Student Government and Student Council planned, organized and executed a field day event for the senior class of 2021. Students groups were paired with other teams to compete in activities that included relay races, obstacle courses, tug-o-war, and kickball games. Students were also competing against a Faculty and Staff team for a chance to win the overall field day. In the end, the Faculty and Staff team WON but the seniors put up a great fight!
Fort Pierce Westwood Academy teachers and staff geared up for a great school year at the annual MSAP Symposium! Presentations were made by Superintendent Dr. Jon Prince, State Representative Dana Trabulsy, and Microsoft Education Industry Executive Victoria Thompson. Teachers continued their learning with a presentation from the Oxbow Center about invasive species; then STEAM lessons were created for students to dive deep into this topic this year!
Emma Chancey was awarded 2021 St. Lucie County Fair Queen! Jenna Blankenbaker, Fort Pierce Westwood Agriscience Instructor proudly commented, ” She answered all her questions with grace and eloquence. I am so proud and impressed.” Congratulations Emma! Go Panthers! Level Up CTE!
Brittany Shoun, Fort Pierce Westwood Veterinary Assisting Instructor is very proud to announce that the FFA Vet Assisting Team placed THIRD in the State on the FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event! The Team won first place in the pre-lim to secure a spot at the State contest and will be recognized at the State Convention for their 3rd in State WIN! Congratulations Allison Kohler, Jayden Weil, Zoey Thomaselli, Mia Wheeler, and Ms. Shoun ! Go Panthers! Level Up CTE!
Congratulations to all St Lucie Fair exhibitors and winners! What a year for Ft. Pierce Westwood-West Prep FFA who’s final tally is impressive: 5- Grand Champion Titles, 2- Reserve Grand Champion Titles, 9- First in Class, 3- 2nd in Class, 3- 3rd in Class, 1st place Senior II Swine Record Book, 1st place Senior II Steer Record Book, 2nd Place Senior II Swine Record Book and more! Mrs. Jenna Blankenbaker, FPW Agriscience Instructor shared, “If you see these kids, please congratulate them, they have worked hard for a year on their projects and it was apparent … I had a … Read More
Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet came out in solidarity to support the FFA/Ag students and their tremendous efforts showing their steer, swine, and small animals. St. Lucie County School Board members Debbie Hawley and Troy Ingersoll joined proud Principal Joseph Lezeau and the Admin team with several panthers in the food booth at the fairgrounds. The food booth is the largest fundraiser for the Agricultural program and it is no wonder why. The bbq served is excellent and the customer service is always stellar.
Congratulations Fort Pierce Westwood FFA and Mrs. Jenna Blanenbaker on the outstanding West Prep FFA Beef Breeding Winners! This weekend at the St Lucie County Fair at the Beef Breeding Night, three FFA students were awarded top winners: Grand Champion Sr II Grooming – Nayeli Fernandez Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Reed Blankenbaker First in class Heifer – Lena Shingledecker Congratulations Panthers! Level Up CTE!
Despite the pandemic, the WEST Prep class of 2021 took a class picture. While maintaining safe social distancing, Brick and Mortar and MySchool students were able to connect and capture a memory for their senior year. It is more important, now more than ever, to promote social connections.
This photo is Mrs. Jn Paul and her Pharm Tech 7 students celebrating Pharmacy Technician Day. Mrs. Jn Paul began our Pharm Tech program when Westwood High School transitioned into WEST Prep and this will be her first certified and employable class. These students will be completing a 7-course program in 4 years by having double block classes annually. The students have shown commitment and endurance and deserve this celebration with their teacher.
Mrs. Merlyn Mathew partnered with Dr. Samantha Brooks, an Associate Professor and Researcher of Equine Physiology at the University of Florida, to deliver an interactive showcase of her genetics research to high school Biology students. Dr. Brooks also shared her educational journey that led her to her eventual career path. The virtual TEAMs meeting was educational and directly aligned to content standards for the quarter. Students engaged by asking great questions which furthered their understanding of genetics and biotechnology. The program entitled SCIENTIST IN EVERY FLORIDA SCHOOL is a free program that connects educators and scientists together to integrate current … Read More
Recently at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition two West Point people came to speak with eighth grade students that were interested in attending West Point in the future. Mr. Chris Slate is an alum and in charge of admissions in this area. A sophomore cadet, Madison Crum also came to speak with students about the program. A video was shown about West Point, information given to the students and a question and answer session at the end. The students at Palm Pointe were very interested in the program and appreciated them coming to enlighten them on the procedures. … Read More
West Gate’s very own Stephanie Ramirez, middle school art teacher, created a beautiful art piece for the SLC Lil Feet Auction which provides shoes to children in need. Stephanie’s art piece, which symbolizes the fire department’s “Surfers for Autism” foundation raised $10,000.
West Gate’s Third Grade teacher, Kristin Bowman, uses ten minutes of mindful meditation to help students break into the day. She says that it’s “very effective in grounding the kids and making them present for the day ahead.”
In April, West Gate K-8 sponsored the 2nd Annual Treasure Coast Community Walk for Autism Speaks. West Gate personnel was recognized at the School Board Meeting on May 13th for organizing and coordinating such a worthwhile and wonderful event for our community. The turnout of support for the community was phenomenal. “You have a fantastic staff at your school and the parents know that their children are in great hands each day and getting a quality educational program. My hat is off to the entire West Gate K-8 team. Congratulations on a job well done,” stated Bill Tomlinson, Assistant Superintendent … Read More
The featured image shows Art Teacher, Amanda MacKenzie, preparing an inspiring bulletin message in West Gate’s main corridor. The Fifth Grade ELA team consisting of Sharon Helding, Ashlen Smith, and Lisa Hamilton organize this year’s social studies curriculum.
West Gate K-8 Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Harris, surprised several of her former kinder students during their drive-through high school ceremonies by not only being there to celebrate their achievements, but also to personally hand deliver their diplomas.
Fifth-grade students are sorting context clues out of “spaghetti intestines,” pulling relevant details from “cauliflower brains,” and examining signal words in “gumball eyeballs” while working collaboratively to review previously taught content standards!
West Gate K8 first graders, third graders from Mrs. Jurek’s and Ms. Bowman’s class, and Mrs. Franklin’s 5th grade class, wrote to the Veterans on this past weekend’s Honor Flight to Washington DC. The amazing part of how stars aligned is that Alex Beck, a student in Mrs. Franklin’s class mentioned to her that he believed his grandfather would be on this exact flight and that he would love to surprise his grandfather with his thank you card. Such a gratitude lesson for our students in support of their service to our country.
The gardening project made some progress over the summer! We had our first crop of tomatoes and beans, yardlong beans, and students in summer school were able to taste them. The school district maintenance department installed a spigot for us to access water closer to the garden area. Thank you for enduring the high heat to make this happen. Safety first! We also received a generous donation from our PTO and the supplies we ordered have already arrived. The next steps include the art students continuing to add color to the area and the leadership classes and student council will … Read More
