Weatherbee Receives ‘Blessings In Bags!’
The Holy Family Church Council of Catholic Women presented Weatherbee Principal Kim Cain with a generous donation of Blessings In Bags which will assist in making the holidays bright for our Mariners.
Fort Pierce Elks #1520 Help Stock Weatherbee Food Pantry
Principal Kim Cain and Assistant Principal Cassandra Fess receive a donation of food from the Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520. This generous donation will assist in keeping some of our neediest students fed over the winter break.
Mariner Calculations
Mike Della Fave’s third graders work to find the area and perimeter of shapes in the hallway at Weatherbee.
Northport Thanks Active Duty and Veterans this Holiday Season
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Northport to all our active duty military personnel and veterans! One percent of the strongest, bravest and most fierce protect the other 99% from harm so we can sleep safely. We especially want to thank our Northport alumni who are serving, our parents, brothers and sisters who are serving, and our Veteran Partners in Education.
You are thought of this Christmas season!
FLORIDA HEALTHY SCHOOL DISTRICT DESIGNATION AWARDED TO ST. LUCIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) is designated as a silver-level Florida Healthy School District for a second consecutive term. The Florida Partnership for Healthy Schools, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of District School Superintendents, and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation recognized the District’s honor during the December School Board Meeting.
The criterion for recognition as a Florida Healthy School District is the Florida Healthy School District (FHSD) Self-Assessment Tool that focuses on district infrastructure, policy, programs and practices identified from national and state guidelines, best practices and Florida statutes. Child Nutrition Services Director Deborah Wuest said, “We are deeply committed to meeting the health needs of students and staff, and our team places high value on quality service for each child every day.”
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.
FLORIDA HEALTHY SCHOOL DISTRICT DESIGNATION AWARDED TO ST. LUCIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL — St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) is designated as a silver-level Florida Healthy School District for a second consecutive term. The Florida Partnership for Healthy Schools, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of District School Superintendents, and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation recognized the District’s honor during the December School Board Meeting.
The criterion for recognition as a Florida Healthy School District is the Florida Healthy School District (FHSD) Self-Assessment Tool that focuses on district infrastructure, policy, programs and practices identified from national and state guidelines, best practices and Florida statutes. Child Nutrition Services Director Deborah Wuest said, “We are deeply committed to meeting the health needs of students and staff, and our team places high value on quality service for each child every day.”
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.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake
St. Lucie Public Schools supports Big Brothers Big Sisters each year during the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake campaign. This year, five schools were recognized by the organization for their tremendous fundraising efforts.
Morningside Elementary
1st Place $1,037.95
Floresta Elementary
2nd Place $970.50
Rivers Edge Elementary
3rd Place $830.00
F. K. Sweet Elementary
4th Place $731.40
Samuel S. Gaines Academy of Emerging Technologies
5th Place $606.05
A Wave of Excitement
Maddy Polina, a successful senior at the St. Lucie Virtual School, has unique skills and talents.
Maddy manages her time between studies and training to make some significant accomplishments in a sport she loves – surfing. Most recently, Mandy claimed the Russian Federation National Women’s Surf Championship. She appreciates the support from her teachers, her principal, and most importantly – her dad. They provide help and encourage her so that she is able to realize her potential.
To find out more about this motivated young lady and her career, tune in to WLX TV’s Eye on St. Lucie or watch the show on YouTube.
Student Hero
Fifth grader Brandon Roth from Mariposa Elementary School was recognized during the December Board meeting for his courageous actions during a life-threatening situation.
This summer, Brandon was riding his skateboard when he discovered a neighbor in distress lying in her doorway. He ran to her aid and flagged down a passing car to call 911. He continued to wait with her until the rescue trucks and firefighters arrived.
His quick thinking and immediate action averted a potentially tragic outcome. The School District celebrates his quick and responsible thinking.
Donations Pour In For Students From Elks Lodge #1520
Over 600 St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) students received food, clothing, and supplies from generous members of the Elks Lodge #1520 in Fort Pierce. The December 12th delivery schedule started out promising to serve 3 schools, but as donations poured in, the number of schools quickly grew to 13.
This growth mirrors the growth in the number of students who benefit from the Elks Backpack Program which supports students throughout the year. According to Lenny Smallacombe, organizer of the Elks support program, “Who would have thought we would have the ability to support so many children. Six years ago, when my wife and I started this Backpack Program with five students, I never dreamed it would be so successful!” He added that he and his fellow Lodge members are so happy to be able to provide this service to the community.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Support such as this makes a monumental difference in the lives of our students. In order to achieve their very best, basic needs must be met, and with the support of our community partners, everyone wins.”
Smallacombe is deeply committed to helping children and embraces the work that goes on behind the scenes to make this all happen. In a slight modification to the celebrated quote, he said, “No Elk ever stands so tall as one who stoops to help a child.” He and his team at the Elks Lodge #1520 are, indeed, making a difference in the lives of many children.
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.
Winter Break Schedule
St. Lucie Public Schools wishes everyone a happy holiday season and a bright new year.
We remind you that Friday, December 21st is an early release day for students.
Winter Break begins on Monday, December 24th.
12 Month employees return on Wednesday, January 2nd.
Monday, January 7th is a Workday for faculty and staff.
Students and staff will resume a regular schedule on Tuesday, January 8th.
Please visit the SLPS homepage at www.stlucieschools.org for a calendar with the complete listing of early release dates and holidays.
Partnerships Benefit Students
Barnes & Noble of Jensen Beach chose the McKinney Vento Homeless program to be the recipient of the annual Holiday Book Drive this year. In-store customers have purchased over 3,000 new books so far to donate to the program.
Every student enrolled in the program received a holiday gift bag that included two brand new books, new socks, school supplies, a hygiene kit, and coloring books for the younger students. Geneva Financial donated over 500 coloring books and crayons, the Treasure Coast Food Bank donated the hygiene items for the kits, and Bombas socks donated over 2,000 pairs of new socks.
St. Lucie Public Schools appreciates its partners in education!
Atlantic Coast High School Rifle Meet
On Saturday December 15, 2018, Port St. Lucie High School’s Army JROTC Jaguar Battalion Marksmanship Team attended their first rifle competition of the season at Atlantic Community High School. We competed against eight other schools with 63 total participants. Cadets who competed were Cadet Private Emma Lewiston who ranked 24th, Cadet Private Riley Riaccard who ranked 27th, Cadet Major Joleen Kalinowski who ranked 20th, Cadet Corporal Mackenzie Moad who ranked 39th, Cadet Captain Mathew Simmons who ranked 22nd, Cadet Sergeant First Class Edward Cook who ranked 17th, Cadet Private Austin Griffin who ranked 34th, Cadet Master Sergeant Max Marrero who ranked 35th, and Cadet Private Harold Radenheimer who ranked 45th.
Both Jaguar teams competed at 7:30am starting with prone, then standing, and lastly kneeling positions. They all enjoyed their first experience at the meet.
This article was written by Cadet Captain Alexis Morris and photography was taken by Cadet Sergeant Joseph Locklar.
Dan McCarty Middle School Music Department Receives $1,000 Donation to Support Music Education
Through the generosity of Palm Vista Church of God, Pastor Howard Riley presented a check in the amount of $500.00 to Dr. Rolanda Jones (Chorus Director) and Mr. Justin Reed (Band Director) to support music education activities at Dan McCarty Middle School.
Afterschool Meals Program at Dale Cassens Educational Complex
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – St. Lucie Public Schools announces its intent to participate in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program. The Afterschool Meals Program is designed primarily to provide nutritious snacks and/or meals to children in participating afterschool programs. Snacks and/or meals will be available at no separate charge to children attending the site listed below, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Site: Dale Cassens Education Complex
1905 S 11th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
About USDA
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
What’s New on the Education Channel
Watch an all new Eye on St. Lucie hosted by Kerry Padrick! We will be featuring new School Report episodes that you do not want to miss! Those include the Makerspace Launches and Elks Donations.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Years Eve and New Years Day, we will have all-day Christmas marathons. The WPSL Christmas Kids shows will air along with holiday concerts from our schools. We will send the Christmas programming schedule to you all late tomorrow.
We are on Comcast Channel 13 (Fort Pierce), Channel 19 (Port St. Lucie), and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse. You can also catch us on YouTube. While you’re there, subscribe to our channel, then head over to Facebook and like/follow our page – WLX-TV.
Weekly Programming Guide
WLX-TV
Eye on St. Lucie
Makerspace Launch
Elks Donations
WPSL Christmas Kids
Happy Holidays and all the best to you in the year to come!
Thank you,
WLX-TV Media Services Team
Winter Wonderland in Transportation
SLPS Transportation Department would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday break! 
Northport Thanks Community Partners
Many thanks to our partners in education, First United Methodist Church of Port Saint Lucie. They brought 400 Christmas cookies for Northport teachers and staff. They support our children and staff in so many ways. The congregation, along with Rad and Pat Orlandi, are true blessings to us all.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone ❤ 🎄,
Pictured is Rad Orlandi with his grandson, Adrian, and Northport PTO member, Erica Richardson.
Northport Students Spread Joy All About the Town!
Rising Stars 1st-4th grade students delivered holiday cheer to the residents at the Port St. Lucie Nursing and Restorative Care Center. They sang holiday songs, distributed homemade cards, and engaged in joyful conversations with the residents.
Trenton Scalabrin, a fourth grade student, delighted everyone by playing Silent Night on the piano. He stole the show ❤
Northport PTO Promotes Parent Involvement!
Many thanks to our AWESOME Northport PTO! These ladies have worked tirelessly to make sure that the Northport holiday season was so wonderful. They have prepared desserts, brought lunch from Dale’s, read around the Christmas tree, conducted the morning announcement, worked in the Santa Shop and just so much more! Our Northport community wishes our PTO, our parents, grandparents, students and community members a very festive holiday season!