Author: Diane Laster

October 7, 2014, Weatherbee Elementary asked significant male caregivers to step up and take an active role in the lives of their children.  Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and cousins came to join their children for breakfast and to sign a pledge that they would actively participate in the educational and social-emotional development of their child. Featured in the foreground is Taylor Carlin and Dad.

Weatherbee’s PBS/Kids at Hope Bingo for Books event was a smashing success! Over 500 students participated in playing bingo and many won  books for their efforts.  Thanks to the media center for donating books for the event.  Several thanks to our PBS-Events Committee for organizing such a fun activity for our students.  Our October event will be an Ice Cream Social.  YUM!

This summer Weatherbee encouraged their students to read a variety of books.  The school was open to take quizzes on their books and they were required to complete a summer reading packet.  Students who returned their packets were treated to a pizza luncheon in the Media Center.  Three of our students appear here;  Zamorah Owens, Casey Chilton, and Melissa Francois.

Weatherbee had hundreds of guests participate in the making of our classroom quilts as well as eating a scrumptious lunch.  Featured here are mother and daughter, Mrs. Amel Yousfi and Shams Yousfi.

September 9th the volunteers at Weatherbee Elementary were given a breakfast and orientation for new prospects.  Last year our volunteers donated over 7,000 hours of their time to our classrooms.  We look forward to seeing more of them in this coming school year and appreciate all they do for our children.  Featured here are Elizabeth Thomas, PTO President, and  Donna Pancoast.

It was not a typical lunch period for the 35 boys delighted by a visit with Dr. David Washington, SLCSB Director of Recruitment and Retention, to kick-off Weatherbee’s monthly Hour-with-a-Positive-Powerful-Role-Model event.  This Peer Leadership Program is coordinated by Dr. Jennifer Nelson (5th grade teacher) and Guermithe Ogé (1st grade teacher). The young men were captivated as Dr. Washington shared the timeline of his life — beginning with 3rd grade when his school, C. A. Moore Elementary, became racially integrated; to the challenges he overcame which made him stronger, the friend for life he made when he was the age of … Read More

To culminate a recent Principal’s Reading Challenge, the top readers in grades 3-5 played kickball against Weatherbee Faculty.  All other students who obtained their goal were spectators for this event.  We won’t say who won, but a fun time was had by all!  

The Weatherbee administration recently staged “Prep Rallies” for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Students prepared for the high stakes testing by showing off their math and reading skills. Here, Bobby Lloyd is being put to the test by Principal Hitsman, AP Avellino, and Reading Coach Terrie Norris.

A recent picture-perfect day was a perfect setting for the “Jump Rope for Heart” event at Weatherbee Elementary. The annual event is part of the American Heart Association and their mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In the weeks preceeding the fundraising event at Weatherbee Elementary, each class raised money as a team by filling up a can in their classroom with their extra coins. Physical Education teacher Nuran Onal, who organized the event, rewarded classes raising the most money with pizza parties, certificates, and jump ropes. Pictured, from left, are Zarek Fernandez, Jefte Simplice, and Israel Bradley.

Weatherbee Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday this week by kicking off its Principal’s Reading Challenge, with the entire faculty and staff encouraging students to read as much as possible to improve their literacy. Each student will read to gain individual and classroom points. Pictured are media specialist Diane Laster and data specialist Louise Lucia looking for books in the school library.

St. Lucie County sheriff’s deputy and school resource officer Todd Hogan, a former sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, recently visited Dan McCarty School and spoke with eighth grade students in the “Elite Eight” program, which features students who have expressed an interest in participating in community service and becoming better students. Deputy Hogan spoke to the students about his experience in Air Force and his tour in Afghanistan. He also thanked them for the gift packages that were sent over to his men from Dan McCarty and how much they were appreciated. Pictured is SRO Hogan describing his helicopter shown in … Read More

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.

During the weekend of November 9th, 2013, the staff and families of Dan McCarty School will celebrate its 60th anniversary. There are many enjoyable activities planned that will start at 2PM Saturday, November 9, in the school’s gym. Remember to wear green! The school is located at Mississippi Avenue and 13th Street north of Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce.

During October, students and staff at Dan McCarty School celebrated Hispanic Heritage month with music, food, cultural displays and more. On October 30, Dan McCarty School parents and students participated in a special Hispanic Heritage celebration. Visitors were entertained with Latin music, dance, and customs, as well as a special performance by the St. Lucie Ballet Company and their production of the “Nutcracker” with a Hispanic flair. Pictured during the Quinceanera Showcase are students Gabriella Lascanos, from left, Jennifer Guerrero, Noemi Diaz, and Antonio Farfan.

Dan McCarty students have shown their support of Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of October by wearing pink!  Pictured are a group of students representing all grade levels showing their hope for finding a cure for the disease.

Students and staff at Dan McCarty School recently showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Many chose to participate and wore something pink, and donations were also collected in designated containers.

Students and staff at Dan McCarty School recently celebrated the school’s first Citizens of the Month at a special breakfast. Each nonored student received a certificate and a goody bag. Citizens of the Month are selected at Dan McCarty for upholding the Eagle Expectations to act responsibly, to give respect, to be ready to learn, so everyone is safe. Pictured with principal Dr. David Washington, left, and assistant principal Benigna Montgomery, right, are the first group of honored students.

Dan McCarty school will celebrate its 60th birthday on Nov. 9, 2013. All former and present faculty and students are invited to come to the gym and reminisce. The gym is an original building and holds many memories for students and faculty alike. The celebration will begin at 2 p.m. and continue on in the cafeteria with refreshments and a slideshow.