Author: MARY ROTI

SLWK8 is proud to recognize our outstanding Assistant Principals, whose leadership and commitment play a vital role in the success of our school community. Their dedication to supporting students, staff, and families helps ensure a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment each day. Through collaboration, guidance, and a shared focus on student achievement, they help keep our school running smoothly and effectively. Our Assistant Principals lead with professionalism, care, and consistency, making a meaningful impact across classrooms and programs. Shark Nation is grateful for their hard work, vision, and unwavering support, which continue to strengthen SLWK8 and help all learners … Read More

St. Lucie West K–8 is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $2,500 Working Together for Success grant from the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County. This generous funding supports an innovative schoolwide initiative to strengthen math instruction in grades 3–8 through the implementation of vertical whiteboard stations, a key strategy from Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms framework. The purpose of the Working Together for Success grant program is to fund creative, high-impact projects that elevate teaching quality and improve classroom instruction. Thanks to the Education Foundation’s commitment to supporting educators, SLWK-8 was able to bring this vision … Read More

St. Lucie West K-8 third-graders in Mrs. Harvey’s ELA classes dove into reading as Sharks collaborated to compare and contrast how authors present information across two texts. Students examined text features, key details, and text structures to determine similarities and differences in how ideas were explained. Working in pairs and small groups, they discussed evidence, shared observations, and supported their thinking using details from the texts. This engaging lesson strengthened comprehension skills, critical thinking, and accountable talk. Ask your Shark how the texts were alike, how they were different, and which presentation helped them learn best during ELA class!  

Shark Nation third graders enjoyed a sweet math lesson while working with a partner to collect and organize data using 30 jellybeans. Students sorted the jellybeans by color, carefully counted each group, and recorded their results. They then represented the data in two different ways by creating a bar graph and a pictograph. This hands-on activity helped students strengthen counting skills, compare quantities, and understand how the same information can be shown in multiple representations. Engagement was high, collaboration was strong, and learning was meaningful and fun. Ask your child which jellybean color had the most and how they showed … Read More

Ms. Selinsky’s 7th-grade accelerated math class turned geometry into a high‑energy adventure with a Dance Dance Revolution–themed lesson on angle relationships! Students literally stepped into learning as the floor lit up with choices representing vertical, adjacent, complementary, and supplementary angles. Each round challenged them to place their feet on the correct angle type, blending quick thinking with quick moves. Laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition filled the room as students showed off both their math skills and their dance‑game reflexes. This creative activity not only reinforced essential concepts but also proved that learning angles can be just as exciting as hitting … Read More

The students of St. Lucie West K-8 once again have brought the past to the present alongside their sharp skills and in-depth knowledge for National History Day, showcasing projects in the junior division across multiple categories, including Exhibits, Documentaries, Websites, and Historical Papers. This year’s theme of “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History” led to thought-provoking research and presentations on such moments in history as the women’s suffrage movement of the 20th century in the United States, the bold revolutions of 19th-century South America, and the international Space Race spanning decades. Our students performed well, and we hope to send them … Read More

Project Citizen asks Civics students to examine problems in their own lives and communities and seek meaningful solutions. These issues may be deeply personal or broad dilemmas affecting the public, but the commitment to finding answers remains the same. This year, students explored topics centered on improving security and safety—such as strengthening classroom protection in the event of intruders, establishing helmet requirements for all motorcyclists, and expanding affordable housing options for vulnerable populations in our city. Through research, collaboration, and thoughtful discussion, students gained a deeper understanding of how informed citizens can influence change and help create stronger, more resilient … Read More

St. Lucie West K8 Students earned their way into this vibrant celebration by showing positive behavior, and they definitely made the most of it. The gym shimmered with neon colors as students showed up and glowed up, dancing under black lights and enjoying the music. From glowing accessories to bright smiles, everyone shone as they celebrated their hard work and jawsome choices. Students loved spending time with friends, showing off their best dance moves, and soaking in the electric atmosphere. The colorful lights, buzzing energy, and endless laughter made the Glow Dance a bright and unforgettable reminder that positive behavior … Read More

Ms. Selinsky’s 7th-grade accelerated math students brought geometry to life through an exciting Dance Dance Revolution–themed lesson focused on identifying and applying angle relationships. As music played, students moved across a floor grid marked with various angle representations and had to place their feet on the correct spots showing vertical, adjacent, complementary, or supplementary angles. This interactive approach encouraged quick thinking, collaboration, and plenty of laughs as students checked their reasoning in real time. The energetic activity helped strengthen their understanding of how different angles relate to one another while keeping them fully engaged and active. It was a memorable, … Read More

Our math lesson was as sweet as it gets! Students dove into the world of equivalent fractions using a full-size Hershey’s bar, turning a tricky concept into an unforgettable, hands-on adventure. As they snapped the chocolate into equal pieces, they could see fractions come to life—discovering cool connections like how 1/2 is the same as 6/12 when the bar is divided into twelve parts. Laughter, curiosity, and a little bit of chocolate filled the room as students explored how different fractions can represent the same whole. It was fun, engaging, and deliciously educational. The chocolate may have disappeared quickly, but … Read More

In our classroom, learning isn’t something that just happens—it’s an adventure our students take the wheel on. We believe they grow best when they’re in the driver’s seat, and our recent student‑led conferences were the perfect moment to let that leadership shine. As Dr. Seuss reminds us in Oh, the Places You’ll Go! “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Our students did exactly that. To showcase their reading accomplishments, St. Lucie West K-8 students in Mrs. Zalepeski’s third-grade ELA classes created vibrant digital portfolios using Canva. This project challenged them … Read More

Students in Ms. Hernandez’s third-grade math classes are diving into the exciting world of equivalent fractions! As they explore the topic Equivalent Fractions: Use Models, students are discovering that fractions can look different yet represent the same amount. This learning ties directly to their standard, MA.3.FR.2.2, which asks them to identify equivalent fractions and explain why they match. Using colorful fraction bars, students are comparing models and noticing that if two bars cover the same space, the fractions are equal—even when divided into different-sized parts. With hands-on practice and lots of enthusiasm, students are building confidence and mastering this important … Read More

Shark Nation is thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of our outstanding student leaders who proudly represented St. Lucie West K-8 at the Regional STEM Fair on February 6, 2026! Every one of our seven participants earned one or more awards for their impressive STEM projects, showcasing creativity, dedication, and remarkable talent. Their hard work has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder! These exceptional students will be honored at next week’s St. Lucie Public Schools board meeting, where their achievements will shine even brighter. Congratulations to Andrea S., Erin G., Finnian E., Josephina C., Vashni F., Kayleigh B., … Read More

Students in Ms. Velazquez’s science classes turned learning into action as they designed racetracks to explore speed, distance, and time. Using their knowledge of potential and kinetic energy, students built tracks with loops and tested how much kinetic energy their cars needed to successfully complete the course. Their investigations didn’t stop there—students also explored how energy moves through transverse and longitudinal waves. They created detailed illustrations, labeling each wave’s parts and explaining how different waves transfer energy. Through hands-on experiments and creative models, students gained a deeper understanding of physical science concepts while having fun putting their learning into motion! … Read More

Mrs. Schettini’s Accelerated Math students geared up for their upcoming district assessment with Super Bowl–themed fraction centers. Working in teams, students created equivalent fractions, ordered and compared fractions, and measured their best “kicking” distances using math skills and strategy. The classroom was full of collaboration, problem-solving, and excitement as students explained their thinking and supported one another. They even enjoyed a fun Kidz Bop halftime performance to keep the energy high and spirits strong. These learners showed outstanding teamwork, determination, and strong mathematical thinking throughout the lesson. They are focused, confident, and more than ready for their Math Game Day. … Read More

Ms. Seng’s 6th-grade students engaged in the Sengsational Search, an interactive learning activity inspired by the Amazing Race. Working collaboratively in pairs, students raced to solve multi-step clues that challenged their critical thinking, teamwork, and content knowledge. Each task is connected directly to their Ancient Egypt unit. Students created a detailed tri-fold foldable highlighting the three Egyptian Kingdoms, constructed a mummy model, illustrated canopic jars, and wrote an informational piece explaining the steps of mummification. As teams progressed through each challenge, excitement and engagement remained high. This hands-on experience encouraged creativity, reinforced key vocabulary, and allowed students to demonstrate their … Read More

Third-grade Sharks had a blast playing a Jeopardy-style review game as they prepared for their Math DT3 test. Students worked in teams, explained their thinking, and applied the strategies they’ve been learning all year. The room was full of collaboration, encouragement, and excitement as students supported one another and confidently tackled each question. It was wonderful to see their teamwork, problem-solving skills, and positive attitudes shine. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication, and these Sharks are focused, motivated, and ready for DT3! They showed perseverance, clear communication, and strong reasoning skills while learning together and building … Read More

Our campus was bursting with holiday cheer as Sharks celebrated in style! Throughout the month of December, our Holiday Spirit Calendar celebrated Grinch Day, PJ Day, and Ugly Sweater Day, while festive guest readers added extra joy to the season. We kept the excitement going with twin turtle doves, sparkling tinsel, cozy socks, festive hats, and even Hawaiian attire! Staff and students alike brought incredible energy, making every day merry and bright. The holiday spirit truly shone across Shark Nation, showcasing teamwork and creativity at its best. We truly hope all of our Shark families had a joyful holiday season … Read More

Shark Nation ELA Students are Future CEOs!  Mrs. Howard’s ELA students took on the role of entrepreneurs during our Shark Tank Projects! Students created original products or made an old product better and pitched them using powerful rhetorical devices and emotional appeals to convince the Sharks to invest. They didn’t stop there—each pitch was supported with nonfiction text features such as headings, diagrams, charts, bolded key words, and statistics to clearly present information and strengthen their arguments. This project combined persuasive writing, speaking skills, creativity, and critical thinking—and the confidence these students showed was impressive! Way to go, ELA Sharks!

During Week 3 of Holiday Spirit Month at SLWK8, the Grinch surprised our classrooms in the best way possible! Instead of stealing holiday spirit, he brought it—along with laughter and joy. Students were thrilled to see the beloved character roaming the halls, sharing festive fun, and posing for photos. His playful antics reminded everyone that the season is about kindness, togetherness, and a little bit of whimsy. From bright smiles to cheerful decorations, the Grinch helped make this week unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who made this magical moment happen—it truly warmed our hearts and filled our school with holiday … Read More