LucieLink – News and Communications for St. Lucie Public Schools
The Speakers Bureau Special Guest Speakers at Dan McCarty Middle School this month were Representative Larry Lee, Mr. Jerome Rhyant, Reverend Kenny Mills, and Mr. Lafayette Ashley. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students had the opportunity to hear the authentic testimonials of their guest speakers. Three separate sessions were held to accommodate each grade group and each session began with a musical presentation from Dr. Rolanda Jones and her students playing their African Drums.
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.
According to the Harvard School of Law, many students show interest in careers in law as early as their high school years. At TCHS, our criminal justice program offers engaging and enriching opportunities for students to connect with accomplished professionals in the field of law and criminal justice. On Thursday, Mr. David Dodd from the State Attorney’s office was our guest speaker for the criminal justice class. He spoke about his office, career paths, work benefits, and the journey to becoming a prosecutor. Our students had a fantastic time and asked several insightful questions. Titan Born, Titan Bred
The work of Dr. Douglas Reeves, “The Case Against Zero,” asserts that a five-point grading scale of 0-4 is more accurate and equitable for students because it ensures that the range of points in each grading category is equal. (When using an electronic gradebook on a zero to 100 scale, the way to achieve this is to use the following grade bands so that there is a ten-point scale for each letter grade: A = 90 to 100, B = 80 to 89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69 and F = 50=59). The work of Reeves and others around … Read More
Sixteen participants gave it their all at Southport Middle School’s annual Spelling Bee. We would like to congratulate our 1st place winner, 6th grader, Sunana Singh, who will go on to the district competition, and our 2nd place winner 6th grader, Evan Puentes. Also, a big shout out to Mr. Jim Saunders for coordinating the event, Principal Nicole Telese, Assistant Principal Kathleen Manchester, and sixth grade teacher Kim Nicholas for being our judges. Band instructor Mr. Jim Lebon had the honor of being the word pronouncer again this year. Each participant was presented with an honorary certificate and gifts and … Read More
Southport’s Literacy Department held their annual celebration of Literacy and Scholastic Book Fair in the media center. There was a host of fun activities and entertainment with musical fluency by our literacy teachers: Wanda Galey, James Saunders, and Band Director James LeBon. The Port St. Lucie Police also sponsored a Stoplifting/Drug Awareness center for the 21st Century after-school program. The students and their families enjoyed the evening.
Southport Middle School celebrated our bus drivers who continually transport our students everyday with a breakfast sponsored by PBS. Our Principal, Ms. Telese, Dean Palau, Dean Parks, Maryann Walser, and Ms. Laye along with Officer Green were in attendance to show support to our bus drivers. Our students are also appreciative of each and every bus driver at our school, so we give you a huge THANK YOU from our students to our bus drivers who continually get our Southport students to and from school everyday safely! Thanks for coming out for our PBS Breakfast! We appreciate you!
Students in the Southport Middle School band put on an outstanding performance at their annual Winter Band Concert. Under the direction of Bandmaster James LeBon, the beginning band featured music for the holidays, along with a variety of old favorites as they celebrated this exciting time of the year. The Advanced Band also did an outstanding job in front of a full house and an enthusiastic audience.
Southport Middle School enthusiastically welcomed its 6th-grade students on July 26th and 27th. Over the course of two days, students participated in a welcoming camp where they engaged in a school scavenger hunt to learn the layout of the land, participated in team-building games, competed in relay races, designed t-shirts, and asked questions to 7th and 8th-grade students to get a better understanding of what to expect in middle school.
Sixth grade students Ainsley Bent and Allysha Lillard lead the way through Southport Middle School’s Tunnel of Hope upon return from Spring Break. Students were pleasantly surprised when the entire Southport staff was there to welcome them with signs, high fives, and encouraging words. The Treasure Hunters also included the City of Port St. Lucie Police Chief John Bolduc, as well as staff from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, who greeted students and provided support for all Kids at Hope. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Sixth graders at Southport Middle School implement Restorative Justice practices that they have learned through informational text. They prepare to see how Ben Mikaelson weaves the practice of talking circles as they read the novel Touching Spirit Bear. These students periodically meet in a Talking Circle to share their thoughts about school, their hopes, and their future through the use of a talking piece whereby each voice is heard as everyone respectfully listens.
Southport Middle School Drama students are hard at work preparing for their upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, with public shows on December 8th and 9th. Pictured are students learning choreography with volunteers from Port St Lucie High School and students practicing their vocal auditions. Southport is excited to bring a piece of Bikini Bottom to our community and look forward to inviting you all to see it. Mark your calendars and use the QR code on the poster to purchase tickets online through Ticket Spicket beginning November 13th, as well as to see all of the great things that … Read More
Students at Southport Middle School share melodies of joy and enjoy singing a tune during the after-school Karaoke Club. They have the option to choose songs and sing along in either groups or solo, and their melodies inspire diversity as they expose their peers to their different musical tastes.
Southport Young Author finalists and their families celebrated their hard work with a get-together in the Media Center. Guest author, Jessica Warren, came by to talk about her book Prime Time Kid, and inspired Southport’s top writers with her advice on the writing process. The top winners, announced during the celebration, will go on to district competition on May 9th, and include Porcelain Beauty by Anastacia Kastis, I Think I Love You by Alina Fuentes, and Operation Ransom by Jason Thomaselli. Good Luck Southport Students!! Thank you to all the participants and their families who came out to support Southport’s … Read More
Students at Southport Middle School recently celebrated literacy with popcorn and refreshments during each grade level’s book swap. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders were able to bring in books from home and swap with each other. There were also some new books donated from the reading department as well. Pictured is Brendan Gonzalez enjoying the event, along with other eighth grade students during their time in the media center.
Southport Middle School’s Math Coach Kathleen Manchester selected Laura Barco-Garcia, and Media Specialist Angela Mas selected Michael Lovejoy as student representatives to meet with and ask questions of Superintendent E. Wayne Gent. Both the teachers and students enjoyed their lunch with other teachers and selected students from around the county.
“The Right to Vote” was this year’s theme for The Friends of the Rupert J. Law Library’s Annual Law Day Celebration student art and essay contest. Southport’s Graciela Pardo, 3rd place Middle School winner, is pictured with Southport’s art teacher Katherine Avra. Grace’s work featured an abstract American Flag with this year’s theme showcased in the foreground.
Dielma Eusibeo-Zuvich’s sixth grade students learned how to study culture by identifying the Eight Elements of Culture, Religion, Economy, Government, History, Beliefs /Practices, Art, Social Groups (religion, social classes, education, and sports), and Communication. Culture is a way of life which people learn from their parents and ancestors. The students’ project identified the culture of a country of their choice. This project taught the students how culture members adapt to their environment, economic activities, the purpose of social groups, and the values and beliefs influence individual and group behavior. Students who participated are Briana Chavez, Alejandro Echeverri, Kyle Gastgeber, Lisa Guan, Brandon McDonald, Alaura McGonnell, … Read More
Southport Middle School students, parents and teachers had an absolutely delicious time at our first Science Night of the year! Pupils were transformed into young scientists as they experienced the Scientific Method first hand. Southport Middle Schools’ Science Team facilitated an enriching experiment that covered a variety of concepts such as force, motion, and gravity using golf and tennis balls. The learning station activities were engaging and fun. Students left that night with an understanding of the type of thinking a scientist does and the steps involved in conducting an experiment. Everyone enjoyed the home made treats, popcorn and ice … Read More
Each year the Florida School Nutrition Association honors school food service nutrition professionals with the Nutrition Award. The award recognizes the professionals that increase enthusiasm, desire, development, and implementation of nutrition education activities that reach every region, district, and school in Florida. This year, Cafeteria Manager Eileen Kielbasa and her staff claimed the Region 6 Nutrition Award for the state of Florida for the the third time. This honor was based on the Art in the Park/Farm to School and PTO event that took place in October. Students created beautiful art by painting with fruits and vegetables. Families enjoyed numerous … Read More
