by Kerry Padrick | Nov 19, 2018 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – Carmen Ortiz, Risk Management Specialist for St. Lucie Public Schools, bears the distinction of this year’s Outstanding Risk Manager in the Employer category. The news came at the 7th annual IN TOUCH Excellence Awards Gala.
The award recognizes outstanding performance in the workers’ compensation industry. “I’m just so honored,” said Ortiz. “I love what I do. I work with a wonderful team, and I’m able to focus my energies on helping people. When they come to me, they have questions and I want to instill confidence in them knowing that I’m there to help.”
Ortiz began her career in risk management nine years ago as a safety specialist and has worked in her current role for the past five years. According to Susan Carver, Director of Risk Management for the District, “Carmen exemplifies the values the District holds as paramount for service and professionalism. She demonstrates outstanding commitment, shows care in working with individuals, and understands the importance of quality and timely customer service.”
The Excellence Awards were created established by IN TOUCH as a platform on which to recognize the best-of-the-best performance of professionals working within the workers’ compensation industry through a nomination process resulting in a formal awards celebration.
Physicians, providers of health services, and others in the workers compensation industry are formally recognized by IN TOUCH. Colleagues, clients, and others submit nominations based on outstanding performance, excellence in customer service, and field-of-work expertise.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked among the top one-third of Florida’s districts for student achievement. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
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by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Apr 4, 2019 | School News
On Saturday, March 30, 2019, Port St. Lucie High School Jaguar Battalion conducted a fundraiser in the parking lot of O’Reilly’s Auto Parts to raise money for the Regional Champion Drill Team. Cadets pre-sold tickets for several weeks prior to the fundraiser to help increase participation in the event. The 23 cadets who participated raised enough money to offset the cost of attending the State Drill Meet coming up on April 13, 2019. The cadets are now able to afford transportation to the State Championship Drill Meet in Lakeland, Florida!
by BARBARA WOLIN | Sep 8, 2015 | School News
Students from each Social Studies class at Southport Middle School were invited to a visit the media center for a presentation by the Port Saint Lucie Police Department for a program initiative called Operation Stoplifting. The program led by Stacy Paton, Crime Prevention Specialist for the PSLPD, and Officer Frank Borges who updated students on the hazards of shoplifting. Students learned about the technical camera systems that are now in retail stores and spent time discussing the consequences of shoplifting. Ms. Paton showed students examples of job, college and military applications, and the reality of background checks. The children learned that once you have a criminal record you may not be eligible to attend certain colleges, military or any number of jobs. All students received a Stoplifting Pledge where they pledge not to commit retail theft. Pictured here are Southport students, Christian Oravec, Dan Nguyen, Aivi Lang, Kanesha Gaines, Hannah Angelo-Walker, Zachary Giraldez, along with Crime Prevention Specialist Stacy Paton and Officer Frank Borges.
by Sandra Oliveira | Aug 31, 2015 | School News
Operation Graduation
Centennial hosted its very first Operation Graduation Night on August 27. Centennial Administrators, Guidance Counselors and several teachers participated in the event to provide parents and seniors with information about graduation requirements.
by Suzanne Diaz | Aug 22, 2012 | School News
Floresta Elementary School teachers returned for the new school year on Monday, August 13,
to a full schedule of Professional Development trainings and a variety of other opening week activities. Pictured are teachers participating in an energizing teambuilding activity, from Kagan’s Silly Sports and Goofy Games publication. This is one of many research based Kagan activities teachers will put to use in the classroom this school year.
by Kerry Padrick | Aug 1, 2016 | District News
St. Lucie Public Schools leaders gathered on July 28 for the 2016-2017 “Opening Ceremonies” for the new academic year. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent set a positive tone for high expectations and continued trends of success.
School leaders enjoyed a day filled with collegial working and learning opportunities to enhance planning for the coming year.
by Kerry Padrick | Aug 1, 2019 | District News
| SCHOOL |
Time |
Date |
| Allapattah Flats K-8 |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Bayshore Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| CA Moore Elementary |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie (CAST) |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Dale Cassens Education Complex Elementary |
5:30 – 7:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Dale Cassens Education Complex Secondary |
5:30 – 7:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Dan McCarty Middle School |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Fairlawn Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| FK Sweet Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Floresta Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Forest Grove Middle |
Grade 6 5:00-6:30
Grades 7-8 6:30-8:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| FP Central High |
Grade 9 6:00-8:00
Grades 10-12 3:00–5:30 |
August 7, 2019 |
| FP Westwood High |
MOA – Grade 9 3:30–4:00
All MOA Students 4:00–6:00
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Lakewood Park Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Lawnwood Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Lincoln Park Academy
(Grades 6-12) |
Grade 6 3:30-4:30
Grades 7-8 4:15-5:30
Grades 9-12 5:45-7:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Manatee Academy K-8 |
4:30 – 6:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Mariposa Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Morningside Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Northport K-8 |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Oak Hammock K-8 |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Palm Pointe |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Parkway Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Performance Based |
5:30 – 7:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| PSL High |
Grade 9 Only 6:00–7:30 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Rivers Edge Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Samuel Gaines Academy K-8 |
Grades K-1 3:30-4:30
Grades 2-8 4:00-6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Savanna Ridge Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| SLW Centennial High |
Grade 9 4:30-6:00
Grades 10 – 12 3:30-4:30 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Southern Oaks Middle |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Southport Middle |
Grade 6 Orientation 4:00
Open House 5:00-7:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| St. Lucie Elementary |
5:00 – 7:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| St. Lucie West K-8 |
Grades K-5 3:30-4:30
Grades 6-8 4:30–5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Treasure Coast High |
Grade 9 Only 5:00–7:00 |
August 7, 2019 |
| Village Green Elementary |
4:00 – 6:00 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Weatherbee Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| West Gate K-8 |
4:30 – 6:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| White City Elementary |
3:30 – 5:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
| Windmill Point Elementary |
4:30 – 6:30 |
August 8, 2019 |
by Kerry Padrick | Mar 9, 2017 | School News
As 8th graders in St. Lucie Public Schools, we know you are excited to start your high school journey. You should have received a high school assignment card, and we want to remind you to attend the open house at your new high school on Wednesday, March 22nd at 6:00 pm.
Learn about the course selections, see the school, and meet the staff. We look forward to welcoming you as our new freshmen class.
by Jeanne Ziemba | Apr 20, 2017 | School News
Looking for a non-traditional education or a more flexible environment for learning? Virtual schooling is a progressive choice for families, providing expanded educational opportunities, utilizing online curriculum, to a wider student community for anywhere, anytime learning.
Virtual school enrollment window is now open through July 1, 2017. Not sure if virtual instruction is right for your child? Attend one of our open house events to learn more!
Click here for Enrollment Information for Fall 2017
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 28, 2018 | District News
8th grade students, please attend the open house scheduled at your future high school on Thursday, March 1st (LPA, FPCHS, PSLHS, SLWCHS, TCHS) or Wednesday, March 7th (FPWHS) at 6 PM.
by Kerry Padrick | Jul 21, 2017 | District News
by Kerry Padrick | Jul 2, 2018 | District News
St. Lucie Public Schools will host Open Houses across the District on August 8 and 9. As the dates draw closer, specific times of Open House events will also be posted on the SLPS homepage and social media outlets.
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District in the top one-third of of Florida’s districts, there are no failing schools, and SLPS has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit, http://www.stlucieschools.org.
by Kerry Padrick | Jul 11, 2017 | District News
St. Lucie Public Schools
Open House Dates
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
High Schools, Middle Schools, Lincoln Park Academy
Thursday, August 10, 2017
K-8 Schools, Elementary Schools
*Each School Will Publish Specific Times And Details Pertaining To Their Open House.
by Kerry Padrick | Aug 30, 2018 | District News
The Smithsonian at the St. Lucie County Aquarium and FAU Harbor Branch are working together to host an open house for teachers on Sept 19th from 10am-2pm at both the Aquarium and FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor’s Center.
Come learn about the exciting 2018-2019 educational opportunities offered by local organizations at this Teacher Open House! There are two host locations for this event and teachers are invited to either (or both!).
The Open House at the Aquarium will offer free admission to registered teachers, snacks and light refreshments, and our educators will be on-site to discuss Smithsonian education programs for K-12 classes.
The second open house will be held at FAU Habor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor’s Center (located at 5600 US Highway 1, Fort Pierce) and will feature on-site outreach staff to discuss marine science research, careers and education programs. FAU Harbor Branch is also offering a FREE Immersion Tour from 10:30am-12pm for middle and high school teachers. Space is limited for this opportunity to see the research campus, so please register by Sept 5th by calling 772-242-2293.
Takeaway packets containing information about field trips and ideas from several area educational organizations will be available at each site.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 27, 2017 | District News
CHOICE OPEN ENROLLMENT WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
(applies to in-zone and out-of-zone students)
High Schools: January 9 – 31
Kindergarten – 8th Grade: March 1 – 31
Open Enrollment and School Choice Questions and Answers
- 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 child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school, will my younger child be given priority as a sibling? Yes.
- Will my child be placed on a waiting list if he doesn’t get assigned to our out-of-zone school choice? No.
- Will my high school child be allowed to change schools at any time to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports? Placement in an out-of-zone school will only occur in January for the following school year. If enrolled, your child will be eligible to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports.
- If one of my children is currently enrolled in a Districtwide attractor program, will my younger child be allowed to enroll in the same school? Yes, the younger child can apply for the out-of-zone school during the appropriate open enrollment period for the next school year.
- Will my child get a bus if she is enrolled in an out-of-zone school? No.
- If my child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school and I can no longer provide transportation, what happens? You will need to come to the Student Assignment Office to receive an assignment for an in-zone school.
- How do I find out about the procedures for school assignment? Information including the application process, how to apply for an out-of-zone school, and capacity for each school will be published on the District’s website (www.stlucieschools.org).
- My child is currently enrolled at a school in another district, but I want him to attend a St. Lucie Public School. When can I apply? Applications for students who live in another district may be submitted in March. Parents will be notified if a seat is available at their Choice school two weeks before school starts.
- When will school capacities be available on the webpage? Once approved by the School Board, each school’s final capacity will be published. Information will include which schools are over capacity and not available for out-of-zone assignment.
- Will a percentage of seats be “held back” for out-of-zone students? The law states that parents can choose any school that has not reached capacity.
- Has anything changed regarding enrollment in magnet schools? Ninety percent of the seats will be assigned through chronological order and the remaining 10 percent will be assigned by lottery for all students on the waitlist.
- When will I find out if my child is assigned to a magnet school? The magnet assignment timeline has not changed. The process for assigning students to magnet schools will continue to begin in December.
- If I need my child to be enrolled in a specific school because of a hardship, can I still apply for a transfer? Yes.
- If I want my high school child to participate in a specific curriculum program that is not offered at her in-zone school, can I request a curriculum transfer? Yes, as long as there are seats available in the school and in the program requested.
by Kerry Padrick | Mar 1, 2017 | School News
CHOICE OPEN ENROLLMENT WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
(applies to in-zone and out-of-zone students)
Kindergarten – 8th Grade: March 1 – 31
Open Enrollment and School Choice Questions and Answers
- 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 child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school, will my younger child be given priority as a sibling? Yes.
- Will my child be placed on a waiting list if he doesn’t get assigned to our out-of-zone school choice? No.
- Will my high school child be allowed to change schools at any time to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports? Placement in an out-of-zone school will only occur in January for the following school year. If enrolled, your child will be eligible to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports.
- If one of my children is currently enrolled in a District-wide attractor program, will my younger child be allowed to enroll in the same school? Yes, the younger child can apply for the out-of-zone school during the appropriate open enrollment period for the next school year.
- Will my child get a bus if she is enrolled in an out-of-zone school? No.
- If my child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school and I can no longer provide transportation, what happens? You will need to come to the Student Assignment Office to receive an assignment for an in-zone school.
- How do I find out about the procedures for school assignment? Information including the application process, how to apply for an out-of-zone school, and capacity for each school will be published on the District’s website (www.stlucieschools.org).
- My child is currently enrolled at a school in another district, but I want him to attend a St. Lucie Public School. When can I apply? Applications for students who live in another district may be submitted in March. Parents will be notified if a seat is available at their Choice school two weeks before school starts.
- When will school capacities be available on the web page? Once approved by the School Board, each school’s final capacity will be published. Information will include which schools are over capacity and not available for out-of-zone assignment.
- Will a percentage of seats be “held back” for out-of-zone students? The law states that parents can choose any school that has not reached capacity.
- Has anything changed regarding enrollment in magnet schools? Ninety percent of the seats will be assigned through chronological order and the remaining 10 percent will be assigned by lottery for all students on the waitlist.
- When will I find out if my child is assigned to a magnet school? The magnet assignment timeline has not changed. The process for assigning students to magnet schools will continue to begin in December.
- If I need my child to be enrolled in a specific school because of a hardship, can I still apply for a transfer? Yes.
- If I want my high school child to participate in a specific curriculum program that is not offered at her in-zone school, can I request a curriculum transfer? Yes, as long as there are seats available in the school and in the program requested.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 9, 2018 | District News
Open Enrollment
2018-2019 School Year
High School: The application period runs from January 2nd – January 29th, 2018
(The only schools for open enrollment without transportation are FPWW and PSLHS.)
Elementary and Middle School: The application period runs from
March 1st – March 29th, 2018.
If you have questions about enrollment, please contact one of our helpful
Student Assignment Specialists at
(772) 429-3930 or email student.assignment@stlucieschools.org
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 4, 2017 | District News
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 child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school, will my younger child be given priority as a sibling? Yes.
- Will my child be placed on a waiting list if he doesn’t get assigned to our out-of-zone school choice? No.
- Will my high school child be allowed to change schools at any time to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports? Placement in an out-of-zone school will only occur in January for the following school year. If enrolled, your child will be eligible to participate in extracurricular programs and/or sports.
- If one of my children is currently enrolled in a Districtwide attractor program, will my younger child be allowed to enroll in the same school? Yes, the younger child can apply for the out-of-zone school during the appropriate open enrollment period for the next school year.
- Will my child get a bus if she is enrolled in an out-of-zone school? No.
- If my child is enrolled in an out-of-zone school and I can no longer provide transportation, what happens? You will need to come to the Student Assignment Office to receive an assignment for an in-zone school.
- How do I find out about the procedures for school assignment? Information including the application process, how to apply for an out-of-zone school, and capacity for each school will be published on the District’s website (www.stlucieschools.org).
- My child is currently enrolled at a school in another district, but I want him to attend a St. Lucie Public School. When can I apply? Applications for students who live in another district may be submitted in March. Parents will be notified if a seat is available at their Choice school two weeks before school starts.
- When will school capacities be available on the webpage? Once approved by the School Board, each school’s final capacity will be published. Information will include which schools are over capacity and not available for out-of-zone assignment.
- Will a percentage of seats be “held back” for out-of-zone students? The law states that parents can choose any school that has not reached capacity.
- Has anything changed regarding enrollment in magnet schools? Ninety percent of the seats will be assigned through chronological order and the remaining 10 percent will be assigned by lottery for all students on the waitlist.
- When will I find out if my child is assigned to a magnet school? The magnet assignment timeline has not changed. The process for assigning students to magnet schools will continue to begin in December.
- If I need my child to be enrolled in a specific school because of a hardship, can I still apply for a transfer? Yes.
- If I want my high school child to participate in a specific curriculum program that is not offered at her in-zone school, can I request a curriculum transfer? Yes, as long as there are seats available in the school and in the program requested.
by LYNNE Gruszka | Feb 22, 2018 | School News
Here at Northport, we celebrate and commemorate many, many things. We honor, we remember and we lift up because we are a strong, loving and powerful family 👪! Nothing has been so tragic as the loss of seventeen members of our educational family in Parkland, Florida. Many of us have ties to South Florida and to that school. Not only teachers and staff, but our students and families. Many have reached out to say that they are part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school family. Eagle Pride is strong! So many thanks to those who are standing to support MSD Eagles. From us Navigators to our fellow Eagles…..We love you and we pray for your strength and your fortitude. One Family..One School..One Teacher…One Love 💟💑💔
by Kristin Hsu | May 28, 2015 | School News
Kindergarten students at F.K.Sweet are winding down the school year by taking advantage of every minute of instructional time left. The students recognized common types of texts while comparing and contrasting versions of their favorite Fairy Tales. Nancy Thomas from Mrs. Morgan Haupt’s class and Denzel Wright from Mrs. Melanie Francisco’s class were just two of most students who dressed up like their favorite Fairy Tale characters. All of the kindergarten students are looking forward to “Happily Ever After” in first grade next year.
