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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s early morning and Treasure Coast High’s Manufacturing Lab is busy!
Mr. Ordonez’s students are working the machines using critical thinking, engaging in teamwork, making connections, and applying classroom lessons to hands-on activities. Awesome things are happening at Treasure Coast High! Go Titans!
On December 7, 2018, Port St. Lucie High School’s Army JROTC Battalion’s Raider Team participated in an overnight Wilderness Survival Campout at Camp Tanah Keeta. Cadets who were invited participated in several activities including canoeing, rope bridge, roasting marshmallows by a bonfire, making tin foil meals, and playing team bonding games. Cadets enjoyed hot chocolate and sandwiches for breakfast before cleaning up camp to head home.
This year’s book fair was a huge success thanks to all the amazing parents, students, teachers and staff who supported the media center for the annual library fundraiser. In cooperation with student-led conferences, we had a wonderful turnout of parents who joined us. Students enjoyed helping create the ambiance of the Enchanted Forest of Books theme, as well as the games and activities tied to the theme.
In addition to the book fair, our teachers and students took part in a fun and friendly competition to raise awareness and money for schools that continue to be affected from the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Southport raised a total of $250 to donate to the FirstBook non-profit organization to benefit Essentials for Kids-Hurricane Michael.
Southport Middle School Student Council led the way for an environmental service project to clean up local beaches. The “Beach Clean Up” is just one of Southport’s many service project initiatives that students are participating in this school year. The cleanup took place at Jensen Beach.
For homework recently, Mrs. Madorma’s Northport fifth grade students taught their parents how to divide fractions using “Keep, Change, Flip!” They then sent their pictures to Mrs. Madorma through Class Dojo. Looks like Math is fun!
On Saturday December 8, 2018, the Port St. Lucie High School Jaguar Battalion’s Color Guard lead the procession with the National Colors and the Puerto Rican Flag in the 2nd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade of St. Lucie County. Commanding the Color Guard was Cadet Captain Alexis Morris accompanied by Cadet Command Sergeant Major Victoria Diaz as the Puerto Rican Flag bearer, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Lila Meade as American Flag Guard, and Cadet Sergeant First Class Lawrence Moleon-Mathews as the Puerto Rican Flag Guard. The parade stepped off at 1:00 PM and moved up Waterview Drive, across Main Street, up Southeast Welcome Lane, and ended at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.
Southport Middle School Heart & Sole team had an exciting day when they joined the remaining girls in the Treasure Coast branch for their Fall 5K Celebration Run. This culminating event followed weeks of practice and life lessons. The girls distributed handmade musical notes, based on their practice 5K run theme, Let the Music Move You. The notes included inspirational messages to girls on the other teams in support of their run. In addition, one of our girls, Adrianna Perfetti, pinned the team with green ribbons she made in remembrance of a friend and fellow student, DJ Rickard, who recently passed away. Running buddies included parents and teachers and other family members, who encouraged the girls along the 5K route, as coaches and others waited to cheer them as they passed the finish line. It was a great day for everyone who attended!
FORT PIERCE, FL – 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.
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) is proud to announce the launch of new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) and emerging technology programs and makerspaces using LEGO Education solutions, which include curriculum and professional development, in two of the district’s new magnet schools: Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie (CAST) and Samuel S. Gaines Academy of Emerging Technologies (SGAET). Nearly 3,000 kindergarten through high school students will participate in the programs, bringing first-of-its-kind hands-on learning opportunities to students, including those from minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The new programs officially launched today with two ribbon cutting ceremonies attended by esteemed members of the St. Lucie community, including Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson and St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent at CAST and SGAET. Community leaders and school officials are thrilled to launch these new programs, which offer customized learning opportunities for all students. “These new programs in collaboration with LEGO Education represent a monumental turning point in the education we’re able to provide our students,” said Gent. “Each program is purposefully built to address minority isolation, address equity and access to STEAM learning pathways, and offer students exceptional hands-on experiences that will help them master STEAM skills to prepare them for college and future careers.”
Two of St. Lucie’s three new magnet schools opened this year after the SLPS was awarded a $12.5 million multi-year federal grant. CAST and SGAET began their transformation in August for the 2018-2019 school year with CAST focusing on the arts, and SGAET focusing on STEM. Fort Pierce Westwood High School will begin infusing new programs with full implementation expected for the 2019-2020 school year, focusing on pre-medical, pharmacy, agri-technology, veterinary and oceanography programs.
“This first-ever district approach to STEAM learning is an incredible opportunity for the students of St. Lucie and LEGO Education will offer a variety of hands-on learning solutions, lessons and professional development to match the diverse curriculums – from fine arts to emerging technologies – of each school,” said Silver McDonald, Head of LEGO Education North America. “Through our partnership, LEGO Education developed custom curriculum for St. Lucie educators and administrators to enrich their students’ education through the skills our solutions help teach: collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity.”
LEGO Education created showcase makerspaces at both magnet schools and worked closely with school leadership to develop custom, standard aligned makerspaces that match the curriculum and pacing of each grade level at each school. In preparation to develop these makerspaces, the team held intensive trainings with teachers and administrators to flesh out the skills, projects, and visions that they had for their classrooms and explored ways they can take the lessons even further to make them more hands-on with LEGO Education solutions. In addition, LEGO Education created a unique form of professional development that included month-long shoulder-to-shoulder training sessions that ensured St. Lucie educators become experts in using LEGO Education solutions to ensure comfortability and success. The LEGO Education solutions being used at each school include a custom Maker and STEAM curriculum along with LEGO Education’s Coding Express, WeDo 2.0 and MINDSTORMS® Education EV3.
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.
“This first-ever district approach to STEAM learning is an incredible opportunity for the students of St. Lucie and LEGO Education will offer a variety of hands-on learning solutions, lessons and professional development to match the diverse curriculums – from fine arts to emerging technologies – of each school,” said Silver McDonald, Head of LEGO Education North America. “Through our partnership, LEGO Education developed custom curriculum for St. Lucie educators and administrators to enrich their students’ education through the skills our solutions help teach: collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity.”