by Kerry Padrick | May 4, 2016 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) Academic Challenge Team was quick on the buzzer and correct when answering questions that would stump most individuals. With a strong showing in the preliminary rounds of the 31st Annual Commissioner’s Academic Challenge competition, SLPS’s team qualified for the semi-final rounds and finished fifth overall in their division. Teams from across Florida gathered at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World for this annual academic statewide event.
Makeda Brome coached the five-member team that included Geoffrey Zheng (LPA), Mali Kaminaga (LPA), Carlos Arce (LPA), Jared Diago (Westwood), and Dominick Kehoe (Treasure Coast). Geoffrey Zheng’s impressive accumulation of individual points landed him a coveted seat on Team Florida. He was one of the six highest individual scorers in the competition.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent expressed his appreciation for the dedication to excellence modeled by SLPS’s academic team. “Team members are to be commended for their academic skills as well as their spirit of collaboration. I am proud of our students.”
About St. Lucie Public Schools
The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information visit, www.stlucieschools.org or contact Kerry Padrick at kerry.padrick@stlucieschools.org.
Pictured: St. Lucie Public School Academic Team (Front Row) Carlos Arce, Mali Kaminaga, Dominick Kehoe, Geoffrey Zheng (Back Row) Jared Diago, Team Coach Makeda Brome
by Kerry Padrick | May 4, 2016 | District News
Florida Prepaid College Foundation Launches Florida 529 Scholarship Program
Board Removes Minimum Contribution
* The Florida 529 Savings Plan Scholarship Program will award 10 winners a $529 Scholarship deposited into a Florida 529 Savings Plan account.
* The scholarships are part of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation’s ongoing commitment to increase awareness about the importance of saving for college through the Florida 529 Savings Plan.
* For the first time ever, the Florida Prepaid College Board has removed the minimum contribution to open a Florida 529 Savings Plan, opening the door for more families to save for college.
* Florida residents can enter to win between May 1 and May 29, 2016, which is 529 College Savings Day.
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation is launching a new scholarship program to celebrate 529 College Savings Day, awarding 10 winners a $529 Scholarship deposited into a Florida 529 Savings Plan account. The Florida 529 Savings Plan Scholarship Program is part of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation’s ongoing commitment to broadening awareness of the many budget-friendly, flexible college savings options available through the Florida Prepaid College Board.
“We look forward to awarding these scholarships, helping 10 Florida families get a strong start in the very important journey of saving for college,” said Foundation Board Chairman Duane Ottenstroer. “Setting aside even a small amount each month in a Florida 529 Savings account can help students reduce or avoid student loan debt.”
The average student debt of borrowers in the state of Florida is $24,017. Yet according to the How America Saves for College 2015 report, nearly half of families saving for college continue to rely on general savings accounts while only 27 percent utilize tax advantaged accounts like 529 college savings plans.
The Florida 529 Savings Plan lets families save at their own pace for college expenses, from tuition and fees to housing and books. A family can contribute as much and as often as desired, and accounts can be opened at any time.
Beginning this May, there is no minimum contribution to open a Florida 529 Savings account, and there are no application fees. This makes the Florida 529 Savings Plan one of the most affordable ways for families to save for college. The Florida 529 Savings Plan was a Top 10 performer among direct-sold 529 plans for the 3-year, 5-year and 10-year time periods in Savingforcollege.com’s latest quarterly performance rankings.
Families can enter to win a Florida 529 Savings Plan Scholarship between May 1 and May 29, 2016, at http://www.florida529SavingsPlanScholarship.com/. May 29 is celebrated nationwide as 529 College Savings Day, a time when families are encouraged to learn more about 529 Savings Plans.
Learn more about Florida 529 Savings Plans at www.myfloridaprepaid.com.
About the Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Since its founding in 1990, the Foundation has committed to giving aspiring students the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and our state by providing college scholarships funded through partnerships with individuals, businesses, educational foundations and the Florida Legislature. The Foundation administers several innovative scholarship programs designed to help students achieve their dream of earning a college education. The Foundation is the 501(c)(3) direct support organization for the Florida Prepaid College Board. Since 1988, the Florida Prepaid College Board has offered families a means to save for their children and grandchildren’s future college expenses with the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program. To see how Florida Prepaid helps families, visit here.
by Roberta Farrell | May 4, 2016 | School News
Middle School students from Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition are in Tallahassee, Florida representing the school at the State History Fair. So proud of our Palm Pointe Rockets. Pictured are from left, Nic Young, Megan Audette, Beth Casey, Natalie Ruppert, Tiana Qubain and Ariadna Hiller.
by Kristin Hsu | May 4, 2016 | School News
Ruben Medina, second grader at Frances K Sweet, won $75.00 for his law poster, for the 12th Annual Law Day Reception and Art Contest. Mrs. Cary Schott is so proud of her art students.
by LYNNE Gruszka | May 3, 2016 | School News
Each year, every Northport student participates in the Young Author’s program. The program is a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate that each can use the complete writing process effectively. Writing and editing the books and then publishing the final, revised book is a commitment to engaged learning. The Young Author’s writing process focuses directly on student curriculum for all grade levels in English/Language Arts and reading. Standards are applied to student organization, draft, reflection, revision, correction and then finally, publication and presentation. Working on the Young Author’s is common ground for all grade levels and a terrific platform for common language among students, teachers, and parents.
Every year at Northport, we set up our books by class or by team in the media center for optimal display. Parents, grandparents, administration, community members, and classes are invited to the media center to tour and peruse the books and observe student achievement first hand. Each year a different theme is used to showcase the books. This year the theme is “Big Heroes!” The entire library will be decorated in a Hero theme. Teachers and students will decorate their assigned display tables using a superhero, veteran, police officer, deputy sheriff, first responder, or an every day hero. The key words are “integrity,” ” service,” “empathy,” “sacrifice,” ” honor,” “commitment,” and “family.”
Students follow a common rubric and use handmade decorations and illustrations. Writing can be fiction, non fiction, poetry, or research. Any genre is acceptable. Northport may select seven students who promote the best overall achievement expected from Northport students. The District Young Author’s event will be held at Oak Hammock on May 21, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Pictured are Northport third grade teachers Jennifer Lusardi, Deb Day, Janine Wiecks, Michelle Kemp, Lorena Wilson, Sharon Nelson and Megan Castiglia. Teachers are wearing matching “Teacher Superhero” tee shirts! We can’t wait to see the fruition of our Northport Young Author’s program.
by Elizabeth Durkee | May 3, 2016 | School News
SLWCHS HOSA Chapter is thrilled to announce the results of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising for the 2015-2016 school year has been posted. LLS is the HOSA National Service Project and all HOSA chapters participate in raising funds and raising awareness each year for the chosen charity.
During this year’s Student Series Programs, nearly 26,000 schools—-a quarter of all schools across the country—engaged in meaningful service, leadership and helped save lives!
Thanks to these efforts and to the teachers, parents, and communities that support these extraordinary students, LLS is able to help blood cancer patients and their families. A world without blood cancers is the LLS goal, and the millions of students who participated in this year’s programs are making an impact.
SLWCHS was listed in the LLS newsletter (Penny Times) as the Top Fundraising school on the Treasure Coast and Central South Florida with a grand total of $3,541.66 for LLS.
Great Job, Eagles!!!
https://llsdata.app.box.com/v/2016PennyTimes
by Kerry Padrick | May 3, 2016 | District News
St. Lucie Public Schools students participated at the Florida History Fair in Tallahassee.
This year’s theme was Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.
Next year’s theme is Taking a Stand in History. The students are already discussing possible topics on their bus ride home.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
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by WENDY MUNAO | Apr 29, 2016 | School News
The Knights of Columbus Council #12159, from Holy Family Catholic Church, had fundraising events to raise money for Mariposa Elementary’s Grace Packs Program. The Grace Packs mission is to provide weekly food packages for students in need. The men hosted four fish bakes, welcoming many from the church and community to a delicious meal; their wives baked homemade desserts and accepted extra donations to raise $1,000 to support children who need food at Mariposa Elementary. Bill Kicker, one of the Knights, said they feel like it is their mission to partner with Mariposa Elementary to feed hungry children. Knights, Bill Kicker, Fred Daniels, and Fred Bradley presented the $1000 donation to Principal Craig R. Logue. Holy Family’s Women’s Guild has also contributed to the program, which gives 40 students non-perishable foods every weekend. The Mariposa Grace Packs Team includes cafeteria manager Fred Buchholz, Science/Art Teacher Carla Bargeron, 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer Scipioni, and 2nd Grade teacher Michelle Smith; we are so thankful for the partnership with Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus!
by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Apr 29, 2016 | School News
The Port Saint Lucie High School Jaguar Battalion held their first annual Change of Command Ceremony on April, 27, 2016. The Change of Command Ceremony is a ceremony to pass the command from the present Battalion Commander to the incoming Battalion Commander. The command is also passed from the present Command Sergeant Major to the incoming Command Sergeant Major. The key of the Change of Command is the passing of the unit’s colors. The colors are the symbol of the commander’s authority representing her authorities to the organization.
The ceremony begins as Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan passes the colors to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Crystal Ortiz for the last time. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Crystal Ortiz then passes the colors to Ms. Hargadine thereby relinquishing her responsibilities and authority. Ms. Hargadine passes the colors to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Triplett charging the new commander with the same responsibilities and authority. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Triplett then passes the colors to Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan for safe keeping. The ceremony continues as Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan passes the colors to Cadet Command Sergeant Major Joshua Gonzalez thereby relinquishing his responsibilities and authority. This is known as the change of responsibilities. Cadet Command Sergeant Major Joshua Gonzales then passes the colors to the color guard and he is now responsible for maintaining the colors.
After the ceremony was over, seniors turned in their uniforms as this was their last uniform day. Cadets changed into sports clothes while the Booster Club Parents prepared a BBQ. Cadets enjoyed good food and fun games for the rest of the day. New cadets got to see what the games for the upcoming field day on May 7, will be like.
Congratulations to all of the cadets and their new positions.
by Roberta Farrell | Apr 29, 2016 | School News
Seventh grade students at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition, along with The Honorable Judge Smartt of the St. Lucie County Court, held a mock trial for their Civics Class. This was a great learning experience for everyone who participated.
The students standing participated in the trial as the prosecutor, the defense, the witnesses, and the defendant along with their teacher Mrs. Anne Lulkin and Judge Smartt.
The students seated made up the jury.
Great job students.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 28, 2016 | Uncategorized
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Ft. Pierce Central High School’s (FPCHS) Cobra Pride came through in a respectable showing at the 19th Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Competition in Morehead City, North Carolina. Team members Andrew Caputo, Cody Nichols, Victor Alterizio, Bryce Starr, and Riley Kicker represented the school and finished 12th in the national competition.
Team Coach Steve Shotola said the road to NOSB was rigorous. He explained that the field was wide as 369 teams competed in regional competitions for the right to advance. “The Cobra team won the Florida Manatee Regional Competition in February and joined an elite group of 23 other regional champion teams at the finals in Morehead City.”
Students tested their knowledge of ocean-related topics, which included cross-disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology by answering buzzer-style, multiple choice questions, and longer, critical thinking-based team challenge questions. They also participated in the Science Expert Briefing — a mock congressional hearing where they presented science recommendations on a piece of legislation. FPCHS received the highest and near-perfect score in the Oral Presentation portion of the testimony.
Feedback given to the students from Dr. Susan K. Avery, President and Director Emeritus at Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution included, “Fantastic persuasiveness, great conferral with one another, very strong oral presentation in both testimonies and question and answer. Both confidence and preparation helped them shine. This team seemed the most jazzed about the policy component of any in the competition.”
FPCHS Principal Todd Smith said, “I could not be more proud of our students. They exemplify courage and tenacity to pursue their goals, demonstrate positive leadership, and support one another through their teamwork.”
About St. Lucie Public Schools
The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information visit, www.stlucieschools.org or contact Kerry Padrick at kerry.padrick@stlucieschools.org.
by Candace Stone | Apr 28, 2016 | School News
Geoffrey Zheng was named to Team Florida for being one of the six highest individual scorers in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge competition. As a part of being named to Team Florida, Geoffrey also received a scholarship for $1,000.
by SCOTT CALDWELL | Apr 28, 2016 | School News
The JROTC Panther Battalion at Fort Pierce Westwood High School recently conducted their annual service learning project. This year’s project was a campus clean-up, coinciding with Earth Day. Service Learning is a teaching and learning methodology that connects classroom curriculum with identified community issues and needs. Service Learning engages students in projects that serve the community while building Cadets’ social awareness. Cadets collected more than 40 bags of trash and 3 truckloads of solid waste. They also cleaned up the signs around the school. Cadets are continuously working every day to improve the school’s appearance!
by JOYCELYN COOPER | Apr 28, 2016 | School News
The Forest Grove Middle School Chorus was well received at the 2016 Spring Music Festival in Orlando on April 22, 2016. Forty-six students displayed their talents and energy in performing two songs to win 1st Place in the Middle School Treble Choir Category. These students served as exemplary musical goodwill ambassadors for Forest Grove Middle School and St. Lucie County.
The Music U.S.A. Spring Festival provides the opportunity for students to perform in a fun, competitive environment. This allows students to improve their musical skills through comments made by quality adjudicators. The festival takes place at Universal Orlando® Resort in Orlando, Florida, and it regularly attracts top quality choruses from all over the United States to perform and be adjudicated by leading music educators.
After over ten years without a Chorus program, FGMS once again offers Chorus classes to their students under the direction of Chorus Director Kathy Osking. Already the students have shown great dedication to learning music and developing their vocal skills. The Music U.S.A. Festival experience was a unique blend of a rewarding performance experience, quality evaluation and feedback from highly qualified judges, fun in the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks topped off with the grand ceremony where the Chorus was awarded the 1st place trophy. What a great day!
by Candace Stone | Apr 27, 2016 | School News
Lincoln Park Academy’s Mali Kaminaga, Carlos Arce, and Geoffrey Zheng competed as members of the St. Lucie County Academic Team at the Florida Commissioner’s Academic Challenge in Orlando April 21-24. The county team placed 5th overall in their division. In addition, Geoffrey Zheng was named to Team Florida for being one of the six highest individual scorers in the competition. As a part of being named to Team Florida, Geoffrey also received a scholarship for $1,000.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 27, 2016 | School News
The Speakers Bureau Special Guest Speakers at Ft. Pierce Westwood High School this month were Mr. Randy Roundtree, Mr. Darcy McFolley, Mr. Thernell Mills, and Mrs. Shaniek Maynard.
All the speakers expressed to the students the importance of making the right choices as they journey through life. The central theme that was expressed by all the speakers was, “It’s okay to be different and not follow the crowd.”
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 27, 2016 | School News
The Speakers Bureau Special Guest Speakers at Samuel S. Gaines Academy K-8 this month were Mr. E. Wayne Gent, Superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools, and Mr. Lafayette Ashley, Graduating Senior of Ft. Pierce Central High School Class of 2016.
Mr. Gent captured the attention of the students as he told them how he chose to never give up on his dream of becoming a superintendent of schools. Mr. Ashley inspired the students by sharing some of his personal challenges and expressed to the them that if you want something bad enough, you will work hard to get it. Mr. Ashley will be attending Warner University in the fall on a full ride scholarship.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 27, 2016 | School News
On Saturday, February 27th, 2016, several students from Lawnwood Elementary participated and were well-represented during the Palms Region Odyssey of The Mind Regional Tournament at Suncoast Community High School in Riviera Beach. The 4th and 5th grade Gifted classes, under the guidance and supervision of their Odyssey coaches and teachers, Ms. Courtney Crooks and Mr. Robert Knapp, used their leadership skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills to produce several skits involving five various problems, as well as some spontaneous random-quick thinking to this event, The Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that is able to provide creative problem-solving opportunities for students from Kindergarten through college. Each team member was able to apply their creativity to solve problems that varied from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of some literary classics. Once entered in the competition, they then brought their solutions to a tournament on the local, state, and world level. Thousands of teams from throughout all of the United States as well as several countries around the world participated in this program.
This was Lawnwood’s first year participating in this event, but through the long hours of hard work, some manual labor, several after school meetings, Saturday get-togethers, and two fundraisers, all of this time and effort was well worth it.
There were 11 District elementary schools from St. Lucie County in attendance at the competition, and Lawnwood was able to place first in one category, second in two other categories, and third in another. Out of five categories, Lawnwood received recognition in four out of the five that were presented.
Lawnwood really showed off their Leopard Pride upon completion of this exciting learning opportunity. As a matter of fact, Lawnwood was the only elementary school from our District to win first place and only missed moving on to the state level by a few points. Upon completion of the event, teacher and lead Odyssey coach, Courtney Crooks and her assistant coach, Robert Knapp, were already making plans to gear up for the 2017 competition.
What a journey and what an odyssey it has been!
by DEBORAH GIRLING | Apr 27, 2016 | School News
On Friday, April 22, Rivers Edge proudly hosted all of their Principal Honor Roll students for the third quarter. Honors Assemblies were held all week and students received certificates for Principal’s Honor Roll, A/B Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and I Try Harder. The week ended with this luncheon for our straight “A” students.
