Author: Sharon Price

Floresta Elementary School is recognizing outstanding student authors as the school’s Young Author winners. The students each wrote and illustrated a book on a topic that interested them. Pictured are Ashna Patel, in front, and back, from left, Tiffany Alexander, James Sell, and Gioia Perniello. Students will be honored at a celebration at Manatee Academy K-8 School and parents are invited to take part as well.  Floresta Elementary is proud of all the students who participated in the project and thank their teachers for guidance and support.

Floresta Elementary School science resource teacher Mollie Mukhamedov has been recognized by the Executive Director of the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project Board of Directors and staff for her outstanding energy education project.  Additionally, Floresta Elementary School was selected Florida Elementary School of the Year and also elementary finalist at the national level.  Mrs. Mukhamedov and her students are invited to attend the NEED National Recognition Ceremonies scheduled for June 22-25, 2012 in Washington, D.C.  Congratulations to Mrs. Mukhamedov and all students and staff who have worked together to make this project worthy of state and national recognition. Pictured, from left, are Christopher Rahuba, … Read More

Congratulations to Floresta Elementary School fourth grade teacher Veronica Allende, who was selected by the Transatlantic Outreach Program to participate in a two week group travel study tour of Germany. The group will travel on various dates this summer from late June through August. Study will focus on the German governmental system, federal system, school system, history of Germany including the Holocaust, and German business and economy, culture, current events, and the German approach to issues regarding earth stewardship. This is a very competitive program and candidates must produce essays expressing how they will use the knowledge gained to enhance … Read More

Floresta Elementary School students, from left, Olivia Saurel, Victoria Nunez, and Joshua Perez share their kindergarten writing in the front of Floresta Elementary School. Victoria and Joshua, from Syliva Johnson’s class, wrote about what they want to be when they grow up, and Olivia, from Mary Moore’s class, wrote about why she likes school. The students are making great progress in their writing.

Kindergarten through fifth grade students at Floresta Elementary School supported one another with a school-wide “Tunnel of Encouragement” Rally the Friday before FCAT testing began. Kindergarten through second grade students and teachers lined the hallways armed with posters and pompoms, chanting heartfelt words of encouragement as third through fifth grade students made their way to the cafeteria for some motivational activities and words of wisdom. Each third through fifth grade student was provided a t-shirt with the slogan “Floresta Dolphins Destroy the FCAT” across the front. Thank you to Mary McCartney, Gerri Wills, Elish Mancuso, Ken York, Kathy Capas, Sharon … Read More

Thanks to a generous grant from FPL in conjunction with N.E.E.D., students in Mary McCartney’s music class have been learning about recycling, conservation, and renewable energy sources through the fine arts of music and dance. To deepen and extend their own learning, and to enlighten others about this topic, students shared their knowledge through a musical performance at Floresta Elementary’s Spring Concert.

Floresta Elementary School second grade students were visited by Captain Citrus, the mascot from the OJ4NRG tour, a program put together by the Florida Department of Citrus to enlighten students about the many benefits of Florida citrus.  Students learned that oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are special kinds of berries, and that most of the world’s citrus comes from our own state of Florida.  Orange juice provides vitamin C, potassium, folate, calcium, and vitamin D, and is free of fat and contains no sodium or cholesterol.  Students learned that the citrus industry employees nearly 76,000 workers and positively impacts the economy … Read More

What could possibly be more fun than reading under the stars? Gazing into them! Floresta’s March Title I Family Learning Event offered both of these opportunities, and much, much more. Families brought their blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows so they could stretch out and enjoy a good book together under the twinkling stars. Members of The Treasure Coast Astronomical Society were on location manning their reflector telescopes, allowing visitors a close up look at the moon, the stars, and the planets Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. Charlie Alonso, from Mrs. Browning’s class was one of the first to get a glimpse … Read More

Luke Sutherland was recently called to the office at Floresta Elementary School to receive a very special birthday surprise. Luke’s mother, Megan Sutherland currently serves in the military, and is stationed in Afghanistan. In spite of the miles, and numerous procedural and technological barriers, she managed to telephone the school to personally wish her son a very special “Happy Birthday!” After the initial shock and excitement, Luke assured her that he was getting over his recent cold, and that she need not worry. It was a heart-warming moment for everyone.

Floresta Elementary School’s Family Learning Night was held recently. Dignity Memorial Escape School, a nationally recognized child abduction prevention program, was presented by George Seliga from Aycock Funeral Home.  The program is designed to empower children by teaching escape strategies in a fun, non-threatening manner.  Over 50 parents and students attended to learn how to escape in an abduction attempt.  Mr. Seliga simulated abduction situations and gave members of the audience opportunities to practice.  Parents appreciated the informational program dedicated to child safety.

Taylor Currie has been selected as the Youth Volunteer of the Year at Floresta Elementary. Taylor has served at Floresta Elementary for the last two years, helping in the office, assisting with clerical tasks as well as working with students and families.  Taylor provides a valuable resource to teachers and students in the classroom.  This year, Taylor began working with exceptional students, and has decided that she would like to pursue a career in exceptional student  education.

Floresta Elementary School teachers and staff engaged in a CHAMPS training recenetly.  This professional development was interesting, relevant, and practical for teachers and anyone who works with children, especially in an educational setting.  At the core of the program’s success, is the philosophy that when teachers are clear in their expectations, students can and will make appropriate academic and behavior choices.  The CHAMPS program offers teachers the ability to create a thoughtful, clear set of expectations, tailored to each individual teacher’s classroom routines and expectations.  The program aligns with the Positive Behavior Support program already implemented, and Rti requirements.  The result … Read More

Floresta Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students competed in the 2011-2012 Scripps Spelling Bee.  First place winner was Anthony Martens from Valerie Doyle’s fifth grade class, and second place winner was Jacob Lucrezia, from Michael Bogin’s fourth grade class.  Congratulations to winners, and to all those who competed.

Floresta Elementary School participated in the annual Martin Luther King Parade.  Thanks go to committee chairman Danielle Eugene, advisor Cemera Clancy, members Raina Ingrum, Sandy Pagliughi, Sharon Koen, and volunteer Jinny Holler, for their contributions in designing the float.  Huge thanks also go to  Betty Carling, Sylvia Johnson, Sandy Pagliughi, Elish Mancuso and Linda Menikheim for their support of this event by marching alongside the float, to Doug Abbuhl, Celeste Hartsfield and Grace Duvelsdorf for support and guidance in the preparation of this event, and all the teachers and students who made or provided posters for our float.  Parent volunteer Carlos Fundora not only offered … Read More

Valerie Doyle’s fifth grade class at Floresta Elementary School recently was visited by Tim Polzin, a personal friend of Ms. Doyle’s who lives in Saint Lucie County.  Tim is a famous bass guitarist who currently fills in when needed for various performing bands.  During his career as a musician, he has traveled all over the world and has played with many top rock and country bands.  He brought two of his favorite guitars, which were custom made for him by Stuart Spector .  Each guitar was valued at over $10,000.  Mr. Polzin spoke to students about the importance of staying … Read More