding his calling. Mr. Arsali went on to earn his B.A. in criminology and political science, with honors, from the University of Florida, and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has also conducted independent research on the Iranian legal system in Teheran, Iran and is fluent in Farsi (Persian). The Youth Court program has made a positive impact on the lives of countless first-time juvenile offenders, who admit guilt, and receive constructive “sentences” imposed by juries made up of their peers. Teens are the lawyers, court clerks, jurors and bailiffs. Judges, magistrates and practicing lawyers also volunteer as judges, and provide legal training. Constructive sentences typically consist of community service hours, letters of apology, and educational assignments, sometimes including tours of the county jail. Youth Court jurors also create individualized sentences. For example, jurors mandated that a youth charged with defacing public property by painting a swastika on a water tower, view the film, “Schindler’s List” and write a 250-word essay on the meaning of the swastika symbol. Successful completion of a Youth Court sentence results in the formal charges being dismissed. As Jack Deloach, a School Police Officer who plays a major role in running the program, has stated, “Our job in youth court is not to punish. Our job is to get them going on the right path.” The swearing-in ceremony was held in Judge Brown’s courtroom in the Palm Beach County Courthouse, with friends, family, practicing attorneys, and supporters in attendance. It held special meaning for Judge Brown and Mr. Arsali, who have remained in touch since their early days in Youth Court. For more information, contact Major James P. Cummings, MSW, Palm Beach County School District Police, Youth Court / Teen Drug Court / Training, 561) 682-0032, cummings@palmbeach.k12.fl.us |
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| Egret Lake Elementary Selected As A 2009 National Title I Distinguished School |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Egret Lake Elementary in West Palm Beach has been selected as a 2009 National Title I Distinguished School. Since 1996, the National Title I Distinguished School Program has honored schools across the country for their innovation in helping Title I populations achieve high educational standards. The Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Title I Association and provides an opportunity for Title I schools from every state to be publicly recognized for their educational achievements. According to Egret Lake Elementary Principal Becky Subin, “Egret Lake Elementary was nominated for the 2009 National Title I Distinguished School Program in the category of 1st place in closing the achievement gap between subgroups.” All selected 2009 Distinguished Schools will be honored at the 2010 National Title I Conference in Washington D.C in January 2010. For more information please contact Ms. Subin at 561-616-7900. |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Music is alive at the new Hope-Centennial Elementary School and students involved in the music program have had a busy and productive fall. Students in 2nd through 5th grades were selected to participate in the Palm Beach Pops Youth In Music Education Program, a four week school music series and finale music concert field trip at the Cruzan Amphitheatre. Students learned about instrument families, music elements, composers, and styles of music. Hope Centennial Elementary School is also the proud recipient of the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches Education Award. It is a grant totaling $2,500 which was awarded to the music program for the purchase of music instruments to enhance music education. Earlier this fall, 5th grade music students performed a song called "It's Easy Being Green", the Star Spangled Banner, and a skit for the Centennial celebration and time capsule school celebration for the new school. The song and skit celebrated 100 years of education in Palm Beach County and the importance of being "green" and environmentally responsible. According to Music Director Kevin Smith, “These positive musical experiences have created great interest in music at our new school. In response to this an after school choir for students in 4th and 5th grade was formed totaling 65 students eager to sing each week.” For more information please contact Mr. Smith at 561-640-1200. |
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| Suncoast and Atlantic Advance in International Debate Contest; Compete for $10,000 Grand Prize and Trip to New York City - Bickel & Brewer Foundation and New York University Sponsor Global Debate Contest |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The debate teams at Suncoast High School and Atlantic High School have advanced to the “Top 32” round of an international debate competition – besting more than 200 opponents from across the world. By advancing to the “Top 32” in the Bickel & Brewer/New York University International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), the teams remain eligible to win the $10,000 grand prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the finals competition in New York City in April 2010. “Both Suncoast High and Atlantic High School have proven themselves in this early round of competition,” says William A. Brewer III, partner at Bickel & Brewer and founder of the IPPF. “These students now begin a challenging single-elimination written debate competition – taking part in a contest format that is unlike any other found in debate today.” The IPPF is the only international contest that gives high school students the opportunity to participate in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. More than 230 high schools – representing 40 states and 31 foreign countries – registered for the 2009-10 IPPF competition, writing on the topic, "Resolved: The United Nations should substantially increase humanitarian assistance for persons living in poverty." Those essays were reviewed by an Essay Review Committee, which determined the Top 32 teams based on the overall quality of each 2,800-word qualifying round essay. Suncoast High School now competes in a written debate against Clovis East High School in California, while Atlantic High School takes on Lakewood High School in Colorado. The teams will volley a series of papers back and forth via e-mail. A panel of judges will review the papers in the order they are presented and vote for the winning school. The winner will advance to the “Sweet 16” round of the competition, and once again volley a series of papers back and forth. Judges will then select the “Elite 8” teams. Those eight schools earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the finals competition, held April 16-18, 2010 on the New York University campus. The IPPF Finals will give the students the opportunity to supplement their written scholarship with oral argumentation. A panel of some of the world’s foremost experts in debate, business, law and politics will judge these oral debates and select the 2009-2010 IPPF Champion. Ret. General Wesley Clark will serve as one of the judges and also deliver the keynote address at the IPPF Finals Banquet, where the winner of the competition will be named. The winning school takes home a $10,000 grand prize and the coveted “Bickel & Brewer Cup,” a traveling trophy that resides annually with the IPPF winner. The complete list of top 32 schools is as follows: All Saints Episcopal School, Texas; Atlantic Community High School, Florida; Chaparral High School, Colorado; Cherry Creek High School, Colorado; Clear Brook High School, Texas; Clovis East High School, California; Shanley High School, North Dakota; Hamilton High School, Arizona; Henry Clay High School, Kentucky; Henry W. Grady High School, Georgia; Highland Park High School, Illinois; John Hampden Grammar School, England; Korean Minjok Leadership Academy, Republic of Korea; La Salle College High School, Pennsylvania; Lakewood High School, Colorado; Maritzburg College, South Africa; Mastermind, Bangladesh; McNeil High School, Texas; Nanyang Girls’ High School, Singapore; National College “Emil Racovita,” Romania; Notre Dame High School, California; Plano Senior High School, Texas; Plano East Senior High School, Texas; Princess Anne High School, Virginia; Raffles Institution-Ministry of Education, Singapore; Ross Sterling High School, Texas; Samuel Marsden Collegiate College, New Zealand; Shady Side Academy, Pennsylvania; Suncoast High School, Florida; Valley Regional High School, Connecticut; Walter Johnson High School, Maryland; Whitehaven High School, Tennessee. About the IPPF and the Bickel & Brewer Foundation: The IPPF was founded by the Bickel & Brewer Foundation in 2001, and is now jointly administered with New York University. The program is available to all high schools around the world – public and private – for free. Since its inception, the IPPF has awarded more than $800,000 in support of forensic activities at the secondary school and collegiate levels. The IPPF is endorsed by leading forensic agencies such as the National Forensic League, National Association of Urban Debate Leagues, the International Debate Education Association, the Impact Coalition, ALOUD and the National Debate Coaches Association. The Bickel & Brewer Foundation is a private, non-profit organization funded by companies, individuals and the national litigation firm of Bickel & Brewer. With offices in Dallas and New York, the Foundation has achieved widespread recognition for its efforts to create, fund and manage a variety of educational outreach programs. Visit the IPPF at www.bickelbrewer.com/debate ### For more information, contact Andrea Burnett, Carter Public Relations, on behalf of the IPPF and Bickel & Brewer Foundation. Phone: 214-360-7813 / E-mail: aburnett@carterpr.net |
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| JC Mitchell Elementary School Mural Wins Wyland Student Green Artist Challenge |
Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The JC Mitchell Elementary School mural created for the Living Green Fair art contest exemplifies the connection that each of us has with nature, and thus personal motivation to protect our planet. Each of the five children depicted in the winning painting are carrying baskets and buckets teaming with wildlife, signifying that the health and well-being of our planet is in each of our hands. Each blade of grass included in the mural states a message from the students. With nearly every class in the school contributing, this collaborative mural demonstrates the collective effort needed to create change for a healthier planet. The collage-like method used adds a sense of dimension, texture, and variety while creatively expressing a positive message about helping to save our planet - the theme for this contest. The mural moves the viewer - whether adult or child - to remember their connection to the world in which we live and the joy and happiness that nature can bring. The school will received a signed Wyland lithograph for winning the Student Green Artist Challenge. Put simply, Living Green means that you can live well while you’re doing well for the Earth. The Living Green Fair show people how to purchase better products, create less waste, eat deliciously, and save money. It features dozens of ingenious companies and organizations with innovative products, services, and programs. You can view all the entries at www.livinggreenfair.com. |
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| Atlantic High School Recognized As Model For Career And Technical Education Program |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 On November 11, 2009, the State Board of Education will be meeting at Palm Beach Community College’s Palm Beach Gardens campus. Dr. Kathy Weigel, Principal of Atlantic Community High School, will be recognized for the success of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Academies. The contributing factors for the recognition of Atlantic High School and making the school a model for Career and Technical Education are:
Constance Scotchel-Gross said, “Congratulations to Atlantic High School, Dr. Weigel and the entire staff for their hard work and dedication to Career Education!” For more information, contact Constance Scotchel-Gross at (561) 357-7537. |
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| Students, Teachers Top US Users of "Gizmos" Math and Science Computer Learning Tool |
Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The School District of Palm Beach County has been named the top user in the country of "Gizmos," a new online simulation program in mathematics and science classes for students in grades 3 – 12. Gizmos is web-based and visually and creatively illustrates mathematics and science concepts and lessons. This award-winning program has been universally accepted by administrators, teachers and students across the district. Based on total teacher logins since August 30, 2009, this achievement is a tribute to the overwhelming success of the implementation of the Gizmo program in Palm Beach County. Dan Snider, Assistant Principal for Science at Lake Worth Community High School said, “Students are enjoying the visual manipulation allowed through the computer graphics. Gizmos allows teachers and students to see the impact of changing parameters in problems they are working on. The program has helped to get students to really think.” Jean Giarrusso, K-12 Mathematics Administrator added that, “The opportunity to use Gizmos in our mathematics classrooms provides students with a perfect setting for using and developing their higher order thinking skills. In addition, Gizmos provides the teacher an outstanding tool for bringing abstract mathematics and science concepts to life for our students.” "What really makes this achievement special is that Gizmos is in its first year of implementation in the district ," said Peter Licata, District Director, High School Curriculum Development and School Improvement. Licata recognized and congratulated students, teachers, and administrators on the accomplishment. Media interested in seeing students use Gizmos, or for more information, contact Peter Licata at 969-5816. |
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| Omni Middle School Recognized At Family, Career And Community Leaders Of America Meeting |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 At the November 10th meeting for the District FCCLA meeting, Omni Middle School was recognized for:
Two Omni students were elected as District officers:
Both students completed a “Power of One” project, gave a speech before the entire membership, and answered “on the spot” questions to demonstrate their knowledge of FCCLA. Both students will hold district office for the next year. Omni won three competitions:
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| Sharing History: Mrs. Ineria Hudnell and the Students of Palm Beach County Celebrate the Centennial |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Exhibition Opening and Education Reception November 14, 2009 10:00 a.m. to Noon The Norton Museum of Art and the Palm Beach County School District are collaborating on an exhibition project in celebration of the School District’s 2009 Centennial celebration. Sharing History: Mrs. Ineria Hudnell and the Students of Palm Beach County Celebrate the Centennial will feature artworks and writings by students inspired by the extraordinary collection of Mrs. Ineria Hudnell, as well as the students’ own family histories. Students from Roosevelt Middle School, Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and the Youth Empowerment Center at Northwood participated in this program. Their exhibition will be on view in the Norton Museum of Art’s Marden Community Gallery from November 14, 2009, through January 3, 2010, and has been generously underwritten in part by the Marmot Foundation. Mrs. Hudnell’s visits with students at the Norton Museum of Art are made possible by Bank of America, the School District’s Centennial Premier Partner and longstanding partner in education, and the Museum. Mrs. Hudnell will visit the Norton Museum of Art to show her collection, celebrate the students’ exhibition and meet the public on: November 14, from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.; November 15, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.; December 12, from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. and December 13, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. An Opening Education Reception honoring Mrs. Hudnell and the students will be held November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Museum. Seating is limited and guests are requested to RSVP to 561-357-7660. Students met Mrs. Hudnell, saw her historically important collection, and worked with teachers and visiting artists to explore their family histories and created collage-based artworks and writings about their research. Teachers selected student works for display in the Norton Museum of Art’s Marden Community Gallery, as well as in their schools. The installation at the Norton Museum of Art also will feature a video produced by The Education Network (TEN) about Mrs. Hudnell and her collection. “We are honored to work with Mrs. Hudnell, the School District, the teachers and their students on this project. Mrs. Hudnell and her collection are a true inspiration for our entire community,” said Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education for the Norton Museum of Art. For more information please contact School District Centennial Chair Kenyetta Haywood at 561-357-1192. |
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| West Boca Raton High School Student Newspaper “The Westside Story” Has Gone Online |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The website, www.westsidestorywbhs.com , is equipped with auto-rotating top story box, sidebar slideshow, polls, event calendar, staff biography page, sidebar video, featured podcasts, and advertising space. The staff writers have taken full advantage of these features and created an informational and interesting site filled with creative feature articles, and captivating videos. The online newspaper launched in September with a base of a few articles, including a story on the introduction of West Boca’s new principal, Mr. Mark Stenner. The site continues to grow in content with multiple features, news, sports, op-ed, and entertainment stories about local, West Boca news and also global information. The website contains many web 2.0 features, such as RSS and reader comments. In addition, readers may subscribe via email in order to receive content updates as they happen. Technology is rapidly changing the field of journalism, and West Boca High School is proud to be on the forefront of student journalism. The Westside Story invites other district schools with online student newspapers to contact Tom Lucas at lucasth@palmbeach.k12.fl.us so that they might be listed as a link on the site. The West Side Story online newspaper is managed by advisor Tom Lucas and Editor-in-chief, Senior Melina Garcia. |
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| Park Vista, Seminole Ridge And West Boca Raton High Schools Academies Receive Great Ratings From The National Standards Of Practice (NSOP) |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Park Vista High School’s Information Technology and Medical Sciences Academies, West Boca Raton High School’s Medical Science Academy and Seminole Ridge Community High School’s Construction Academy had their academies reviewed to rate on the National Standards of Practice (NSOP) for career academies. A team from the National Career Academy Coalition 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. We applaud West Boca Raton, Park Vista and Seminole Ridge High Schools for the outstanding work they are accomplishing. We are honored to announce the NCAC results of their evaluation: West Boca Raton High School’s Medical Science Academy was given “Model Academy”. Park Vista High School’s Information Technology and Medical Sciences Academies and Seminole Ridge Community High School’s Construction Academy were designated as “Certified Academy”. Constance Scotchel-Gross, Manager of Career Education, says, “We are excited to add West Boca Raton High School’s Medical Science Academy, Park Vista High School’s Information Technology and Medical Sciences Academies, and Seminole Ridge Community High School’s Construction Academy to our growing number (18) of nationally recognized academies by the National Career Academy Coalition and the Association of Career and Technical Education. Career Academies open the door to vast opportunities for the students of Palm Beach County, as they chose either to join the workforce or pursue post-secondary education.” For more information, contact Constance Scotchel-Gross at (561) 357-7537. |
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| Former White Supremacist To Speak To Suncoast High School Students, Parents, Staff - Education Program Follows Incidents |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 In September 2009, Suncoast High School was vandalized when ethnic and racial slurs were painted on some of its buildings. In September 2008, ADL conducted a three-hour interactive anti-bias workshop entitled “Hate Comes Home” for juniors and seniors in response to two incidents of swastikas spray-painted on a mural at the school in May. The Anti-Defamation League and Suncoast High School brought Angela King, former white supremacist, to speak to 1400 students, select parents and administrators during three consecutive sessions on Friday, November 13 to address the issues involved in the crime and the school and community response. For more information, contact Principal Linda Cartlidge at 561 882-3400. |
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As the sun comes up at Jerry Thomas Elementary in Jupiter you will find students getting in shape as members of the Tiger Running Club. The second year program was initiated by Physical Education Coach Keith Jasco. “The purpose of the Jerry Thomas Elementary School Tiger Running Club is to encourage and educate students who wish to increase their level of physical fitness through running.” The Running Club meets every scheduled Monday and Wednesday morning from 6:55-7:45 a.m. Club membership is limited to 4th and 5th graders only, whose parents/guardians have signed permission slips. Over 50 students are enrolled and the participation is growing. Five parent volunteers help supervise the runners by either running with them or just encouraging and assisting as needed. Several teachers, including Principal Ann Wark are running as well. Runners stretch and run on a quarter mile track until 7:30 a.m., then cool down in the cafeteria until 7:45 a.m. Runners also receive a special custom made Tiger Running Club t-shirt to proudly wear on 'Spirit Fridays'. Coach Jasco says, "It is awesome to see our students achieving their running goals and encouraging each other through physical fitness." Coach Jasco can be reached at jasco@palmbeach.k12.fl.us or 741-9146 (PX 89146) |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Janice Kerber, Science teacher at Pine Jog Elementary, received the Florida Facilitator of the Year award for her dedication to project WILD. This is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The project is organized by the Council for Environmental Education (CEE), a national network of state education departments and natural resource agency professionals. The mission of the CEE is to support environmental education through management and development of environmental education programs, to publish and disseminate environmental education materials, and to facilitate the development and maintenance of partnerships for environmental education. The CEE works directly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to promote Project WILD in the State of Florida. Ms. Kerber has been a facilitator for Project WILD for 15 years. For the past two years she has worked with two schools, Greenacres and Pine Jog elementary schools to certify them as WILD schools. Pine Jog Elementary is the first school in the state of Florida to have its entire staff participate in Project WILD. Additionally, Ms. Kerber received a $1,000 grant from “A Cash Award for You” award program by the National Science Teacher Association for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Program. Ms. Kerber will be able to purchase 3 to 4 different kit topics to utilize in the science lab with her 3rd through 5th grade students. “After spending the beginning part of this year providing the children with some background knowledge, these programs will take my students to the next level of learning when they apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems through engineering,” said Ms. Kerber. If you would like more information, please contact Mr. Barch, principal of Pine Jog Elementary at (561) 656-5400. |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Students who participated in the Palm Beach Math Mania Challenge held during the week of August 31-September 6, had so much fun competing and answering math question online, they asked if they could do it again. November 2-22, 2009, students in grades six through eight across the district will participate in a second Palm Beach Math Mania Challenge. Once again, they will face off against each other online to answer the most math questions correctly, but this time the competition will take place over a three-week period using the online math program, VmathLive (www.vmathlive.com). During the previous competition, 4,235 students in 168 classes from 37 schools were involved. They spent about 384,405 minutes or 6,407 hours online and answered 1,944,316 math problems, earning a total of 3,148,230 points. Awards for this latest competition will be determined based on the following criteria:
About VmathLive VmathLive provides a stimulating learning environment for students that extends the time students spend learning and practicing essential math skills. The online, interactive program motivates and engages math students, reinforces the same concepts and skills taught in core math programs and provides practice in a high-stakes test format. During the challenge, students took part in real-time battles of speed and skill against students from around the world in an effort to answer the most math questions correctly. For more information contact Shannan Overbeck at 888.399.1995 ext. 9476 or soverbeck@voyagerlearning.com. |
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| “DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NURSE” Medical Sciences Career Academies |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Each year the Nursing Consortium of South Florida, a coalition of hospitals, nursing schools, health care agencies, and foundations, organizes the “Day in the Life of a Nurse” program in partnership with South Florida public school districts. “This program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to shadow registered nurses and provides a glimpse into this truly rewarding career. We also work closely with the public school systems to provide an orientation to teachers and counselors prior to the event, and suggest ways that they can introduce nursing topics into their curriculum so that student experiences are reinforced in the classroom,” explained Nora Triola, this year’s program chair and Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. “Our goal is to inspire students to pursue a career in nursing by providing them a glimpse of the important and varied work that nurses do.” A total of 46 South Florida facilities and 49 schools are participating this year—both program records. Students participating in the one-day program take part in various activities including tours of key hospital departments conducted by “real nurses.” This experience allows students to spend time with the nurse and ask them individual questions about their profession, their challenges, and their nursing stories. Students also typically meet and hear from nurse educators, information systems nurses, nurse researchers, and nurse administrators. In addition to shadowing staff nurses and listening to various presentations, student experiences can include performing simple duties such as taking a person’s blood pressure and pulse, listening to their heart beat through a stethoscope, scrubbing in and dressing out in surgical attire, and touring a surgical room where they may handle high tech equipment. “We are so pleased to have the students come in and work with our nurses. Each can be an inspiration to the other. This is a program that our staff really looks forward to participating in each year.” said Evelyn Gonzalez Morlote, RN MSN LHCRM, Consortium President-Elect and Talent Manager at Miami Children’s Hospital. Constance Scotchel-Gross said, “Being part of this program is important to our students in our Medical Sciences Career Academies. The “Day in the Life of a Nurse” is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain insight in the medical field.” |
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| Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School Students Are Global Learners |
Students at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune are making new international friends. At Bethune Elementary, Art Educator, Britt Feingold started an “Art Pen Pal Exchange” with multiple International Baccalaureate (IB) schools from different countries. Bethune students are communicating with these schools to become more globally aware as well as learn about other cultures. They review the country in class, read and share the letters, and look at the artwork. The students enjoy getting the letters and learning about these other countries. This program also serves an alternative purpose; the students build their reading and writing skills. This program would not be possible without the support of the school and the teachers in every country involved. The International School of Dhaka, Bangladesh is an IB world school that teaches students in grades K-12. There are two classes paired with students from Bethune school. The Bangladesh students have each written and decorated a letter and addressed it to specific students in Ms. Feingold’s class. They have also included self-portraits and a book that tells Bethune students about the school in Bangladesh. To reciprocate, Ms. Feingold’s art students will be making a DVD of the school as well as sending photographs of the select classes participating in school-based activities. Students at Bethune are writing their new pen pals introductory letters. They will then create an art activity and mail the artwork to their pen pals. In New Zealand, at the Kristin Junior School, there are also two classes paired with a first grade class and a fourth grade class from Bethune. The first graders from New Zealand wrote an introductory letter about themselves and included pictures of completed artwork. The artwork told students of the Maori Tribe and Aboriginal people. The International School of Monaco has sixth graders paired with Bethune’s fifth grade students. The students in Monaco have created a Peace card for Bethune’s students as part of a Peace project they undertook. The students at the Monaco school are from many different countries. “Pinwheels for Peace” is a project Bethune would like to introduce to the students in Monaco. Bethune students are also working with the countries of Serbia, Zambia (Africa), Malaysia, Lebanon, Turkey, Canada, Mozambique (Africa), and Germany. In addition, students are exchanging artwork and letters with a school in Denver, Colorado. The Denver second graders will be teaching students at Bethune about communities they are studying in Central and South America. For more information please contact Ms. Feingold at 561-882-7600. |
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Suncoast Community High School Hosts "Attacking High School Accountability: The AP/IB Way" |
Over 250 teachers attended “Attacking High School Accountability: The AP:IB Way” at Suncoast Community High School today. The idea of a mini conference materialized based on the desire of Suncoast teachers to share their knowledge acquired in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Summer Institutes funded by the Suncoast Foundation. They also realized the wealth of knowledge throughout the district and wanted their own AP or IB Professional Learning Community based on their specific course. In their sessions, they explored ways to differentiate instruction and use scaffolding strategies to support all student success in the rigorous AP and IB curriculum. Plans are in the works to have a follow up mini conference on February 26 for exam review ideas, tutoring strategies and incentives for success on the upcoming May exams. In addition, major industry certification areas such as Adobe Certified Associate, Certified Pro and Mircrosoft Certified might be added as well as the Middle Year Program for International Baccalaureate (MYP). Special thanks to United Healthcare for funding the refreshments and the Suncoast PTSA for hosting the beautiful harvest reception area. For further information, contact Suncoast High School Principal Dr. Linda Cartlidge at 561-882-3418 or Becky Youngman at 561-982-0900. |
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Skateway Fun to Raise Funds for Safety Patrol - Liberty Park Elementary Students Plan for Washington, D.C. Trip |
Public
Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Liberty Park Elementary School Safety Patrols are sponsoring a Skate Night on Friday, November 20 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The group is raising money for the annual Washington, D.C. trip this winter. Skate Night is at the Atlantis Skateway at 3100 Jog Road in Greenacres just south of 10th Avenue N. The cost is $6.00 cash and includes skates if needed. Personal skates can be used but no food or glow sticks may be brought in from outside. Friends and supporters of Liberty Park Elementary are invited to enjoy the music, food and fun exercise! Raffles will be sold for a few surprise gifts. For more information contact Michaelina Oliva at Liberty Park Elementary, 561-804-3400. |
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Public
Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Afterschool students at Jerry Thomas Elementary School in Jupiter have been busy showing their appreciation for our country’s veterans. Students are decorating postcards with pictures and messages of encouragement and thanks for these brave citizens. The cards will then be delivered to the local veteran’s hospital and placed on the veteran’s meal trays. The Jerry Thomas Elementary School Student Council is also saluting our Veterans by encouraging each class to write a letter of thanks or design a class poster that will be distributed to the VA hospital. For more information about the Afterschool project please contact Lisa Borrie at 561-741-9130. For more information about the Student Council project please contact Jan Powers at 561-741-9100 ext. 13533. |
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Public
Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) State Convention takes place November 13-15 in Orlando. Kay M Stagray, Mindy Haas and Wendy Corso Ruud will represent the Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSA. All local units also have an opportunity to send delegates. The convention is the annual business meeting of the Florida PTA. One of the major business items at this year's convention will be the adoption of the Florida PTA Action Platform items. The following Action Platform items are up for discussion by the delegate body: I) Use of Hands Free Device and Texting While Driving 2)Teen Driving Keynote speakers at the convention will be Deb Fritz, National PTA, Dick Batchelor, Dick Batchelor Management Group, Inc. and Megan Allen, 2010 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year. Awards will also be given out to many local unit PTAs for the achievements during the year. There will be a MVP Membership Luncheon, Scholarship Dinner and Building Fun(d) Breakfast. The Florida PTA state convention provides a very important opportunity for PTA members across the state to network, collaborate on child advocacy efforts and to help direct the vision and focus of the Florida PTA. The information and training that delegates receive at the convention helps to strengthen PTA as the nation's leading child advocacy organization. In preparation for the upcoming convention the County Council held a Platform Workshop at Hidden Oaks Elementary on 10/27/09. The purpose was to explain what happens at convention and to discuss the proposed platform items. Additionally, the council has asked the leaders of high school PTSAs to provide feedback from student members on the proposed platform item titled Teen Driving. The Council is also seeking input from other high school students on the proposed item. For more information please contact Kay Stagray at 561-350-8622. |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Cyndee Kelly, a 5th grade teacher at Jerry Thomas Elementary in Jupiter, is a winner of the 2009 Excel Award presented by the Foundation for Excellence in Education. Based on an analysis of student data provided by the Florida Department of Education, the 2009 Excel Award winners are the Sunshine State’s most effective teachers. “It is so wonderful to know that Cyndee Kelly has been recognized by the Foundation for Excellence in Education for the true dedication she displays every day in the classroom. She is one of the most effective educators I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Jerry Thomas Elementary Principal Ann Wark. The Excel Award is part of a broader initiative, Excellence in Teaching, launched by the Foundation for Excellence in Education to identify and share the secrets of successful teaching with educators and policymakers around the nation. This year, the program is awarding cash and prizes to 81 exceptional Florida educators whose students learned at least one-and-a-half times the average student in their grade and achievement level in reading or math. “Ms. Kelly volunteers during her after school hours tutoring her former students and mentoring those in need. It is not unusual to find her assisting students on how to write their college applications and resumes. Her 5th grade students adore her while parents request her for each of their children. She is extremely professional, caring and giving. Cyndee is highly respected by her peers, students and families. She is well deserving of this esteemed award,” said Ms. Wark. To honor the winning teachers, the Foundation for Excellence in Education is hosting the Celebration of Teaching with former Governor Jeb Bush, former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings and educator and author Ron Clark, on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando. For more information please contact Ms. Wark at 561-741-9100. |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Connie Howe, a 4th grade teacher at Allamanda Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens, is a winner of the 2009 Excel Award presented by the Foundation for Excellence in Education. Based on an analysis of student data provided by the Florida Department of Education, the 2009 Excel Award winners are the Sunshine State’s most effective teachers. According to Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia, “Connie Howe is the consummate teacher; her achievements on FCAT rank second only to the high expectations she holds for all her children.” The Excel Award is part of a broader initiative, Excellence in Teaching, launched by the Foundation for Excellence in Education to identify and share the secrets of successful teaching with educators and policymakers around the nation. This year, the program is awarding cash and prizes to 81 exceptional Florida educators whose students learned at least one-and-a-half times the average student in their grade and achievement level in reading or math. “Ms. Howe’s students grow to be lifelong learners and lovers of reading. She sets the gold standard in academic excellence,” said Ms. Garcia. To honor the winning teachers, the Foundation for Excellence in Education is hosting the Celebration of Teaching with former Governor Jeb Bush, former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings and educator and author Ron Clark, on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando. For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200. |
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Palm Beach Lakes High Students Contribute To Academic Success of Elementary Students |
Palm Beach Lakes High School Teacher Academy and Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) students recently participated in a Read for Record Event. Martika Chambers-Smith, Shenell Fraser, Stephanie Dolphy, Jozanne Ellis and Felicia Morais were Celebrity Readers at Hope-Centennial Elementary School. For more information please contact Palm Beach Lakes High School Teacher Academy Teacher and FFEA Advisor Christine Dansby at 561-682-0694. |
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Watson B. Duncan Middle School Holds Pre Academy of Finance Open House |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Watson B. Duncan Middle is holding its annual Pre Academy of Finance Open House on Thursday, November 19, at 6:00 PM in the Gymnasium. Perspective parents and students will be able to view departmental displays along with hearing from guidance, athletics, and administration. They will learn first hand about this innovative and internationally known program. In addition, perspective parents and students will go on a tour of the facility guided by current students. For more information please call Assistant Principal Phillip M. D'Amico at 561-776-3502. |
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