Category: District News

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.  Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. https://youtu.be/uBt3Kj-8no0  

Literacy efforts continue to grow through collaborative support with community members. In classrooms throughout SLPS, business and civic leaders read to students and participated in literacy events as part of the Celebrate Literacy Week. “Parents, business leaders, neighbors, and mentors play a crucial role in helping children learn to read and foster the lifelong love of reading,” said Mandy Rowland, literacy curriculum specialist for the District. “Schools welcomed volunteers to support as participants in literacy night events, read-a-thons, vocabulary parades, and guest readers.  Beyond Celebrate Literacy Week, we invite our volunteers to stay connected throughout the entire year. Working together … Read More

College Fair Results in Scholarships Worth Nearly 6 Million for St. Lucie High School Seniors ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) seniors are still buzzing with excitement about the college opportunities that are open to them as a result of the recent Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) College Fair. To date, students have been awarded scholarships worth nearly six million dollars to pursue their goals and dreams. One proud recipient, Treasure Coast Senior Aaliyah Brown, said, “I am so happy this amazing opportunity was provided to us.  Where else could you go and … Read More

Do you have a keen sense of philosophy and humanities, knowledge of advanced mathematics and scientific theory, and a broad background in literature? If so, you may stand a chance against this year’s Academic Challenge Team.  On Saturday, January 28, local high school teams competed for the overall St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) championship and placement on the six-member team moving to the State-level Commissioner’s Academic Challenge in April.   This year’s District championship title goes to Treasure Coast High School.  Team members (Camilo Tamayo, Bailey Magers, Dominick Kehoe, Arthur Waddell, Macy Nielander, and Famyrah Lafortune) were well versed in … Read More

Cheers echoed across campuses today as three deserving teachers were named as finalists for St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) Teacher of the Year. Makeda-Ione Brome (Lincoln Park Academy), John J. Davino (Samuel S. Gaines Academy K-8), and Jim LeBon (Southport Middle School) were surprised by a throng of delegates from St. Lucie’s Education Foundation and School Board who showered them with congratulations. SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Our Teacher of the Year finalists are all-stars; they are outstanding in their craft.  They positively impact the lives of our young people by seeing them as individuals, building up their strengths, … Read More

Seniors were awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to launch their collegiate careers at the premier SLPS HBCU/HIS College Fair, and others were bought together with collegiate advisors who shed light on academic programs and information that will serve to brighten futures and spark dreams. Hundreds of soon-to-be graduates spoke with representatives from over 18 colleges and universities, the Coast Guard, Army National Guard, SLPS A Promise Is a Promise Program, financial advisors, and local Greek organizations.  Students from the District’s high schools learned about options for college and networks of support for college and career planning. It … Read More

Congratulations to the following schools that received special recognition for their Martin Luther King, Jr. Grand Parade entries: Elementary Schools 1st Place – Lawnwood Elementary 2nd Place – Rivers Edge Elementary 3rd Place – Savanna Ridge Elementary Middle Schools 1st Place – Forest Grove Middle 2nd Place – Southern Oaks Middle 3rd Place – Dan McCarty Middle K-8 Schools 1st Place – Northport K-8 2nd Place – Samuel Gaines K-8 3rd Place – Oak Hammock K-8 High Schools – Floating – Westwood High Overall Participation and Creativity – St. Lucie West K – 8  

We the People: Project Citizen is an annual academic event organized by Florida Law Related Education, Inc. which explains the project as “a curricular program for upper elementary and secondary students designed and published by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.” Seventh graders from across the District convened at IRSC’s Kight Center in January to share their projects with judges … Read More

This weeks schedule for WLX-TV “The St. Lucie Education Channel:”                        

St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) continues to bring opportunities to students for college and career success.  On January 23, the School District will launch its premier Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) College Fair for its students.  With over 17 major institutions slated to attend at Samuel Gaines Academy, excitement is escalating about pending on-the-spot scholarship opportunities and prospects for local students to participate in prestigious programs. SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Events such as this have the potential to change lives for our students, and we are committed to doing everything we can to connect … Read More

SLPS received the Celebrate Literacy Week Proclamation from Mayor Linda Hudson at the City of Fort Pierce Commission Meeting on January 17th. Celebrate Literacy Week is slated for January 23 – 27, 2017. Coordinator of Curriculum Jane Whitaker and Coordinator of Talent Development Didi Campbell spoke about upcoming events and thanked the City for its support of literacy throughout the District.

With a strong history of innovative leadership and a positive record of advancing St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) technology infrastructure and technology support system, Chief Information Officer Terence O’Leary, will serve a two-year term on the Microsoft’s K12 Advisory Board.  This prestigious Board is made up of 30 members from across the United States representing both large and small districts. O’Leary said, “Having our voice at the table is of great importance to our school centers.  The opportunity to serve on this Board will help ensure we are delivering a valuable service as well as help shape the service and relationship needs … Read More

Seventh grade problem solvers from across the District will converge on the Kight Center at IRSC on Friday, January 20, to compete for top marks on their ideas influencing change in public policy as they present their Project Citizen proposals.  The judging will take place from 9 AM to noon by a host of local dignitaries. Project Citizen is an annual Civics showcase whereby students in Civics classes work in teams, identify a public policy problem in their community, research the problem, and after evaluating possible solutions to the problem, propose a public policy that could serve as the solution.  … Read More

St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent and Board Members recognized this month’s Star Award recipients and honored their outstanding service to students and staff. Congratulations are extended to Mr. Thomas Giananni from Facilities and Maintenance, Mr. Artavious Carter from Forest Grove Middle Middle, and Ms. Melanie Tate from Lawnwood Elementary.

STEAM Rap Battle high school and middle school winners received special recognition at the January School Board Meeting for their championship performances at the 4th Annual Rap Battle. Fort Pierce Central High School and Allapattah Flats K-8 hold titles as this year’s top performers.

Two hundred history fair projects focused on this year’s theme of “Taking a Stand in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center this Thursday (1-12-17).  Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic.  Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites.  Doors will open at 8 AM for a day-long vetting of entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).   According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie Public Schools, the … Read More

SLPS Social Worker Kate McCormic was recognized by the Sheriff’s Office for her outstanding work with a local family in the fall. She, in collaboration with the SRD and two others, worked to locate a student who was truant, provide food for the family, and provide support services.

Open Enrollment and School Choice Questions and Answers for Parents If my children currently attend a school within my zone, has anything changed for them?  No. The new law says my child can enroll in any school in the District. Am I guaranteed a seat at the school of my choice? A seat must be available for your child’s grade at the school. If I want my children to attend the same school outside of my zone, is there any guarantee they will be assigned together? No. Seats must be available in each of your children’s grades. If my older … Read More