Month: January 2017

Scholarship Dollars Committed at the HBCU/HSI College Fair

January 23, 2017 By Lydia Martin

Seniors were awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to launch their collegiate careers at the premier SLPS HBCU/HIS College Fair, and others were bought together with collegiate advisors who shed light on academic programs and information that will serve to brighten futures and spark dreams. Hundreds of soon-to-be graduates spoke with representatives from over 18 colleges and universities, the Coast Guard, Army National Guard, SLPS A Promise Is a Promise Program, financial advisors, and local Greek organizations.  Students from the District’s high schools learned about options for college and networks of support for college and career planning. It … Read More

Local Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

January 23, 2017 By Lydia Martin

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Cheers echoed across campuses today as three deserving teachers were named as finalists for St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) Teacher of the Year.  Makeda-Ione Brome (Lincoln Park Academy), John J. Davino (Samuel S. Gaines Academy K-8), and Jim LeBon (Southport Middle School) were surprised by a throng of delegates from St. Lucie’s Education Foundation and School Board who showered them with congratulations. SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Our Teacher of the Year finalists are all-stars; they are outstanding in their craft.  They positively impact the lives of our young people by seeing them as individuals, … Read More

MLK Parade Winners

January 23, 2017 By Lydia Martin

Congratulations to the following schools that received special recognition for their Martin Luther King, Jr. Grand Parade entries: Elementary Schools 1st Place – Lawnwood Elementary 2nd Place – Rivers Edge Elementary 3rd Place – Savanna Ridge Elementary Middle Schools 1st Place – Forest Grove Middle 2nd Place – Southern Oaks Middle 3rd Place – Dan McCarty Middle K-8 Schools 1st Place – Northport K-8 2nd Place – Samuel Gaines K-8 3rd Place – Oak Hammock K-8 High Schools – Floating – Westwood High Overall Participation and Creativity – St. Lucie West K – 8  

Westwood Cadets Assist at Canes for Vets Event

January 23, 2017 By SCOTT CALDWELL

On January 21st, the Westwood Panthers JROTC Cadets were honored to assist veterans of the Ft. Pierce and Indian River community who have been awarded the Purple Heart Award. The Purple Heart Award is awarded to veterans who have been wounded in action while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The event took place at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. The Indian River Woodcarver’s, headed by Lloyd Lasenby, designed and carved eagle-head canes. Each cane was personalized to each Purple Heart recipient.

Project Citizen

January 20, 2017 By Lydia Martin

We the People: Project Citizen is an annual academic event organized by Florida Law Related Education, Inc. which explains the project as “a curricular program for upper elementary and secondary students designed and published by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.” Seventh graders from across the District convened at IRSC’s Kight Center in January to share their projects with judges … Read More

Westwood Panther Battalion Supports!

January 19, 2017 By SCOTT CALDWELL

On Monday, January 16, Fort Pierce Westwood JROTC Battalion participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Fort Pierce, Florida. The Panther Color Guard also presented the national colors as they marched down Martin Luther King Blvd. A mass formation of cadets followed behind the Color Guard. They marched and shouted cadences exciting the crowd around them. Many Fort Pierce Westwood alumni and children shouted positive comments while the cadets marched. The Battalion endured many miles marching all while maintaining their military bearing. Parents, teachers, officials, and children were all impressed with the improvement the program has experienced over … Read More

College Fair – January 23rd

January 19, 2017 By Lydia Martin

St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) continues to bring opportunities to students for college and career success.  On January 23, the School District will launch its premier Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) College Fair for its students.  With over 17 major institutions slated to attend at Samuel Gaines Academy, excitement is escalating about pending on-the-spot scholarship opportunities and prospects for local students to participate in prestigious programs. SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Events such as this have the potential to change lives for our students, and we are committed to doing everything we can to connect … Read More

Literacy Proclamation

January 18, 2017 By Lydia Martin

SLPS received the Celebrate Literacy Week Proclamation from Mayor Linda Hudson at the City of Fort Pierce Commission Meeting on January 17th. Celebrate Literacy Week is slated for January 23 – 27, 2017. Coordinator of Curriculum Jane Whitaker and Coordinator of Talent Development Didi Campbell spoke about upcoming events and thanked the City for its support of literacy throughout the District.

Jaguars March in the MLK Jr. Parade

January 18, 2017 By ALBERTO NEVAREZ

                                Jaguars March in the MLK Jr. Parade By: Sarai Narvaez The Port Saint Lucie High School Jaguar Battalion showed their pride at the annual Martin Luther King Junior Day parade in Fort Pierce. Marching in this parade is a tremendous honor and privilege for Port Saint Lucie High. The Battalion formation was led by the Jaguar’s Color Guard and was commanded by Cadet Staff Sergeant Tesa May carrying the National Flag. Cadet Staff Sergeant Marco Nader carried the State Flag. Cadet Staff Sergeant Haley … Read More

MLK Grand Parade

January 16, 2017 By Lydia Martin

St. Lucie Public Schools proudly participated in the 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade.  This year’s theme “Renewing a Spirit of Empowerment, Engagement, and Non-violence” was reflected in schools’ parade entries which included float designs, band performances, cheer and dance presentations, and more.  This year’s commentators were the District’s own Dr. Donna Mills and Dr. Kevin Perry.

O’Leary to Serve On Microsoft K12 Advisory Committee

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

With a strong history of innovative leadership and a positive record of advancing St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) technology infrastructure and technology support system, Chief Information Officer Terence O’Leary, will serve a two-year term on the Microsoft’s K12 Advisory Board.  This prestigious Board is made up of 30 members from across the United States representing both large and small districts. O’Leary said, “Having our voice at the table is of great importance to our school centers.  The opportunity to serve on this Board will help ensure we are delivering a valuable service as well as help shape the service and relationship needs … Read More

O’Leary to Serve On Microsoft K12 Advisory Committee

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – With a strong history of innovative leadership and a positive record of advancing St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) technology infrastructure and technology support system, Chief Information Officer Terence O’Leary, will serve a two-year term on the Microsoft’s K12 Advisory Board.  This prestigious Board is made up of 30 members from across the United States representing both large and small districts.   O’Leary said, “Having our voice at the table is of great importance to our school centers.  The opportunity to serve on this Board will help ensure we are delivering a valuable service as well as help shape … Read More

History Fair Projects Judged This Thursday

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Two hundred history fair projects focused on this year’s theme of “Taking a Stand in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center this Thursday. Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic. Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites.  Doors will open at 8 AM for a day-long vetting of entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).   According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie … Read More

INAUGURAL HBCU/HSI COLLEGE FAIR A BIG DRAW

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) continues to bring opportunities to students for college and career success. On January 23, the School District will launch its premier Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) College Fair for its students.  With over 17 major institutions slated to attend at Samuel Gaines Academy, excitement is escalating about pending on-the-spot scholarship opportunities and prospects for local students to participate in prestigious programs.   SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Events such as this have the potential to change lives for our students, and we are committed to doing … Read More

Panther Cadets at Dog Agility Show

January 15, 2017 By SCOTT CALDWELL

On January 7th and January 8th, Westwood’s Panther Battalion volunteered to assist at the Dog Agility Show held at the Fair Grounds. Cadets learned the basics of hosting and running a professional dog show while also becoming familiar with different breeds of dogs. The cadets hard work helped  when it came to getting everything set up and assuring that the show ran smoothly. When the Dog Agility Show is back in town, the Panther Battalion looks forward to helping again.

Project Citizen Showcase Slated for Friday

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

Seventh grade problem solvers from across the District will converge on the Kight Center at IRSC on Friday, January 20, to compete for top marks on their ideas influencing change in public policy as they present their Project Citizen proposals.  The judging will take place from 9 AM to noon by a host of local dignitaries. Project Citizen is an annual Civics showcase whereby students in Civics classes work in teams, identify a public policy problem in their community, research the problem, and after evaluating possible solutions to the problem, propose a public policy that could serve as the solution.  … Read More

Project Citizen Showcase Slated for Friday

January 15, 2017 By Lydia Martin

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Seventh grade problem solvers from across the District will converge on the Kight Center at IRSC on Friday, January 20 to compete for top marks on their ideas influencing change in public policy as they present their Project Citizen proposals. The judging will take place from 9 AM to noon by a host of local dignitaries. Project Citizen is an annual Civics showcase whereby students in Civics classes work in teams, identify a public policy problem in their community, research the problem, and after evaluating possible solutions to the problem, propose a public policy that could … Read More