State Rep. Larry Lee Jr. shared stories of his educational challenges and successes with our 6th – 8th grade reading classes. The motivational speech pointed out the positive impact reading made in his life. He encouraged the students to increase their reading scores and reading time.
This challenge is to get our students to work harder as well as to feel more confident and enthusiastic about reading.
Manatee Academy held our 2nd annual Geography Bee last month. After a sudden death tie-breaker, Gabriel Mustaciuolo was crowned Manatee Academy’s Geography bee winner for 2015 narrowly edging out runner-up Steven Forgoress! All participants did an outstanding job. Gabriel will now take the state qualifying exam next month. Many thanks to Dawn Montoya and Amy Mason for keeping this Geo Bee coordinator’s nerves in check and for serving as timekeeper and scorers. More thanks to Mrs. Beauchamp and Mrs. Chase for cheering on our competitors.
Update: Gabriel did take the exam and has qualified for the state test in Jacksonville at the end of this month! Go get ’em Gabe!
The Jaguars placed in the following events:
First Place Male Squad Exhibition, commanded by Zachary St.John, First Place Male Unarmed Squad, commanded by Chaz Pollino, First Place Male Unarmed Platoon, commanded by Tyler Lynn, First Place Female Unarmed Squad, commanded by Allison Miakisz, and First Place Female Unarmed Platoon commanded by Catherine Zukowski.
Second Place Female Squad Exhibition commanded by Ashlee Seipel, and Second Place Female Platoon Exhibition commanded by Ashlee Seipel.
Third Place Male Color Guard commanded by Robert Hopkins, Third Place Male Armed Platoon commanded by Anson Rivera, Third Place Female Color Guard commanded by Mackenzie Shea, and Third Place Female Armed Squad commanded by Ashlee Seipel.
The Jaguars did an amazing job and will be training hard for the State drill meet. Congratulations to all of the cadets.
The Jaguar Battalion Drill Team posing with all of their trophies.
This past month our ESE classrooms are working hard in preparation for the upcoming Florida Alternate Assessment that will begin on March 2, 2015. They have been working on different engaging learning activities in order to be best prepared for the upcoming test. We are proud of the hard work that our ESE students have and continue to accomplish throughout the school year.
Recently Weatherbee hosted our first annual “Math Olympics!” This exciting event was planned for students who passed a math facts fluency test. Every student who showed proficiency on these quizzes was able to play Giant JENGA on the stage in the cafeteria and also invited to our outdoor Olympic event. Students participated in the High Jump, Long Jump, Hula-hoop Hopscotch, and the Hula-Hoop Tire Challenge. With over three hundred student in attendance, this was a very successful event. All students and staff had a fabulous time and we can’t wait to start planning for next year!
More than 116 Health Science students at St. Lucie West Centennial High School learned Hands-Only CPR this week. These students were taught by Mary Higgins’ First Responder students.
First Responder classes are available to students who have completed the Allied Health Program as a senior elective. First Responder students prepare for careers in emergency medicine by becoming CPR certified as Health Care Professionals, completing web based classroom instruction and skills in advanced first aid techniques, followed by a shadowing opportunity at various St. Lucie County Fire stations. This “student-teaching-students” approach is innovative and one of the first of its kind in the state of Florida.
Students will walk away knowing how to recognize the need for CPR, how to call 911, and how to push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” The American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR at this beat can more than double or triple a person’s chances of survival. Each student received an American Heart Association personal use CPR Anytime kit to take home and keep so that they can train additional family and friends in Hands-Only CPR. This event is part of the American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR for Schools training program and is supported by an educational grant.
Northport VPK-8 School Northstar team offers middle grades students the opportunity to experience first hand the beauty of math, science, technology and engineering in a classroom designed specifically for learning about ingenious techniques in STEM. The STEM Center is centrally located in the school and offers students a wide range of hands on experiences with 21st century, cutting edge technological skills and a framework for delving deeper into STEM careers. Recently, students cohorted on the school patio to build laser security systems and promote laser demo’s outside. Students brainstormed, designed briefs, worked in teams, designed a matrix and built an engineering portfolio. Students used unique skills to make laser pointers made from mirrors and receivers to protect a made up security situation using models. Groups worked in assigned areas, including the engineers, the technicians and the sustainability officers. Working and studying in the STEM center on the Northport VPK-8 campus is an excellent opportunity to make discoveries, problem solve and engage in situations to find workable and innovative solutions. Under the direction of instructor, Christine Nurse, students are learning to find out their real capabilities in the STEM fields and to discover innovative ways to solve real world problems. Pictured are the sixth grade Northstar students, Hamza El-Azzami, Alec Cortez, Aniya Chandler, Brianne Yates, Alexander Hernandez and Matthew Pinto.
Martha Underwood, District Volunteer Coordinator, announced the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients at the school board meeting on March 10, 2015. The Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year for the Youth category went to Sara Ramadan, a 12th grade student from St. Lucie West Centennial High School, who volunteers at Northport K-8 School with the band class. The total number of hours Sara has contributed is 850 hours as of now and more to come.
The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for the Adult category went to Jessica Lind from Northport K-8 School. Miss Lind has volunteered in the Little Light House Library and also in the Pre-Engineering Lab. The total number of hours Jessica has contributed is 1200 as of now and more to come.
The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award for the Senior Category is Maryann Umile from Bayshore Elementary. Maryann arrives at school 45 minutes before school begins to assist Mrs. Hawkins and the other kindergarten teachers as they prepare for the day. When students are at resource, she can be found organizing and filing papers and preparing materials for the next activity. Maryann has volunteered over the past 15 years at Bayshore Elementary School with over 15,000 hours and more to come.
Thank you to all of school volunteers for everything you do for our children in St. Lucie County. It does not matter how much time you can give, it matters that you take the time to give.
Pictured are, Lori Beans, Dr. Donna Mills, Maryann Umile, Lori Reid, Genelle Yost, Sara Ramadan, Lynn Gruszka, Glenn Rustay, Jessica Lind, and Martha Underwood.
At the board meeting on March 10, 2015, Maryann Umile was presented the Outstanding School Volunteer Award for 2014-15 for the State of Florida Region III. Maryann Umile has volunteered over the past 15 years at Bayshore Elementary School with over 15,000 hours. Mrs. Umile volunteers with Mrs. Hawkins’ kindergarten class and helps the other kindergarten teachers as well. She represents all that a volunteer should be and has made a positive impact on students, staff members and the community. Her patience, dependability and dedication are evident in the 15,843 hours that she has willingly given to the students of Bayshore Elementary.
Mrs. Umile is also an active community member and volunteers many hours as a trustee at the Sons of Italy Lodge to benefit local charities and families. Every year she helps to collect and organize food baskets that are donated to families in need at Bayshore Elementary and throughout the community. Congratulations Mrs. Maryann Umile, our District and State Senior Volunteer of the Year!
Pictured are, Dr. Donna Mills, Maryann Umile, and Genelle Yost.
Mr. Garry Athill, Plant Manager of Lakewood Park Elementary School, was presented the STAR (Special Thanks And Recognition) Award at the school board meeting on March 10, 2015. You know there is nothing like having someone you can depend on when you need them most. Someone that is able to show up, get the job done on time, and above expectations. As per Principal Dianne Young, this describes Mr. Garry Athill. Garry was nominated for his organization of school maintenance staff, as well as district maintenance, and contractors that has improved the overall appearance of the school. He has helped to build a spirit of pride at Lakewood Park Elementary School.
Pictured are, Rose Abbuhl, Michelle Jerger, Dr. Donna Mills, Garry Athill, Genelle Yost, Dianne Young, and Tammy Smith.
The top prize in the Group Website category went to Dan McCarty students, Tiferne Jean, Jr., Jesus Hurtado, and Hakeem Jean-Baptiste for their excellent interpretation of George Washington’s “Leadership and Legacy,” hence, this year’s National History Day (NHD) theme. NHD makes history come alive for students by engaging them in the discovery of the historical, cultural, and social experiences of the past. The students tackled the task of selecting a historical figure that demonstrated great leadership and left a profound legacy. As a group they selected one of our Founding Fathers and the first President our country, George Washington.
This was an unforgettable experience for the young men and a remarkable accomplishment. The teachers and staff at Dan McCarty are overwhelmed with pride and contentment for this outstanding achievement for the three Mighty Eagles. Best wishes to the young men as they head to Tallahassee, Florida to the State History Fair from May 3-5, 2015 to compete for another big win.
St. Lucie West Centennial’s National Honor Society members visited the Elliott Museum in Stuart. Through a guided tour, the students were exposed to the museum’s collections and exhibits. The students learned about history, science and technology. It was a fun, educational and entertaining experience for all.
The Routing Staff in Transportation has initiated a Celebration Tree this year in honor of all holidays celebrated throughout the year. All School Board employees are welcome to stop in and see our tree, which continues to change throughout the seasons. Be on the lookout for our UPCOMING seasonal changes.
March is designated as Music in Our Schools Month. At the school board meeting on March 10th, Dr. Kevin Perry recognized the following students for their achievements:
Austin Routten, LPA, Music Performance at Carnegie Hall, and All State Jazz Band
Angelica Flores, LPA, All State Middle School Treble Choir
Tiffani Kinnaman, LPA, All State Middle School Treble Choir
Rebecca Napier, LPA, All State Middle School Treble Choir
Bianca Palermo, LPA, All State MIddle School Treble Choir
Lillian Boettcher, LPA, 7th/8th Grade All State Orchestra
Karissa Brunelle, SLWCH, All State HIgh School Women’s Chorus
Jared Willis, SPM, FBA Small Schools Honor Band
Aimee Pezzino, SOM, 7th/8th Grade All State Honor Band
Diego Teran, WGK-8, MIddle School Honors Band
Pictured in the front row are, Bianca Palermo, Rebecca Napier, Tiffani Kinnaman, and in the back row are, Dr. Donna Mills, Austin Routten, Diego Teran, Aimee Pezzino, Jared Willis, Lillian Boettcher, Dr. Kevin Perry, Angelica Flores, and Genelle Yost.
March is Music in Our Schools Month. At the March 10th board meeting the proclamation was read by John McGallagher, band director at Port St. Lucie High School. Music instructors were also recognized.
Pictured are, Dr. Donna Mills, Christine Hill, Shelby Schutt, George Rahming, Melanie Justice, Josephine Cappelletti, Shakiya Drayton, Jason Albert, Kimberly Evans, Joann Kinder, John McGallagher, Michael Willett, and Genelle Yost.
The Panther Battalion Air Rifle Team won the JROTC Area III Regional Championship on Saturday, 14 March held at Rockledge High School, posting a school record 1,038 points to outmatch the other 9 regional finalists. Daisy Arriola, Team Captain, set a new individual school record of 280 out of 300 points, smashing the old school record of 261. Alex Rediker and Jennifer Arriola both posted personal bests of 259 and 260 respectively. Alex Rediker put the Panthers in the lead during the first relay, outscoring all of his opponents by more than 10 points. The Panthers never relinquished their lead after that. Raul Velasco, shooting in only his third match, sealed the championship with his final effort. Daisy Arriola was the individual match champion as well as the champion for both the prone and kneeling positions. Alex Rediker also took an individual medal with a 3rd place in the standing position. Jennifer Vargas was the team alternate. The Panthers will move on to the state championship on the 25th of April for the second consecutive year.
Standing (L to R) – Alex Rediker, Jennifer Vargas Front Row( L to R) – Raul Velasco, Jennifer Arriola, Daisy Arriola (Team Capt)
Mariposa Kindergarten Students celebrated Dental Health Month with Dr. Cook’s Dental office’s amazing Hygienists. They gave the students a fun interactive experience to help them overcome their fears of the dentist office and instructed them on correct brushing and flossing methods.
In the this picture Abigail Baptiste is the Hygienist and Troy Bradley Jr is the patient as they role-play a visit with the Hygienist.
Also, Dylan Claesgens and Mya Daniels played the happy tooth and sad tooth holders. The hygienists showed foods and the students had to decide if it was a food that made their teeth happy or sad.
The Hygienists from Dr. Cooks’ office also used some of Mariposa’s Kindergarten students as teeth and gums to show them the correct way to floss.
It was a great learning experience and the student’s had a grand time role playing.
It is with sincere pleasure that Northport VPK-8 announce that six students from grades five through eight have won the Port Saint Lucie Elks Lodge 2658 Americanism annual essay contest. The contest this year themed “What Does the Pledge of Allegiance Mean to me?” was won by students, Annabelle Sasso, Mayra Benitez, Brandt Wrench, Kalani Walk, Jamie Kosbob and Hanza El-Azzami. The contest fell wonderfully into synch with one of the goals of the school to have as many students involved in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on the intercom every morning as possible and making sure that the Pledge is said first thing every single morning in all classes and throughout the school. The Elks Lodge 2658 served a beautiful dinner to the students and families of the students selected with an awards ceremony following the program. Special thanks to Elks Lodge 2658 Americanism chairmen, Jack and Joan DeBel and to William La Sala Sr. the Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler for their hospitality and for their commitment to the children of Saint Lucie County and Northport VPK-8 School. The students and families were treated like kings and queens for the evening and the effort was sincerely appreciated. We are so proud of our students who were selected to represent the vision of Northport VPK-8 School. Pictured from left are Annabelle Sasso, Brandt Wrench, Hamza El-Azzami, Jamie Kosbob, Kalani Walk and Americanism chairman, Jack De Bel.
St. Lucie Elementary 3rd and 4th graders are well prepared for the FSA! Students who arrived on time and worked their hardest earned a chance to win prizes.
On March 18th, Saint Lucie West Centennial High School Nursing Assistant students held their Annual Health Fair. They had a magnificent turn out. The presenters included: Project X Fitness, the Jessica Clinton MVP Foundation, 211 Teens, Treasure Coast Hospice, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Parent Teen Community Connection, Sexual Assault Assistance Program, American Red Cross, The Inner Truth Project, Students Working Against Tobacco, Teen Choices, Protect the Heart/ CareNet, and Keiser University. Keiser University had many of their educational programs attend and present a wide variety of topics for the students to learn about along with all of the other community partners that attended. The SLC Sheriff’s Department sent K9 handlers Deputy Benjamin Deblieck and Deputy Chris Hill and decoy Deputy David McKeever over with K9 Thor and K9 Goose to demonstrate their skills to the students. Their demo is always a favorite.
The goal of the Health Fair was to inform the students and help them become aware their own health, and different ways to better themselves. Each student that attended was given a passport with the names of the tables/programs that attended. Students visited each table in the gym and had to participate or get information to get their passport stamped. This encouraged each student to learn about the topic the community partners were presenting.
The CNA class did a great job planning the event. They demonstrated leadership skills and teamwork organizing and supervising this event. The class would all like to thank Keiser University for sponsoring their event and everyone that participated in it.