by Kerry Padrick | Aug 30, 2018 | District News
The Smithsonian at the St. Lucie County Aquarium and FAU Harbor Branch are working together to host an open house for teachers on Sept 19th from 10am-2pm at both the Aquarium and FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor’s Center.
Come learn about the exciting 2018-2019 educational opportunities offered by local organizations at this Teacher Open House! There are two host locations for this event and teachers are invited to either (or both!).
The Open House at the Aquarium will offer free admission to registered teachers, snacks and light refreshments, and our educators will be on-site to discuss Smithsonian education programs for K-12 classes.
The second open house will be held at FAU Habor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor’s Center (located at 5600 US Highway 1, Fort Pierce) and will feature on-site outreach staff to discuss marine science research, careers and education programs. FAU Harbor Branch is also offering a FREE Immersion Tour from 10:30am-12pm for middle and high school teachers. Space is limited for this opportunity to see the research campus, so please register by Sept 5th by calling 772-242-2293.
Takeaway packets containing information about field trips and ideas from several area educational organizations will be available at each site.
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 3, 2018 | District News
Art Contest
(Grades K-3)
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott’s Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in the state of Florida. Two winners will be selected.
Entry Dates: Entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida: Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, 3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180, Tallahassee, Florida 32311. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 15, 2018. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs.
Awards: Winners will be notified after October 22, 2018. Winners will receive a prize at Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to be held in Tallahassee. Reasonable travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the winners and one immediate family member.
2018 Art Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form(.PDF)
2018 Art Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – Spanish
Essay Contest
(Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott’s Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all 4th through 12th grade students in the state of Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary (4-5) student, one middle (6-8) student, and one high school (9-12) student.
Entry Dates: Entries can be mailed to Volunteer Florida, Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, 3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180, Tallahassee, Florida 32311, or submitted electronically. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 15, 2018. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs. Entries submitted electronically will receive email confirmation.
Awards: Winners will be notified after October 22, 2018. Winners will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Winners will receive awards at Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to be held in Tallahassee. Reasonable travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the winners and one immediate family member.
Contact Volunteer Florida at (850) 414-7400 for any further questions.
Online Submission
2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Online Submission
2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Parent/Legal Guardian Waiver Form (required for Online Submission)
Paper Submission
2018 Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF)
2018 Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – Spanish
by JENNIFER MUZZIN | Sep 4, 2018 | District News
September is Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month. This is a national campaign to inform people how easy it is to get 5 – 7 servings of fruits and veggies in our daily diet. Fruits and vegetables contribute much needed vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the diet which helps reduce the incidence of chronic disease.
For children ages 2-18, the recommended fruit and vegetable intake ranges from 1-2 cups of fruit and 1-3 cups of vegetables. Recommended intakes are based on age, sex and activity level. A report from CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly looked at fruit and vegetable intake over four different yearly cycles, 2003-2010 and found that fruit intake, excluding fruit juice, increased by 12%. While vegetable intake remained the same. The report also stated, “About 60% of children consume fewer fruits than recommended, and 93% of children consume few vegetables than recommended.”
Increasing our fruit and vegetable intake is easy with a little planning and a few prompts to remember. Include fruit with breakfast. Choose healthy snacks that include a fruit or vegetable paired with a protein source, such as, hummus with baby carrots or grapes with string cheese. For lunch, include a serving of fruit and a serving of vegetables with your entrée. At dinner, include 2 servings of vegetables along with your entrée. The example nets 2-3 fruits a day with 3-4 vegetables depending on snacks. If all else fails, think MyPlate and fill half of your plate at every meal with fruits and vegetables.
Challenge yourself and your family to include at least one more fruit and one more vegetable every day with a meal through the month of September for Fruit and Vegetable – More Matters Month! The fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. All forms count.
For more information:
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm6331.pdf
How many fruits and vegetables do you need?
https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/wp-content/uploads/UserFiles/File/pdf/resources/cdc/HowMany_Brochure.pdf
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 4, 2018 | District News
The Indian River Lagoon Science Festival is holding satellite events throughout the Treasure Coast.
What do a tour of a world-famous orange juice plant, a paddle through Florida’s history, and a plant sale by Florida Master Gardeners have in common? They’re all part of five weeks of satellite events leading up to the fifth annual Indian River Lagoon Science Festival! The satellite events celebrate the scientist in everyone with S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) programs and activities for a variety of ages and interests. This year’s Indian River Lagoon Science Festival takes place on Saturday, October 27 at Veteran’s Memorial Park at the River Walk Center in Fort Pierce.
Check out science related (and inspired) events around the Treasure Coast for a variety of ages below. See full schedule and details, including any registration requirements, at www.irlsciencefest.org.
- Thursday, September 27, 3:30pm-4:30pm: S.T.E.A.M. Power! at Susan B. Kilmer Branch Library, Fort Pierce. Ages 5-8. Engineer your own musical instrument! Call 772-462-2154 for more information.
- Saturday, September 29, 2pm-4pm: Teen Tech at Lakewood Park Branch Library, Fort Pierce. Ages 13-18. Come explore the world of computers, technology, coding and robotics! Call 772-462-6870 for more information.
- Sunday, September 30, 8am-12pm: Ais on the Lagoon Community Paddle and Breakfast, Florida Oceanographic Society and US Sailing Center, Stuart. Paddle the Indian River Lagoon with Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS) and learn about the Ais Indians who inhabited our shorelines centuries ago. Check-in begins at 7:30am at the U.S. Sailing Center in Jensen Beach, with the paddle starting promptly at 8:00am. The group will paddle across the Lagoon to the FOS shoreline for a breakfast of grits and clams. Before heading back, enjoy a brief educational presentation by local historian and Indian Riverkeeper Marty Baum. This event is free, but please RSVP at www.FloridaOcean.org. For more information, call 772-225-0505 ext. 113.
- Thursday, October 4, 9:30am: Tropicana Juice Plant Tour, Tropicana Products Inc., Fort Pierce. Tour the Tropicana Juice manufacturing plant to find out how Florida’s best-known beverage is made! This tour is limited to adults. Please, no opened-toed shoes, no dresses or skirts, no photography, Tour participants cannot work for a competitor. Space is limited, so visit IRLScienceFest.org to register.
- Thursday, October 4, 6pm-7pm: All Things 3D at Paula A. Lewis Branch Library, Port St Lucie. All ages. Learn how 3D printing works. Design using Tinkercad and watch a 3D print live! Call 772-871-5470 for more information.
- Saturday October 6, 2:30pm: Frightful Coding at Morningside Branch Library, Port St Lucie. Grades K-5. Come create spooktacular creations using Scratch Coding! We will also create a take-home creation to practice your coding skills at home! Call (772) 337-5632 for more information.
- Tuesday October 9, 10am and 1pm: Piper Aircraft Tour, Vero Beach. Ages 10 and up; children aged 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. The tours of this aircraft manufacturing facility last approximately two hours. Online registration through Eventbrite is required for these free tours and space is limited. Call 772-299-2820 or email tours@piper.com for more information.
- Saturday October 13, 8am: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services Master Gardener Plant Sale, St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension Office (8400 Picos Road, Fort Pierce). All ages. Stock up on beautiful new plants for your garden and enjoy a hands-on science demonstration from 9am-11am. Call 772-462-1660 for more information.
- Thursday October 18, 6pm: Suds and Science, Walking Tree Brewery, Vero Beach. Free tour focused on the science of brewing, including a short introduction to current agricultural research of Florida hops-growing techniques. Tour will be followed by beer science trivia! Tours start at 6:00, trivia starts at 7:00. Call 772-217-3502 for more information.
- Saturday October 20, 2pm: Contraption Faction at Zora Neale Hurston Library Branch, Fort Pierce. Ages 8 and up. Let’s get techie! Boys and girls ages 8 and up are invited to join us for a hands-on exploration of technology. No advanced registration is necessary but space is limited. Call 772-462-2154 for more information.
- Saturday, October 20, 3pm: Hour of Code at Port St Lucie Branch Library, Port St Lucie. Grades K-5. Minecraft themed class teaching some basic coding skills by using code to take Alex or Steve on an Adventure. Space is limited! Call 772-871-5450 for more information.
The IRL Science Festival has been made possible through funding from the Smithsonian Marine Station, FAU Harbor Branch, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation’s Specialty License Plate Program, LEGO Education, Sunrise Ford, and the generous support of WGYL 93.7, WJKD 99.7, WPHR 94.7, WOSN 97.1, WTTB 1490, Waste Pro, Indian River State College and ECO Magazine.
Can’t get enough of IRL Science Festival events? We’re currently looking for event volunteers to assist us with set up, break down, and everything in between on October 26 and October 27. Minimum age for volunteers is 16 years old. More information can be found at http://irlsciencefest.org/volunteer/. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, exhibitor registration is open online until October 5 at http://irlsciencefest.org/hostexhibit/.
About the Indian River Lagoon Science Festival
Established in 2014, the Indian River Lagoon Science Festival is a two week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) that culminates with a large-scale community event. The festival aims to demonstrate that science is meaningful, relevant, and fun, to make science accessible to all residents of the Treasure Coast, and to highlight STEAM resources in the IRL region. The Festival planning committee is made up entirely of volunteer organizers from local governments and research, education and non-profit organizations, and administrative support is largely provided by the Smithsonian Marine Station. A member of the Science Festival Alliance (www.sciencefestivals.org) since 2013, the IRL Science Festival serves as a leader in promoting science and science festivals across the state Florida. For more information about all Festival partners, sponsors, and scheduled activities, visit www.irlsciencefest.org. #IRLsciencefest
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 4, 2018 | District News
This article was published in School Bus Fleet — a magazine with the latest news and articles about pupil transportation industry news.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some 500 transportation employees here recently prepared to take students back to school at St. Lucie Public Schools’ annual in-service training.
The training program was held on Aug. 7 and 8 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. The theme of this year’s in-service was “Hop on the Energy Bus,” inspired by the Jon Gordon book The Energy Bus.
The district’s school bus drivers and other transportation team members heard a keynote address by Julie Nee, a trainer with The Jon Gordon Companies. Nee elaborated on the book’s subtitle, “10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team With Positive Energy.”
The district’s in-service event was sponsored in part by Matthews Buses Florida and Seon Design.
With 316 route buses, St. Lucie Public Schools is ranked No. 61 on this year’s Top 100 School District Fleets list, which will appear in the upcoming October issue of SBF.
http://www.schoolbusfleet.com/news/731082/florida-transportation-team-trains-on-energy-bus
by Candace Stone | Sep 4, 2018 | School News
The LPA boys tennis team has been awarded the top Academic All-State Team Award for having the highest combined GPA of all schools in our classification at 3.906. Congratulations to our team and coaches. From left to right: Coach Lisa Hevner, Khalil Jackson, Sean Frank, Cameron Slack, Andrew King, Simon Coroza, Andrew Priest and Coach Nicole Erickson
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 4, 2018 | District News
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) invites fathers and male caregivers to come back to school! On Wednesday, September 26, a movement across the state of Florida will be put into motion whereby fathers and male caregivers are encouraged to bring their child to school, sign a pledge of involvement, and demonstrate the value of being involved in their child’s education — Dads Take Your Child to School Day.
Dr. Kevin Perry leads the effort for SLPS, and he explained, “The movement in SLPS has grown significantly over the last three years, and we look forward to setting new participation milestones this year.” A father who actively participates in the educational and social developmental life of a child is invaluable and irreplaceable. Statistics from the National Fatherhood Initiative show when fathers and men are regularly and substantially involved in the education and social development of children, those children have higher standardized test scores, higher grade point averages, higher attendance rates and higher graduation rates. Those children also have lower rates of suspension, expulsion and arrest. As one goes up, the other goes down. When you accentuate and improve the positive, you decrease or eliminate the negative.
While there is no magic solution to solve the concerns faced by educators today, getting fathers highly engaged is a huge step in the right direction. Dads, Take Your Child to School Day is an opportunity for all men to show their commitment to the educational lives of children. It also marks the beginning of a year-long commitment by men. For this reason, the movement is an influential and celebrated event.
Last year, approximately 3,000 fathers and male caregivers participated in activities in SLPS. This special event in honor of dads and their support of the educational process is implemented as a MOVEMENT, not just a MOMENT! Schools will continue to have a series of father centered activities throughout the school year.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked 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. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 6, 2018 | District News
You can watch an all new episode of Legal Affairs hosted by Diamond Litty, on YouTube. Also, you can watch Live United hosted by Karen Knapp on YouTube and television. While you’re there subscribe to our channel, then head over to Facebook and like/follow our page – WLX-TV.
Weekly Programming Guide
Legal Affairs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hu5crXXatk
Live United
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DamYfpgaz_A
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 7, 2018 | District News
On Saturday, November 3rd, the Jessica Clinton Foundation and the Florida Health Department in St. Lucie County will host FREE heart screenings for students ages 5 to 20.
Registration is easy. Simply visit www.JessicaClinton.org or call 772-215-1912. Don’t miss a beat. Register for your FREE heart screening today.
The screenings will take place on Saturday, November 3rd from 8AM to 4:30PM at the Florida Health Department in St. Lucie County located at 5150 NW Milner Drive. That’s just off Midway Road.
Be heart healthy – register today!
by KIMBERLY EVANS | Sep 7, 2018 | School News
Lawnwood Elementary Faculty and Staff participated in the annual College Colors Day on August 31, 2018. Students were introduced to fun facts about various colleges and universities.
by WENDY MUNAO | Sep 7, 2018 | School News
At Mariposa Elementary, Mrs. Linda Auciello’s 1st grade students Olivia Watson, Joseph Rivera, Houston Bidot-Lascala, Kierstin Maggard and Brayden Myers are creating 3-D shapes using Play-doh and toothpicks. Math centers are practiced to ensure students stay engaged and gain a variety of different learning opportunities within their classroom.
by AMY FAZZALARO | Sep 7, 2018 | School News
Over 600 Rockets in grades 1-8 took part in a “Reading is Fun!” Carnival on August 31st. During the carnival students played games, danced, and enjoyed a tasty treat. Students qualified for the carnival by completing the Summer Reading Challenge. Many thanks to all of our volunteers, teachers, and staff members for making the event a success. Fun was had by all!
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | Press Releases
St. Lucie County, FL – In a letter addressed to St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) announced that a review of school grade data and supporting documentation for Oak Hammock K-8 School resulted in a grade recalculation. The school, previously designated as a B, now bears the distinction of an A rated school. In addition, Performance Based Preparatory Academy received a School Improvement Rating of Commendable – the highest benchmark ranking for schools not receiving a letter grade.
Superintendent Gent explained the District closely monitors the process for calculating points earned for school grades, and when the State announced a set of late-reported Florida Standards Alternate Assessment Scores were not included in this year’s calculations, SLPS filed an appeal. “Oak Hammock was just two points shy of an A,” he said. “It’s our job as District leaders to support our teachers, staff, students, and administrators. We wanted to make certain their relentless efforts and focus on each child to increase achievement received full recognition and honor. The results speak for themselves,” he added.
With Oak Hammock’s grade re-calculation, 37% of SLPS are rated an A, 62% are rated an A or B, and the District has no failing schools.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked 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. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | School News
Britley Ritz, meteorologist for WPBF, created a whirlwind of enthusiasm among students as she brought to life weather concepts for Palm Pointe students earlier this month.
Check out the weather rap students performed:
Thank you Palm Pointe Educational Research School At Tradition for having me this morning! It was a blast to be able to teach you more about the weather. I can’t wait to visit again! St. Lucie Public Schools you rock! #weatherclasswednesday
Posted by Britley Ritz WPBF on Wednesday, September 5, 2018
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | District News
Are you interested in becoming a substitute for St. Lucie Public Schools? We’re hiring now.
Get Paid Up to $100 Per Day.
#SLPSSubs
#stlucieproud
Simply click the link below to begin the application process:
https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/departments/human-resources/
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | District News
The Sunrise Theatre and the Sunrise Theatre Foundation are pleased to announce the 2018/19 School Time Performances!
For the 12th year the Sunrise Theatre is committed to providing students in St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Martin Counties the opportunity to attend live theatrical performances.
The School Time Performances offer current, challenging and artistically diverse programming performed by international, national and regional artists and theatrical companies. For some students, it is their first time seeing a live performance and for others yet another glimpse into the world of education, brought to life. Tickets for all performances are $3 per person per show. School bus transportation costs are covered by the Sunrise Theatre Foundation.
Field Trip Forms Must Be Completed In Advance.
For additional information or questions, please contact Lorina Beniamino at the Sunrise Theatre:
srtbox@sunrisetheatre.com or 772.467.4128
Super Scientific Circus
Friday, October 19 at 10:30am
Recommended Grades K-5
The Super Scientific Circus starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, proves that science can be fun and funny. Alternately assisted and foiled by the comedic antics of Trent the Mime, Mr. Fish uses amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bull whips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure, and ultraviolet light.
Click here for Super Scientific Circus study guide:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1724cd48a1ef4b8fdc769f50a/files/2cd73cf3-8866-4d82-b2f7-335bedef7ebb/SSC_study_guide.01.pdf?utm_source=Sharon&utm_campaign=ca032134de-School+Time+Performances_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c3521175e4-ca032134de-209478053
Click here for reservations for Super Scientific Circus performance:
http://sunrisetheatrecom.coffeecup.com/forms/School%20Time%20Performances%2018.19/?utm_source=Sharon&utm_campaign=ca032134de-School+Time+Performances_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c3521175e4-ca032134de-209478053
Treasure Coast Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Friday, December 14 at 10:30am
Recommended All Grades
Children of all ages will marvel at Clara’s adventures with the Rat King, Nutcracker Prince, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and all of the wonderful characters she finds in the Land of Sweets. St. Lucie Ballet opened its pre-professional dance academy in August of 2004. Since then they have gained a reputation of quality and professionalism in the education of dance. Students are taught by professionals that still have or have had successful careers in the dance world. Join us for an enchanted performance.
Click here for Nutcracker Ballet study guide:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/1724cd48a1ef4b8fdc769f50a/files/fd90b6b7-0d56-46c3-9bad-68f293bbacc8/The_Nutcracker_Study_Guide.02.pdf?utm_source=Sharon&utm_campaign=ca032134de-School+Time+Performances_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c3521175e4-ca032134de-209478053
Click here for reservations for the Nutcracker Ballet performance:
http://sunrisetheatrecom.coffeecup.com/forms/School%20Time%20Performances%2018.19/?utm_source=Sharon&utm_campaign=ca032134de-School+Time+Performances_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c3521175e4-ca032134de-209478053
Murphy’s Celtic Legacy – Irish Dance Reborn
Wednesday, April 3 at 10:30am
Recommended All Grades
Don’t blink, for this is no ordinary Irish Dance performance; it is a battle of styles, a clash of colors. The cast of Murphy’s Celtic Legacy gives an invigorating performance of traditional Irish Dance. Featuring dancers and musicians from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Woman, Murphy’s Celtic Legacy is the next generation Irish dance spectacular.
Created by Chris Hannon, former principal dancer for Lord of the Dance, Murphy’s Celtic Legacy features original choreography combining traditional Irish and Modern dance techniques presented with multimedia elements, song and live music.
The show’s soundtrack is composed by acclaimed Irish musicians John Elliott and Gerry Conlon and is performed by a 7 piece band. The performance centers on an original tale developed by Hannon drawn from Irish folklore – a tale of Kings and Queens, rebels and magic; epic battles between good and evil. It tells the story of the Murphy clan, who flee the corrupt tyrants of their native Eire in search of a better future.
No study guide available for this performance.
Click here for reservations for Murphy’s Celtic Legacy performance:
http://sunrisetheatrecom.coffeecup.com/forms/School%20Time%20Performances%2018.19/?utm_source=Sharon&utm_campaign=ca032134de-School+Time+Performances_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c3521175e4-ca032134de-209478053
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | District News
St. Lucie County, FL – In a letter addressed to St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) announced that a review of school grade data and supporting documentation for Oak Hammock K-8 School resulted in a grade recalculation. The school, previously designated as a B, now bears the distinction of an A rated school. In addition, Performance Based Preparatory Academy received a School Improvement Rating of Commendable – the highest benchmark ranking for schools not receiving a letter grade.
Superintendent Gent explained the District closely monitors the process for calculating points earned for school grades, and when the State announced a set of late-reported Florida Standards Alternate Assessment Scores were not included in this year’s calculations, SLPS filed an appeal. “Oak Hammock was just two points shy of an A,” he said. “It’s our job as District leaders to support our teachers, staff, students, and administrators. We wanted to make certain their relentless efforts and focus on each child to increase achievement received full recognition and honor. The results speak for themselves,” he added.
With Oak Hammock’s grade re-calculation, 37% of SLPS are rated an A, 62% are rated an A or B, and the District has no failing schools.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked 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. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | District News
A team is only as good as its players, and St. Lucie Public Schools plays to win. That’s why positive coaching, strong support, and a well-defined game plan with proven strategies keep this team motivated to win — for kids’ sake.
School leaders donned their favorite team jersey for the September Principals Meeting, and Superintendent E. Wayne Gent had a little fun quarterbacking the meeting.
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 10, 2018 | District News
As law enforcement officers, Frank Sisto and Ken Rodriguez serve as members of St. Lucie Public Schools Safety and Security Team. However, on September 11, 2001, they were members of a different team — the New York Police Department. Both gentlemen were first responders involved in rescue and recovery efforts, putting others before self as they answered the call.
“This day will forever live in my heart as the day some sacrificed all to serve and protect the great citizens of New York City. We must never forget the innocent victims and the selfless acts of true heroism! I will always cherish being part of a group of first responders who gave all they could on that horrific day.”
— Ken Rodriguez
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KEN RODRIGUEZ
Frank Sisto shared an article with us that he wrote for TCPalm several years ago on the 10th anniversary of this tragic event.
http://archive.tcpalm.com/news/sept-11-port-st-lucie-man-helped-identify-911-victims-ep-384078207-344175262.html/
Port St. Lucie man helped identify 9/11 victims
By Frank Sisto
Special To Treasure Coast Newspapers
On Sept. 11, 2001, I was a sergeant in the New York Police Department. I was the supervisor of an auto larceny unit based in Brooklyn.
When the first plane struck the World Trade Center, I was enjoying breakfast with some former co-workers. I immediately drove home to retrieve my gear and rush to the scene.
The streets of New York were a surreal sight out of some apocalyptic movie. As I loaded my gear into my car and cleared the ash and debris from my car windows, I looked out across the East River at the burning hole in the north tower.
When I arrived at my base, my unit was placed on standby awaiting further attacks. Policeman are strange individuals, we run towards danger instead of away from it. We always choose the fight response instead of the flight response, so watching the tragedy unfold on television as our city turned into a war zone was utterly frustrating.
We would get our gloves and get into the game in a big way in the days to come.
On Sept. 12, my unit was placed in charge of one of the temporary morgues. We were set up in a high school a few blocks from ground zero. The lobby was transformed into a makeshift morgue.
We were dispatched to “Found Remains” on the northeast side of the site. Lower Manhattan was turned into a World War II movie set. We traveled through the rubble-laden streets on golf carts … to make the recovery and to transport the remains to the temporary morgue where we aided FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) in a tentative identification process.
Placing the bags from the site onto the tables, we aided the morticians and medical examiners and tried to find identifying marks, tattoos or jewelry on the remains. … Any identification would provide closure to tortured families awaiting word of their loved ones.
Afterward, we loaded this cargo into ambulances for transport to the main temporary morgue. This was an extremely taxing time both physically and mentally, dealing with the gruesome sights and countless hours and days, 17 hour work days and seven-day work weeks.
By the time we got home and washed the day’s cement dust and ash off our bodies it was time to return to work.
This assignment lasted until the end of October. The outpouring of love and kindness from all the people of the country is what kept our spirits up and made our days more bearable.
The events of Sept. 11… took away the sense of security in our lives …. I have had to live with the gruesomeness of this terrorist attack on an almost daily basis.
Another constant reminder of this tragedy is the countless number of sick first responders. Numerous people who served at the various locations (ground zero, Fresh Kills Landfill etc.) have developed unexplained cancers and diseases, and more than 1,000 heroes have passed away in the 10 years since.
Every year I go for my World Trade Center physical wondering: Is this the year that I become a statistic?
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY FRANK SISTO
by Kerry Padrick | Sep 11, 2018 | Press Releases
Ahead of recently passed legislation, the district will implement state-approved reading instructional materials in all 26 of its elementary schools.
(Port St. Lucie, FL) September 11, 2018 — St. Lucie Public Schools in Florida has purchased Reading Horizons, a leading provider of literacy solutions, for all 26 of its elementary schools for this school year. The decision came after the Florida Senate passed a bill that requires instructional materials to incorporate evidence-based strategies, including a phonics-based approach to acquiring literacy skills, which improve reading performance for all students.
Reading Horizons will be integrated into St. Lucie Public Schools’ curriculum of every kindergarten through 2nd grade classroom, along with various 3rd grade classrooms. As part of the deployment, more than 400 educators were trained before the school year on how to best support their students’ growth using the platform.
“A solid foundation in phonics is essential to building students’ literacy skills across all subjects,” says Kimberly Jay, Director of Elementary Curriculum. “St. Lucie Public School teachers have been geared up to use Reading Horizons in the classroom. We believe improving our students’ foundational reading skills will be the stepping stone to better comprehension of any topic.”
The Florida Senate bill doesn’t require districts to pick up state-approved reading instructional materials until 2021, but leadership at St. Lucie Public Schools is working far in advance of that deadline to strengthen students’ scores on the Florida State Assessment by providing phonics instruction and curricula to students starting in kindergarten.
“Early intervention is crucial to students’ success in reading. We are excited that leadership within St. Lucie Public Schools has chosen to implement Reading Horizons ahead of the state’s schedule to help its youngest learners as soon as possible,” said Reading Horizons’ president and CEO Tyson J. Smith, “At the same time, they’ve offered teachers the comprehensive professional development they need to make the most of the platform. We look forward to impressive results from students within St. Lucie Public Schools.”
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking district on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B-rated district, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked 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. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
About Reading Horizons
For more than 30 years, Reading Horizons has dedicated its time and efforts to perfecting a reading system that makes learning to read simple and enjoyable for beginning and struggling readers. All of Reading Horizons’ products are based on a method that provides explicit, systematic, sequential decoding instruction. The Reading Horizons method has been proven successful for beginning readers, struggling readers, and students learning English. For more information, please visit ReadingHorizons.com.
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