Local students participate in safe biking and walking day

As October was International Walk to School Month, students from St. Lucie Public Schools participated October 24th for Walk and Bike Safety Day. Students received a fun worksheet reminding them of the rules to follow to make it home safely. Pictured are students from Lakewood Park Elementary leaving the school by walking or biking.

School board recognizes special Kids at Hope day

The School Board of St. Lucie County has demonstrated support of Kids at Hope and the belief that “all children are capable of success – no exceptions.” The Kids at Hope organization has designated November 13, 2013 as “Kids at Hope Day – Day of a Million Treasures,” and the St. Lucie County School Board recognized and proclaimed the date during its November 12, 2013, meeting. This is an opportunity to recognize the amazing treasures that exist in all children. The goal of this day is to discover a MILLION treasures in children across the US and Canada. Pictured, from … Read More

School psychologists recognized by school board

The St. Lucie County School Board recognized the week of November 11 – 15, 2013, as National School Psychology Week at their meeting November 12. The proclamation noted that school psychologists are trained to assess student and school-based barriers to learning, as well as individual strengths, utilize data-based decision-making, implement research-drive prevention and intervention strategies, evaluate outcomes and improve accountability. The school board and superintendent acknowledged that the community should recognize the vital role school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of children. Pictured, from left, are School Board chairman Debbie Hawley, school psychologists Ruth Anne Loepp and … Read More

Keiser University donates computers to Centennial High

Keiser University recently donated 10 Apple G4 computer systems, complete with a 19″ monitor, tower, keyboard, and mouse to be utilized in the television production Career and Technical Education program at St. Lucie West Centennial High School. Students will be able to use the technology in their career curriculum, as well as to produce live and videotaped programming for the school. Pictured, from left, are Keiser University Senior Community Relations Coordinator Linda Fitzpatrick, Centennial High School assistant principal Tom Kalament, with Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs Jane Quattrocchi driving the cart loaded with some of the equipment ready to … Read More

Lawnwood Elementary students adopt deployed army unit

Alyceson Laidlaw, Ladies Auxiliary secretary, VFW Post 8058 presents Lawnwood Elementary students with their Buddy Poppies. These students have adopted U.S. ARMY Arcent G2, which is in its first deployment in Kuwait. The students are writing letters, sending pictures, and collecting personal supplies to be sent to Afghanistan over the holiday season. One student wrote, “I will think of you every time I say The Pledge of Allegiance, you are not forgotten!” Pictured, from left, are Raul Pozniak, Maddy Talley, Ms. Laidlaw, Kirstyn Macy, Tommy Wuchte, and Rowan Crandall.

Education Foundation awards over $80K in grant funds

The St. Lucie County Education Foundation awarded grants exceeding $83,000 at the November 12, 2013, meeting of the St. Lucie County School Board. The grants were for classroom, school-wide, and district-wide projects and were distributed to 11 schools and the district curriculum and instruction department. Pictured are, from far right, Education Foundation executive director Jim McKenzie and president Brian Garcia, Superintendent Genelle Yost, School Board chairman Debbie Hawley, and representatives of the schools and department personnel receiving the grant funds.

Oak Hammock and Manatee Academy students book chat via technology

Students from Oak Hammock K8 and Manatee Academy K8 recently had the opportunity to chat about favorite books via video conferencing. Both schools are participating in the Young Adult Choice (YAC) program, where students in grades 7-12 get to read and vote for their favorite new books. During the video conference, students from both schools shared their favorite new YAC books. Amazing book talks from students left the young readers anxious to read more! Pictured are Oak Hammock students Joshua Hawes, Chiara Castro, Ashley Ramsaran, Analyse Bell, and Marsha Chevalier video conferencing with students at Manatee K-8.

Oak Hammock students fall into books at literacy event

What better way to celebrate autumn than by “falling” into great books? Oak Hammock hosted a literacy night recently for students and families filled with ELA-related events. Students participated in a book swap, shopped at the book fair, made book marks, wrote silly stories and spooky poems, participated in book-related activities, and read their new books in the reading graveyard. Local author Stephanie Sisler read her books aloud to captive audiences, and Alicia Bell from the St. Lucie Public Library System helped families sign up for library cards. In the photo, reading teacher Jonetha Maness is helping Lexi Pyle Torres … Read More

Fort Pierce Central High students deepen their knowledge of local marine life

Students in Crystal Woodard’s marine science classes at Fort Pierce Central High School recently visited the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Stuart. They began their trip with a short lecture about oysters and their importance to our water quality. Next, they went hiking through the nature trail to the Indian River lagoon, where the students got to do actual water quality testing. In addition, they also got to see where they prep oyster shells to create oyster reefs. Students thoroughly enjoyed the stingray and invertebrate touch tank, watching the game fish feeding, and the aquarium exhibits inside. Overall it was … Read More

Bayshore Elementary recognizes jazzy students

Bayshore Elementary School is proud to recognize Jazzy Super Students for outstanding demonstration of school-wide SPOTS and modeling appropriate dress code expectations. Pictured are fifth grade students Hannah Friend, left, from Paulette Seay-St. Louis’ class and Leo Friend from Christine Mueller’s class.

Westwood High School students learn about unique Spanish culture celebration

To allow students expand their horizons and express their creativity by experiencing an important holiday to Spanish speaking cultures, students from Isabel Denski’s AP Spanish class at Westwood High School created an altar in celebration of Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead) observed November 1 and 2. Ms. Denski explained the activity, that in Spanish culture, altars are built to honor the dead. Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. With this activity, students learned the purpose behind it, how it is celebrated, and what … Read More

Allapattah Flats fifth graders learn about conservation at Oxbow

Fifth grade students from Allapattah Flats K8 School recently visited the Oxbow Eco-center in Port Saint Lucie. The Oxbow staff presentations provided students with information about the importance of water-conservation, nature preservation and the maintenance of “natural Florida”. During their visit, students had the unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of Florida’s complex eco-system through the use of hands-on activities and animated presentations. Pictured are students enjoying the staff presentation.

Palm Pointe staff joins students in nutrition campaign

Fuel Up to Play 60 is off to a great start at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition. The school had more than 100 students participate in the “Got Milk” promotion where students made a mustache drinking milk. The Fuel Up to Play 60 program is created to encourage students to think, eat and play healthy and exercise at least 60 minutes per day to ensure they are developing a healthy body. Pictured is the school cafeteria staff with their milk mustaches.

Veterans appreciated at Palm Pointe

Students in Kaitlyn Malloy’s ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) middle grades class at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition showed their appreciation for veterans recently. After several interactive and hands on lessons describing veterans’ importance, students created individual cards for soldiers who are currently serving the nation, and to their parents who have previously served. Pictured, from left, are Noah Landon, River Rashford, Richard Perez and Maliyah Cruz.

Palm Pointe first graders blend vocabulary and fun

First grade students at Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition have deepened their understanding of Tier 2 vocabulary with Vocabulary Day! Pictured are first grade students learning new words and their definitions in a meaningful way. Students employ several techniques to meet Common Core Standards for vocabulary including context clues, synonyms/antonyms, illustrations, and role play as evidenced by their unique, inventive costumes when they transformed into their favorite vocabulary word for parents and other special guests on Vocabulary Day.

Mariposa Elementary students work together as reading buddies

The students in Kristin Almy’s fourth grade class and the kindergartners in Kari McIntyre’s class at Mariposa Elementary School have joined together as reading buddies. The older students designed lessons that involved reading, writing and art that related to bats and spiders. Raelynn Lanni, lieft, and Gabriela Prado, pictured, were paired together to complete the activities. The kindergartners then performed “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle for their buddies. The students had a great time learning from each other!

Students and staff enjoy PBS dance at F.K. Sweet

Teachers and students alike enjoyed the Positive Behavior Support dance recently at Frances K. Sweet Elementary.  Students from kindergarten to fifth grade came together for this after school dance. They enjoyed snacks and time with their friends and teachers. Pictured is Donna Hellums on the dance floor with a group of students.

Fairlawn Elementary students honor veterans

Students in Shirley Helton’s fifth grade class at Fairlawn Elementary School recently held a special program honoring veterans in commemoration of their service to our country. Students wrote and performed original songs and a special play to show their appreciation. In addition, all students presented a letter to the veterans. Pictured are LeeAnna Masters and Captain Mike Seale, a former Marine who served 12 years active duty and continues service with the National Guard.

Veteran dad visits during special celebration at F. K. Sweet Elementary

After participating in the Tribute to Veterans celebration at Frances K. Sweet Elementary School, Richard Soricelli, Seargent in the U.S. Army, spoke to his daughter’s fourth grade class.  Mr. Soricelli shared pictures, equipment, and items that he brought back from Iraq. The students in Elish Mancuso’s class were engaged and interested as they learned information about Army life. Pictured is Seargent Soricelli with his daughter Mackenzie.

Students sock hop to celebrate 60 years

Dan McCarty School media specialist Diane Laster models clothing from the 1950s in anticipation of the school’s 60th anniversary celebration this weekend. The school opened its doors in 1953. This week, students participated in a 1950’s style sock-hop in the original gym.  Pictured with Ms. Laster is former Dan McCarty social studies teacher Joseph Noel who currently serves at Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts.

Loading Image