Fourth graders ask Scientific Questions at Frances K Sweet

4th graders at Frances K. Sweet learn how to make observations and create scientific questions during an ice balloon investigation. The investigation involves a frozen, water filled balloon and the students remove the latex and examine the ice using magnifying glasses, flashlights, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and paper clips.  They then observe what happens when salt and food coloring are added.  Throughout the lesson, students document their observations and raise questions about what they see. Pictured here are 4th graders Ansel Espinal and Dona Lima from Mrs. Elish Mancuso’s class.

Ft. Pierce Westwood Kicks off the 2014-2015 School Year with a Celebration of Hope

Ft. Pierce Westwood kicked off the 2014-2015 school year with a celebration of hope. The Tunnel of Hope is a yearly tradition at Westwood. As students came into the school the very first day of classes, staff was assembled in formation, waving banners, singing the “Happy” song and clapping. Mr. Rivera, a reading teacher at Ft. Pierce Westwood explained that each year students depart their buses only to be surprised at the warm welcome they receive. Mr. Rivera stated, it gives the students an understanding that the whole staff shares in the common welfare of each and every Westwood student. … Read More

SchoolPool to Help Organize Alternative Transportation

St. Lucie Public Schools is working to increase participation in its partnership with South Florida Commuter Services (SFCS), which is a program of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).  SchoolPool is a software system that helps to connect interested parents who live near one another so that they can plan such activities as a “walking” school bus, bike pools, car pools, and the like.  The target audience for this program is parents in St. Lucie County who live within two miles of their student’s school; however, the program is open to any interested parents or guardians.  SFCS’s website includes a … Read More

Northport Reveals Strong Support for SLC Reading Council

Northport K-8 Teachers and staff exhibited strong support for the initiatives of the Saint Lucie County Reading Council with an excellent turnout at the collegiate groups very first function. The mission of the SLC Reading Council is ” to promote a district- wide passion for literacy!” Northport is proud to support the exchange of ideas and strategies among other educators from across the district and to help promote positive interactions with literacy leaders from other schools. The first event was a “Meet and Greet” held recently at Johnny V’s restaurant in Saint Lucie West. Other events and initiatives include a … Read More

ESE Department at Palm Pointe Ready for a Successful Year

The Exceptional Student Education Department at Palm Pointe Education Research School @ Tradition prepares for a successful 2014 – 2015 school year.  This photo on the first day of school captures their passion and enthusiasm for assisting students with special needs.  Looking forward to an exceptional year at Palm Pointe!

Dr. Rendell Visits the First Grade Class at Oak Hammock

Mrs. West’s First Grade Class had the privilege of another visit from Dr. Rendell, our Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources. This was his 3rd year coming into their classroom and reading to the boys and girls. Dr. Rendell brought in the book “Pete the Cat: Wheels on the Bus.” The students loved Dr. Rendell’s interactive method where he would read and the boys and girls would join and sing along. This school year, there were more than just these two fine educators in the classroom. Dr. Rendell got to meet Janice Aleixo, Mrs. West’s student teacher from Florida Atlantic University. … Read More

Northport Media Center Sets High Expectations!

Northport K-8 Media Service Center opened its doors to new and returning students on the very first day of school. Teachers sign up for class orientations for media center procedures to establish routines, review the Destiny library program, review the Dewey Decimal System and how to locate books and resources available. Students select books based on interest and review choices with the instructor and the Media Specialist, Lynne Gruszka. The Media Center at Northport is available every day for class visits to check out books, to work on research assignments utilizing technology and support materials, allows for interaction with the … Read More

Fort Pierce Central Hosts Basketball Leadership Camp

Fort Pierce Central High School hosted over 200 student-athletes throughout three weeks of basketball camp this summer. The FPC Basketball / Person of Influence Camp challenged campers to maximize their athletic potential while encouraging these students to extend past comfort level and to open their minds to learning new techniques and drills. Additionally, students were engaged in coaching-instruction  that focused primarily on teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. All of these activities aid in the development of strong work habits and positive values which students need to carry with them throughout the course of their athletic and academic career. Every camper had … Read More

Northport principal accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

Northport K-8 School principal, Glenn Rustay accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge recently to not only donate much needed funds to help find a cure for ALS, but to also help educate his students on the horrible disease. Mr. Rustay accepted the challenge from Northport music instructor, Brian Hoce. Students were thrilled to watch as Principal Rustay first used a tiny bucket filled with ice then, at the behest of his students, dumped the big bucket over his head! Although all in fun, the seriousness of the cause filled the overwhelming picture at Northport K-8 School recently. Students learned that … Read More

Kids at Hope Tunnel at Forest Grove Middle

Students at Forest Grove Middle School were greeted by a Tunnel of Hope on their first day of school.  Among the members of the Tunnel of Hope were firefighters, teachers, staff members, school board officials and members of the community.

Northport K-8 School welcomes students with Tunnel of Hope!

Northport K-8 School welcomed students, parents and grandparents back to a wonderful kickoff for a fresh and positive new school year! Northport K-8 School is a Title I school nestled in a community of hardworking families who appreciate the welcoming nature of the school community including the administration, teachers, staff, custodians and cafeteria staff. The schools extended community came out in droves on the first day of school to welcome students with shouts of “Welcome Back,” signs with positive messages, American flags held by veterans, police officers, fire fighters, school board members, staff from Big Brothers, Big sisters and the … Read More

District Office Employees Donate School Supplies for Students

Employees at the School Board Office brought in bags and boxes of school supplies to be given to United Way of St. Lucie. United Way has filled backpacks full of school supplies for our students who are eligible for free lunch. They have reached their goal of helping at least 4,500 children in all of the St. Lucie County schools. Thank you for your generosity in providing so many children with tools for success at the beginning of this school year. Pictured are, Dr. Mark Rendell, Kerry Padrick, Peg Warnke, Dr. Kevin Perry, Dr. Kathy McGInn and Genelle Yost.

Social Studies Teacher of the Year Presentation

The Social Studies Teachers of the Year were recognized at the School Board Meeting on June 10, 2014. Jean Emerson, Treasure Cost High School, was recognized for the high school category. Melanie Larsen, Palm Pointe Educational Research School, was presented a plaque for the elementary school category. Belkis Madera, Oak Hammock K-8, received a plaque for the middle school category.

Three Schools Attend Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement in Washington DC

Three St. Lucie Public Schools were represented in Washington, D.C. last month at the Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement.  Mariposa Elementary, Morningside Elementary, and Lincoln Park Academy attended the N.E.E.D. (National Energy Education Development) Project festivities.  NEED students understand energy.  They are local experts and leaders in community discussions on energy use, energy efficiency, and new energy technologies.  Students learn how to design buildings better to maximum energy efficiency and to keep our buildings healthy.  NEED students are the future of the energy workforce.  Students interested in engineering, science, economics, environmental sciences, law, geology, and a host of other … Read More

ELA Text-Based Writing Rubrics 

English Language Arts (ELA) Text-Based Writing Rubrics have been released and are available for viewing on the FSA Portal (see link below).  These are draft rubrics, and the Florida Department of Education is soliciting public input through midnight on Friday, September 12, 2014. The feedback form is posted with the rubrics on the FSA portal.www.fsassessments.org

St. Lucie County Schools Hosts Teacher Recruitment Fair

St. Lucie County Schools hosted its annual Teacher Recruitment Fair on June 23, 2014 with over 150 applicants attending this event.  School leaders from 16 schools interviewed prospective teachers in preparation for the coming school year which begins August 18, 2014. Recognizing that the greatest impact on student success is high quality instruction one of the District’s Strategic Goals is to recruit and retain effective teachers for all classrooms.   As one of several recruitment strategies the Fair provided an opportunity to hire teachers before school starts. Recruitment activities to attract the “brightest and best” will continue throughout the school year.  … Read More

SLPS Celebrates a 25 Percent Gain in FCAT Performance Points

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) released the School Performance Grades for Elementary, K-8 and Middle Schools today. Taking pride in educating every student every day, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) is celebrating a 25 percent gain in the number of schools that improved one letter grade or more (Floresta Elementary and Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts improved two letter grades) and 72 percent maintained or increased their school grades. Other highlights include: All grades tested in writing showed growth.  Twenty-nine out of 36 (or 81 percent) of SLPS increased their proficiency levels over last year’s performance.  Fourth … Read More

St Lucie Principals Graduate from Prestigious Commissioner’s Leadership Academy

The saying success breeds success holds true for Lydia Martin, principal of Southport Middle, and Debra Snyder, principal of Palm Pointe Research School, who are both recent graduates of the Florida Department of Education’s (FLDOE) Commissioner’s Leadership Academy. The principals were selected to participate in the Academy in recognition of their leadership skills and for being among Florida’s 50 highest performing principals. In partnership with the FLDOE, the Council for Educational Change has designed the prestigious Commissioner’s Leadership Academy to enhance participants’ strengths and leadership and continue their professional growth. The yearlong experience enabled the principals to build on their … Read More

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