by WENDY MUNAO | Jan 6, 2017 | School News
Michelle Smith and Jenifer Scipioni were recently recognized by PNC Bank for their dedication and service to the students at Mariposa. Mrs. Smith initiated involvement with Grace Packs a few years ago and has been instrumental in continued support of this outstanding program. Grace Packs is designed to help students who are in need of food support. Every Friday, food items are sent home with identified children to augment the food available to them at home. Mrs. Scipioni has taken on the weekly logistical responsibility of this program and has even elicited help from a local Girl Scout troop in assembling the food items to go home each week. We are very proud of Mrs. Scipioni and Mrs. Smith!
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 9, 2017 | District News
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 9, 2017 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Two hundred history fair projects focused on this year’s theme of “Taking a Stand in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center this Thursday. Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic. Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites. Doors will open at 8 AM for a day-long vetting of entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).
According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie Public Schools, the first- and second-place winners in each category and division of the District History Fair advance to the state contest in Tallahassee in May. In addition, first- and second-place state winners in each category and division earn the right to represent Florida at the National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland, in June.
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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by Kerry Padrick | Jan 9, 2017 | District News
Two hundred history fair projects focused on this year’s theme of “Taking a Stand in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center this Thursday (1-12-17). Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic. Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites. Doors will open at 8 AM for a day-long vetting of entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).
According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie Public Schools, the first- and second-place winners in each category and division of the District History Fair advance to the state contest in Tallahassee in May. In addition, first- and second-place state winners in each category and division earn the right to represent Florida at the National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland, in June.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 9, 2017 | School News
Students at West Gate K-8 participated in SPARK testing to determine their level of digital literacy. The focus of the analysis was on three major areas including: 1) Computing Fundamentals, 2) Key Applications, and 3) Living Online.
One hundred two students received certifications for global digital literacy during this initial phase of assessment — that’s a success rate of over 80%! Ongoing support will be provided to enhance skills for other students as well.
WGK8 is proud of its students for setting the standard for technology success.
Pictured L- R: Daniella Prengel, Spence Wagner, David Jackson, and Hannah Bono
by Jeanne Ziemba | Jan 13, 2017 | School News
Mosaic Digital Academy middle and high school students participated in a FSA Writers’ Workshop with their instructor, Mrs. Amanda Kiefer, this week and became experts at using the State’s writing rubric to score sample writings from http://fsassessments.org/students-and-families/. Middle grades and high school students will be given either an Informational or Argumentative Prompt on the FSA Writing Assessment on February 28th. Best of luck on the FSA Writing Assessment @Mosaic_Owls !
by WENDY MUNAO | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
Mariposa Elementary first grade students enjoyed a beautiful day at The Busch Wildlife Care Center in Jupiter, FL. Each class enjoyed a tour led by one of the talented educators on staff at the Care Center. The students learned about Florida animals and their environment. Most importantly, they learned the importance of preserving animal habitats and how to care for the animals.
While on the tour, students saw an alligator and a crocodile, four species of owls, hawks, a bald eagle, a deer, raccoons, vultures, cranes, turkeys, and many more interesting animals. Under the supervision of Wildlife Care Center staff, students also had the opportunity to pet a baby alligator, a snake, and a skunk.
The day was perfect. On the bus, Levin Mendez Lopez and Gabriel Powell have smiling faces showing just how perfect the day was.
by KEANDREA DAVIS | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
Dan McCarty Middle School participated in the MLK “Week of Kindness” Celebration. Bus drivers were welcomed with bottled water and snacks, parents received cookies as they picked up their students, and the staff was served lunch from Jimmy Johns. Guest Speakers Sandy Mack and Sophia Witherspoon gave inspiring messages to our 8th grade students. Students from Mrs. Mitchner’s ELA class also read original poems and essays on the theme “Renewing a Spirit of Empowerment, Engagement and Nonviolence.”
by Roberta Farrell | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
This year Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition decided to make Blessing Bags and partnered with the Salvation Army of St. Lucie County to help the homeless in the community. This project was part of “Kindness Week” which was from January 6 -13, 2017 in conjunction with other activities planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Palm Pointe asked families to fill gallon ziploc bags with items people need on a daily basis. Some items that were included in the bags were: bottled water, hand sanitizer, toothbush/toothpaste, tissues, soap, deodorant, shampoo (trial size), comb, chapstick, snacks, canned soups with pop tops, etc.
Our goal this year was to donate 500 Blessing Bags to this organization. Families at Palm Pointe far exceeded this goal by generously donating over 1000 bags. Palm Pointe presented Blessing Bags to Captain Maria Hernandez from the Salvation Army of St. Lucie County to be used for people in the community who are in need. A huge thank you to all the families at Palm Pointe who helped with this worthy cause.
Pictured from left: Mrs. Rachel Koenig (Assistant Principal), Mr. John Keelor (Assistant Principal), Mrs. Kathleen Perez (Principal), Captain Maria Hernandez from the Salvation Army, Mrs. Debborah Estrada (Dean), Mrs. B-J Farrell (Dean’s Clerk) and Athresha Kalluri, president of N.J.H.S.
by LYNNE Gruszka | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
It is with pleasure that Northport announces the winners of our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Writing contest.
Eighth Grade Winners
First Place – Yaneisha Martinez from Susan Smith’s class
Second Place – Jailaire Garcia from Susan Matteson’s class
Third Place – Xochith Romo from Susan Smith’s class
Eighth Grade Runners Up: Anthony Nguyen, Jonathan Cales and Daniel Ramos
Fifth Grade Winners
First Place – Jaden Diago from Tiffany Tredor’s class
Second Place – Ranjiv Sundersingh from Mr. Madorma’s class
Third Place – Breyanna Robinson from Deanna Cameron’s class
Fifth Grade Runners Up: Benet Hill and Joseph Black
Teachers selected their top four papers, and the winning essays were selected from those papers. Northport Dr. Martin Luther King Events Coordinator Diane Reynolds appreciates the time and effort from both teachers and students as we celebrate student writing. Activities this year for MLK events incorporate the theme, “Renewing a Spirit of empowerment, engagement and non-violence!” We are thrilled to participate in related activities.
by LYNNE Gruszka | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
Talk about a “Joyful Noise!” That is what Dr. Kevin Perry brought to one lucky student at Northport K-8 School recently. Northport eighth grader Zachary Davis was surprised by Dr. Kevin Perry, the SLPS Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Fine Arts. Dr. Perry is part of a delightful group of local citizens called Bluebird Educational Productions. Dr. Perry, along with group founder, Darryl Bey, love music so much that they started a group called “Recycling In the Key of Education” or RIKE for short. The group collects used musical instruments from local citizens who gladly donate and then have the used instruments refurbished into beautiful, shiny nearly new pieces.
SLPS band directors then select students who will benefit by owning their own instrument. Dr. Perry said that the recipients of the musical instruments are spread around all schools so that not just one school receives all instruments. Zachary was so overwhelmed by the generosity of “Recycling in the Key of Education” that his eyes filled with tears. He said, “It’s a miracle! A white glove too!” Many thanks to Dr. Karen Crocco who encourages and teaches the joy of music every single day @Northport.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | District News
STEAM Rap Battle high school and middle school winners received special recognition at the January School Board Meeting for their championship performances at the 4th Annual Rap Battle.
Fort Pierce Central High School and Allapattah Flats K-8 hold titles as this year’s top performers.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | District News
St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent and Board Members recognized this month’s Star Award recipients and honored their outstanding service to students and staff.
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Thomas Giananni from Facilities and Maintenance, Mr. Artavious Carter from Forest Grove Middle Middle, and Ms. Melanie Tate from Lawnwood Elementary.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
Garber Buick GMC officials presented a $10,000.00 check to Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, Board Members, and Fort Pierce Central Principal Todd Smith as a result of a successful November Test Drive for Education fundraising event. The check will support extracurricular activities including athletics, the arts, drama and more.
Fort Pierce Central Cobras, Garber administrators, and District officials look forward to continuing a positive partnership.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Seventh grade problem solvers from across the District will converge on the Kight Center at IRSC on Friday, January 20 to compete for top marks on their ideas influencing change in public policy as they present their Project Citizen proposals. The judging will take place from 9 AM to noon by a host of local dignitaries.
Project Citizen is an annual Civics showcase whereby students in Civics classes work in teams, identify a public policy problem in their community, research the problem, and after evaluating possible solutions to the problem, propose a public policy that could serve as the solution. At the local level of competition, the solutions are well documented in a portfolio, and the policy is shared with a committee of community leaders using a display board along with a verbal presentation. Teams of local judges score the entries according to a well-defined rubric that takes into account academic content, presentation, and research. The top scoring projects proceed to the state level competition in the Spring.
We the People: Project Citizen is an annual academic event organized by Florida Law Related Education, Inc. which explains the project as “a curricular program for upper elementary and secondary students designed and published by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.”
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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by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | District News
Seventh grade problem solvers from across the District will converge on the Kight Center at IRSC on Friday, January 20, to compete for top marks on their ideas influencing change in public policy as they present their Project Citizen proposals. The judging will take place from 9 AM to noon by a host of local dignitaries.
Project Citizen is an annual Civics showcase whereby students in Civics classes work in teams, identify a public policy problem in their community, research the problem, and after evaluating possible solutions to the problem, propose a public policy that could serve as the solution. At the local level of competition, the solutions are well documented in a portfolio, and the policy is shared with a committee of community leaders using a display board along with a verbal presentation. Teams of local judges score the entries according to a well-defined rubric that takes into account academic content, presentation, and research. The top scoring projects proceed to the state level competition in the Spring.
We the People: Project Citizen is an annual academic event organized by Florida Law Related Education, Inc. which explains the project as “a curricular program for upper elementary and secondary students designed and published by the Center for Civic Education (CCE) that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.”
by SCOTT CALDWELL | Jan 15, 2017 | School News
On January 7th and January 8th, Westwood’s Panther Battalion volunteered to assist at the Dog Agility Show held at the Fair Grounds. Cadets learned the basics of hosting and running a professional dog show while also becoming familiar with different breeds of dogs. The cadets hard work helped when it came to getting everything set up and assuring that the show ran smoothly. When the Dog Agility Show is back in town, the Panther Battalion looks forward to helping again.
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) continues to bring opportunities to students for college and career success. On January 23, the School District will launch its premier Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) College Fair for its students. With over 17 major institutions slated to attend at Samuel Gaines Academy, excitement is escalating about pending on-the-spot scholarship opportunities and prospects for local students to participate in prestigious programs.
SLPS Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Events such as this have the potential to change lives for our students, and we are committed to doing everything we can to connect their brimming talents with individuals and organizations offering pathways to rewarding careers.”
Gent attributes the success of this premier event to the District’s highly motivated secondary leadership team. Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Kevin Perry and Program Specialist Lynda Octavi have worked with local, state, and national colleges and universities; human resource organizations; Greek fraternities and sororities; local alumni; as well as local business leaders to make connections with the wide array of learning organizations that will be in attendance at this year’s College Fair.
“The idea is to help as many students as we can. This Career Fair is about students having options, and our students are definitely motivated to attend,” explained Perry. Students will attend the Career Fair with their high schools and are coming to this event well prepared with completed FASA forms, awareness of interview techniques, and dress for success tips.
SLPS Human Resources team will also be in attendance to discuss the Promise is a Promise opportunity scholarship with students who plan to pursue education as a career and return to teach in St. Lucie Public Schools.
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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by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Two hundred history fair projects focused on this year’s theme of “Taking a Stand in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center this Thursday. Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic. Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites. Doors will open at 8 AM for a day-long vetting of entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).
According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie Public Schools, the first- and second-place winners in each category and division of the District History Fair advance to the state contest in Tallahassee in May. In addition, first- and second-place state winners in each category and division earn the right to represent Florida at the National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland, in June.
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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by Kerry Padrick | Jan 15, 2017 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – With a strong history of innovative leadership and a positive record of advancing St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) technology infrastructure and technology support system, Chief Information Officer Terence O’Leary, will serve a two-year term on the Microsoft’s K12 Advisory Board. This prestigious Board is made up of 30 members from across the United States representing both large and small districts.
O’Leary said, “Having our voice at the table is of great importance to our school centers. The opportunity to serve on this Board will help ensure we are delivering a valuable service as well as help shape the service and relationship needs of our partnering organization.”
As a member of the Advisory Board, O’Leary will be working with other like-minded individuals to discuss and address school challenges, develop product solutions, and advocate for priorities to Microsoft leadership.
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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