Category: Press Releases

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – The sixth annual Giving Concert is planned for October 25th at Lincoln Park Academy in the auditorium located at 1806 Avenue I in Fort Pierce. The doors open to the general public at 6:30 p.m. and the concert boasting area choral groups begins at 7:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by St. Lucie Public Schools and organized by Choral Director Dr. Rolanda Jones, will support Grace Packs which, in turn, benefits students.  Grace Packs is a weekly weekend back pack program that provides necessary food items to students in need. Admission to the concert is a non-perishable … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – “Principal Baruti Kafele, my name is Tyler, and it’s important that you know my name.” These were the words of a Palm Pointe middle school student who echoed the heart of the guest speaker’s message to students while shaking hands with the larger-than-life Kafele.  According to on-looker Principal Kathy Perez, the 12-year-old heeded the powerful message of being mission-minded and developing the necessary passion, purpose, and drive to persevere through challenges for success in school and in life.   Perez stated that Palm Pointe Research School at Tradition maintains and on-going schedule of talent development for … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools Principals D’Jion Jackson and Lori Reid will represent the District leadership in this year’s 2017 Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Academy (formerly Commissioner’s Leadership Academy). As part of the elite team of academic leaders from across the state, this duo will participate in a year-long, job-embedded and research-based program for principal professional development sponsored by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) in partnership with the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership.   Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Professional growth and talent development is vital to the continued success of an organization.  This … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Treasure Coast High School Principal Susan Seal is the distinguished recipient of the Florida Music Education  Association (FMEA) Secondary Administrator of the Year award – the first St. Lucie County administrator in the organization’s 27-year history to receive this honor.   According to TCHS Band Director Luke Hall, Seal is an avid advocate of the arts and is ever-present at events and performances to support students and instructors alike.   “She is most deserving of this award,” said Hall.  “I appreciate her dedication enhancing music education.”  Seal has served as the Titan’s principal for three years, and the … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools unites with other communities across the nation for a two-day spotlight on afterschool programs and activities during the 3rd annual Lights On Afterschool showcase.  Over 30 program coordinators from across St. Lucie County representing a variety of interests from academic and athletic to artistic will rally for program awareness on October 2nd and again on October 12th. Two locations on two separate days are earmarked for this year’s event in St. Lucie County to give more parents and community members a chance to participate, according to organizers Terrence Platt and Kimberly Roberts.  … Read More

St. LUCIE COUNTY – According to St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) District officials, students and staff will recoup valuable instructional time lost during Hurricane Irma. On September 27, 2017, the early dismissal schedule reverts back to a regular school-day schedule, and the October 27, 2017 student holiday now becomes a regular school day as well.   “Making September 27 and October 27 regular school days provides our students and teachers with valuable instructional time,” said Superintendent E. Wayne Gent. He stated that it is important for the District to maintain this focus in order for students to reach their personal … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Every St. Lucie Public School (SLPS) student, regardless of previous lunch eligibility status, has the option to receive a free breakfast and lunch each day they attend school from September 18 through October 20, 2017. This, according to St. Lucie Public Schools Child Nutrition Services Director Deborah Wuest, is to accommodate displaced Floridians and resume operations in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness is working with USDA child nutrition programs such as the one in SLPS with information and support during recovery efforts.  … Read More

 ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) will resume normal operations on Monday, September 18. The bells will sound on time, normal transportation will pick back up, before- and after-school activities will continue, and the District’s Student Assignment Office will be open and prepared to support families from this community and from other areas who need to enroll students.  The Student Assignment Office’s temporarily location is on the Fort Pierce Westwood campus (1801 Panther Lane, Fort Pierce). Office hours are from 8AM to 4PM Monday through Friday. “Making sure that we could open schools as quickly as possible … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) remains dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of students. Breakfast and lunch will be served to students (pre-K through age 18) on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 at the following school locations: Bayshore Elementary, C.A. Moore Elementary, Northport K–8, Samuel S. Gaines K-8 Academy, St. Lucie Elementary, Village Green Elementary, Weatherbee Elementary, and Windmill Point Elementary. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and lunch will be served from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on both days. The meals are free, and students may go to … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Jacqueline Baptiste-Harris, a first grade teacher at Village Green Environmental Studies School, is making a difference that “exemplifies the importance of economic and financial education critical to students’ future success,” according to the Council for Economic Education. This accolade was paired with the announcement that she is a recipient of the John Morton Excellence in Teaching of Economics Award at the elementary school level.   Principal Terry Davis affirmed the Council’s nomination.  “Mrs. Baptiste-Harris is an outstanding educator who pours her creative talents into her lessons to help her students achieve their personal best,” said Davis. … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Jeanne Ziemba, principal of St. Lucie Public School’s (SLPS) Mosaic Digital Academy, will attend this year’s Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA) annual conference on September 15th as an honoree for the Innovative Leader in Distance Learning: K-12award. Chief Academic Officer Dr. Helen Wild explained that this award is established to recognize excellence and innovation in using technology to enhance teaching and learning. “We’re so excited for her,” said Wild. “Mrs. Ziemba has been the driving force with the vision behind Mosaic since its inception five years ago; she’s deserving of this award.” Mosaic Digital Academy is … Read More

Fort Pierce, FL – Sebastian Suarez, a senior at Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal.  Established into law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth.  To earn the Gold Medal, Suarez completed 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness. Additionally, he planned a trip to and explored New York City over a five-day period to better understand the cultures that shaped the metropolitan area. Through the Congressional Award, Congress urges young people to challenge themselves. Any interested, … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) reached a positive agreement with its Communications Workers of America (CWA) partners on Thursday, August 24, for the 2017 – 2020 Contract which includes compensation and benefits for the 2017 – 2018 school year. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent stated, “We are committed to working together in order to reach an agreement that will benefit our employees. I am thankful to the collaborative efforts of our bargaining teams, and I appreciate the unwavering support of our School Board.”  President of Local CWA 3181 Rick Poulette said, “CWA and the District have reached … Read More

    ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Dr. Rafael Sanchez, Executive Director of Human Resources for St. Lucie Public Schools, looks forward to ringing the closing bell for NASDAQ in New York City on October 25. This opportunity that many on Wall Street clamor for is a result of his distinguished recognition and receipt of the Capella University Business Leaders Award. Recipients of this leadership honor are stand-outs among their peers as demonstrated by their ambition, academic excellence, and comprehensive understanding of the current business environment.   “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and my family is looking forward … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – A $40,000 boost in funding is awarded by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) Child Nutrition Services. This is part of the Florida Farm to School Award Program Grant according to Director of Child Nutrition Services Deborah Wuest. “We are so excited to receive this funding. It provides the opportunity to bring nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables directly in from our local producers and so much more,” said Wuest.   The Farm to School Program is a nationwide in scope, and it supports connections with students, communities, and … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) Director of Child Nutrition Services Deborah Wuest was recognized at the annual School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) red carpet ceremony in Atlanta as this year’s Recruiter of the Year. Recognizing the important connection between healthy nutrition and positive academic achievement, Wuest is a consummate advocate for education and professional development among her peers in the nutrition profession and leads her District team to ensure the availability of high-quality, low-cost meals for all students across the country. “When SNA’s membership manager shared the news of Wuest’s accomplishment, I was not a bit surprised,” said … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Mark your calendar for St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) open house dates. Wednesday, August 9 is slated for high schools, middle schools, and Lincoln Park Academy. Thursday, August 10 is earmarked for elementary schools and K-8 schools with one exception. C.A. Moore Elementary’s Open House and Family Fun Day is scheduled from 11 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, August 12.   Individual open house dates and times are included in the chart below and are published on the SLPS home page as well as the District’s social media outlets.  In addition, parents and students can … Read More

  ST. LUCIE COUNTY – For the third year in a row, prior to the start of school, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) reached a positive agreement with its Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) and Classified Unit (CU) partners on Monday, July 31, despite challenging financial constraints from the State. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent stated, “This is a testament to what true collaboration can produce.  I congratulate our bargaining teams and our School Board for having the spirit of trust and good will to work together for the benefit of our employees to reach an agreement before we mark the beginning … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Twenty-one schools, more than half of St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS), saw an increase in school grades and the District grade jumped to a B — the second highest District on the Treasure Coast in total points earned according to reports released by the Florida Department of Education.   “The data continues telling a positive story about the academic growth taking place in our classrooms across the District,” said Superintendent E. Wayne Gent.  “Our teachers, our administrators, our support staff, our bus drivers — everyone, absolutely everyone is putting forth the effort to support our children to … Read More

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – While summertime may bring up thoughts of vacation and relaxation, it is not a good time to take a break from nutrition. That’s why St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly supports the summer meals programs for kids eighteen and under. According to SLPS Director of Child Nutrition Services Deborah Wuest, “Children who are eligible to receive free meals will find open sites on many school campuses. We serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks.  All the students need to do is register with the front office before they come to the cafeteria.” SLPS sites offering this free service … Read More