Poetry Alive, an interactive program that puts actions to poetry and makes it “come alive” for students K-5th grade was presented on Monday, February 23, 2015. The students clapped, yelled, listened quietly and responded with gestures. They have contests and other fun things for students at www.poetryalive.com
With much pomp, circumstance and practice, Northport students gave local hero, Attorney Willie Gary a welcome fit for a “Giant Killer!” Cheerleaders, flags, Northport band and student ambassadors led Attorney Gary to the school gymnasium to be seated on the dias along with Saint Lucie County School Board chairwoman Dr. Donna Mills, principal Glenn Rustay, program coordinator Diane Reynolds Crumpton, program emcee DeLacy Brown, and student speakers.
After a beautifully orchestrated Northport jazz band performance and cheer, student speakers gave examples of the accomplishments of famous Black Americans. Attorney Willie Gary, guest speaker, held the middle grades students in the palm of his hand speaking about his upbringing and his accomplishments. He spoke about his belief that God has been the master of his path and Mr. Gary also gave high accolades to his wife, Gloria, for the unwavering support throughout his stellar career as a uniquely successful attorney.
Attorney Gary gave concrete examples to students about how he pulled himself up by his boot straps and did not depend on anyone to give him any handouts or any expectations of entitlement. He told students about getting on a bus on a Sunday afternoon on US 1 and riding to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina with no money and no letter of acceptance. He vowed to the students that he would look at the Northport VPK-8 grade and if he saw improvement, he would take them all out to lunch.
He spoke gravely and solemnly about the strength of the people, black and white who paved the way for students of today and urged students to get involved in their own lives. Attorney Willie Gary is an exceptional man and a masterful speaker. If only we could clone Attorney Willie Gary and bring our students many, many more strong male role models what an amazing amount of work could be accomplished. Kudos to Diane Crumpton for her programming efforts and to the children of Northport VPK-8 School for bringing their best attitudes to school not only for Attorney Willie Gary, but every day.
SLPS is pleased to announce the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) Model Schools for the 2013-14 School Year. This week, notification of the PBIS Model Schools was provided from the University Of South Florida (USF). USF manages the PBIS project for the state of Florida, and PBIS Model School status is for the prior school year.
The Model Schools have worked diligently with their outstanding staff, students, PBIS coaches and PBIS technical consultants to meet the criteria for Model School Status. Congratulations is also extended to Robert O’Neill, PBIS coordinator for the district.
Congratulations to the following schools and SLPS in general — the number of Model Schools has doubled this year.
| BAYSHORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Gold |
| FRANCES K SWEET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Bronze |
| LAWNWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Gold |
| MARIPOSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Bronze |
| OAK HAMMOCK K-8 SCHOOL | Bronze |
| PALM POINTE SCHOOL | Bronze |
| PARKWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Silver |
| SOUTHPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL | Bronze |
| WEATHERBEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | Gold |
| WEST GATE K-8 SCHOOL | Silver |
About St. Lucie Public Schools
The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with knowledge, skills and the desire to succeed. St. Lucie Public Schools utilize an open-enrollment system where parents select from among a variety of schools close to where they live. Parents have the assurance that their student will remain in that school through the highest grade offered unless the parent voluntarily chooses a different school. For more information visit,www.stlucie.k12.fl.us or contact Bill Tomlinson at billtomlinson@stlucieschools.org.
Ft Pierce Mayor, Linda Hudson, joined the Panther Battalion Cadets for the Annual Military Ball held on Friday, February 13th. Mayor Hudson was the key note speaker for this year’s ball which was held at the Ft Pierce National Guard Armory. Cadets honored traditions such as the posting of the colors, military toasts and the grog bowl ceremony. The Panthers also let their hair down with a catered dinner and lively dancing. District 1 City Commissioner, Reginald Sessions also attended and rewarded the Cadets with an inspiring speech about “Achieving Your Dreams.” Ft Pierce 19th Judicial Circuit Drug Court Manager, Ms. Cathy Buzzolani, rounded out the Ball VIPs. American Legion Post 171 Commander, Willie Smith presented the Legion Leadership Award to Cadet Brandon Green and the Academic Award to Cadet Maria Arriola. Cadets Dustin Vanderpool, Carlos Success, Daisy Arriola and Sean Neff received the JROTC Association of the United States Army Award from Executive Vice President, Space Coast Chapter, LTC (R) Gerald Soltis.
Mayor Linda Hudson speaks to Cadets. Panther Ball King and Queen, Brandon Green and Maria Arriola cut the cake. Commissioner Reginald Sessions shares the dance floor with Cadets.
On February 20, 2015, Dan McCarty School’s Student Council President Tiferne Jean, along with Student Council Sponsors Dr. Christopher Pierre and Ms. Rhoda Butler, and treasurer Ladarious Burk, attended the monthly social: Breakfast with the Mayor of the City of Fort Pierce. Mr. Jean had the opportunity to speak in front of some very prominent community leaders and business owners such as City Representative Larry Lee, Executive Director of Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) Doug Coward, and Mayor Linda Hudson. The crowd commended Mr. Jean on his ability to speak so articulately and with such poise. He received favorable remarks for his brief speech on educating the public about the numerous positive things that are happening at Dan McCarty School. This opportunity was a very powerful learning experience for the graduating senior.
Pictured: Tiferne Jean with Mayor Linda Hudson (top left), Ladarious Burks and Representative Larry Lee (top right), Ladarious Burks, Mayor Linda Hudson, and Tiferne Jean (bottom left), Ladarious Burks, Dr. Christopher Pierre, Mayor Linda Hudson, and Tiferne Jean (bottom right).