Author: MARY ROTI

St. Lucie West K8 fourth graders in Ms. Rivera’s ELA classes buzzed with excitement as they paired up for a collaborative back-to-school activity. Each student had a chosen book, ready to share its imagined connection to their personality. Students then explained their selections, revealing hidden facets of themselves through literary lenses. Afterward, students explored the classroom library, a vibrant haven of stories waiting to be discovered. Positive energy filled the air as they nestled in cozy corners, lost in shared narratives, forging connections beyond simple introductions, and building a community bound by the love of reading. At SLWK8 we strive … Read More

In Mrs. Hernandez’s class, St. Lucie West K8 third graders began their first math unit, focusing on related facts and the creation of equal groups. These sharks couldn’t wait to dive into their first lesson and embark on a new mathematical adventure. Addition lays the groundwork as they explore how repeated addition forms the basis of this new concept. Hands-on learning takes center stage as colorful math manipulatives become powerful tools. These tactile aids transform abstract ideas into concrete realities, fostering deeper understanding and igniting a passion for mathematical discovery. Through active engagement, students build a solid foundation, paving the … Read More

St. Lucie West K8 students in Mrs. Howard’s 6th-grade ELA classes had the opportunity to get to know their classmates by working collaboratively in groups. They competed to see which group could put together a 100-piece puzzle the fastest! They discussed which strategies they used, identifying what worked best and what didn’t! After the activity concluded, they completed a follow-up quick write activity and answered the question, “Do you think competition should be part of everyone’s childhood?” This activity engaged students and asked them to think critically. They utilized their problem-solving, collaborative, and reflective skillset. It was a wonderful way … Read More

At Shark Nation, they have heart, literally! Operation Math was an outstanding mathematical and collaborative success. It was time for fifth-grade Sharks to put their skills to the test! They scrubbed in and rotated through different surgical suites (classrooms) to answer and solve questions based on various math benchmark standards they learned throughout the school year. As they successfully solved problems, they repaired the patient’s organs. A huge special thank you to our incredibly dedicated and creative fifth-grade team, and shout out to the amazing parents who donated gowns to help almost one hundred students participate in this engaging activity!

Every year, young creative authors have the opportunity to showcase their brilliant writing skills. They are able to express themselves and share their talents with those around them. Shark Nation is so proud to congratulate and honor one of our own talented, creative, and outstanding students! Anjolie John’s talented writing was celebrated during St. Lucie Public School’s Young Authors celebration. She was all smiles as she was recognized and awarded a certificate. She also received an awesome swag bag and a meeting with the incredible Bookman. Congratulations, Anjolie, for your talent; Shark Nation is inspired and beyond proud of you!

Music in Our School Month is the National Association for Music Education’s annual celebration.  Music educators, students, and communities support and promote the incredible benefit of music education in St. Lucie Public Schools. Music in Ours Schools Month was founded in 1973 by the National Association for Music Education. The overall goal is to highlight the beauty and importance of music education programs taught in our schools by exquisite music educators. Shark Nation band students were beyond honored to take part! Congratulations to the St Lucie West K-8 Shark Nation students who participated in the Music in Our Schools Honor … Read More

In Topic 11, our Shark Nation mathematicians are diving into the world of fractions using hands-on manipulatives and a student-centered classroom approach. From fraction strips to number lines, students are exploring how fractions compare and how they can be equivalent—all while modeling and explaining their thinking with confidence! By using models and number sense, our learners are building a deep understanding of this foundational math concept in a way that’s engaging, interactive, and meaningful. It’s not just about getting the right answer—it’s about understanding the why behind it. Our Shark Nation Mathematicians are ready to put their skills to use on the upcoming FAST!  #MrsQuilesClass #FractionFun #HandsOnMath #StudentCenteredLearning #BuildingNumberSense

Mrs. Schettini’s 3rd grade AMP (Advanced Math Placement) class is building a thinking classroom—and the energy is contagious! Students are given a challenge, randomly grouped, and encouraged to solve the problem using any strategy they choose. Students thrived through collaboration and sharing their thought processes with one another. Using voice and choice, they were able to use the strategy that truly worked best for them and share it with the group. Armed with vertical whiteboards and lots of brainpower, they collaborate, communicate, and think critically to find solutions. The classroom was buzzing with excitement and academic vocabulary—such a fun and … Read More

Students in Mrs. Boham’s STEAM class at SLWK8 designed balloon cars to learn about Newton’s laws of motion, potential and kinetic energy, energy transfer, and alternative fuels. Thanks to our outstanding science teachers, our Sharks already knew all about Newton’s Laws of Motion or Inertia. They saw the car kept rolling after the balloon deflated because objects in motion stay in motion. The cars came to a stop because of drag, friction, or gravity. The mission was to create a well-constructed car that was more aerodynamic with less friction. We applied the engineering design process by spending a lot of … Read More

Homework just got a lot more fun in Mrs. Quiles’s 3rd-grade class! Say goodbye to boring routines—our students are getting engaged and staying accountable with Homework Monopoly! Students truly look forward to each week to share their completed assignments and to take their turn to roll the dice. Each assignment completed moves them closer to exciting rewards and friendly competition, turning responsibility into a game they can’t wait to play. From Chance cards to Bonus spaces, students are learning that hard work really does pay off. In Mrs. Quiles’s class, accountability is fun, motivation is high, and learning never stops!

St. Lucie West K8 middle school students in Mrs. Boham’s STEAM class tried their hand at 3D pens to create tops. Students applied geometric principles to create circles. They divided them into equal parts to create a balanced top to win a spin-off. Students were able to overcome the learning curve by not only using the pens, but finding the right pacing, and finding what surfaces the filament sticks best release from. Not only did Sharks use their creativity and mathematical skills, but they also collaborated with classmates to design and create 3D tops. Students manufactured well-balanced tops that spun … Read More

Congratulations to our Shark Nation Track and Field Team! On Saturday, April 26th, SLWK8 Sharks had an incredible day at the St. Lucie County Middle School Track and Field Meet at Lawnwood Stadium in Fort Pierce. The Girls Team took 8th place while the Boys Team took 2nd! The team had many athletes score points for the team (finish in the top eight overall), including several who brought back medals for finishing in the top three. The Sharks were led by Robert Alcarez, who is a St. Lucie County Champion in the 800m after finishing in 1st place! Other top … Read More

Third grade students at St. Lucie West K8 enjoy super sweet learning in Mrs. Quiles’s Class! Topic 12 is all about graphs and data, and what better way to make it fun than with jellybeans? Students got hands-on with learning by collecting data from jellybeans (yum!), then used that information to create tally charts and scaled bar graphs. From determining appropriate scales to solving one- and two-step problems based on their graphs, our students are turning data into delicious discoveries! Learning is always meaningful—and extra fun—when it’s interactive and student-centered. Great job, data detectives!  #SweetLearning #MrsQuilesClass #GraphingWithJellybeans #HandsOnMath #FunWithData    

St. Lucie West K-8 Sharks were stoked to connect mathematics to their everyday technology, recreational, and social media interests. Students in Mrs. Portee’s 5th-grade math classes had to determine the mean, median, mode, and range of various data sets. To further pique their interest and engagement, each data set was intentionally created based on what our students enjoy, such as TikTok videos, Pokémon cards, and Roblox gift cards. The students were truly engaged and thoroughly enjoyed collaborating to share their results and add even more meaning to their data sets! Mrs. Portee motivates students every day with her innovative and … Read More

SLWK8 third grade students investigate their very own community of St. Lucie County! Students from Mrs. D’Andrea’s Gifted Class had a chance to deep dive into the history of our community. Students picked a historical place in St. Lucie County to research ranging from the stunning Sunrise Theatre to the Roosvelt Bridge. Students then displayed information in a shoebox model. Students wrote their information along the outside on the box. Inside the box is a display of the historical place. Students were thoroughly excited and engaged to complete their investigative project. Students worked with their teachers, classmates, and families to … Read More

SLWK8 Entrepreneurs competed in the CTE Showcase on April 2, 2025, at the St. Lucie Public Schools District office. Students prepared business plans, PowerPoint presentations, posters, and a pitch for a panel of judges against other middle school students in the county.  Students from Ms. Tremblay and Mrs. Boham‘s classes polished their pitches to perfection to be ready for the showcase.  It was great to see them helping each other get their posters ready in the morning, encouraging each other, and cheering everyone on.  After the showcase, a student said she thought this helped her self-esteem, and another echoed that … Read More

St. Lucie West K8 3rd-5th Grade Choral students traveled to Lincoln Park Academy recently to join over 100 other students from across the district to be a part of the 2025 St. Lucie Public Schools All County Chorus. Students stayed after school and practiced at home on their own to prepare and memorize eight songs so that they could be ready for the big day. Once at All County Chorus, they spent several hours in the morning rehearsing with other students. In the afternoon, they recorded a concert that will be shown on the district’s television station and stream on … Read More

Eighth grade Sharks took a field trip to experience CTE (Career Technical Education) programs at our amazing neighboring high school, St. Lucie West Centennial High School. Senior Eagles from the Criminal Justice program escorted students through CTE classrooms to give them a hands-on experience with what to expect in high school.  In addition to giving a great tour, the student guides gave wonderful advice to prepare for high school, answered all their questions, and guided them around the extensive campus.  Students were able to visit the JROTC, Aeronautics, Outboard Marine, Early Childhood, Culinary, Gaming Design, Allied Health, and the Criminal … Read More

St. Lucie West K8 Shark Nation families and staff danced and dazzled as they enjoyed a magical evening. What an unforgettable night we had at our Arabian Nights Parent-Child Dance! The atmosphere was filled with magic, music, and memories that will last a lifetime. From the enchanting decorations to the dazzling outfits, every moment was a celebration of our wonderful SLWK8 Shark Nation community. Parents and children danced the night away, creating beautiful bonds and cherished memories. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this truly special evening. This event wouldn’t have been a success without you! … Read More

Mrs. Portee’s jaw-some fifth-grade classes were hard at work. The students were focused on estimating mathematical sums and differences. These magnificent mathematicians worked together collaboratively by using fraction strips to determine equivalent fractions. Our Sharks thrive through interactive activities that ask them to not only think critically but also collaboratively. With a standards-based focus, students used their skill set and resources to bring the sums and differences to life. Our Sharks worked diligently together utilizing their interactive notebooks, manipulatives, and math skills to put their fraction knowledge to the test by solving different math problems. Keep up the magnificent work, … Read More