Author: Melody Nieves

CRUSHING IT AT ODYSSEY OF THE MIND! Huge congratulations to our Palm Pointe Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team, who placed FIRST PLACE in Division II at the regional competition! This amazing team tackled the Structure Problem, where they engineered a structure strong enough to hold as much weight as possible, withstand balls being thrown at it, and still shine through a creative problem‑solving skit. On top of that, they rocked the spontaneous problem‑solving competition with quick thinking and teamwork! All that hard work, creativity, and collaboration truly paid off, and because of it, they’re advancing to STATE COMPETITION … Read More

Palm Pointe historians stepped into the role of entrepreneurs during an engaging Shark Tank-style project focused on the Industrial Revolution. Students researched key inventions from the era and pitched their ideas to their classmates, highlighting the problems each invention solved and its impact on society. This interactive simulation challenged students to apply historical knowledge while strengthening persuasive speaking and critical thinking skills. By blending content mastery with creativity and presentation, the project brought history to life in a meaningful and memorable way. The enthusiasm, preparation, and confidence demonstrated by our students made this one of our favorite learning experiences so … Read More

In honor of Black History Month, Palm Pointe Rockets engaged in meaningful learning that brought history to life. Eighth graders researched influential Black leaders who changed the course of our nation and the world. Through creative one-pager projects, students highlighted courage, talent, perseverance, and leadership across generations. Their work demonstrated strong research skills, thoughtful reflection, and artistic expression. These lessons helped students connect past struggles and achievements to issues that shape our world today. We are proud of our Rockets for their curiosity, creativity, and commitment to learning, and for honoring the legacy of leaders whose impact continues to inspire … Read More

Palm Pointe proudly celebrated student excellence at the District STEM Award Night on February 18, 2026. Our Rockets earned top honors, and Palm Pointe captured the District Regional STEM Fair Junior Division Champion Trophy for the third consecutive year. Award-winning students include Chloe Giaquinto (8th), Enoch Hong (8th), Skylar Habib (8th), Owen Royle (7th), and Kendall Takas (6th), who received placements and special awards in plant science, engineering, and environmental science. A very special thank you to our Science Fair Coordinator, Claudy Bois, for leading this work. We extend our gratitude to our teachers for guiding our students through this … Read More

Congratulations to the Palm Pointe K‑8 Jazz Band for their outstanding achievement at the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) held at Westwood Academy. Under the skilled direction of Mr. William Cromer, the talented students delivered an exceptional performance that earned them straight Superior ratings—the highest distinction possible. This accomplishment reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout the year. The ensemble demonstrated not only musical artistry but also teamwork, discipline, and pride in representing Palm Pointe. We are incredibly proud of each member of the Jazz Band and celebrate this well‑deserved recognition of their remarkable efforts and success. Bravo … Read More

Palm Pointe K‑8 has once again shown what it means to serve the community with heart, teamwork, and a little friendly competition. This year, students and staff participated in the school’s Souper Bowl Challenge, an initiative designed to “tackle hunger” by collecting non‑perishable food items for local families in need. From January 26 through February 6, classrooms across the school rallied together, predicting who would win the Super Bowl while filling collection bins with canned goods, pantry staples, and shelf‑stable items. The hallways buzzed with excitement as donations steadily climbed—each contribution another “yard gained” toward supporting the school’s food shelves. … Read More

Palm Pointe’s 3rd–8th grade students and their families had an incredible time at our “Read, White and Blue Celebrating 250 Chapters of America” Literacy Night celebration! Guests rotated through interactive stations featuring vocabulary and comprehension games designed to stretch thinking and spark dialogue. Families sampled exciting new books during our book‑tasting experience, created one‑of‑a‑kind bookmarks, and collaborated to solve clues in our history‑themed literacy escape room. The energy was high as students and adults worked together, laughed, and embraced the joy of reading. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the evening unforgettable. Thank you for supporting literacy … Read More

Brew Crew: Empowering Students Through Purpose Palm Pointe K‑8 is proud to introduce its new Brew Crew Coffee Program, a campus-wide initiative designed to provide select students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that build confidence, communication, and independence. The Brew Crew Coffee Program offers selected students the opportunity to participate in a fully supported “work” environment, preparing and delivering iced coffee orders to staff across campus. Under the guidance and encouragement of school staff, students rotate weekly through key job roles—including Greeter, Barista, Cashier, and Delivery Assistant—to develop a broad range of functional and social skills. These structured experiences help … Read More

On January 27th, Palm Pointe’s K–2 students and their families enjoyed a wonderful evening at a Family UFLI Literacy Night: From Sounds to Stories! Students proudly showcased the foundational reading skills they’ve been developing in class, from letter–sound knowledge to blending and decoding. Families participated in hands-on activities that deepened understanding of early literacy, while parents learned practical strategies to support reading growth at home. The excitement on students’ faces as they demonstrated their skills made the night truly special. Thank you to all the families who joined us in celebrating early literacy and building a strong foundation for lifelong … Read More

Palm Pointe K‑8 opened Literacy Week with a well‑attended Big Apple Read to Succeed Family Night at Big Apple Pizza on January 21. The event brought together students and families to celebrate reading, home–school partnership, and community support. Each student selected five complementary books to build a home library, then read alongside a trusted adult and completed a brief book response. Participants earned free pizza and a beverage, along with gaming tickets, as recognition for their effort and engagement. The evening highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering lifelong readers while strengthening family involvement. Palm Pointe extends appreciation to Big Apple Pizza and all … Read More

Palm Pointe’s 8th-grade Classrooms2Careers family night was a huge success! Seniors and their families learned about high school requirements and program offerings. They received practical advice from some of our very own Palm Pointe alumni and connected with local business partners, companies, and colleges who shared programs, pathways, and real‑world advice on career opportunities. Students worked their way through the event with a tic‑tac‑toe challenge, getting marks at each station to ensure that they got the most out of the experience, and earned a free dress code pass!  Students also had the opportunity to showcase their career projects and tell … Read More

Palm Pointe proudly hosted its 2025–2026 STEM and History Day Fair on January 8th, an evening dedicated to celebrating academic achievement and innovation. Students demonstrated exceptional talent through creative experiments, insightful research, and engaging presentations that highlighted the very best projects at the school level. During the event, finalists advancing to the district competition were announced, and all participants were honored for their hard work and dedication. The level of excellence on display was truly inspiring and reflects the commitment of our learners, families, and educators. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support and … Read More

Palm Pointe K‑8 is sparking big dreams in young learners by inviting students to come to school dressed as their future careers—dentists, nurses, firefighters, athletes, teachers, and beyond. The playful, purpose‑driven activity helps children begin imagining what’s possible and encourages conversations about interests, skills, and the education pathways that lead to those roles. It’s part of St. Lucie Public Schools’ districtwide Classrooms2Careers initiative, a K‑12 framework designed to connect learning to life and graduate students who are ready for college, career, or service. By weaving career awareness into everyday school culture, Palm Pointe shows students that their ambitions matter and that … Read More

Palm Pointe’s 8th-grade students had a blast researching careers as part of St. Lucie Public Schools’ Classroom2Careers initiative. Students investigated job requirements such as education and prerequisite experience required, skill sets, potential colleges, and/or training programs. They identified companies that hire for their chosen careers and then wrote a personal connection statement about why they are drawn to this career.  Students shared their portfolios with their peers and teachers as part of their midterm projects.  It was amazing to hear students speak with authority and confidence about their futures.  Palm Pointe Rockets are Mission Ready!  These portfolios will be showcased … Read More

Lights…Sound…Action!  Last week, our school community was transported “somewhere over the rainbow” during the spectacular performance of The Wizard of Oz. From the moment the curtains opened, the audience was captivated by the incredible talent and hard work of our students and staff. The production showcased vibrant costumes, stunning sets, and unforgettable musical numbers that brought this classic story to life. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion led us on an enchanting journey to Oz, reminding us all of the power of friendship, courage, and home. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Director Melanie … Read More

A cohort of Palm Pointe 8th-grade students proudly participated in St. Lucie County Public Schools’ 8th Grade Experience, an immersive career exploration event co-sponsored by St. Lucie Public Schools and the Treasure Coast Center for Economic & Educational Development (TCCEED). This initiative is designed to introduce middle school students to high-demand industries and inspire future career pathways. Students explored careers aligned with their Xello career interest surveys, engaged with interactive stations, and demonstrated exemplary effort and genuine curiosity throughout the day. The experience sparked new interests and provided a memorable opportunity for all. The Classrooms to Careers vision was evident … Read More

This week, our 8th-grade Historians at Palm Pointe took a step back in time—dressing in delightful tea party attire to bring history to life! As part of their daily lesson on the Boston Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts, students immersed themselves in the revolutionary spirit of 1773. Minus the powdered wigs and petticoats, the classroom was transformed into a scene straight out of colonial America. Students didn’t just learn about the events that sparked a revolution—they lived them! Through engaging discussions, activities, and creative expression, they explored the causes and consequences of one of the most iconic protests in … Read More

At Palm Pointe K-8, kindness isn’t just taught—it’s lived. Recently, Mrs. Courtney Council shared a powerful classroom experience that celebrated the core principles of Unity Day with her 3rd graders!  She saw an opportunity to foster empathy and inclusion on campus, teaching compassion alongside academics. As part of a unit on equal rights and opportunity—featuring figures like Rosa Parks—students explored the importance of embracing differences and showing generosity. This lesson came to life when the class hand-delivered “BOO” bag treats to their new friends in Mrs. Sagan, Ms. Gagliano, and Mr. Allison’s classes. These simple gestures sparked joy and built … Read More

Palm Pointe K-8 celebrated National Open the Magic Day with some truly magical guest readers!  Ms. Markowitz began the day with a read-aloud to all of our students on the morning news.  Then, our school was honored to welcome community leaders, district leadership, and school leadership who joined us to share the joy and magic of reading with our students.  Thank you to our amazing visitors for taking the time to inspire our young readers. Your stories, smiles, and shared love for books made this a day our students will never forget! In attendance, Palm Pointe was excited to have: … Read More

Palm Pointe celebrated National Rock, Paper, Scissors Day with a friendly competition between our faculty and staff during our Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament.  Teachers were given a friendship bracelet to begin with and were able to challenge each other during planning and lunch times throughout the day.  Winner took all at the end of the tournament, as colleagues cheered each other on.  Some teachers found creative ways to include their students in the fun, building classroom/school culture, and even using it as an opportunity to teach students about probability.  The chances of Palm Pointe enjoying National Rock, Paper, Scissors Day … Read More