| Student Wins NASA’s Essay Contest |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228
Cassini Scientist for a Day challenges students to become NASA scientists studying the planet Saturn through the robotic spacecraft Cassini. Participants examine three target images taken by Cassini and choose the one they think will yield the best science, supporting their choice in a 500-word essay. Nearly 400 students nationwide entered the contest, but NASA researchers were impressed most—for the second year in a row—with Bass‘ entry. Below is an excerpt from his award winning essay. “If we could analyze the composition of the impurities and isotopes of Saturn‘s rings, they could provide us with clues as to where they came from. When we look for clues in the composition of the main rings and compare this data to the composition of Saturn‘s other moons, is it really possible that these rings started as a moon?” The award certificate is to be mailed to the school. The attached is a picture of the certificate from his 1st win. “A copy of the certificate and his essay hang in my classroom” said Mr. Landstrom, Seminole Ridge High School Science teacher. Anthony is applying for admission to the Air Force Academy so that he may pursue a career in the field of aerospace/aeronautical engineering. Rachel Zimmerman Brachman, an education and outreach specialist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, wrote a letter of recommendation for Anthony based on being national winner of the Spring 2009 Cassini Scientist for a Day essay contest. If you would like more information, please contact Erich Landstrom at (561) 422-2600. |
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| West Boca High School’s Drama Department Announces Its 2009-2010 Season |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Broadway meets High School as the multi-award winning Drama Department of West Boca High School invites the community to join them for their 2009-2010 season.West Boca has become a popular fixture in the South Florida theater scene having had five enormously successful years. For its sixth season, this talented troupe of actors, under the direction of Lance Blank, brings two all time greats to the stage! Coming this fall is Noel Coward’s wickedly funny ghost story Blithe Spirit, just off Broadway earlier in the year, accompanied by the Tony award-winning dance and tap classic, Thoroughly Modern Millie, the spring musical spectacular. Their audiences have enjoyed five years of Broadway-caliber shows including Best Musical of the Year winners Sweet Charity and All Shook Up, the highly acclaimed Pippin and Anything Goes and their State Thespian Festival winner, Little Shop of Horrors as well as many others. This sixth year promises to be just as impressive and the students are thrilled to be adding the two new productions to their repertoire. The master of high-class comedy, Noel Coward, brings us Blithe Spirit, the story of successful writer and society man Charles Condomine, who has a paranormal predicament. Following a séance by an eccentric psychic, Charles is haunted by his biggest fan -- his deceased first wife, who does not grasp the notion “til death do us part.” She is determined to wreak havoc on the household and cause domestic differences between Charles and his current wife. A mystifying state of affairs arise as his current wife cannot see or hear the specter and is convinced her husband has gone mad! This ectoplasmic romp, starring Rupert Everett, Christine Ebersole, and five-time Tony award winner (including Best Featured Actress for this show), Angela Lansbury, just closed a few months ago in New York! Now see it in South Florida on November 12, 13 and 14 at 8:00 p.m. with a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on November 14, 2009. This spring, you will be transported back to 1922 New York City, where life was full of intrigue, jazz and flappers, and when the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever. Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of a small town girl, Millie Dillmount, who has come to the big city in search of a new life for herself. Her goal is to marry a man for money instead of love – which is a thoroughly modern aim for 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. This Tony award winner for Best Musical includes a full score of songs and bright, tap-filled production numbers. The 2010 show dates are March 26 and 27, April 1, 2, and 3 at 8:00 p.m., with matinees on March 28 and April 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the shows are only $14 each, and are available by calling the box office at 561-672-2066. Group discounts are also available. Shows are at West Boca High School’s beautiful Performing Arts Theatre, which is located at the end of Glades Road, 3 miles west of 441 in Boca Raton. If you would like more information about their popular Friends of the Theater program, gigs, or sponsorship, please call the box office. For more information, contact Cheryl Crout at 561-715-7885. |
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| Discovery Education and Explorer Philippe Cousteau Delight District Students and Staff - Visit to Palm Beach County Celebrated Technological Milestone |
Students at Jupiter Community High School and Pine Jog Elementary School had a blast earlier this week when Discovery Education's Chief Environmentalist, conservationist and educator Philippe Cousteau visited the schools for interactive assemblies featuring exciting video clips of his underwater adventures around the world. Cousteau's appearances were part of a series of events recognizing the district's outstanding achievement in reaching the milestone of one million digital educational videos viewed by students. He is the grandson of famous marine pioneer Jacques Cousteau. Superintendent Art Johnson accepted a certificate commemorating this accomplishment from representatives of Discovery Education. The School District of Palm Beach County is one of only a handful of school systems in the nation, and the first school system in Florida, to reach this milestone. Dr. Johnson also highlighted district efforts to ignite student interest in science. He emphasized a commitment to building a competitive, tech-savvy, 21st Century workforce. Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. For more information, contact Gary Weidenhamer, Director of Educational Technology at (561) 434-8499 or Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education, at (240) 662-2893, stephen_wakefield@discovery.com. |
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| Southeast Construction Announces Best Of 2009 Winners |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Pine Jog Elementary School and FAU/Pine Jog Environmental Education Center joint project has won the top prize, the Judges Award, from Southeast Construction Magazine. |
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Karlee Luaer, a junior at Seminole Ridge High School, wanted to make a difference in the life of the children that have been victims of abuse in Palm Beach County. For this reason, she decided to provide them with books that would make them smile, learn and forget about their past experiences. Karlee along with the Palm Beach Diocese Council of Catholic Women contacted friends, family members and people in the community and started a book collection. “The response from all my friends and family members was amazing and encouraging,” said Karlee. She was able to collect over 500 books that were distributed around safe houses in the cities of Delray Beach and West Palm Beach. The shelter that they work closely with is ADVA (Against Domestic Violence and Abuse), a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abused children “I’m very thankful to all the people that collaborated in my efforts, especially my mom, Jean Luaer, for driving me around, Mrs. Jean Waddington and Joanne Springer from the Diocese,” said Karlee. In the future she hopes to continue with this magnificent project and would like other students in the county to participate. She believes that everybody can make a difference and would like to see her project go national some day. Congratulations to Karlee for being an example in our community! If you would like more information, please contact Deborah Stewart at (561) 434-8622. |
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| Dreyfoos School of Arts to Hold Silent Auction “Fall into Art” to Benefit Visual Arts Program |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts is holding a "Fall into Art" silent auction to raise funds for the Visual Arts/Digital Media programs.The auction, organized by The Visual Arts Parents’ Association, will be held November 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Media Center and is open to the public. The event also includes entertainment by Illumination, prize drawings, 50-50 drawings and gourmet treats from CREAM, Harry & David, TooJays of Palm Beach, Emac Music Productions, The Lord’s Place, and more. All proceeds are used to supplement the costs of the Visual Arts/Digital Media Program. Dreyfoos has twice been named the best high school visual art program in the world, according to the College Board and ranked in the top 100 high schools by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report this year. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. To purchase or reserve tickets, or for more information, please call Maryann Polizzi at 561-685-6010. ### Dreyfoos is located one block north of the Kravis Center on Tamarind Avenue, and there is free parking at the school. |
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| Hidden Oaks Elementary School Thinks Pink for Cancer Research! |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The staff and students of Hidden Oaks Elementary School have joined forces with Think Pink Kids Wellington, an organization that raises money for breast cancer research and provides education, support, and awareness in the community. Hidden Oaks Student Council decided to help this organization by selling bracelets for $1.00 and Hidden Oaks ThinkPINKkids t-shirts for $8.00. All proceeds benefit Think Pink Kids. In addition, staff and students are paying $5.00 to wear pink during the week of October 26-30. On Friday, October 30, students and staff will be “united in pink” as everyone wears the Hidden Oaks/Think Pink shirts. Those who would like to donate to Think PINKkids, can contact Principal Sari Myers at Hidden Oaks Elementary School, 561-804-3800 or email myerss@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. ### Take I-95 to Hypoluxo Road. Head west to Military Trail. Make a left turn at Military. The school is approximately 1/4 mile on the right at7685 South. Military Trail in Lake Worth. |
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Drs. Howard and Joanne Green were recently honored at the opening of the fall strings concert at Bak Middle School of the Arts. They have been long-time supporters of Bak and the Middle School of the Arts Foundation and were presented with the Foundation’s first ever STAR AWARD MEDAL by Principal Elizabeth Kennedy. The award is given in recognition of inspired and significant support of arts, academics and youth at Bak Middle School of the Arts. Special guests included friends of the Greens: Ruby Rinker and Andrew Bytnar. Drs. Joanne and Howard Green have been supporters of arts and academics at Bak for years, even after their children graduated. Dr. Joanne Green has also served on the foundation board and her family has sponsored and hosted events. Despite the generosity of donors like the Greens, many needs at Bak still exist. Bak serves over 1,350 talented 6th-8th grade students and offers eight award winning arts concentrations in Band, Communications, Dance, Keyboard, Strings, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music. Each year Bak and the Middle School of the Arts Foundation must rely on gifts in addition to fundraising, grants, and special events to provide for the school’s arts tutoring and guest teacher programs, arts supplies and equipment that help our stars shine. The foundation is seeking donations to support the integral Artist-in-Residence-Program; which provides in-school one-on-one and small group arts instruction, and arts and academic classroom supplies which combined total more than $200,000 annually. The Foundation is also accepting donations of auction items for its spring auction. “Please support the artist scholars at Bak by making a donation to the Middle School of the Arts Foundation, donating an auction item, or remembering us in your estate,” said Foundation Executive Director Jody Dragon. For more information please contact Ms. Dragon at (561) 882-3828 or email msoafoundation@msn.com. Save the Date! Benefit Concert February 20, 2009. |
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| Car Wash and Garage Sale to Benefit Meadow Park Safety Patrols |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 If you love a bargain, you can’t afford to miss the Meadow Park Elementary School car wash and garage sale set for Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the school’s campus! Stop by for the deals and leave with a clean car carrying household items, clothes, furniture, lawn equipment, and more! Baked goodies and drinks will be sold as well. Forty to fifty students, their parents, and Safety Patrol sponsors are participating in the fundraiser. The garage sale and car wash benefit the safety patrol Washington trip scheduled for January. ### Take I-95 to Forest Hill Boulevard west to Florida Mango Road—go north one mile. The school is located at 956 Fl. Mango Road. |
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Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228 With the increasing state and federal standards, the Palm Beach County School District instituted a number of curriculum initiatives to meet these increased expectations. In order to match these curriculum options with the needs of their students, schools will be given “school based management” decision making. This decision was made following the Superintendent’s Academic Task Force meeting on Thursday and a meeting with all principals Friday morning. |
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| Worse-Case H1N1 Outbreak Scenarios Played Out To Keep Schools Open - "Table Top" Exercises Give Officials Picture Of Resources Needed If Absenteeism Soars |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 What will happen in the Palm Beach County Schools and throughout Palm Beach County if twenty-five percent of the bus drivers are home sick with H1N1 or flu-like illnesses? Or if forty percent of the food service employees, or forty percent of of the teachers are ill? While every parent, educator and health professional in the county is hoping those dark scenarios never occur, those are some of the questions fretted over today by more than sixty district educators, transportation, food service and maintenance workers as well as fire chiefs and health department and emergency response officials from throughout the county. The answers they came up with during the "table top" H1N1 Unified Command exercise at the District's Safe Schools facilities today surprised some participants and will likely mean a more orderly operation of schools and other public services if the worse happens here, participants say. In the case of high absenteeism among bus drivers, for example, they say they will now be ready to identify and use only substitute bus drivers who have proper licenses. They will also call on substitute teachers and use team teaching if teacher absenteeism is high. They will revert to emergency-only maintenance work orders if maintenance worker absenteeism becomes a problem. The School Police Department's Training Division hosted the collaborative tabletop exercise between the School District and the current H1N1 Unified Command of Palm Beach County to identify specific obstacles and solutions inherent in a countywide H1N1 influenza pandemic as they pertain to schools. Participants say the objective is to keep schools open and safe because schools are critical to parents, education and the life of the community for many reasons. "We learned some vital facts that none of us knew before," said School Police Sergeant B.K.Davis, who organized the exercise. "Like how much food schools have in store before needing resupply from vendors, who may also be crippled by sick drivers and warehouse workers themselves. We now know who can and cannot legally drive a bus. Now we can have solid plans," he said. Meanwhile principals participating in the exercise say schools continue to be vigilant in stressing prevention measures such as frequent hand washing, cough etiquette, frequent cleaning and ensuring that students and staff who are ill do not come to school or are kept in a separate room until parents or spouses pick them up. At this point no schools or departments have experienced large numbers of sick teachers or other employees to require contingency plans such as large numbers of substitute teachers or bus drivers, they say. For more information, contact School Police Sgt. B.K. Davis at 434-8700. |
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Public Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Suncoast High School Debate Club with 80 members has recently received a number of honors and awards. -Suncoast Debate has earned the Leading Chapter Award in the Florida Panther District. It’s the highest honor the National Forensic League (NFL) can bestow upon a chapter. This year out of 2900 NFL member schools nationwide, Suncoast High School is one of only 105 to receive the award. They will receive a commemorative plaque at the NFL national tournament. -Suncoast Debate is in the top 5% of the NFL chapters nationwide and qualified for the NFL “200 Club.” -Bo Lint (12th grade) was invited to compete in the Round Robin at the Florida Blue Key Speech and Debate Tournament. They only invite the 12 best Student Congress debaters in the National Forensic League to compete each year. Yale Invitational Semi-finalist in Congress – Danneile Davis, Neal Chandra, Aparna Bhattacharya and Christian May. 12th place in Extemporaneous Speaking – Bo Lint Royal Palm Beach Debate Tournament Student Congress Christian May – 1st Jerome Taylor -6th Matt Bleefeld – 5th Jessie Wang -6th Sydney Rotshchild -2nd Aparna Bhattacharya -2nd and Best PO Lincoln Douglas Debate Chrysonthia Horne – 1st place Extemporaneous Speaking Brian Flaxman – 2nd Novice Extemporaneous Speaking Brian Callahan – 3rd Tim Deaver – 5th Novice Duo Interpretation Corey Johnson and Melanie Grande -3rd All Congress Debate Corinne Thomas -1st Christian May – 1st Tiffany Hornback – 3rd Arsha Vuppuluri -2nd Bahareh Saadmand – 1st Tim Deaver – 3rd Youssif Hansenein – 4th Michael Misquith – 5th Victoria Huhta – 3rd Zoe Lampropolous -4th Matt Bleefeld -3rd Suyash Matoli – 3rd Jessie Wang – 5th Titan Invitational Bo Lint – Placed 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking For more information please contact Traci Lowe at Suncoast High School at 561-882-3400. |
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| Schools Honor Veterans In School Activities - No School For Students November 11 |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 To honor and show support for those who have sacrificed for the freedom and security of our nation, the District and schools are engaging in numerous activities to recognize Veterans Day, including inviting veterans to visit and speak. |
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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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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Student reporter Damon Weaver from K. E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary is now going to help our soldiers and veterans after speaking about having “Peace in the Middle East” on the Arabic television network Alhurra. On Veterans Day Damon will help raise money for our veterans and active duty soldiers by co-hosting the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) "Damon will be staying up past his bedtime on November 11th so he can appear on the telethon at the 12:01 am EST starting time," said Brian Zimmerman, Damon's teacher and mentor. The telethon is starting early because it is also being broadcasted on GI Radio to our troops in the Middle East. Besides being on air with Ben Vereen, Damon will also be creating special reports about our veterans that will be shown throughout the telethon. Some of Damon’s best celebrity interviews will also be shown throughout the telethon. This SOS Support Our Soldiers telethon will benefit five national charities and one local South Florida organization. The local organization, Hope*Faith*Love*Charity, Inc. and its Stand Down House was chosen to honor Mr. Roy Foster, the first CNN Hero of 2009, for his tireless efforts on behalf of homeless veterans. The five national organizations are The Fisher House Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, Operation Mend, and the Korean Veterans Association of America. The SOS Support Our Soldiers telethon will include Interviews with celebrities, world-renowned medical professionals, veterans' organizations, and veteran heroes. Special guests and active duty troops throughout the world will call in to inspire, educate, and share stories. Music from every generation will be featured, from the sounds of the WWII era through today's current hits. The telethon’s hosts will invite Americans to pledge $11 on 11/11 throughout this "Every Penny Counts" campaign by dialing into a national toll-free hotline or by clicking on the "Donate Now" button on www.supportoursoldiers.org. Damon Weaver will be available for interviews to help promote the telethon. To schedule an interview or for more information, contact Brian Zimmerman, KEC/Canal Point Elementary, KEC TV News Director at (561) 924-9818 or (561) 358-7509. Damon’s message about of “Peace in the Middle East” on the Arabic Television network Alhurra can be viewed at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/30/kid-reporter-damon-weaver_n_340000.html |
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| Blessings in a Backpack - Hammock Pointe Elementary School Contributes Food To Over 200 Students |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Thanks to the profound efforts of Ms. Carol Crilley, Principal of Hammock Pointe Elementary School, and SACC Program Director, Mrs. Bonnie Welch, Hammock Pointe Elementary will be delivering backpacks again this year to students who otherwise may not receive 3 meals a day over the weekend. Blessings in a Backpack began with the volunteer assistance of St. Gregory’s Church. Now, the Boca Raton Community Church has taken over this admirable program to assist students in need. Hammock Pointe began its second year in this outstanding program which contributes food to over 200 students. Students are able to take home backpacks on Friday afternoon filled with nourishing food items for their weekend and return the backpacks on Monday. Overall, the FCAT scores for grades 3 – 4 – 5 students involved in this program were proficient in all categories at the Federal Level! For more information, contact Mary E. Barnett at (561) 477-2200. |
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| District Statement Responding To ACLU Graduation Rate Lawsuit |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 While the ACLU lawsuit is not against the The School District of Palm Beach County, it is important for parents and the public to know that the District has been working continuously and successfully over several years to increase the graduation rate. When the state releases new data in a few days, District officials are confident that the data will show that our graduation rate has continued to improve and has improved over last year. The District has worked both internally with our students, parents and schools and externally with the community to create and maintain several programs to increase the graduation rate. District schools continue to focus on reducing the drop out rate, increasing the graduation rate and raising the academic performance of both the lowest performing students and advanced learners. |
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West Palm Beach City Commissioner Isaac “Ike” Robinson visited Palm Springs Middle School recently to talk with the Geography and Civics classes taught by Richard Williams. He enlightened students on the legal system as well as the civic responsibilities of West Palm Beach city government. The veteran commissioner spoke of passing the legal torch by getting the younger generation of students involved in local government. Those who work as interns in the governmental offices have the opportunity to work directly with the city commissioners, attend city commission meetings, and ultimately get the chance to qualify for scholarships and grants because of their experience. For more information, contact Martin Weingart, 561-357-5019 or email Weingart@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. |
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| Elementary Student Reporter Appears In Arabic Television Network |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Damon Weaver, the student reporter from Canal Point Elementary that interviewed President Obama, continues to speak to the world by appearing on the Arabic Television Network, Alhurra, on October 29, 2009. Damon’s interview on Alhurra will be included as part of the program Al Youm, which is seen across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Al Youm is a three-hour daily show that contains reports from around the globe featuring news, entertainment, lifestyle and politics. Media outlets all over the world created reports about Damon’s interview with President Obama. Damon appeared on the top rated Nine Network in Australia, one of the Netherlands most watched television programs De Tros TV show and was also interviewed by Japanese student reporters for an article they wrote for the Peace Seeds section of the daily newspaper Chugoku Shimbun based in Hiroshima. Additionally, Damon was also interviewed by the Slovenian magazine DELO Mag. Currently Damon is helping his teacher train KEC TV’s newest student reporter Anthony Bowie. Anthony is a third grade student who is a very outgoing, intelligent and dreams of being a reporter some day. This year Anthony will be joining Damon and their teacher as they go off campus to create news reports for KEC TV. The purpose of these news reports is to help increase the background knowledge of the students at KEC/Canal Point Elementary. Two weeks ago Anthony Bowie created his very first report for their school in which Damon Weaver appears too. You can watch the report by clicking on the following link. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCkIAEyBBVO. If you would like more information, please contact Brian Zimmerman at (561) 924-9818. About Alhurra Alhurra (Arabic for “The Free One”) is a commercial-free Arabic-language satellite television network for the Middle East devoted primarily to news and information. In addition to reporting on regional and international events, the channel broadcasts discussion programs, current affairs magazines and features on a variety of subjects including health and personal fitness, entertainment news, sports, fashion, science and technology. The network is dedicated to presenting accurate, balanced and comprehensive news. Alhurra is broadcasted to 22 countries in the Middle East on the Nilesat and Arabsat satellites, the same satellites used by the major regional Arabic channels. Alhurra is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency. The BBG serves as an oversight agency and firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters. www.alhurra.com |
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| Renowned College Professor/Author to Showcase Reading Strategies |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 By the time award-winning former high school English teacher turned college professor Dr. Michael W. Smith finishes his day at Santaluces High School next Friday, he will have conducted four sessions—three of them fostering the use of Essential Questions from the district adopted reading intervention resource Edge™. The focus of the presentations are to get students to think about why reading matters and how they can apply it to their lives. The afternoon professional development session for high school reading coaches will provide the opportunity for them to reflect and react the way students might to a new idea. Dr. Smith will be modeling ways that teachers can animate and motivate struggling readers and sharing ways to keep the classroom vital. Dr. Smith’s first session for Santaluces students and staff begins at 8:15 a.m. Friday, November 6. His final afternoon session begins at 12:30 p.m. The Temple University’s College of Education professor, joined the ranks of college teachers after 11 years of teaching high school English. He has won awards for his teaching at both the high school and college levels. His extensive background in research focuses on how experienced readers read and talk about texts, as well as what motivates adolescents’ reading and writing-- both in and out of school. He has been chair of the Literature Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association; co-chair of the National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research; and co-editor of Research in the Teaching of English. He is a Fellow of the National Conference on Research in Language and Literacy. He has written, co-written, or edited nine books and monographs, including "Reading Don't Fix No Chevys"; and Literacy in the Lives of Young Men for which he and his co-author Jeff Wilhelm received the 2003 David H. Russell Award for Distinguished Research in the Teaching of English. The session is being hosted by the district’s Department of Curriculum and Instructional Support in collaboration with the High School Literacy Center at Santaluces High School. For more details, contact Dr. Catherine Bishop-Temple, (561) 642-6225 or email templec@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. ### Take I-95 to Hypoluxo Road then head west to Lawrence Road. School is on the northeast intersection of Hypoluxo and Lawrence Road at 6880 Lawrence Road. |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Jason’s Deli located in the Village of Wellington donated reward lunches to Cholee Lake’s students of the month, Saul Santos and Amanda Carr. According to Dr. Feaman “Saul always follows directions and does his best on all his assignments. Amanda has an all around good character and serves as a Safety Patrol and News Crew member”. In addition Chick Fil-A, Macaroni Grill, and Jason’s Deli located in Wellington donated dinners for the families that attended the Annual Family Literacy Night that took place on October 15, 2009. Parents and students had the opportunity to learn ways to promote literacy at home and make and take literacy centers that can be used at home. Local author, V.R. Duin, has donated her book, The Goopy Ghost of Halloween, for a read aloud that will take place during Cholee Lake’s Annual Spooky Story Night which will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 6 p.m. Parents and students will dress in their favorite characters and participate in fun-filled storytelling by teachers. Admission tickets, dinner and snacks will be pre-sold. Proceeds will benefit the 5th grade Safety Patrols. For more information, please contact Dr. Eugina Feaman, Principal, at 561-383-9600. |
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| A.W. Dreyfoos School Of The Arts Student Wins State-Wide Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 Madison Pazienza receives recognition from Governor Crist and a four-year college scholarship to any public state university or college in Florida. Living in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood and passing a street daily named Ponce de Leon was the inspiration for an essay that won Madison Pazienza a four year scholarship. Pazienza, a senior majoring in visual arts at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, has been honored as a winner of the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award student essay contest. Governor Charlie Crist made the announcement at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. Pazienza is one of three students state-wide to receive this recognition. Each student will receive a four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. “It wasn’t really an awards ceremony. It was a gala,” said Pazienza. “There was a supreme court justice, commissioner of education, politicians and business people present. I went with my mom and we got back at 3 in the morning. The director of the Florida Prepaid Foundation made the presentations and I spoke with Governor Crist very briefly. They paid for our very swanky hotel. It was very nice.” The essay topic this year for middle and high school students was, “Florida’s history is deeply rooted with Hispanic influences. Describe how the early Hispanic explorers impacted our state in the 1500s, and how that has influenced Florida’s culture today.” “I’m Italian,” Pazienza said, “but where I live in Royal Palm Beach has a large Hispanic population. The essay came from my preexisting knowledge and what we have studied in school. Plus there is a lot of history in the state of Florida. I learned that Florida means Little Flower in Spanish. My lead (to the essay) was about Ponce de Leon. I pass by that street every day.” Pazienza has ambitious college aspirations, but admits that the plans don’t include Florida schools. “I’m interested in fashion and costume design,” she said, “and they don’t offer what I’m interested in. But I did find out that the scholarship is transferable.” “I congratulate the winners of this year’s contests for their extraordinary participation and am pleased to recognize their achievements,” Governor Crist said in a press release. “Hispanic Heritage Month is always a wonderful opportunity to showcase and highlight the positive impact the Hispanic community has both culturally and economically here in the Sunshine State.” ABOUT DREYFOOS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts was founded in 1989 as the premier arts high school in the School District of Palm Beach County, the nation’s eleventh largest school district which serves a county geographically larger than Rhode Island or Delaware. This Choice Program school accepts students based upon a competitive audition process from all public and private middle and high schools in the county. With a current enrollment of 1,300 students, the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts offers its students intensive study within their art area and a rigorous college preparatory academic curriculum. The innovative program has led to the school receiving a multitude of awards and recognitions on all levels, local to international, including Adequate Yearly Progress recognition since 2002, a 2007 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Award, the 2008 Palm Beach County Cultural Council Muse Award for Arts or Cultural Organization, and the ranking of #51 in the nation from Newsweek. If you would like more information, please contact Ellen Van Arsdale, Principal, Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts at (561) 802-6002 or by e-mail to vanarse@palmbeach.k12.fl.us |
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Fall Family Forum: Everything a Parent Should Know about Special Education |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 What: Fall Family Forum: Everything a Parent Should Know about Special Education |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Suncoast Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has honored The Education Network (T.E.N.) with an Emmy nomination for its “Anywhere/Anytime” science videos. The videos were produced in conjunction with the South Florida Science Museum and the Palm Beach County School District’s Curriculum Department. They were aimed at topics that 5th graders had difficulty grasping in traditional formats. An independent assessment of the videos showed a 60% improvement in comprehension at every school that utilized them. The topics included: “Rotation and Revolution” (of Earth) which featured former Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell; “Earth and Moon, Partners in Space” which featured a music video highlighting the phases of the moon; and “The Science of Fizz: Carbon Dioxide” which focused on James Priestly, the man who invented carbonated water. The winners of the 2009 Emmy Awards will be announced at the Emmy Awards Ceremony on December 5. For more information, contact Alan Gerstel, 561-738-2760. |
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Palm Beach County's Largest Employer Anticipates Another Successful United Way Campaign - Schools Also Organizing Community Fund Raising Events With Proceeds Going Directly To United Way |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The School District of Palm Beach County is again asking its employees to share in order to help fellow county residents in need. The District's annual employee campaign kicks off on Oct. 30th and will run through Nov. 20th. In addition to the employee campaign, some schools will be organizing community fund raising events such as book fairs, spelling bees, scrabble tournaments, and faculty vs. students basketball games. Proceeds from these activities would go directly to the United Way of Palm Beach County. "These character-building activities will serve to connect students to their community and help create a culture of caring and giving", said Evelyn Olivera-Silva, Campaign Co-Chair. "As the largest employer in Palm Beach County with close to 23,000 full-time employees, District employees realize that we have the potential to positively impact the lives of many struggling families right here in Palm Beach County," said Joe Asen, United Way Campaign Committee Co-Chair. "As the economy continues to falter, we realize that the need becomes even greater," said District Partnership Coordinator Jimmy Peterkin. "Last year 's employee campaign went against the trend and contributions increased, raising over $330,000, when employees were told of the increased needs of local families due to rising unemployment and the deepening recession," said Campaign Co-Chair James Davis. This year, the District is asking those employees who gave last year to increase their contribution by ten percent. For employees who either did not or could not contribute last year, the District is asking those employees to consider pledging at least one dollar per pay period. "If one hundred percent of all employees pledge just one dollar per pay period, over $500,000 could be raised," said Jennifer Rivera, Campaign Co-Chair. As Superintendent Art Johnson said in the new United Way video, " Because our nation is at war, our economic challenges are great and we are entering a season of increased physical illness, we are needed more than ever to help those who can't help themselves." Classroom Teachers Association President Robert Dow said, "A little bit from all of us will mean so much more than a lot from a few.” Click on the link to view the short video prepared by the SDPBC and the United Way of Palm Beach. (http://vodcast.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/player.php?key=HYP4AE59C0431320) For more information, contact Joe Asen at 434-8922. |
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School District’s Career Education Manager To Address Washington Policy Seminar |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The School District’s Career Education Manager, Constance Scotchel-Gross, will be speaking to policy makers in Washington DC, Wednesday, November 4, 2009, as part of a legislative briefing session. The purpose of the briefing is to present a paper that Betsy Brand, Executive Director of the American Youth Policy Forum, has prepared on career academies. It represents the past and present, of career academies nationally, as well as how legislation and the collaboration between the Department of Education and the Department of Labor could help move academies forward. The briefing will also highlight career academies as an effective model, the growth of academies around the country (somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000) and positive outcomes (especially income gains for young people). The School District of Palm Beach County presently has 168 career academies. The audience will be comprised of congressional staffers, as well as media and associations/organizations. During the 90 minute presentation, Ms. Scotchel-Gross will give her perspective as the Manager of Career Education during the presentation of the paper. Other panel participants include Betsy Brand, Executive Director of the American Youth Policy Forum and Andy Chaves, Director for Workforce Effectiveness and Diversity for Marriott International. For more information please contact Ms. Scotchel-Gross at 561-357-7537 or scotche@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. |
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School District, Students Recognized By Discovery Education For Technological Milestone - Philippe Cousteau, Superintendent to conduct interactive student assemblies at two schools on November 4th |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 What: Students at Pine Jog Elementary School and Jupiter Community High School meet Discovery Education's Chief Environmentalist, conservationist and educator Philippe Cousteau when he visits the schools for interactive assemblies on Wednesday, November 4. Cousteau's appearances are part of a series of events recognizing the district's outstanding achievement in reaching the milestone of one million digital educational videos viewed by students. Later that day, Superintendent Art Johnson celebrates this achievement when he accepts a certificate commemorating this accomplishment from representatives of Discovery Education. The School District of Palm Beach County is one of only a handful of school systems in the nation, and the first school system in Florida, to reach this milestone. Following the award presentation, Dr. Johnson will discuss the district’s strong commitment to engaging today’s students through the effective integration of digital content and educational technologies. Dr. Johnson will also address District efforts to ignite student interest in science, and building a competitive, tech-savvy, 21st Century workforce. Who: In addition to Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famous marine pioneer Jacques Cousteau, Dr. Johnson, Board members, district educators, students and Discovery Education representatives will participate in the activities. Scheduled activities include: > Jupiter Community High School, 500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter, Fl. 33458 > Pine Jog Elementary School, 6315 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fl. 33415 > Presentation of One Millionth View Certificate, Airport Hilton, 150 Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33406 About Philippe Cousteau About Discovery Education About the School District of Palm Beach County Reaching the one millionth view milestone means teachers and students are taking full advantage of this resource and are viewing the Discovery Education video at a rate of 16,600 videos per month. "Teachers report that students are more interested, engaged and focused as a result of having the videos available to support their lessons," said Gary Weidenhamer. "There is nothing else like it." For more information, contact Gary Weidenhamer, Director of Educational Technology at (561) 434-8499 or Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education, at (240) 662-2893, stephen_wakefield@discovery.com. |
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Safety Patrols Organize Garage Sale and Car Wash For Washington Trip |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 The Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School Safety Patrols are sponsoring a Garage Sale and Car Wash on Saturday, November 14th from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The group is raising money for the annual Washington, D.C. trip. The Garage Sale and Car Wash will be held at the school at 2926 Lone Pine Road in Palm Beach Gardens. If you would like to sell your “treasures” a 10 x 12 covered space is for rent for $20 or a 10 x 12 uncovered space for $15. To reserve a space please call the school office at 561-366-6000. There are a limited number of covered spaces and they are going fast. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the music, food and "treasures." The Safety Patrols will greatly appreciate your support. For more information contact Jennifer Wright at Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary at 561-366-6000. |
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Award Winning “Bits N’ Pieces” Puppet Musical Performs At Elementary School |
Egret Lake Elementary will be filled with squeals of delight when the award-winning Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theater brings its splendiferous GIANT puppet musical, Alice In Wonderland. The high-spirited musical boasts a mix of jumbo nine-foot-tall body puppets, costumed characters, traditional puppetry and children from the audience. The 55 minute performance will take place on November 24, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in Egret Lake Elementary. The presentation is possible due to the Integrated Arts Program Grant, an approach to teaching and learning that implements the fine and performing arts as primary pathways to learning. If you would like more information, please contact Linda Tylka at (561) 616-7900. |
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Student Gets Top Result In Cambridge Examination - Talented Boca Raton Community High School student wins Brilliance in USA award |
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Affairs - (561) 434-8228 A student from Boca Raton Community High School has won a prestigious award from University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in recognition of his outstanding performance in the June 2009 examination session. Bruno Faviero has won a Top in USA award for achieving the highest result in the country in the Cambridge International AS level Marine Science exam. It is a terrific achievement for Bruno and the teachers at Boca High who helped make his success possible. The Top in USA award is a category in CIE’s Brilliance in USA award program which commends students who have excelled in their Cambridge IGCSE and / or International AS and A Level examinations. The Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds and, together with Cambridge International A and AS Levels, is recognised around the world as proof of academic achievement. As part of the Brilliance in USA award program, students received a certificate from CIE for presentation during a school-hosted ceremony. Their names are listed on a poster congratulating them on their success that will be on display at Boca Raton Community High School. Dr. Geoff McKee, Principal of Boca Raton Community High School, said: ‘Bruno is a brilliant, hard-working young man and he has had outstanding teachers. We are thrilled to see him earn such a wonderful honor!” Sherry Reach, CIE Representative, USA, said: ‘CIE is pleased to recognize a growing number of US schools, teachers and students who are successfully meeting the challenges of an extremely rigorous four year academic program.’ Learn more! Visit www.cie.org.uk Notes to Editors: About CIE University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world's largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. CIE offers the Cambridge International Curriculum for 5-19 year olds, professional qualifications for teachers and vocational qualifications for adult learners. CIE qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognised by universities, educational providers and employers across the world. CIE is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organization and part of the University of Cambridge. CIE has a strong pedigree in development and research and offers unrivalled support to its network of registered centres. – end – Contact Caroline Gavine School contacts: Kelly Foss, AICE Coordinator Geoff McKee, Principal |
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Anthony Bass, a senior at Seminole Ridge High School is once again the winner of NASA‘s annual Cassini Scientist for a Day essay contest. NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory delivered the out-of-this-world congratulations to Bass, the first-ever essayist to win their contest twice. 
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