Youth Leadership St. Lucie, under the Roundtable of St. Lucie, in partnership with the City of Port St. Lucie’s F.R.R.I. (Forum on Race Relations & Inclusion) has organized a FREE event primarily for teens entitled “A.N.D.?” which stands for ”Acceptance Not Discrimination.” Please see the flyer for more information. Anyone interested may also go directly to www.a-n-d.eventbrite.com to register and learn more about the event.

Fort Pierce Central High School student council co-presidents and future business owners Terrence McQueen, left, and Tatiana Peterkin, right, are shown with former and long term St. Lucie County School Board chairman and local business leader Dr. Samuel S. Gaines during the recent All About Black Businesses of the Treasure Coast event. Participants displayed their spirit for the Black History Month celebrated in February. The students were treated to breakfast, heard advice from some of the top local businesses owners, and enjoyed a book signing by former 104.7 WFLM morning show host and ESPN analyst Vera Jones.

Students in St. Lucie County schools have been learning about bullying in their classrooms. At FK Sweet Elementary, Joe the Biker talked with students at a recent assembly on how to recognize bullying  and strategies for dealing with this type of behavior. The children listened intently as Joe talked about his elementary experiences of being bullied.  Pictured, DeEra Nelson and Elijah Major both feel better equiped to handle any bullying incidents that might arise in the future.

Northport K-8 students in Karen Nystrom’s seventh grade civics classes are tackling some tough issues this year as students delve into the affairs of community government.  Students use Media Center resources, classroom text and guest speaker information to look at issues from all sides to process new information and to be able to elaborate on important issues.  Important guest speakers who will impart vital information  this month are School Board member Troy Ingersoll who will discuss student homelessness in St. Lucie County and SLC School Safety Specialist Robert Berk who will discuss student behavior on busses and safety.

Northport K-8 kindergarten students who are enrolled in the school’s 21st Century after school program received a special visitor recently to confirm their belief that Santa does really exist.  Students were thrilled to visit with Santa Claus who gave each child the gift of a coloring book and crayons and did indeed confirm the belief that “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!” Santa listened as each child express wishes and instilled in each child the real meaning of the holiday season. Local Civil War re-enacter Alyn Bryant played the role of Santa.

Jovil Wharton of Drug Free St. Lucie and Friday Night Done Right showed Southern Oaks a glowing, good time at the fall Glow Dance. On October 31st, Southern Oaks Middle School’s gymnasium glowed as students rushed in with excitement for their PBIS celebration. Students wore glow-in-the-dark shirts to add ambient lighting as they showed off their best dance moves. Pizza, refreshments, and a variety of snacks were available for purchase to fund the PBIS bank. The Drug Free St. Lucie Project Coordinator, Wharton, was in attendance and provided students and staff with Friday Night Done Right and Drug Free St. … Read More

Eighth grade students in Kip Wright’s Language Arts classes at Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition have been focusing on their writing. Students were privately provided their benchmark test writing scores, and correlated their score to an FCAT equivalent on a data wall in the back of their class, and can personally monitor their progress and growth over the next couple of months. Students worked diligently on the revisions of their essays with help and assistance from other student writers.  Mr. Wright remarked that seeing his students share information for the betterment of the writing process and self is amazing.  … Read More

Third graders at F.K. Sweet Elementary are busy exploring geometry in math with the use of pattern blocks. How many shapes can you create using a triangle and a trapezoid? Jayla Flagg and Wesley Varn are working together to make as many different shapes as possible.

Elementary students in Ms. Valente’s Resource class explored the scientific method by researching the effects of gravity and air resistance on parachutes. The students were challenged with designing and creating an effective parachute model (small or large) to land on the target and stay intact. Students in Ms. Kane’s 4th grade class, were scientists for the day, as they made predictions, conducted trials to collect data, observed and reached a conclusion to determine which parachute system was effective.  

The World Languages students at SLW Centennial recently learned about the Puerto Rican culture as part of the Spanish language studies. As an extension to their learning, they made vejigante masks. This hands-on project allowed students to delve into the rich traditions and vibrant history of Puerto Rico, bringing a piece of its folklore to life. The vejigante mask is a traditional element of Puerto Rican festivals, particularly during the annual Carnival celebrations. These masks are known for their vivid colors, elaborate designs, and often menacing features, symbolizing the playful and mischievous ambiance of the festival. By crafting their own … Read More

SLW Centennial forensic science students delved into learning about blood typing through an engaging and interactive lab assignment. This hands-on experience was based on a real crime story from the 1930s, providing a historical context that enriched the learning process. The assignment began with students learning about the crime, and gaining insights into the investigative techniques of the era. They then moved on to the practical component, where they used simulated materials to test the blood types of the crime victims. This exercise allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in a realistic setting, enhancing their understanding of forensic science principles. … Read More

During the week of March 27th, the 9th-grade students at SLW Centennial participated in the IXL incentive program. The students achieved success by consistently completing an average of 1 to 2 lessons per week, demonstrating proficiency or mastery of skills. They were motivated by the promise of donuts as a reward. These incentives encouraged the students to reach proficiency or mastery in their lessons. Many students exceeded expectations, mastering multiple skills and earning their delicious rewards.   The program received positive feedback from both students and educators. Students enjoyed the fun and engaging learning experience, while educators praised the program’s … Read More

Students at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition enjoyed “Twin Day” to help raise money for Relay for Life.  The students paid a dollar to dress up as a twin with a friend.  Pictured here are a group of third graders who participated and helped raise money for a worthy cause.

After the recent FCAT writing exam for fourth grade students, at F.K. Sweet Elementary the PTO treated all of the wonderful writers to an ice cream sundae party. The celebration was a delicious way of saying thank you to the students for their hard work on the test and the many days of writing preparation. Relaxing and enjoying special made sundaes are, from left, Jacob Yannucci, Wesley Hinds, Aaron Beauchamp, and Christian Yoder.

Jennifer Sterling, Casey Bentley and Isaiah Vidal in Laurie Boyer and Melissa Efron’s third grade classes at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition take part in a light energy science experiment.  This was one of the experiments that the classes did as part of third grade’s Science Day.

Rachelle Rudzinski, a fifth grade student at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition, teaches a second grade class a math lesson with the Math Trail Lessons that  Michelle Powers and Lindsey Hudson’s fifth grade classes created throughout the school hallways at Palm Pointe. Students enjoyed solving math problems that were posted throughout the school. 

Third grade students at F.K. Sweet Elementary recently enjoyed making volcanoes, naming them, and then watching them erupt.  This was a culminating activity for their story of the week, “Dog-of-the-Sea-Waves.”  Bradyn Moxley, left, and Harry Guerrier watch as “Mount Smurf” erupts.