To view a complete list of the available programs, simply visit www.palmbeachschools.org/parents. Many of the District summer activities and learning programs still have openings, and scholarships may be available.

The School District of Palm Beach County announced that the 5^th Annual Learn Green Conference & Expo will take place on Monday, November 11, 2013 at A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. This is the best opportunity for teachers, students, administrators, community members and experts in the field to learn from each other and discuss different programs and ground-breaking initiatives. 

Save the date and take advantage of Florida’s Green Schools Conference! Learn about school grounds enhancement, community partnerships, curriculum Integration, school sustainability, management and innovative programs and practices and so much more. Last year more than 900 participants attended and the marketplace featured 90 different vendors ranging from curriculum resources to environmentally friendly equipment. 

Teachers will be eligible to earn in-service points for attending the conference and submitting the required documentation. Registration will be available soon. 

Details at www.learngreenconference.com 

Are you interested on showcasing a program, project or activity from your school or company? Presentation proposals are being accepted until June 30, 2013.  For sponsorship and exhibitor space call 561-688-7602. 

For more information contact Susan Toth, Pine Jog Environmental Center, at 561-686-6604 or via email at stoth2@fau.edu. 

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

List of Feeding Sites for Summer Food Service Program

Nutritionally balanced meals will be provided to all children regardless of  race,  color,  sex,  disability,  age,  or   national  origin  during  summer vacation  when  school  breakfasts  and  lunches  are  not available.  All children 18 years old and younger are eligible for meals at no charge and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

The  programs  are  only  approved  for  geographical  areas  of   need where 50  percent or more of  the children qualify for  free and reduced price meals during the school year.

Summer Food Service sites that are located at schools provide meals to all children in the immediate vicinity in addition to those enrolled in summer school.     

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should immediately write or call:

USDA

Director, Office of Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C.  20250-9410

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY)

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information please contact School Food Service Field Manager, Peter Wood at 561-383-2003 or peter.wood@palmbeachschools.org.

A preliminary analysis of this data revealed the following.

Overall, the SDPBC percentage of first-time test-takers scoring Level 3 or above on EOC assessments was higher or the same as that of Florida.   

·         From FY2012 to FY2013, the SDPBC increased:

o   The number of students participating in algebra courses and significantly increased the performance of Algebra 1 EOC first-time test-takers by ten percentage points; and

o   The performance for Algebra 1 EOC students in grades 9-12.

·         In FY2013, SDPBC outperformed Florida at most grades on the Algebra 1 EOC .

·       In FY2013, the performance of the SDPBC’s Geometry and Biology 1 EOC first-time test-takers was similar to that of Florida. 

·         In FY2013, the SDPBC had the same average T-score as Florida on the U.S. History EOC.

Executive Summary Here

Overall, SDPBC had a higher percentage of proficient students than Florida and the five largest Florida school districts at most grades in Reading, Mathematics and Science and more than a majority of SDPBC students scored proficient or above at all tested grades and subjects.

• In FY2013, the SDPBC had a higher proficiency rate than Florida and the five largest Florida districts in a majority of grades and subjects

o   At grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in Reading,

o   At grades 4, 5, 7,  and 8 in Mathematics, and

o   At grades 5 and 8 in Science. 

• From FY2012 to FY2013, the SDPBC increased performance by at least two percentage points in grades 6, 9 and 10 reading, and in grades 3 and 4 Mathematics.
• In FY2013, the SDPBC had a majority of students scoring proficient or above at all tested grades in Reading and Mathematics.

The attached Tables 1 through 5 report the percent of students proficient in Reading, Mathematics, and Science for the SDPBC, Florida, and selected school districts.  Results for individual SDPBC schools are available on the Department of Research, Evaluation and Assessment website at: http://www.palmbeachschools.org/dre/FCAT.asp

Executive Summary Here

When? June 10, 2013 from 9:00am to 3:30pm.

Where? Work Force Alliance located at 1951 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach

All applicants should bring a resume listing previous job experience.  Please contact Lana Gray with Work Force Alliance to schedule an interview appointment at 561-340-1060 ext. 2324.

For more information please contact Lori Dornbusch with School Food Service at lori.dornbusch@palmbeachschools.org or 561-383-2000.

• Promotional Videos, Large District

Wellness Rewards Premium Discount Promotional Video

This comprehensive video explains the process that District employees have to follow in order to take advantage of the Wellness Rewards Premium Discount Program. 

The video was produced by Officer Frank Fanelli from the School Police Training Unit and Donna Winter, Assistant Wellness Coordinator as “The Wellness Fairy” in support of Director, Dianne Howard; Manager, Marilyn Boursiquot and Wellness Coordinator, Kimberly Sandmaier. 

Attending to accept this award is Donna Winter, Assistant Wellness Coordinator, Risk & Benefits Management. 

• Special Purpose Publication – Large District

Palm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competition. The book includes the winning entries for the 2013 Palm Beach County Middle School Poetry Competition. In addition, the publication features the winning cover designed by Laura Francois and the bookmark designed by Maria Valenti students at Palm Springs Middle School. 

Attending to accept this award is Laura Costello, English teacher, Palm Springs Middle 

• Wellness Annual Report – Large District

Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report – 6th Edition

This annual report reflects the historical journey that embraces the wellness progress of Palm Beach County.  Since the creation of this important district policy and process a “Wellness Promotion Task Force” was developed and now comprised of over 1000 members. The goal of this task force is to encourage a proactive approach to holistically address the health, wellness and safety of all school children, staff, parents and the community. 

​Attending to accept this award is Steve Bonino, District Chairman of  The Wellness Promotion Task Force.

• Themed Promotion – Take Steps to a Healthier You!! Breakfast Club

This project originated and is being implemented at Okeeheelee Middle School with the purpose of increasing the number students that eat breakfast at school.  The club combines a tutoring program and the opportunity to enjoy a healthy and well balance meal. Students begin their day getting help in the different core subjects and when they are done they have breakfast.  The project correlates with the First Lady’s, Michelle Obama, campaign to make schools a healthier environment.

​

Attending to accept this award is Carmen Moreira, Title I Coordinator, Okeeheelee Middle School. 

SUNSPRA is an organization dedicated to the needs, goals, and professional development of public relations experts who specialize in education communications. In fact, it is the definitive organization for Public Relations professionals in Florida with ties to the National School Public Relations Association Network. Their mission is to widespread support for Florida public education by engaging all key stakeholders in student success and public school improvement.

Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 19^th, 2013 during the FASA Summer Conference being held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

Eight Palm Beach County high school seniors have been awarded $5,000 per year scholarships for four years based on their enrollment at a four year post secondary institution. (Total scholarship award $20,000.00 per student).

The scholarship awards are provided by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, a national education philanthropy based in Los Angeles that seeks to ensure that every student in an urban public school has the opportunity to succeed. 

The Broad Prize honors urban school districts that demonstrate the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement in the nation while reducing income and ethnic achievement gaps.

The School District of Palm Beach County was one of four finalist for the 2012 Broad Prize.

For more details, please visit www.broadprize.com or contact Judy Thomas, Department of Single School Culture © Initiatives at judy.thomas@palmbeachschools.org or (561) 434-8456.

When? Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Where? Central Transportation Facility – 3376 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Attendees will have the opportunity to apply for jobs available in the Transportation Department including bus drivers, bus attendants, mechanics and mechanics forepersons. In addition to exceptional retirement benefits, competitive pay, health insurance and flexible schedule the School District offers the Commercial Driving License (CDL) training for free to those who qualify. 

Requirements:

1. Safe licensed driver for 5 years
2. Excellent driving record
3. Pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination
4. Pass the bus driver training course
5. Communicate effectively in English
6. Enjoy working with students  

Follow this link to apply online or call (561) 242-6500 www.palmbeachschools.org/transportation/Employment/index.asp 

For more information contact Carl Boucard at (561) 242-6517 or via email at carl.boucard@palmbeachschools.org.  

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

Transportation officials will utilize approximately 30 buses from the six (6) transportation facilities to participate in this exercise. The buses will be required to travel to assigned pick-up locations in the west area and return to the South Florida Fairgrounds. Also, Movement Control Teams will be strategically staged on State Road 80 to monitor this process. 

It is estimated that 18,000 people will depend on public transportation for evacuation. Contingency plans, will allow for much greater numbers of potential evacuees. 

The School District has approximately 835 buses, located at six (6) transportation facilities throughout the county.  The West Transportation Facility located in Belle Glade, FL has over 50 school buses permanently assigned to the Glades area with seating capacity ranging from 50 to 84 passengers. This facility has an overall carrying capacity of approximately 3,000 passengers. The carrying capacity will be reduced based on personal effects being carried by individuals. 

Additional buses from other transportation facilities will augment the evacuation process as required. Drivers and buses from other facilities can be mobilized in approximately one (1) hour and can reach pick-up areas in the Glades area in approximately one additional hour, assuming local law enforcement officials close one lane of traffic on SR 80, as called for in the Evacuation Plan developed by the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). 

For more information, contact George Pratt, West Area Manager, Transportation Services, at 561-242-8364 or via email at george.pratt@palmbeachschools.org  

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

Additionally, Dr. Draper will share her expertise and knowledge in the Political and Constitutional Theory for Citizens Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles this summer, which is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

Lavinia will study political theory, the Constitution, and the values of American democracy to create a civics curriculum that will meet the National Standards for Civics and Government.

Dr. Draper is a part of the Teaching American History Grant, a program designed to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge and appreciation for U.S. history. She will be traveling to Boston in June with other teachers from the district and the coordinator of the program, Mrs. Monica Perez, to learn more about the American Revolution. 

Dr. Lavinia Draper is a recipient of the Palm Beach County Literacy Award, Palm Beach County Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award and the Distinguished Fulbright Award in Teaching. 

She traveled to Wales in the United Kingdom this year for her Fulbright project to work with teachers and students on an arts-integrated literacy unit. She presented research on creative approaches to teaching, collaborated with the Welsh Assembly as an advocate for the arts, and wrote a case study for the prime minister on the impact of the arts on academic achievement. 

For more information contact Maureen Carter at 561-434-8933 or via email at maureen.carter@palmbeachschools.org

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

The District is pleased to highlight the following achievements:

• Outperformed the State of Florida in the percentage of students scoring 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 and above at all tested grade levels (FCAT Writing).
•  Of the five largest Florida School Districts, the SDPBC had the highest percentage increase of students scoring 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 and above at grades 4 and 10 (FCAT Writing).
•  The percentage of proficient students in Mathematics in the SDPBC increased by an overall 3 percentage points, while Reading remained the same.

While SDPBC students and teachers have worked hard and demonstrated encouraging growth in improving writing scores this year, it is important to remember that the FDOE has increased the proficiency standard used for school grades from 3.0 to 3.5 out of 6. The more rigorous standard for writing proficiency will result in fewer points for school grades and could cause fewer “A” and “B” rated schools throughout the State.

Executive Summaries 

FY13_ExecSum_Gr3_FCAT   

FY13_ExecSum_Writing

 About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

The students accompanied by their principals or parents were recognized for academic and personal accomplishments at a luncheon held at the Kravis sponsored by the West Palm Beach Rotary Club.  All of the students were very excited and happy when they received their new bikes and safety helmets.

The Rotary Club of West Palm has been working on diverse community service projects in West Palm Beach for more than 93 years. For example, to date the Club has contributed over $250,000 to the schools, students, and families in West Palm Beach. “We are proud to be an active Business Partner with the district,” said Kenyetta V. Haywood, school district administrator and Board Member of the Club.

To learn more about the West Palm Beach Rotary Club call Club President, Jeff Pasquale at (561) 236-8505.

The continuum begins with the Primary Years Programme at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, continues with the Middle Years Programme at John F. Kennedy Middle School that completes at Suncoast Community High School, and culminates with the Diploma Programme, grades 11 and 12, at Suncoast. 

Principals Dr. Edwina Mooney-Bethune, Corey Brooks-Kennedy, and Dr. Linda Cartlidge-Suncoast work together to implement this academic program across the three schools.  The curriculum is built on three fundamental concepts:  holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication.  Together, the three principals plan cooperative activities based on these concepts that include tutoring and other educational student activities.  Further, teachers from Kennedy and Suncoast plan the Middle Years Programme curriculum together and participate in cooperative professional development activities that include events such as teachers shadowing teachers between the two schools.

For more information contact Dr. Linda Cartlidge, Suncoast Principal at (561) 882-3400 or via e-mail at linda.cartlidge@palmbeachschools.org.

Designed to raise awareness of the issues surrounding missing and exploited children, the Take 25 Campaign encourages parents, guardians, educators, and others to take 25 minutes to talk to children about safety. With a focus on prevention, Take 25 provides free safety resources including safety tips, conversation starters, and event planning guides to help communities host local events.

Approximately 100 students and faculty members attended the presentation and received safety tips and precautions with preprinted literature that included conversation starters for parents to interact with children at home. Deputies used games to help interact with the children and reinforce the safety tips. T-shirts, bracelets and stickers were also passed out to students. 

One of the favorite parts of the presentation was when approximately 40 children were fingerprinted using the Take 25 fingerprint kits. Indian Pines Principal Jill Robinson said, “the presentation was very informative and essential for our students and community. We are looking forward to the next year and hope to include even more students in the event. “ 

For more information about the Take 25 campaign visit www.take25.org 

For more information contact Jill Robinson at 561-804-3300 or via email at jill.robinson@palmbeachschools.org or Celia Lawrence at celia.lawrence@palmbeachschools.org.  

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is a public magnet high school serving more than 1,300 artistically talented Palm Beach County students.  Artistic concentrations are offered in the following six arts disciplines: The Communication Arts Department is the first of its kind to exist in any high school in the United States. The curriculum encompasses speech, debate, journalism, creative writing, computer arts, publishing, television and film production. The Dance Department provides intensive training in different styles and techniques of jazz, ballet, pointe and modern dance. With an emphasis  on understanding dance as an art form,  students learn the basics of choreography, kinesiology and music. The Music Department at the School of the Arts  offers concentrations in band, chorus, orchestra and piano. More than 20 different student ensembles, ranging from classical to jazz, rehearse and perform throughout the year.

 The Digital Media program was created by blending two dynamic programs, Communication Arts and Visual Arts. Students are offered classes in film (digital video) production, photography – traditional and digital, animation and graphic design. Students in this program work with both the moving image and the still image to create narrative experimental, documentary and short films of a variety of genres.   The award winning Theatre Department provides students with the literary, performance, and technical experience necessary to enter professional theatre companies or theatre programs at colleges, universities and conservatories. Upper level students choose from different areas of theatrical concentration: on stage performance or behind the scenes technical support, which includes set design, lighting and sound. The Visual Arts Department is a nationally recognized program that encourages students to explore their personal visions through a variety of media and materials. Students have the opportunity to explore painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and architecture.

 About Arts Schools Network

Dedicated to excellence and leadership in arts education, Arts Schools Network, a non-profit professional organization founded in 1981, is a dynamic resource for arts schools leaders, innovative partners and members of arts education institutions.  ASN’s mission is to promote excellence in arts education by supporting and recognizing students, leaders, educators, schools, institutions, and organizations.  ASN has provided communications, programs, services, conferences and events to support these goals for over 30 years. Visit the website at www.artsschoolsnetwork.org to learn more.

 About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

The following awards were presented:

For more information and a brief description of the award winners programs please visit our website http://www.palmbeachcountypta.com/.  Join us on Facebook to view the “Rock Stars of PTA” photo album https://www.facebook.com/PalmBeachCountyPTA . Those interested in joining the largest advocacy group for children should send an email to PalmBeachCountyPTA@yahoo.com.  (Special Note: It is not a requirement to have a child in school to become a member.)

About PTA

The Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSA is a member of the largest advocacy group for children in the nation. PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

More than 54,000 students applied, making this year the largest and most competitive group of candidates in the program’s history.

Stephanie Berra attended Palm Beach Central High School and graduated with a 3.46 GPA. She would like to become a medical doctor and plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree at the College of Honors in Florida Atlantic University then transferring to the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.    

As these four outstanding students join the community of Gates Scholars, they will also receive the distinction of Leader for America’s Future™. Gates Millennium Scholars receive funds to attend any college or university in the United States.  This is a renewable scholarship, which means that throughout their undergraduate career the organization will review and determine a new scholarship amount each year. 

Inngide Osirus graduated as the Valedictorian at Village Academy with a 3.64 GPA. She plans to major in Biochemical Engineering at the University of Miami.

Raoul Dolcine Jr. plans to major in Journalism at Northeastern University. His favorite quote “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world “ by Nelson Mandela, reminds him every day the importance of staying focus on his studies. He graduated from Suncoast Community High School.

In addition, if these scholars decide to pursue graduate studies in the fields of Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Library Science, Mathematics, Public Health or Science, they will be eligible for GMS fellowship funding for her master’s and doctoral degree. 

Glades Central High School graduate Concha Prieto has an admirable 3.8 GPA and follows the steps of her older sister earning the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Concha, has been taking a rigorous schedule of college and high school classes to obtain her Associate of Arts degree from Palm Beach State College at the same time.

The GMS program is so much more than scholarship funds. Many GMS programs and activities have been designed as resources, to assist recipients in their continued development as leaders and to allow them to connect to the Gates Scholar community in a variety of ways. One example among the wide range of resources is the GMS Freshmen Leadership Conference, specifically designed to orient and prepare students for a smooth transition to college and to help maximize their GMS experience. 

Other GMS Leadership Development Programs include Academic Empowerment services (ACE) to support academic success, graduate school planning and a mentoring program.

For more information contact Maureen Carter at 561-434-8933 or via email at maureen.carter@palmbeachschools.org . 

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Parents, teachers and staff are expected to attend.  Palm Beach Lakes Community High School is located at 3505 Shiloh Dr. West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

For more information, call  (850) 599-3024. 

If you are interested in helping, please click here to visit their website and follow the directions on the donation page.  Check out the video on the donation page. “I look awfully cute in it!” says KASH. 

To show their commitment, Atlantic High School is stepping up to the challenge. Assistant Principal, Ms. Frances will be going to “The Dunk Tank” as students buy as many tickers as they want for the opportunity to hit the target and see her get splashed! 

On Field Day, May 31, 2013 the 25 lucky winners will have a one of a kind opportunity to see their favorite AP get completely soaked. Ms. Francis hopes that this encourages not only her students to support KASH but other schools to help in this great cause and come up with their own ways to include their parents, students and teachers. 

Ms. Francis hoping for some compassion!

“We are very lucky to have KASH in our District and what better way to pay it forward than to help the organization that has brought him to us,” said Ms. Francis.

All funds collected will be donated to the Jimmy Ryce Foundation to help other police departments get special dogs like KASH.    

KASH was donated to Palm Beach County Schools in February 2013. Currently, Officer Curtis Riddick and Kash are stationed at Atlantic High School but after the canine completes all the necessary training to perform his job, they will be working across Palm Beach County.

Bloodhounds are a type of hound that hunts by scent rather than sight and they are often referred as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines. “Their long ears help collect air and keep it near the face and nose and can discern human odors even days later, over great distances or across water,” said Officer Riddick, Kash’s handler.

For more information about the donation fund contact Ruthe Francis at 561-242-0905 or via email at ruthe.francis@palmbeachschools.org.  

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.