Author: AMY FAZZALARO

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union came to see Palm Pointe Kindergarteners last week. Through MIDFLORIDA’s Gift of Reading program, the Kindergarten students were gifted a copy of the book “What If, Pig?” and listened to the story read by a special guest reader. Thank you MIDFLORIDA for helping to develop our love of reading!

Congratulations to artists Amelia Sides and Paige Kelly from Palm Pointe Educational Research School for winning the Congressional Youth Art Contest for St. Lucie County. Artists had to depict what the word patriotism means to them. Amelia won first place in the competition for her watercolor artwork of the American flag and bald eagle. Paige was runner-up with her watercolor American flag. Amelia’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Brian Mast’s Washington DC office.

Palm Pointe 3rd grade students got a visit from Mayor Shannon Martin this week. Mayor Martin got to speak with them about things happening in our city, and things that she does as a Mayor, as well as answering some important questions that the students had for her.  

Kindergarteners at Palm Pointe learned all about first responders during Play with Purpose. Students grew their vocabulary, oral language, and social skills all while learning about the heroes in our community!

Palm Pointe is so proud to announce that student, Malayka Vickers, has just been published. Her book, The Missing Suit, has been published by TaylorMade Boox and is now available for purchase through Barnes and Noble. What an amazing accomplishment for this young lady. Way to go Malayka, we can’t wait to see the incredible future you will have as an author.  

Palm Pointe Middle School students celebrated Hispanic Heritage. Students learned of the great contributions of Hispanic Artists and the works of art they created to make their voices heard.

Mrs. Schott’s 2nd through 5th grade Art classes created “Dots” based on Peter Renolds’ book “The Dot”.  September 15th was International Dot Day celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration!  Students first listened to the story and were encouraged to express their creativity and individualism through creating a “Dot Masterpiece” of their own. 

Middle School Artists studied the use of mixed media to create a unique animal collage with watercolor, newspapers, oil pastels, and India ink. Their creative masterpieces are proudly displayed in the Palm Pointe front office.  

First Grade BLASTED OFF into reading today with their first of three themed CRUNCH TIME Reading Days. Students participated in cooperative research projects about planets. They made informational books, posters, and crafts! Teachers during this time assisted students in power reading groups where they practiced reading strategies and skills to help them build their stamina and reading muscles. WE CAN NOT wait for the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The garden is in full bloom at Palm Pointe. Students in Ms. Petrino’s, Mrs. Austin’s, and Mrs. Wamble’s special education classes, grades K-8, planted seeds at the start of the school year. The garden is a student-centered garden, taken care of by the students with support from teachers. Students apply science skills, occupational skills, writing, researching, and life skills through the hands-on activities in the garden. Along with a fruit and vegetable garden, the students created a rock garden to provide staff with a calming area for reflection and self-care, as well as a peaceful area for students to enjoy. … Read More

The Palm Pointe Book Explorers enjoyed a fun read while learning about events from the past. Students in the club are currently reading, The Watson’s Go to Birmingham 1963. They are enjoying the characters and humor in the book, while having great conversations about life back in the 1960’s. Mrs. Fazzalaro, the club sponsor, is amazed at the excitement the students have about the book and the comradery that has developed among members of the club.

Palm Pointe middle school artists learned about geometry and helping the community! Discussions were had on how the pandemic has tremendously affected healthcare workers. Artists decided to create a sculpture of thanks for their nearby hospital, Cleveland Clinic at Tradition. They brainstormed and problem-solved on how to create a cube out of paper rectangles. Then, they constructed collectively a 3-dimensional heart made out of 115 cubes. Each artist wrote a personal thank you and words of encouragement for the healthcare workers on hearts that were attached to the cubes to make the art interactive. Palm Pointe artists experienced the tremendous … Read More

Palm Pointe artists studied the sculptural techniques of Chris Mason and learned about proportion and movement to create their uplifting designs. Using only wire and their hands, artists created climbing figures that symbolize working together to reach a goal.

Nancy Oldham & Larry Breault, members of the Port St. Lucie Sunset Rotary Club, brought copies of the US Constitution for 7th Grade Civic students. Mrs. Lulkin and Mrs. Wright received them along with Mrs. Newsome. We are so appreciative, and the teachers are excited to share these with the students especially as they have been learning about the constitution this year.

Middle school artists just finished a unit on digital art. Students were encouraged to pick a woman either real or fictional who has inspired them for Women’s History Month to digitally draw and paint.  Some artists chose to pick a family member, others a famous inspirational woman and others a fictional character that they idolize.   Students learned how to use graphic design tools like pens, brushes and layers to create their portraits.

Students in grades 5-8 have been participating in a City Spies Book Club.  James Ponti released a new series of books in the Spy/Mystery Genre called City Spies.  Palm Pointe students are meeting weekly to enjoy reading this exciting book and solving Cypher Mystery Puzzles.  Each student has a secret spy name that they are using while competing to be the top Alpha Spy.  It is a joy to see students reading for pleasure.  Mrs. Fazzalaro, the Media Specialist and Club Sponsor, says it is the highlight of her week.

Middle school artists studied the art of Kehinde Wiley for Black History Month.  Kehinde Wiley is most famous for his presidential portrait of Barack Obama. His artwork is known for its unique portraiture style that uses vintage, floral backgrounds paired with an emphasis on the model’s unique style.  Wiley’s paintings are inspired by the old masterpieces by having his models pose like a particular painting of old.  Palm Pointe virtual and traditional artists researched old masterpieces and picked out their favorite to recreate the pose.  Then, keeping with Wiley’s style they found a vintage background and digitally edited their portraiture … Read More

Palm Pointe students had an incredible week celebrating all things Literacy. Students wrote letters to authors and even got a response back from author, Betty Birney. Classes participated in various activities that ranged from Literacy Door Decorating, class read a-louds, book reviews, genre posters, community circles on character, and even creating class books on kindness. While at lunch, students viewed a presentation that highlighted their teacher’s pictures showing off their favorite book. Administrators and the Media Specialist also posted a read a-loud story time for the students to view with their families each evening.  

During the recent Holocaust Education Week, middle school artists read and studied the book entitled, The Very Last Butterfly.  The book is a collection of artwork and poetry written by the children who were imprisoned in the Terezin concentration camp.  Our artists created butterflies in remembrance of the 1.5 million children’s lives who were lost during the Holocaust.

Congratulations to Jason Hatfield on receiving the Linda Mann Five Year Superior award from the Florida Bandmasters State Association. This is his second consecutive time receiving the award. His bands have maintained the top rating from the state for 10 straight years. This is an extremely difficult accomplishment. Congratulations to Mr. Hatfield, Principal Kathleen Perez and the Palm Pointe Band Program.