by Kerry Padrick | Aug 24, 2017 | District News
In recognition of the role of Hispanic-Americans in shaping Florida today, students and educators are invited to participate in opportunities that will help enhance appreciation for those who contributed to Florida’s rich history and are helping to mold its bright future.
The deadline for all submissions is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2017.
Please review the promotional materials below. For more information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and contests, visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
by Kerry Padrick | Oct 14, 2016 | School News
The Division of Minority Affairs at Indian River State College recognized Mrs. Linda Tapia, Migrant Recruiter for St. Lucie Public Schools, for her extraordinary service and dedication to the Hispanic community and her profession. The presentation was made during the 2016 National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration “Honoring Our Heritage, Building Our Future.”
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 14, 2016 | District News
In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
by Kerry Padrick | Oct 30, 2017 | School News
Educators coming together to help educators is the underlying theme of this year’s annual West Gate K8 Hispanic Heritage Festival and Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, November 18th on the school’s campus located at 1050 NW Cashmere Blvd. in Port Saint Lucie. Community members are invited to enjoy music, games, live performances, and a variety of food from 1PM to 5PM.
Many schools in Puerto Rico were left in ruins as a result of the devastating winds and rain from Hurricane Maria. Event organizer, Assistant Principal Esther Muniz-Guzman, explained that donated items such as paper, pencils, glue sticks, and other school supplies will be collected during the Festival. “All proceeds from this event will go to the restoration of schools in Puerto Rico,” she said. “We also accept monetary donations. No gift is too small.”
West Gate’s planning team is dedicated to making this year’s Festival one of the largest in the school’s 5-year history of annual Hispanic Celebrations. Spurred by personal connections to those who have been impacted by losses resulting from recent weather events and by a deep passion to help others, the committee has already secured special performances by Hispanic recording artist Chamoco Rivera before he embarks upon his European tour, championship wrestling entertainment and autograph sessions, 20th Street Jazz Band, Sheriff’s Department canine demonstrations, and staging by the SLC Fire Department. In addition, event attendees will also enjoy bounce houses, Fort Pierce Central and West Gate bands, face painting, food vendors, and much more. This festival promises to be fun for the whole family while beneficial to those in need.
For questions or information about how to be a vendor, call Esther Muniz-Guzman at 772-807-7605.
by Kerry Padrick | Jul 1, 2019 | District News
Opportunities abound in St. Lucie Public Schools, named one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The Child Nutrition Services Department will host a hiring event on July 10 at Fort Pierce Central High School.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 9, 2017 | School News
During a recent Speakers Bureau Engagement, students at PACE Center for Girls were fortunate to hear encouraging words of School Board Member Carolyn Hilson. She empowered the girls to not let the adversity they have encountered hold them hostage as a victim and instead be a VICTOR. Our young ladies were moved by her words and are moving forward with a positive outlook on life.
Thank you, Ms. Hilson, for your words of encouragement.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 9, 2017 | School News
Fort Pierce Westwood’s Class of 2020 was introduced to Dr. Michael J. Hill as part of the Speakers Bureau Series. He is currently a pastor at Prophetic Praise Ministries in Fort Pierce, Florida. His message was simple and to the point.
We all have decisions to make, and for the most part, we make good decisions. What’s really important in life is when we have to make the right choice or an important decision that may be deemed as unpopular by our social clique. We ask ourselves, Do we have the fortitude to choose wisely?
Dr. Hill held the students captive as he reminisced about his trials and tribulations as a youth and his dealings with law enforcement. Dr. Hill continued by adding how one bad decision can lead to greater misfortune and how we overcome life’s challenges by making better decisions that can lead to a better quality of life. His final comments were on the importance of education and how we must use this as our primary vehicle to escape poverty. He made it a point to stress that academics, attendance, and graduation rates are major indicators of our future success.
by Kerry Padrick | Oct 31, 2018 | School News
Port St. Lucie High students explored Florida Polytechnic University’s STEM Integration labs. Hosted by Dr. Ryan Integlia, John Picchiarini and Chris Medley’s students participated in demonstrations with wearable electronics, Arts and STEM integration, optoelectronics, supervised machine learning, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy just to name some of experiences!
The visit is the first step in this year’s collaboration project between Port St. Lucie High Technical Design students and Florida Polytechnic University students.
Look for more to come!
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 Kerry Padrick | Feb 22, 2018 | District News
During February’s School Board Meeting, Superintendent E. Wayne Gent provided an overview of the school district’s graduation rates and commended each of the area’s high schools for their gains.
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) ranks fifth in Florida and proudly serves as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast with a graduation rate of 91.0 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools.
LPA Grad Rate 99.6%
TCHS Grad Rate 97.3%
FPCHS Grad Rate 95.5%
SLWCHS 93.2%
PSLHS 89.8%
FPWHS 89.8%
MDA – 87.4%
DCC – District Grad Rate 90.1%
PBPA – District Grad Rate 90.1%
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 23, 2019 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL — In a competitive academic competition, local high school teams competed for top honors and individual team members vied for a seat on the prestigious Team St. Lucie – an elite six-member team representing the School District at the 34th Annual Commissioners Academic Challenge scheduled for April 11-13, 2019, at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Lincoln Park Academy, coached by Paige McMahon, won first place in this year’s local competition.
Maria Battaglino Hernandez (Lincoln Park Academy), Ryan Lu (Treasure Coast High School), Alan Senkus (St. Lucie West Centennial), Madeleine Sosa (Lincoln Park Academy), Callie Zheng (Lincoln Park Academy), and Matthew Zoll (Fort Pierce Westwood) accumulated an impressive number of individual points in this year’s tournament to secure a seat on Team St. Lucie. Paige McMahon will serve as coach for the team.
Teams from across Florida gather for this state-wide tournament in which challenging questions are posed to players in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the fine arts, world languages (French and Spanish) physical education, health, and technology. As with the local competition, players are competing for their team’s top score as well as their individual score which could land them on Florida’s team for the national competition.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students with a graduation rate of 91.8 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS ranks 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. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
St. Lucie Public School Academic Team: (Left to Right) Ryan Lu, Matthew Zoll, Alan Senkus, Callie Zheng, Madeleine Sosa, Maria Battaglino Hernandez, and Team Coach Paige McMahon
by Kerry Padrick | Jan 23, 2019 | District News
In a competitive academic competition, local high school teams competed for top honors and individual team members vied for a seat on the prestigious Team St. Lucie – an elite six-member team representing the School District at the 34th Annual Commissioners Academic Challenge scheduled for April 11-13, 2019, at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Lincoln Park Academy, coached by Paige McMahon, won first place in this year’s local competition.
Maria Battaglino Hernandez (Lincoln Park Academy), Ryan Lu (Treasure Coast High School), Alan Senkus (St. Lucie West Centennial), Madeleine Sosa (Lincoln Park Academy), Callie Zheng (Lincoln Park Academy), and Matthew Zoll (Fort Pierce Westwood) accumulated an impressive number of individual points in this year’s tournament to secure seats on Team St. Lucie. Paige McMahon will serve as coach for the team.
Teams from across Florida gather for this state-wide tournament in which challenging questions are posed to players in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the fine arts, world languages (French and Spanish) physical education, health, and technology. As with the local competition, players are competing for their team’s top score as well as their individual score which could land them on Florida’s team for the national competition.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students with a graduation rate of 91.8 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS ranks 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. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
Fort Pierce Central High School
Coach: Rob Sullivan
Fort Pierce Westwood High School
Coach: Dr. Allen Rupert
Lincoln Park Academy
Coach: Paige McMahon
Port St. Lucie High School
Coach: Samuel Villari
St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Coach: William Britton
Treasure Coast High School
Coach: Stephen Maxwell
by Barbara Whellams | Jan 27, 2012 | School News
Lincoln Park Academy student Aolani Bruhn, former third grade student in Barbara Whellams’ third grade class at F.K. Sweet Elementary, has returned to her old classroom to mentor students on Monday and Friday afternoons. All of the students are anxious to read and work with Aolani.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 3, 2017 | School News
St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) junior Christine Bourgoin of Mosaic Digital Academy was presented a Silver Congressional Award on April 1 at a ceremony hosted by Congressman Brian Mast. Bourgoin is a two-time medal recipient. Last year, she was among elite young Floridians from the Treasure Coast honored with a bronze medal for volunteerism, leadership, and personal development.
According to Jeanne Ziemba, principal of Mosaic Digital Academy, “Christine is extremely goal oriented and is a champion for community service. I fully expect to see her here again next year as a senior going for Gold.” A log of her hours reflects that Bourgoin volunteered over 200 hours including an investment of 100 Personal Development hours, 100 Personal Fitness hours, and a 3-day, 2-night leadership expedition.
Since its inception in 1979, the Congressional Award has recognized youth across the nation who have recorded over 3.5 million hours of service to their community. This prestigious award promotes initiative, service, and achievement with a goal of establishing a positive foundation for the upcoming generation of leaders.
by Kerry Padrick | Apr 3, 2017 | School News
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) junior Christine Bourgoin of Mosaic Digital Academy was presented a Silver Congressional Award on April 1 at a ceremony hosted by Congressman Brian Mast. Bourgoin is a two-time medal recipient. Last year, she was among elite young Floridians from the Treasure Coast honored with a bronze medal for volunteerism, leadership, and personal development.
According to Jeanne Ziemba, principal of Mosaic Digital Academy, “Christine is extremely goal oriented and is a champion for community service. I fully expect to see her here again next year as a senior going for Gold.” A log of her hours reflects that Bourgoin volunteered over 200 hours including an investment of 100 Personal Development hours, 100 Personal Fitness hours, and a 3-day, 2-night leadership expedition.
Since its inception in 1979, the Congressional Award has recognized youth across the nation who have recorded over 3.5 million hours of service to their community. This prestigious award promotes initiative, service, and achievement with a goal of establishing a positive foundation for the upcoming generation of leaders.
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 Samantha Davis | Dec 18, 2014 | District News
Today the FLDOE released high school graduation rates and high school grades. Five of the six SLPS high schools increased their graduation rates, with LPA experiencing a slight drop to 93%. The rates were as follows:
| School |
2014 Graduation Rate |
2013 Graduation Rate |
Change |
| LPA |
93 |
97 |
-4 |
| FPC |
83 |
81 |
+2 |
| FPW |
67 |
55 |
+12 |
| PSL |
74 |
69 |
+5 |
| SLWC |
77 |
76 |
+1 |
| TCHS |
80 |
74 |
+6 |
Superintendent Genelle Yost stated, ” The four year graduation rate is one of the true measures of high school performance, indeed district performance, and our substantial increases reflect the hard work of our students and our staff. While we know we will not be satisfied until the graduation rate is 100%, we have evidence to prove that we are moving in the right direction.”
In 2014 the FLDOE dramatically increased the points required to achieve an A or a B in the school grading calculation. State Education Commissioner Pam Stewart announced this morning that there was a 13% drop in the number of A rated schools state wide and a 5% drop in the number of B schools due to these changes. Three St. Lucie high school grades were impacted by the change in the scales. The grades issued to St. Lucie Schools were as follows:
| School |
2014 Grade |
2013 Grade |
Impacted by Change in Grading Scale |
2014 Grade Had Scale Not Changed |
| LPA |
A |
A |
No |
A |
| FPC |
B |
A |
Yes |
A |
| FPW |
D |
D |
No |
D |
| PSL |
C |
C |
No |
C |
| SLWC |
C |
B |
Yes |
B |
| TCHS |
B |
B |
Yes |
A |
| Mosaic |
D |
F |
No |
D |
Even though each of our schools showed measurable improvements in many tested areas, not all of the letter grades reflect that high performance.
- Lincoln Park Academy continued its rich tradition of academic excellence earning 1316 points total, and another grade of A.
- Fort Pierce Central and Treasure Coast each scored enough points to earn an A on last year’s scale, but under the new scale were assigned a B.
- St. Lucie West Centennial was also impacted by the change in grading levels as it earned enough points for a B on last year’s scale, but on this year’s scale was awarded a C.
- Mosaic, the district’s virtual school, increased one letter from 2013.
Yost added, ” It is unfortunate that the state changed the rules of the game again. Under last year’s scale half of our high schools would be A’s, but with the change, only one is. Our schools showed increases in almost every tested area, yet the single letter grade does not reflect that.”
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 24, 2017 | School News
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) principals and select teachers received congratulatory notices from Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart celebrating High Impact Teachers’ positive influence on student performance. The identified teachers are recognized as having the highest impact in the entire state based upon a recent analysis of student performance on statewide standardized assessments.
In the communication from Stewart, she thanked teachers for their leadership and hard work in supporting student learning as well as their commitment to preparing Florida’s students for success in college, career and life.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent along with members of the School Board join in congratulating the following SLPS High Impact Teachers:
- Albers, Jill
- Andrews, Shaina
- Ankrom, Ashley
- Avilla, Kelly
- Bailey, Sharon
- Baker-Decambre, Jeann
- Beckett, Kathy
- Beland, Brittany
- Bove, Timothy
- Brolmann, Holly
- Campbell, Joann
- Carey, Nicholas
- Ciccarelli, Catherine
- Clasby, Jilian
- Clements, Nicholas
- Cole, Michelle
- Collins, Carolyn
- Coons, Kim
- Cooper, John
- Cox, Donald
- Cunningham, Amber
- Davenport, Gretchan
- Davis, Ocella
- Davis, Todd
- Diaz, Judith
- Eltman, Kimbalee
- Farr, Laurie
- Feheley, Michael
- Flesche, Sarah
- Forbes, Kathryn
- Ford, Christine
- Garcia, Dolores
- Garcia, Sue Ann
- Garcia, Yanet
- Gaskin, Stephanie
- Gomez, Natalia
- Hamel, Kimberly
- Hamilton, Lisa
- Hartman, Jayne
- Haynes, Lawrence
- Hochberg, Dana
- Hotchkiss, Katherine
- Jessie, Tonia
- Justice, Laura
- Keany, Michael
- Kellerman-Powell, Adam
- Keys, Carey
- Kindred, Mary
- King, Maggie
- Larson, Rebecca
- Lasasso, Nichole
- Lermond, Tracy
- Lewis, Daria
- Lezynski, Cathleen
- Logue, Andrea
- Madorma, Sherree
- Martin, Kia
- Maxwell, Karen
- May, Michelle
- Mccain, Nicole
- Mccrory, Laurie
- Mcqueen, Actavis
- Mednick, Stephanie
- Merritt, Melissa
- Ochacher, Marc
- Nelson, Jennifer
- Perez, Gloria
- Perez-Martinez, Marybell
- Peschio, Denise
- Peterson, Julia
- Phillips, Elizabeth
- Plakalliu, Albana
- Polascak, William
- Porter, Melissa
- Portillo, Wendy
- Procko, Erin
- Redding, Amy
- Richter, Sarah
- Rodriguez, Cynthia
- Rudzinski, Lorri
- Ryan, Laura
- Santeramo, Victoria
- Saunders, Kathleen
- Savela, Cynthia
- Schremmer, Deborah
- Scott, Karen
- Seay, Paulette
- Small, Brandy
- Smith, Kathy
- Snure, Amanda
- Southerly, Sandra
- Spagnuolo, Nicholas
- Stetz, Jenna
- Taylor, Lisa
- Teixeira, Donna
- Torres, Cynthia
- Trabal, Roslyn
- Van Allen, Paula
- White, Kathy
- Wick, Jennifer
- Wilson, Lauren
- Woods, Courtney
- Woods, Jenna
- Wright, Kristopher
- Young, Margee
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 Kerry Padrick | Feb 27, 2017 | School News
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) principals and select teachers received congratulatory notices from Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart celebrating High Impact Teachers’ positive influence on student performance. The identified teachers are recognized as having the highest impact in the entire state based upon a recent analysis of student performance on statewide standardized assessments.
In the communication from Stewart, she thanked teachers for their leadership and hard work in supporting student learning as well as their commitment to preparing Florida’s students for success in college, career and life.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent along with members of the School Board join in congratulating the following SLPS High Impact Teachers:
- Albers, Jill
- Andrews, Shaina
- Ankrom, Ashley
- Avilla, Kelly
- Bailey, Sharon
- Baker-Decambre, Jeann
- Beckett, Kathy
- Beland, Brittany
- Bove, Timothy
- Brolmann, Holly
- Campbell, Joann
- Carey, Nicholas
- Ciccarelli, Catherine
- Clasby, Jilian
- Clements, Nicholas
- Cole, Michelle
- Collins, Carolyn
- Coons, Kim
- Cooper, John
- Cox, Donald
- Cunningham, Amber
- Davenport, Gretchan
- Davis, Ocella
- Davis, Todd
- Diaz, Judith
- Eltman, Kimbalee
- Farr, Laurie
- Feheley, Michael
- Flesche, Sarah
- Forbes, Kathryn
- Ford, Christine
- Garcia, Dolores
- Garcia, Sue Ann
- Garcia, Yanet
- Gaskin, Stephanie
- Gomez, Natalia
- Hamel, Kimberly
- Hamilton, Lisa
- Hartman, Jayne
- Haynes, Lawrence
- Hochberg, Dana
- Hotchkiss, Katherine
- Jessie, Tonia
- Justice, Laura
- Keany, Michael
- Kellerman-Powell, Adam
- Keys, Carey
- Kindred, Mary
- King, Maggie
- Larson, Rebecca
- Lasasso, Nichole
- Lermond, Tracy
- Lewis, Daria
- Lezynski, Cathleen
- Logue, Andrea
- Madorma, Sherree
- Martin, Kia
- Maxwell, Karen
- May, Michelle
- Mccain, Nicole
- Mccrory, Laurie
- Mcqueen, Actavis
- Mednick, Stephanie
- Merritt, Melissa
- Ochacher, Marc
- Nelson, Jennifer
- Perez, Gloria
- Perez-Martinez, Marybell
- Peschio, Denise
- Peterson, Julia
- Phillips, Elizabeth
- Plakalliu, Albana
- Polascak, William
- Porter, Melissa
- Portillo, Wendy
- Procko, Erin
- Redding, Amy
- Richter, Sarah
- Rodriguez, Cynthia
- Rudzinski, Lorri
- Ryan, Laura
- Santeramo, Victoria
- Saunders, Kathleen
- Savela, Cynthia
- Schremmer, Deborah
- Scott, Karen
- Seay, Paulette
- Small, Brandy
- Smith, Kathy
- Snure, Amanda
- Southerly, Sandra
- Spagnuolo, Nicholas
- Stetz, Jenna
- Taylor, Lisa
- Teixeira, Donna
- Torres, Cynthia
- Trabal, Roslyn
- Van Allen, Paula
- White, Kathy
- Wick, Jennifer
- Wilson, Lauren
- Woods, Courtney
- Woods, Jenna
- Wright, Kristopher
- Young, Margee
by Kerry Padrick | Jul 30, 2018 | District News
Award-winning teacher, author, and speaker Ron Clark engaged new STEM and Arts magnet school staffs during his dynamic and interactive kick-off presentation at the Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie (CAST). Faculty and staff from CAST, Samuel S. Gaines Academy of Emerging Technologies, and Fort Pierce Westwood High School gathered for Clark’s message and held on for the roller-coaster of content that inspired the expectation and belief that all students will achieve!
St. Lucie Public Schools sends a huge thank you to Logo Education – event sponsor.
by Kerry Padrick | Mar 23, 2018 | District News
Watch an all new episode of Foundation Focus
hosted by Thom Jones.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel
and like/follow us on Facebook.
WLX-TV – The Education Channel for St. Lucie Public Schools
Comcast Channel 13 (Ft. Pierce)
Channel 19 (Port St. Lucie)
Home Town Cable Channel 19 (Tradition)
AT&T U-verse Channel 99
Litestream Cable Channel 65 (St. James)
School District Wireless Channel 36 (In schools)
http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/Media/Weekly.pdf
Thank you,
