On Friday January 22, 2016, St. Lucie Elementary students who honored Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy during the parade were rewarded with an ice cream social. The participating students received a little break from class to enjoy ice cream with a variety of toppings served up by SLE staff in gratitude of their time and efforts contributed as well as their community spirit.
Throughout the state of Florida, this week is celebrated as Student Services Week to laud the contributions of student services professionals. School counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and school social workers dedicate their efforts to supporting the academic, behavioral, social, physical, mental and emotional development of all students. In sync with this is National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Both are celebrated from Feb. 1–5, 2016, with the latter honing special public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
According to Executive Director of Student Services and Exceptional Student Education Bill Tomlinson, “This special week honors those who implement comprehensive school counseling and support programs — vital components of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
Throughout the state of Florida, this week is celebrated as Student Services Week to laud the contributions of student services professionals. School counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and school social workers dedicate their efforts to supporting the academic, behavioral, social, physical, mental and emotional development of all students. In sync with this is National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Both are celebrated from Feb. 1–5, 2016, with the latter honing special public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
According to Executive Director of Student Services and Exceptional Student Education Bill Tomlinson, “This special week honors those who implement comprehensive school counseling and support programs — vital components of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
These professionals help students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; focus on positive ways to enhance students’ social and personal education and career development; and work with teachers and other educators to help students realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with specialized training in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career awareness in post-secondary options and personal/social skills,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
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.
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Early literacy is important! SLPS, in collaboration with many community sponsors, facilitated the annual early childhood conference which brought together nearly 200 public and private early childhood educators for the specific purpose of enhancing early childhood education.
This year’s theme: Kaleidoscope of Movement
Keynote Speaker: Jack Hartman
Congratulations to Lincoln Park Academy for their first-place finish at the SLPS Academic Challenge. TCHS came in second, and FPWHS came in third.
Students from across the District make up the SLPS Academic Team that will be going to the state level competition in April. Students are selected based on their content strengths to establish a well-rounded academic team.
Congratulations to: D. Kehoe (TCHS), N. Gomez (SLWCHS), J. Diago (FPWHS), C. Acre (LPA), M. Kaminaga (LPA), and G. Zheng ( LPA).
St. Lucie Soars represents the county’s longstanding focus on early literacy through collaborative partnerships with St. Lucie Public Schools, Early Learning Coalition, ALPI, the Education Foundation, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Enjoyment is an incredible energizer to the human spirit.
John C. Maxwell
Team members at the District Office enjoyed a healthy breakfast and a bit of fun to kick off a productive day.
White City celebrates integrity at this month’s citizen of the month ceremony. A student in each class was selected by the teacher for demonstrating the character trait of integrity. Integrity is showing good moral character, being honest, doing the right thing consistently and meeting challenges with a good attitude. Wildcats, we are so very proud of you!
Senior Taneria Wilson scored her 1,000th basketball point as a Lincoln Park Academy Greyhound. The LPA family of students, teachers, staff and coaches are very proud of her accomplishment. Congratulations Taneria!!
As part of Fairlawn Elementary’s ongoing effort to increase word recognition among our students, students and staff paraded through the school halls dressed as a host of costumed words. Families and friends laughed, applauded, and were amazed by our students’ ingenuity! From pond to precipitation, humble to boastful, students represented words from science, social studies, math, language arts and character education curriculum.
The parade concept is based on Debra Frasier’s book, Miss Alaineus, A Vocabulary Disaster, where a student confuses the work ‘miscellaneous” for the person, Miss Alaineus. In this hilarious story, great embarrassment is assuaged by turning this mortifying mistake into a winning costume at the Vocabulary Parade. At Fairlawn, every student is a winner of the grand prize—- an enriched vocabulary!
The students in Mrs. Irby’s Kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school with fun 100th day activities. Students counted ten groups of ten pictures and glued them on strips to make hats, created eye glasses with 100 pieces, read 100th day books, sorted 100 words, and participated in many other activities!
SLW Centennial Criminal Justice students participated in a K-9 demonstration that was sponsored by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department.
The only thing missing was the red carpet as a parade of well-wishers honored the three finalists for St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) Teacher of the Year. On Monday, Sandra Oliveira (St. Lucie West Centennial High School), Heather Knab (Floresta Elementary), and Jeffrey L. Johnson, Sr. (Dale Cassens Education Complex) were surprised with the news, flowers, and balloons by a team from St. Lucie’s Education Foundation and School Board.
In his first year as the Superintendent of Schools, E. Wayne Gent commented that he could not be more proud to serve in any other District. “Our Teacher of the Year finalists embody the finest qualities of educational professionals. They represent the unique team who lead the learning in our classrooms and who have the talent to captivate and inspire our students because they believe in our students,” he said.
Locally, one of the three finalists will be selected as the SLPS Teacher of the Year during the Night of the Stars gala scheduled for February 20, 2016, at Lincoln Park Academy’s auditorium in Fort Pierce. This person will represent SLPS at the state level.
The Night of the Stars annual event is sponsored by the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County; The Morganti Group, Inc. is the sponsor of the local Teacher of the Year category. Brian Garcia, senior project executive and regional purchasing agent for Morganti as well as immediate past president of the Education Foundation said, “We look forward to this opportunity each year. Core to the mission of the Education Foundation is recognizing excellence in education and supporting teacher development.”
The State’s Teacher of the Year Program is a long-standing tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The state finalist for The Florida Teacher of the Year also serves as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and represents the Florida Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.
About the Teacher of the Year Finalists
Sandra Oliveira
Mrs. Sandra Oliveira is an instructor in the Law Academy at St. Lucie West Centennial High School where she dedicates herself to helping her students advance their learning in the areas of law, criminal justice, reading and writing. Her analytical strengths play an important role in determining her students’ strengths and weaknesses as do her skills in working collaboratively with her fellow professional educators to plan and facilitate instruction for her ninth through twelfth graders. She uses a variety of instructional teaching aids to create an environment for learning that is challenging and interesting.
Mrs. Oliveira has high expectations for all of her students and appreciates the fact that, as a Law Academy teacher, she has the opportunity and privilege to work with her students for three and sometime four years. Developing positive relationships with her students, understanding their needs, and knowing their goals allow her to differentiate her lessons, push and challenge her students, and monitor the progression as they grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and academically. She believes in them and ensures that when her students leave her classroom, they are college and career ready.
As a teacher leader and innovator, Mrs. Oliveira also assumes many roles outside of the classroom. Working alongside her school’s administrative team, she supports the implementation of quality school programs to enhance student learning. This includes the implementation of the Framework for Quality Instruction. Other areas that Mrs. Oliveira enjoys supporting are mentoring new teachers, assisting with technology, and serving as a resource for assisting others in the implementation of instructional strategies.
Her momentum does not stop there. She is active as an advisor for student groups as well. To mention a few, she serves as the National Honor Society Co-Advisor, a Teacher Advisor, and coordinates the publication of the school’s monthly newsletter. Her involvement is a reflection of the importance she places on communicating and developing partnerships with all stake holders including parent and community organizations.
Mrs. Oliveira attributes the enthusiasm she has for teaching to her students. They inspire her through their own enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. As an educator, she appreciates the fact that she is affecting their future. She sees today’s students in tomorrow’s destiny, and she is excited to help mold young minds of today to build the society of tomorrow. This educator reaps great satisfaction from knowing that she is contributing to help students achieve their aspirations and build the future society for our world. Ms. Oliveira believes the positive influences she makes on her students today can have a long-term impact on their future.
Heather Knab
Floresta Elementary’s Heather Knab serves the elementary school as a literacy coach for grades K through five. In this role, she happily finds herself wearing many hats throughout the day. Whether it be modeling, coaching, collaboratively planning with teachers, analyzing data, conducting a literacy meeting, or coordinating the Title One tutorial program, she embraces them all with enthusiasm and is dedicated to providing a remarkable environment for students to have exceptional learning opportunities.
With strong data to support her students’ growth in reading, Mrs. Knab finds great value in assessing students’ individual needs and monitoring their growth trends. As a literacy coach, she has the whole school under her wing, and therefore, has the opportunity to work with groups of children each day to support their varying ranges of literacy needs. She begins her work with each child by setting attainable and meaningful reading goals so they know where they are as readers. Together, she and her students practice reading skills, foster a love of reading, and celebrate positive growth toward their literacy goals.
Supporting the school-wide implementation of the Daily 5 literacy routine is a priority focus for Mrs. Knab. She works collaboratively with her colleagues to support the implementation of explicit teaching practices, infusion of resources, and understanding of the rigorous English/language arts standards. She partners with her fellow teachers in planning lessons and monitoring the progress of all students for positive growth in their reading journey – a journey that does not end at the close of a regular school day.
This is evident in the passion Mrs. Knab demonstrates for involving parents and families in their students’ education. Feeling it is her duty to provide a variety of opportunities for families, students, and teachers to unite for literacy, she has organized a school-wide reading stamina challenge, facilitated a vocabulary parade, hosted FSA parent game nights, and is currently planning for Floresta’s premier dinner and bedtime story event.
For this educator, inspiration and motivation comes from understanding the impact she has on “her students” whether it is a single class or an entire school of students, she embraces them as “her students.” As a mother herself, she knows that “her students” are someone else’s daughters and sons and they have entrusted her to teach them. So, as she would for her own son, Mrs. Knab is inspired to give only her very best to “her students.”
Jeffrey Johnson, Sr.
Mr. Jeffrey Johnson, Sr. provides structure, academic regimes, and a focused climate on achievement for his middle school students transitioning to high school at Dale Cassens Education Complex. He supports his students’ studies in grade level mathematics and science as well as the facilitation of course recovery to support students in meeting their on-time graduation goals.
He is a highly successful educator with achievement data and factors relating to positive behavior measures surpassing respective student cohort groups across the state. Mr. Johnson attributes his success to his foundational belief in building strong relationships with his students. He invests the time to begin with personal interviews, surveys, and pre-tests to determine his students’ strengths, styles, and preferences. This valuable insight is coupled with the establishment of expectations for the classroom and beyond. His students reap the benefits, for he then constructs personalized and balanced plans for each students’ success.
Mr. Johnson also appreciates the value of including a strong support network for his students, which is why he is passionate about including parents, coaches, pastors, and after-school organizations in the lives of his students. He endeavors to build strong bridges to solidify the home-to-school continuum for he believes that the cohesion of students, parents, community, and teachers maximize his students’ learning, provides his students with a greater sense of belonging, and inspires a subsequent desire in his students to participate in the lifelong learning process. He promotes a classroom culture that is dynamic, safe, and open for the sharing of thoughts and ideas.
As a recognized leader of teachers, Mr. Johnson generously shares his time with others to discuss best practices and model instructional strategies for his colleagues. He also supports the overall campus as a teacher mentor, a check-in/check-out support for students, lead teacher, and committee chair. As evidenced by his standards and practices of teaching, Mr. Johnson believes that if one is to lead, one cannot lead from the back or sideline. One has to be front-and-center to model, demonstrate, and replicate.
He is motivated by an instinctive and intrinsic learning mind-set that stretches back to his early childhood years when he used to bring schoolwork home and teach his younger siblings. Teachers throughout his life whom he emulates have taught him to understand that the fundamental responsibility of teachers is to create an environment wherein students are safe and inspired to learn.
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.
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Mrs. Janette Champagne, Fairlawn’s Food Service Manager, conducted a pizza-making lesson with all of the second grade students. The lesson was about farm to table (peppers, fresh tomatoes, pineapple) and how to follow steps in a technical procedure. Students enjoyed creating their own pizzas.
In an effort to better engage families this school year, Parkway Elementary, of St. Lucie County Schools hosted a family literacy workshop, called REaD Carpet Ready. This fun, interactive family workshop engaged K-5 parents and their children in a 1.5-hour, red-carpet-themed training program. Parents learned easy-to-implement reading strategies to support their child’s literacy development at home.
REaD Carpet Ready workshop allowed families to enter the world of Hollywood celebrities, complete with red carpet, paparazzi and voting on nominees for best-dressed “star”, all while learning how to incorporate an extra 20 minutes of reading into their busy lives.
REaD Carpet Ready family workshop is part of the Just Take 20 campaign that launched across the state of Florida during the 2015/2016 school year.
Parkway Elementary was honored to participate in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Fort Pierce by participating in the parade.
