Northport K-8 Northstar students in grades six, seven and eight under the direction of instructor Kathy White celebrated November as National Novel Writing Month.  The project involves amateur and professional writers from all over the world.  The Young Writer’s program allows students to choose their own word goal.  Mrs. White’s Gifted and Enriched students wrote from a range of 2500 to well over 4000 words.  Eighty five percent of the team succeeded or surpassed their word goals with eighth grader, Emily Royo, exceeding her word count by 10,000 words for a total of 14,987 words published.  Students used all aspects … Read More

Students from Fort Pierce Westwood High School’s ESE/Gifted programs have begun a school enterprise at the district offices. Several mornings a week, students run Panther Place in the employee lounge featuring breakfast items at very reasonable prices. Pictured, right, is John Earnhardt, ESE/Gifted program specialist with senior Sabrina Bajking.

Weatherbee Elementary students in Jennifer Nelson’s fourth grade class read the book, “Dexter the Tough” where a fourth grade boy finds out his father is recovering from cancer. Students wrote encouraging letters and made “Links of Hope” with words of hope for cancer patients at St Lucie Medical Center. Letters and links were picked up by hospital public relations representative Ginger King.  What a wonderful way to support others in the community. 

Weatherbee Elementary School students learned about various career opportunities and how a quality education can make a huge difference in their future as Ian Macpherson, St. Lucie County firefighter, describes the uniform used when he is fighting a fire. Melanie Macpherson, third grade teacher at Weatherbee, served as a model for this activity.

Weatherbee Elementary recently honored all of the school’s nominees for various awards that will be presented at this year’s Night of the Stars employee recognition ceremony. Pictured are Monica Adhin, Weatherbee Elementary’s nominee for Outstanding First Year Teacher, with Principal Michael Hitsman, left, and Assistant Principal Dianne Young.

Students in Ann Hartman’s first grade class at Allapattah Flats K8 listen attentively as Craig Perry from Huntington Learning Center reads a special holiday story, “Oliver All Alone”.  Students listened to the story in the special Gator Reading Room.  Mr. Perry helped foster the students love of reading, and kept them engaged by asking purposeful questions throughout the story. What a special treat for the students. Pictured, back row from left, are Jimmy Fanning, Enrique Mojica, Andre Hale, Mia Horowitz, Angelica Maldonado, Courtney Waithe, Antonio Alves, and Jayden Torello.  Front row, from left, are Michael Brown, Emily Middlebrook, Craig Perry, Cordelia Raeburn, Kes Barber, Isabelle Veloz, and Parkyr … Read More

The Allapattah Flats K8 girls volleyball team recently participated in the district tournament and finished as 2011-2012 district runner-ups.  Congratulations and great job to the super six, Ryleigh Veith, Shannon Braessler, Valerie Trujillo, Gabby Bather, Madeline Lawson, Tiara Evans and Coach Justin Allen.

Four outstanding employees have been selected at Allapattah Flats K8 for their dedication and effort to the school, students and district and they will represent the school in the annual employee recognition program. The employees are reportedly irreplaceable, committed to the students, staff and community, and truly make a difference each day.]Pictured, from left, are Melissa Nelson, School Related Employee of the Year, Mary Ellen Barrett, Teacher of the Year, Danya Etter, Outstanding First Year Teacher, and Tekia Montgomery, Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year.

Parents of first grade  students at Allapattah Flats K8 listen attentively as Craig Perry from Huntington Learning Center gives a “Homework Helper” presentation.  Mr. Perry explained the importance of having a special place to do homework, how to handle your child’s frustration with homework, and reinforced the importance of parents working with teachers as partners in their child’s education.  Pictured, from left, Craig Perry, Tracy Vasquez, April Dunlop, Nicole Ancewitz, Katie Veloz, and Kelly Smith.  It is rewarding to see the community, school and parents work together to create a fantastic partnership in children’s education!

Second grade students’ behavior in Sherrie McLemore’s class is reinforced through the “Gift Giving Tree.” As the students are following the PBS school-wide expectations of Responsibility, Safety and Respect they receive positive praise and are given a Gator Buck. When they receive two Gator Bucks they may trade them in for a gift ticket which go into a jar and the teacher randomly draws tickets throughout the day. The students are able to choose a gift from off of or under the tree. The tree is loaded with gifts such as books, pens, pencils, candy, stickers, puzzles and much more! Angelo … Read More

First graders at Allapattah Flats K-8 enjoyed a visit from the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast to learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits.  Students learned about the food pyramid, healthy eating, and the importance of exercise.  Isabelle Veloz, from Ann Hartman’s first grade class, enjoyed making her very own yogurt parfait with the help of Joyce Thomasson from the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.  Eagerly waiting their turn to make some yogurt are Cordelia Raeburn and Antonio Alves.

As more holidays approach, first graders in Ann Hartman’s and Pamela Owens’ classes reflect back on a special event they enjoyed at Thanksgiving. Last month first graders recited poetry, shared what they were thankful for, and had a fantastic Thanksgiving Feast with their friends and family.  First graders and their parents enjoying the delicious feast, from left, are Jaydin Torello, Vera Horowtitz, Samantha Roeder, Mia Horowitz, and Jason Horowitz.   Parents had a wonderful time hearing what their students are thankful for, and enjoying a fabulous meal!

Fort Pierce Westwood High School JROTC cadets recently visited Palm Beach Atlantic University for annual Leadership Day. The Cadets were amazed by the campus life, the buildings where classes are held, and the attractive and convenient location of the school. They were afforded the opportunity to talk to some of the professors and the Professor of Military Science (ROTC) and ask questions relevant to their future in college, work place or military.  The group was also very impressed with the school’s cafeteria, which reportedly rivals top shelf restaurants.