by Kerry Padrick | Feb 22, 2018 | District News
Principal Susan Seal was recognized at the February School Board Meeting for her leadership in music education. The Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Awards Committee presented Principal Susan Seal of Treasure Coast High School (TCHS) with the 2018 FMEA Secondary Administrator of the Year Award on January 12 during the FMEA Professional Development Clinic/Conference at the Tampa Bay Convention Center.
This prestigious award is given to a school administrator who is not a professional music educator, but who displays ardent support of the school music program. It recognizes leadership, excellence in encouragement and promotion of music education in Florida schools. The recipient must have demonstrated significant efforts in support of music education resulting in awareness or enhancement of the school’s music program and allocation of resources.
Under Seal’s leadership, the music program at TCHS has become an important part of the school culture and she is most deserving of this award. Thank you for the value you place on the Arts in education.
by LYNNE Gruszka | Feb 22, 2018 | School News
Here at Northport, we celebrate and commemorate many, many things. We honor, we remember and we lift up because we are a strong, loving and powerful family 👪! Nothing has been so tragic as the loss of seventeen members of our educational family in Parkland, Florida. Many of us have ties to South Florida and to that school. Not only teachers and staff, but our students and families. Many have reached out to say that they are part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school family. Eagle Pride is strong! So many thanks to those who are standing to support MSD Eagles. From us Navigators to our fellow Eagles…..We love you and we pray for your strength and your fortitude. One Family..One School..One Teacher…One Love 💟💑💔
by Candace Stone | Feb 22, 2018 | School News
Congratulations to Lincoln Park Academy’s Academic Team of Rachel Fryer Dommel, Madeleine Sosa, Youry Ulysse, and Andrew Priest on their strong performance this past weekend at the South Florida Championship History Bee & Bowl. Junior Madeleine Sosa qualified for the National History Bee and Senior Rachel Fryer Dommel qualified to compete in the National US History Bee, the National International Geography Bee, and the National US Geography Olympiad! These Greyhound girls will represent LPA at their respective national competitions in Arlington, Virginia this April. Good luck!
by WENDY MUNAO | Feb 22, 2018 | School News
At Mariposa Elementary, Ms. K. Swanson’s 1st grade homeroom is on a pen pal escapade writing and illustrating creative masterpieces with Mrs. Whitfield’s 1st grade class located in Lytle, Texas. The writing adventure began in early October and will continue until the end of May. The students are grouped into pairs and enjoy the process of sharing fun information, asking questions that necessitate a direct response and learning fun facts about the state of Texas. The class is looking forward to “meeting” their pen pals live through skype in the weeks to come. Ms. Swanson has known Mrs. Whitfield for a number of years. She was in her 5th grade class many moons ago.
Gabriela Acevedo-Gutierrez, Wyatt Baber, and Alonso Crespo are pictured working on their letters for their penpals in Texas.
by LYNNE Gruszka | Feb 22, 2018 | District News
Northport Step Up America Citizen Alert!
Students in Mrs. Matteson’s seventh period class were asked what it means to be an alert citizen. Students responded that being aware of what is going in around them is vital. Mrs. Stone, Northport Dean pulled up the American Security Council website and had students read about suspicious activity and how to observe it in their neighborhoods and school. Students read about characteristics of suspicious activity that includes: items that have been abandoned, strangers eliciting information, loitering, internet or social media messages and posts and more. Students discussed what might happen if these events go unnoticed.
Students then viewed three short video clips from the American Security Council website called “Take the Challenge.” Students engaged in this activity by responding, “If you see something, Say something!” Northport Deans are working hard with our students on these concepts with administration and staff support. Northport is training our students to be proactive on “See Something, Say Something” and how and what to report to local or school authorities suspicious activity.
Pictured is Northport 8th grader Lily Swantic who decorated cupcakes for the class event.
Our Northport Deans are definitely taking their jobs and student training on these very important issues to new levels. Great job and thank you for helping to bring Northport safety issues directly to the students. Student empowerment is vital.
by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Feb 15, 2018 | School News
On February 14, 2018, the JROTC Jaguar Battalion had our annual Service Learning event. At this event our cadets retired unserviceable flags from public buildings and military bases. We had U.S. veterans attend, along with our Jaguar band and Mr. Frazer’s class. The master of ceremony was C/ Major Syanna Graham.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 15, 2018 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – Over two hundred finalists will present their projects to judges on Tuesday, February 20th in hopes of besting the pool of entries and having the chance to move on to the state-level competition. A variety of entries focused on this year’s theme of “Conflict and Comparison in History” will be judged by local dignitaries at IRSC’s Kight Center from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Students from across the District have researched, analyzed, and interpreted information on the topic. Working individually or in groups, they have submitted their findings and expressed their ideas in papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites. Judges will work in teams as they spend the day vetting entries in two divisions — junior (grades 6–8) and senior (grades 9–12).
According to Kate Ems, event organizer for St. Lucie Public Schools, the first- and second-place winners in each category and division of the District History Fair advance to the state contest in Tallahassee in May. In addition, first- and second-place state winners in each category and division earn the right to represent Florida at the National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland, in June.
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About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) ranks fifth in Florida and proudly serves as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast with a graduation rate of 91.0 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS 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.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | District News
On Saturday, February 10, education’s shining stars walked the red carpet during the annual St. Lucie County Education Foundation’s Night of the Stars gala. This annual event was broadcast live from Lincoln Park Academy’s grand auditorium. Each of the St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) distinguished honorees representing their respective schools was recognized for outstanding service, and honored with awards. As the envelopes were opened and names were called, Samantha Lamora stepped forward as St. Lucie County’s Teacher of the Year. She is a first grade teacher at Savanna Ridge Elementary School where she exercises her belief that she can be the difference in the life of a child and an influencer in the community. Joining her on the stage were School Related Employee of the Year Adela DellaCroce from Treasure Coast High School, Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year Katherine Christopher of White City Elementary, and Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Brianna Nowaski from Windmill Point Elementary.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Outstanding teachers and caring adults help pave pathways for success in students’ lives. The individuals we honored this evening are remarkable, and I am extremely proud of all they do for our students every day.”
Education Foundation President Thom Jones said, “I look forward to this celebration each year. The Night of the Stars is an opportunity to honor our teachers and support professionals for the work they do each day for our students.” Jones went on to say that, “The Education Foundation’s mission is to recognize excellence in education and support teacher development. Event sponsors such as PNC Bank, this year’s Grand Benefactor, share our passion for recognizing excellence in education. MIDFLORIDA Community Credit Union sponsored the Teacher of the Year and Herff Jones honored the winner with a commemorative ring. Proctor Construction Company sponsored the School Related Employee of the Year, Keiser University sponsored the Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, and Seacoast Bank sponsored The Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year. Jones offered a special thank you to the many other event sponsors.
Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Kevin G. Perry said, “This event helps bring our distinguished honorees to our community. The Night of the Stars is one way in which we can truly honor and celebrate their commitment to providing for the individual needs of all students.”
St. Lucie County’s Teacher of the Year and School Related Employee of the Year will now move on to the state level competition. In the category of Teacher of the Year, the State has a long-standing tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The state finalist for The Florida Teacher of the Year also serves as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and represents the Florida Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.
About the Teacher of the Year
Samantha Lamora
Samantha Lamora is a first grade teacher at Savanna Ridge Elementary School with five years of teaching experience. For her, stepping into the role of a teacher is an answer to a lifetime career calling she deems “magical.” She enjoys helping students set and achieve their goals. Mrs. Lamora is inspired by her students desire to learn, grow, and celebrate their own successes.
Her students’ superior performance, her outstanding classroom practices, as well as other routines recognized as stellar led to Mrs. Lamora’s invitation to participate as a teacher leader and mentor. She values collaboration and looks for opportunities to extend that beyond the classroom where she begins by establishing solid partnerships between home and school. At the start of each year, she writes her parents a letter introducing herself, her educational philosophy, her expectation of success for her students, and her pledge to partner with them in their child’s academic journey to guarantee achievement. Her classroom is open to her parents on a number of occasions each year in order to celebrate the accomplishments of students. In the spirit of working collaboratively with her colleagues, she also helps produce a weekly newsletter to streamline communication from school to home, and she is an active member of the school’s PBIS, PTO, and Literacy committees helping plan events afterschool in an effort to bridge the gap between home and school – always seeking to make a positive difference for her students.
About the School-Related Employee of the Year
Adela DellaCroce
Adela DellaCroce is a clerk with 13 years of experience who manages a wide array of duties and responsibilities with enthusiasm. Ms. DellaCroce maintains meeting schedules, student attendance, and paperwork for the 700 strong junior class at Treasure Coast High School. In addition, she assists with maintaining discipline records, supporting the quarterly honor roll recognitions, organizing school assemblies, and coordinating faculty meetings.
There is no task too great or deemed outside of her role. She truly sees the entire school as an organization and understands the different roles that are necessary for it to function effectively. She helped established a campaign for aiding students in need of basic toiletries through Nick’s Necessities and for those who are food insecure, a healthy partnership with the Treasure Coast Food Bank is now viable on campus. With her ability to network, communicate, and advocate for Treasure Coast High School, Mrs. DellaCroce was a natural for the Volunteer Coordinator and Community Business Partner Liaison. In just one year, Mrs. DellaCroce is tipping the scales with nearly 30 business partners! Her next step from here is to help increase opportunities for internships so students can receive necessary work experience. She is moving forward in maintaining a dynamic and synergistic relationship between the school and its business partners.
About the Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year
Katherine Christopher
Katherine Christopher is a 21-year veteran educator at White City Elementary who is dedicated to the success of her elementary students and embraces new opportunities to help them master content in creative, innovative, and interactive ways. When she chose to become a teacher, she made a commitment to be the best academic and ethical role model and to provide a well-rounded education for every student she encountered. She exhibits expertise in the subjects she teaches and, as a true professional, spends time honing her skills to ensure that she understands and implements new Standards with the highest level of fidelity.
Ms. Christopher goes beyond her classroom responsibilities to support the campus and community as well. She is a member of the White City Elementary’s PBIS team, supports fundraisers, and mentors new teachers. In the community, her dedication extends to leadership roles in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a sponsor of the MLK, Jr. Spelling Bee and other notable community organizations.
About the Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year
Brianna Nowaski
Brianna Nowaski’s kindergarten classroom at Windmill Point Elementary School is the launchpad for her career in education, and according to her principal, this Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year has taken off like a rocket. Ms. Nowaski was inspired to teach by two of her own teachers who motivated and encouraged her as a youth. In turn, she has established herself as a confident teacher with high expectations for students who are excelling in their work.
When reflecting on her professional collegiate experiences and student teaching, Ms. Nowaski confirmed her solid background and preparation in the practical aspects of teaching such as planning, classroom management, and prep work. However, she indicated the one thing that no amount of training could have prepared her for was the understanding of the love her students show her every day.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | District News
This month, the Florida Department of Education, students and educators are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with the 2018 theme, “Celebrate Today and Own Tomorrow.”
“We are proud to offer Floridians a public education system that was designed to help students of all ages and backgrounds reach their academic and career goals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Many students have gained the professional skills necessary to succeed through the Career and Technical Education programs available in all of our state’s school districts and colleges. Career and Technical Education Month is a great time to highlight the tremendous opportunities available to help students get a head-start on their careers.”
More than half a million Florida students are enrolled in secondary and postsecondary career and technical education. Programs around the state will hold activities during February to promote awareness about these educational opportunities.
“CTE programs have evolved from the ‘vocational’ programs of the past that prepared students for a single job with limited skills to today’s programs where students are prepared for a career,” said Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth. “Students who are enrolled in Florida’s CTE courses and programs are developing the skills to be successful in today’s workplace and those necessary for the jobs of the future.”
Students and educators continue to experience the positive impacts associated with Career and Technical Education and Industry Certifications, as evidenced by the data points below.
- More than 420,000 K-12 students are enrolled in career and technical education programs in Florida’s public schools.
- More than 52,000 students are enrolled in district technical center programs that prepare students for immediate entry into high demand, high skill employment opportunities.
- More than 164,000 students are enrolled in the Florida College System postsecondary career and technical education programs.
- The number of industry certifications earned by K-12 students continues to rise. In 2015-16, high school students earned a total of 81,970 industry certifications, and in 2016-17, that number jumped to 102,044.
- More than 489,000 students in grades 6-12 are enrolled in one of over 1,900 registered Career and Professional Education Academies and more than 17,000 registered Career-Themed Courses.
To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visit http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu.
Join us in celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. The 2018 theme is “Celebrate Today and Own Tomorrow.”
#FLedu
Find out more: http://bit.ly/2nGOHzu
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | School News
Sailor Sabol, a student at Saint Lucie West Centennial High School, has been selected to represent Port Saint Lucie, Florida as a National Youth Delegate to the 2018 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University.
Sabol joins a select group of 300 students from across the country to participate in an intensive, week-long study of leadership in environmental science and conservation. Sabol was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in leadership in the sciences and conservation studies.
George Mason University along with partners, National Geographic and the National Zoo are excited to welcome the nation’s young scholars to Washington, D.C. With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment offers aspiring environmentalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week-long program is held at George Mason University’s state-of-the-art campus. The Summit will encourage and inspire young leaders who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment will be held June 24 to 29, 2018.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is setting the gold standard for the modern, public university. Its dynamic culture and innovative academic programs prepare Mason’s hard-working students for 21st century careers. Its commitment to teaching excellence combines with cutting-edge research that enriches the academic experience and is changing the world. Mason is affordable, yet offers high value. Ideally located in the National Capital region, students enjoy terrific cultural experiences and access to the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.
About the 2018 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the important field of environmental studies and conservation in the 21st century. The Advisory Board is chaired by Mark Bauman, Senior Vice President of the Smithsonian Institution’s Enterprises Division. Additional members include world renowned scholars, distinguished scientists and award winning university faculty, such as Dr. Tom Lovejoy, noted environmentalist and former executive vice president of the World Wildlife Fund. Delegates gain an insider look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues. For more information visit us online at wyse.gmu.edu.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | School News
SHELDON RILEY AND JAMES WEICHMANN of Fort Pierce Westwood High School captured 3rd place in the Fresh from Florida Student Chef Cook-off Finale in Tallahassee, FL.
Sheldon and James prepared their Raw Kale Pasta Salad with a Strawberry Vinaigrette and Chipotle Chicken. The trip to Tallahassee was a great learning experience for the entrepreneurial chefs. The day was highlighted with a tour of the capital and Ag Day Exhibit with Chef Paula.
by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Feb 12, 2018 | School News
On February 10th and 11th, the Jaguar Battalion participated in the annual Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden Plant Sale. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm both days, a Battalion cadet helped plant shoppers carry multiple plants or heavy plants to their vehicles. Participation in this event was a win-win for the Botanical Gardens as well as for the cadet who earned community service hours and donations for the Battalion.
by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Feb 12, 2018 | District News, School News
On February 10th, the Jaguar Drill Team competed in the Seminole Ridge High School Drill Meet. Competing in the wide variety of events included: platoon, squad, color guard and exhibition. Both the male and female teams performed admirably. The Jaguar Drill Team placed first in the overall meet — winning all eight of trophies!
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | District News
Florida Prepaid College Plans offers five Prepaid tuition plans to fit a variety of budgets.
Lock in tomorrow’s tuition costs with guaranteed plans starting at $47 per month. Enroll by February 28 to take advantage of those prices during the current Open Enrollment period, the annual time of year when families can start saving for college with a Prepaid Plan. Open Enrollment began October 15, 2017 and runs through February 28, 2018.
1. According to the Florida College System, by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in Florida will require postsecondary education.
2. The Federal Reserve reports that student debt across the U.S. stands at about $1.4 trillion.
3. In Florida, the average debt load for those with college loans is more than $23,000.
Learn more about the college savings options available and start implementing your plan to reduce or avoid student loan debt for your children. Saving for college can be simple, affordable and stress free at myfloridaprepaid.com . Use promo code SUP1718 when you enroll by February 28, 2018 and save half off the application fee!
For more information on how the Florida Prepaid College Board is committed to helping Floridians save
for future qualified higher education expenses visit
myfloridaprepaid.com or call 1-800-552-4723.
If you would like to speak with the Florida Prepaid team about sharing the importance of saving
for college, please contact Shannon Colavecchio at
shannonc@moorecommgroup.com
or call (850)224-0174.
by Angela Mas | Feb 12, 2018 | School News
The fourth season of Girls on the Run (GOTR) at Southport is underway! Our team of 15 brave and beautiful girls will participate in Heart & Sole, a physical activity-based positive youth development program that addresses the social, mental and emotional challenges particular to middle school girls. The 10-week program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
The vision of GOTR is for every girl to know and activate her limitless potential and be free to boldly pursue her dreams. The program empowers girls to make thoughtful and healthy decisions as they train to complete a 5K fun run. You can find out more about Girls on the Run at the website: http://www.girlsontherunTC.org
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 12, 2018 | District News
Check out the St. Lucie Public Schools Wellness page for information on the District’s
Incentive Program
Personal Health
Wellness Challenges
Wellness Champions
Wellness Program Offerings
Wellness Resources
And More!
https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/health-wellness/
by ALBERTO NEVAREZ | Feb 11, 2018 | School News
The 24th Annual Jaguar Military Ball took place on January 26th. This event, valued by the battalion, was an outstanding evening highlighted with c/ MAJ Syanna Graham as madam vice and Principal Adrian Ocampo as a guest speaker. Both the food and the music were excellent. Cadets, parents, and guests enjoyed an evening of dancing. The Battalion eagerly anticipates next year’s Ball.
by Kerry Padrick | Feb 10, 2018 | Press Releases
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – On Saturday, February 10, education’s shining stars walked the red carpet during the annual St. Lucie County Education Foundation’s Night of the Stars gala. This annual event was broadcast live from Lincoln Park Academy’s grand auditorium. Each of the St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) distinguished honorees representing their respective schools was recognized for outstanding service, and honored with awards. As the envelopes were opened and names were called, Samantha Lamora stepped forward as St. Lucie County’s Teacher of the Year. She is a first grade teacher at Savanna Ridge Elementary School where she exercises her belief that she can be the difference in the life of a child and an influencer in the community. Joining her on the stage were School Related Employee of the Year Adela DellaCroce from Treasure Coast High School, Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year Katherine Christopher of White City Elementary, and Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Brianna Nowaski from Windmill Point Elementary.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent said, “Outstanding teachers and caring adults help pave pathways for success in students’ lives. The individuals we honored this evening are remarkable, and I am extremely proud of all they do for our students every day.”
Education Foundation President Thom Jones said, “I look forward to this celebration each year. The Night of the Stars is an opportunity to honor our teachers and support professionals for the work they do each day for our students.” Jones went on to say that, “The Education Foundation’s mission is to recognize excellence in education and support teacher development. Event sponsors such as PNC Bank, this year’s Grand Benefactor, share our passion for recognizing excellence in education. MIDFLORIDA Community Credit Union sponsored the Teacher of the Year and Herff Jones honored the winner with a commemorative ring. Proctor Construction Company sponsored the School Related Employee of the Year, Keiser University sponsored the Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, and Seacoast Bank sponsored The Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year. Jones offered a special thank you to the many other event sponsors.
Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Kevin G. Perry said, “This event helps bring our distinguished honorees to our community. The Night of the Stars is one way in which we can truly honor and celebrate their commitment to providing for the individual needs of all students.”
St. Lucie County’s Teacher of the Year and School Related Employee of the Year will now move on to the state level competition. In the category of Teacher of the Year, the State has a long-standing tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The state finalist for The Florida Teacher of the Year also serves as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and represents the Florida Department of Education and teachers throughout the state.
About the Teacher of the Year
Samantha Lamora
Samantha Lamora is a first grade teacher at Savanna Ridge Elementary School with five years of teaching experience. For her, stepping into the role of a teacher is an answer to a lifetime career calling she deems “magical.” She enjoys helping students set and achieve their goals. Mrs. Lamora is inspired by her students desire to learn, grow, and celebrate their own successes.
Her students’ superior performance, her outstanding classroom practices, as well as other routines recognized as stellar led to Mrs. Lamora’s invitation to participate as a teacher leader and mentor. She values collaboration and looks for opportunities to extend that beyond the classroom where she begins by establishing solid partnerships between home and school. At the start of each year, she writes her parents a letter introducing herself, her educational philosophy, her expectation of success for her students, and her pledge to partner with them in their child’s academic journey to guarantee achievement. Her classroom is open to her parents on a number of occasions each year in order to celebrate the accomplishments of students. In the spirit of working collaboratively with her colleagues, she also helps produce a weekly newsletter to streamline communication from school to home, and she is an active member of the school’s PBIS, PTO, and Literacy committees helping plan events afterschool in an effort to bridge the gap between home and school – always seeking to make a positive difference for her students.
About the School-Related Employee of the Year
Adela DellaCroce
Adela DellaCroce is a clerk with 13 years of experience who manages a wide array of duties and responsibilities with enthusiasm. Ms. DellaCroce maintains meeting schedules, student attendance, and paperwork for the 700 strong junior class at Treasure Coast High School. In addition, she assists with maintaining discipline records, supporting the quarterly honor roll recognitions, organizing school assemblies, and coordinating faculty meetings.
There is no task too great or deemed outside of her role. She truly sees the entire school as an organization and understands the different roles that are necessary for it to function effectively. She helped established a campaign for aiding students in need of basic toiletries through Nick’s Necessities and for those who are food insecure, a healthy partnership with the Treasure Coast Food Bank is now viable on campus. With her ability to network, communicate, and advocate for Treasure Coast High School, Mrs. DellaCroce was a natural for the Volunteer Coordinator and Community Business Partner Liaison. In just one year, Mrs. DellaCroce is tipping the scales with nearly 30 business partners! Her next step from here is to help increase opportunities for internships so students can receive necessary work experience. She is moving forward in maintaining a dynamic and synergistic relationship between the school and its business partners.
About the Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year
Katherine Christopher is a 21-year veteran educator at White City Elementary who is dedicated to the success of her elementary students and embraces new opportunities to help them master content in creative, innovative, and interactive ways. When she chose to become a teacher, she made a commitment to be the best academic and ethical role model and to provide a well-rounded education for every student she encountered. She exhibits expertise in the subjects she teaches and, as a true professional, spends time honing her skills to ensure that she understands and implements new Standards with the highest level of fidelity.
Ms. Christopher goes beyond her classroom responsibilities to support the campus and community as well. She is a member of the White City Elementary’s PBIS team, supports fundraisers, and mentors new teachers. In the community, her dedication extends to leadership roles in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a sponsor of the MLK, Jr. Spelling Bee and other notable community organizations.
About the Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year
Brianna Nowaski
Brianna Nowaski’s kindergarten classroom at Windmill Point Elementary School is the launchpad for her career in education, and according to her principal, this Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year has taken off like a rocket. Ms. Nowaski was inspired to teach by two of her own teachers who motivated and encouraged her as a youth. In turn, she has established herself as a confident teacher with high expectations for students who are excelling in their work.
When reflecting on her professional collegiate experiences and student teaching, Ms. Nowaski confirmed her solid background and preparation in the practical aspects of teaching such as planning, classroom management, and prep work. However, she indicated the one thing that no amount of training could have prepared her for was the understanding of the love her students show her every day.
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About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) ranks fifth in Florida and proudly serves as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast with a graduation rate of 91.0 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS 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.
by ANDREW WEBSTER | Feb 9, 2018 | School News
Fifth grade students at Lakewood Park Elementary are getting a boost to learning as they are participating in the 21st Century after school tutorial program. Students are engaged in project based learning with an emphasis on grade level expectations that will help them succeed academically. This program runs Monday through Friday from 3:15 to 5:15.
by WENDY MUNAO | Feb 8, 2018 | School News
Students in Mrs. Saunders’ 5th grade present Native American Projects. Fifth graders enjoyed presenting Native American projects. As part of their Reading and Social Studies standards, each student researched a tribe, wrote about the culture, then created a board or diorama reflecting the unique attributes they discovered. Pictured: Zachary Cobb, Jonah McCrory, and Victoria Serrano Melendez.
