Eighth grade students will attend the live presentation while 6^th and 7^th graders will watch via the in-house system. Everyone is encouraged wot wear red, white, and blue, and bring their hand-held U.S. flags in honor of Memorial Day. The school band is also scheduled to perform at the event.

 Faith Ann Cheek,  principal of the Boynton Beach school, said the event is an opportunity for everyone at the school to pause and reflect. “Our students and school community need to remember the sacrifices these outstanding Americans have given for our country,” she stated. “ Memorial Day is a time when we need to acknowledge and appreciate all of those who have served and those who are still serving to keep us free.”

For more details, contact Assistant Principal Dr. Shawn Servos, 561-374-6616 or email shawn.servos@palmbeachschools.org.

CNN Heroes is a year-long initiative that honors everyday people for their selfless, creative efforts to help others.  All CNN Heroes are selected from viewer nominations submitted at www.CNNHeroes.com.  Last year, more than 10,000 nominations were received from 100 countries. 

Her broad background in healthcare and dedication to diminishing caregiver isolation and struggles led to the 1998 establishment of what is now the American Association of Care giving Youth®. Their mission is to increase awareness about the effects on children who provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly and/or disabled. 

Dr. Siskowski and her group of professionals serve 17 high schools, 8 middle schools and over 500 students in Palm Beach County who are care givers.  They provide direct and indirect support services such as lunch and learn, discussion clubs, home visits, resources and many other activities.

Below is the schedule of CNN Heroes:

Friday, May 18, 2012

CNN

8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 9 p.m., 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.

HLN

6 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.

CNNi

2 a.m., 6 a.m. and  7 p.m.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

CNN

10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

HLN

8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

CNN

6 a.m.

Monday, May 21, 2012

CNNEE

7 p.m. 

**All times are given Eastern Time

**Times listed reference the hour starting at. We are unable to specify the time within the hour. 

For more information contact Connie Siskowski at (561) 391-740 or via email at gerry@aacy.org.

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 Public Affairs Contact: Natalia Arenas – (561) 357-7662 – natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools.org

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk served in the Army for 31 years. He fought five campaigns in Europe as a 27-28 year old Tank Battalion Commander in the Fourth Armored Division, which spearheaded Gen. Patton’s Third Army across much of Europe. He was wounded twice and received the nation’s second highest decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, for extraordinary heroism. Additional decorations include the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with 3 Old Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. 

At the University of Massachusetts he received his Bachelor’s Degree and a commission in the Horse Cavalry from ROTC. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from American University in Washington, DC, and is a graduate of the National War College. 

General Irzyk resides in West Palm Beach and is the author of five books to include: He Rode Up Front for Patton; Gasoline to Patton; A Warrior’s Quilt of Personal Military History; Firsthand Account 4th Armored Division Spearhead at Bastogne; Unsung Hero’s, Saving Saigon.

For more information contact Hans Fritz Hunt at (561) 422-2620 or via email at hans.hunt@palmbeachschools.org.

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 Public Affairs Contact: Natalia Arenas – (561) 357-7662 – natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools.org

For further information please call The Education Network at 561-738-2791.

Nine high school teams from Boca Raton to Ft. Pierce attended the competition.

The team from Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach was declared champion of the 3-hour competition consisting of real-life mathematics problems whose solutions required applications of concepts from Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. 

Atlantic’s 5-member winning team consisted of seniors Hayden Jansen (also winner of the Pathfinder Award in Mathematics), Michael Klionsky (Valedictorian), Gowri Nayar, Hanif Ahmed and Benny Tom.

Atlantic’s winning team members won TI-Nspire graphing calculators and $375 in gift certificates to Best Buy.

It was the second competition championship for Atlantic in the last three years of the competition.

Following Atlantic in 2nd place was the team from Suncoast Math/Science/Engineering (MSE) Magnet School.

Some of the other schools with one or more teams competing were Seminole Ridge, Port St. Lucie Centennial, Seminole Ridge and Spanish River.

For more information, contact Russ Williams at russell.williams@palmbeachschools.org.

A recent article in USA Today said that animal oxygen masks are “cone-shaped and designed with enough depth to fit over an animal’s nose and mouth, making delivery of oxygen more effective than it is with masks made for people’s flatter faces.”  Animal masks also have a rubber seal which leads to a snug fit around the animal’s snout.

The Critter Club is scheduled to present the life-saving gifts to representatives of the Fire/Rescue Services Division of the City of Greenacres on Thursday, May 24 at 2:30 in the school’s Physical Education Pavillion.  For details, contact Ms. King, 561-304-4201 or email Barbara.king@palmbeachschools.org.

Poinciana Elementary School is celebrating their 8-member Taz Bots team of contenders who recently took first place in the Florida Legoland World Invitational Open held in Winter Haven, Florida. The team of students who participate in the school’s Aftercare Program  had  to first win in last Fall’s qualifying regional tournaments and then earned second place in January along with a bid for the State Tournament. At the State Tournament the team received the Director’s Award—the highest distinction a team can win at the state level—along with the bid to go to the World Invitational earlier this month.  The competition was hosted by Legoland and USF Polytechnic.

Ms. Gloria Gibson, team sponsor and Poinciana Aftercare director, said the team had to build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO Mindstorms technology to score points in 2 ½ minute matches on a themed playing field. “They had to solve a set of missions, along with researching, developing, and then sharing their innovative solutions—and  they truly excelled,” she stated.  The Taz Bots, who were one of 64 teams from around the world, formed a friendly alliance with team FAV from the Netherlands. 

At the closing Award Ceremony, the Taz Bots received a team trophy and individual medals.  In the photo above, the team (wearing gray t-shirts) show off the trophy as they  pose with Ms. Gibson and team Fav from the Netherlands.

For more information, contact Dr. Gibson, 561-739-5700 or email Gloria.gibson@palmbeachschools.org.

The guests are, Dr. Velouse Jean-Jacques, Guidance Counselor, and Véronique Valéry from the Haitian American Solidarity Center (HASC).

‘Fowòm Edikasyon Kominotè’ will air from Sunday, May 20 through Saturday, May 26, on T.E.N. Comcast Digital Cable 234 at 12:30 PM and 8:30 PM. You can also watch the show online on the District Web site Vodcast system at this link: https://vodcast.palmbeachschools.org/player/GND8B.

“Fowòm Edikasyon Kominotè” is available throughout the month everyday at 8:30 AM at telelegliz.com.

‘Fowòm Edikasyon Kominotè’ is a TV series produced by the Department of Public Affairs and T.E.N. in Haitian Creole. The program provides information to the Haitian community about education issues, activities and opportunities at their children’s schools in order to promote parental involvement, a key factor to student achievement.

For more information, contact Bito David at bito.david@palmbeachschools.org or call (561) 963-3820 or (561) 644-6488.

NASA recommends one indoor plant for every 100 square feet of living space to improve indoor air quality. The Club, led by Mrs. Budish, took the contest a step further and created a PSA titles entitled “Got Air? Get Plants.”  Click on this link to see the finished and creative product! 

http://palmbeachschooltalk.com/budishe/Budish/Got_Air_Get_Plants%21.html

Go out and adopt a plant for your indoor space!!

Mrs. Budish has worked with this group of tech savvy elementary students all year long.  This group of students met every Tuesday after school.  They have learned a variety of software programs such as iMovie, Powerpoint, Keynote, Kerpoof, and Wordle. They created presentations for Just Read Florida!  (Follow the Reader) and many marketing presentation tools for both inside and outside our school building.   The students presented their projects on WSUN, the morning show.  Most recently this group created a marketing breeze presentation entitled “The ABCs of Kindergarten.”      

Ellen Budish, the club moderator stated, “The most rewarding part of the digital imaging club is watching the students become responsible for their own learning and sharing the information with the school and our community.”

For more information about this contest or the Digital Imaging Club, please contact Mrs. Ellen Budish at (561) 477-4300 or via email at  Ellen.budish@palmbeachschools.org

 An author of young adult books, Ms. Flake expressed  gratitude for being invited to speak at Lantana Middle and being blessed with success in her writing. She told the audience that she strives to visit schools and public libraries to talk with students about her past and the possibilities of their futures. She wanted the students to know that they don’t have to be perfect to do something that they want to do. “Trust your own instincts and believe in yourself,” she stated. “Life is full of twists and turns so you never know where a road might lead you.”

 During the large group sessions, topics discussed included creating memorable characters and writing realistic fiction. Ms. Flake mingled with students and took them on an unforgettable journey of the day-to-day activities and life of an author including working with editors, and the rewrite process.

 During the more intimate small group discussion, Ms. Flake went deeper into the writing process; specifically the editing, illustrating, marketing, and publishing aspects of the field. A question and answer period followed at the end of each session and time  was  allotted for her to autograph books.

 For more details, contact Ms. Simpson, 561-540-3400, or email Lillian.simpson@palmbeachschools.org.

WHAT:               Internet Safety Workshop At Del Prado Elementary School

WHO:                  Del Prado PTA, Deputy Karl Martin, PBSO

WHEN:               Tuesday 5/22/2012 6:30 PM

WHERE:             Del Prado El. School 7900 Del Prado Cir., Boca Raton

WHY:                  Deputy Karl Martin from the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office will present information for parents to help them keep their children safe on the internet.  He will share his tips for parents to keep their children safe while surfing the net, playing games, chatting and messaging on social networking sites.  Children’s activities will be available during this free presentation.

Please RSVP by May 18th to Julissa Baez, julissa.ny12@gmail.com, if your children will participate in the children’s activities that night.

For more information, contact Laura Fellman, 561-544-1800.

First Place: Ally Rosenblum, A. W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, 10^th grade
Second Place: Dolores Sary Blanc, Glades Central High School, 12^th grade
Third Place: Sophie Press, A. W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, 9^th grade

Ally Rosenblum, first place winner, demonstrated outstanding thinking and writing skills in her composition, excelling in content, originality, grammar, and spelling, according to the judging committee members comprised of district administrators and teachers. The essay topic was:  “Considering the case of Haiti as an example, discuss the reasons why international aid from rich countries should or should not be given to poor countries.” Ally brilliantly expressed her thoughts on why help should be given to poor countries and how the help should be managed.   

Dolores Sary Blanc, from Glades Central High School and Sophie Press, from A. W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, who respectively won second and third place, are also excellent students whose behavior and academic performance are praised by their teachers.

The Palm Beach County essay contest for high school students began in 2004 in commemoration of May as Haitian Heritage Month. Its goal is to motivate students to practice their thinking and writing skills in order to increase their achievement level in high stakes assessments like the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), to increase their self-esteem by promoting their history and culture while asking them to conduct historical research about their country, their people and their contributions to the history of the world.

The winners will be recognized during the School Board meeting on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 5:00 PM, at the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach. The first place winner will receive an award certificate along with a check for $250.00. The second place winner will receive a certificate and $150.00, and the third place winner a certificate and $100.00.

The winners of the essay contest will also be featured at an author talk event organized by the School District of Palm Beach County in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Library System at the Okeechobee Library  located at 5689 Okeechobee Blvd., Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 6:00 PM, where they will be talking about their essays.

The Essay Contest was sponsored by Gaskov Clergé Foundation, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization established to promote health and education in Haiti and the United States. 

For more information about the Haitian Heritage Month Celebration in the School District of Palm Beach County, visit http://www.palmbeachschools.org/pao/creole/MwaEritajAyisyen2012.asp or call Bito David, Public Affairs Specialist, at (561) 963-3820 or email david@palmbeach.k12.fl.us.

 The following poster, essay and video winners were selected:

 Middle School Posters

First Place:  Anthony Alves, Lantana Middle

Second Place:   William Elizondo, Loggers Run

Third Place:    Alexandria Trombetta, Lantana Middle

 High School Essays

First Place:  Jonah King, Seminole Ridge High School

Second Place:   Alexandra Dejesus, Atlantis Academy

Third Place:          Nicholas Debase, Atlantis Academy

 High School Video

Alexa Lightle and Taylor Walsh, Park Vista Community High School

 The goal of the contest is to raise public awareness of enactment of the federal Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, familial status, disability, national origin, and gender, and to encourage fair housing opportunities for all citizens. In addition, Palm Beach County’s Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation, age, marital status and gender identity or expression.

 The winners received prizes at a reception at the Realtors Association in late April in recognition of National Fair Housing Month.

 The OEO provides coordination of the four civil and human rights programs of Palm Beach County government. These programs include the Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Fair Housing Program, Handicap Accessibility Program, and the Human Relations Camp that provides programs to encourage interracial and intercultural understanding among high school students.

  For more information, please visit www.pbcgov.com/equalopportunity

A variety of regions of the world will be represented by different grade-levels on campus and will reflect the efforts of students who have worked collaboratively with each other and the faculty for six weeks to learn about the different cultures of each region. The research involved and the knowledge acquired will then be highlighted at the culminating event- the World’s Fair.

This final unit of work is a collaborate effort in many ways. The state curriculum is meshed with the IB philosophy to enhance and deepen the acquisition of knowledge through participation and research. The different subject- area faculty members work together to make the unit enriching and student-centered so the acquisition of concepts learned is embedded in  students’ minds forever. The teachers also take real-life problems or situations from their regions of the world and have students work on possible solutions for these issues. These higher learning skills students acquire through this rigorous approach is unlike the conventional middle school and prepares students for the rigors of high school, college, and ultimately–life.

 Some of the activities planned for the Worldl’s Fair include:

 * Music from around the world performed by the chorus and  band;

* International Dances performed by a variety of students;

* Artistic works representing the different regions exhibited throughout the  school and

* Eighth grade IB showcase projects on display and explained by their creators.

 Conniston’s World’s Fair, which drew over 500 people last year, is now  a staple within the community. “Each team is assigned a region of the world and the teachers really intertwine what the students are currently learning with IB practices. The students’ creativity is shown through their culminating activities which makes them take ownership of their learning. The teacher facilitates during this process and helps guide the students with their acquisition of knowledge. This approach to teaching is what sets us apart from other programs,” said Felix Ocejo, magnet coordinator.         

For more information contact Mr. Ocejo, 561- 802-5477or email Felix.Ocejo@palmbeachschools.org .

The reading leaders of JFK Middle, who earned above 250 points in Reading Counts, received an advanced copy of Mr. Patterson’s book Middle School:  Get Me Out of Here and were given the task to read the novel and generate five questions to pose to the author for the webinar.

The JFK students were treated to chauffeured transportation to the King’s Library in the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach where the show was taped. The students met with their peers from Palm Beach Day Academy and rehearsed the segment to be filmed. Arriving from another filming location in the early afternoon, Mr. Patterson placed the students at ease with his warm personality. The set was actually a cozy library in which students posed questions regarding his career, his future projects and the making of movies from his books.

Donna Dekersky, Media Specialist at JFK said, “The advice that he offered to the students was inspirational and something that the students listened to with rapt attention.”

Mohini Valdes an 8th grader asked Mr. Patterson about the most inspiring book he has written.  Mr. Patterson said he enjoyed writing for children and because people are always intrigued by the ability to fly, he said, “Writing the Maximum Ride series, which ends this year, is a favorite of mine.” Max, the main character, and her friends, are part human and part bird and can fly.

Nicole Hemmer, a 7th grader asked if the author includes people he knows in his books.  His response, which the students certainly enjoyed, “In the Middle School books, I included the name of my high school girlfriend. She got a kick out of it.”

Mr. Patterson told the eager students,”If you are lucky, you will get to do what you love, and if you are really lucky, you will get paid to do it.”

“It was a spectacular day. I just kept thinking, it’s really him,” said Kordell Garland, a 6th grader at JFK.

“The fact that the students were excited about meeting an author and enjoyed conversing about books made it a wonderful experience for all involved, “said Ms. Dekersky.

For more information please contact Ms. Dekersky at 561-845-5433 or donna.dekersky@palmbeachschools.org .

Vincent  Cordero, 5th grade, won the 2D category for Remembering 911, and  Rachel  Jesse,  also 5th grade, won first place in the 4D Animation category for her slideshow, Rachel’s Guide to the Solar System. Both students created their artwork using Apple iMac computers in their Digital Media class under the guidance of Mrs. Sally Smollar, who is the Library Media Specialist at Plumosa. 

Entries were judged by Dr. Wendy Dickenson of the Ringling College of Art and Design and Moncia Helms of Full Sail University. Digital Media Challenge participants, their teacher and parents are invited to attend the Digital Media Festival on May 12 at the Digital Media Festival at the Digital Worlds Institute at University of Florida. 

For more information, please contact Nancy Early at (561) 330-3907 or email nancy.early@palmbeachschools.org.

Ms. Simmons has been teaching in Palm Beach County since since 1986, at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary, Binks Forest Elementary and now Beacon Cove. Before that she taught for 12 years in Bethlehem, PA, where she was born and raised.  “I love to teach,” said Ms. Simmons. “I love to create, and I love presenting to teachers how to make learning come alive by teaching the standards, hands-on. The students love seeing and creating projects out of bags and other recycled materials. Soon, they start to create their own portfolios with everyday materials used in new ways.  Another teacher and I speak all over the United States…..and own our business called The Bag Ladies, since our thematic units are in bags.  We have also authored four books.  It is the BIGGEST honor for me to win this award!  I am happy to say, that I am motivated to teach my gifted classes in a fabulous, happy classroom that makes learning purposeful and fun for all students.”

Dr. Rosemary Daniels, School District Gifted Specialist said, “This highly creative teacher submitted her portfolio answers in a self made artistic masterpiece. The Selection Committee stated that she has raised the bar for all future recipients. She was selected among all of the state’s gifted teachers. She is truly an inspiration to all teachers and extremely deserving of this prestigious award of honor.”

For more information please contact Dr. Daniels at 561-434-8369 or rosemary.daniels@palmbeachschools.org

The students, teachers and staff members at Benoist Farms were been able to raise over $1800 through various activities and just recently through a Water Walk. Everyone gathered in the parking lot and walked around the bus loop to support this cause. “Running water is a luxury in many countries around the world. We are happy to create awareness among our students as to the importance of issues like this and how we can come together as a community to help others,” said Mrs. Kimberly Rogers.

This initiative is in conjunction with the non-profit organization H20 for Life which connects schools in the United States with schools in developing countries to complete WASH (WAter, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in Schools projects.

Students are able to build an allegiance to and an understanding of their partner school through curriculum and experiential learning while raising funds for WASH in Schools projects. 100 percent of contributions raised by schools goes directly to partner school projects.

To obtain more information about H20 for Life visit www.h2oforlifeschools.org.

For more information contact Kimberly Rogers at (561) 383-9700 or via email at kimberly.rogers@palmbeachschools.org.  

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 Public Affairs Contact: Natalia Arenas – (561) 357-7662 – natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools.org

Samantha has founded a student club with chapters in all 28 high schools in Palm Beach County to promote monthly service projects benefiting poor people. She is now working to send 60 students on a poverty-focused mission to a third-world country.

“We are so proud of Samantha.  Not only has she raised money and traveled to Nicaragua, but she has taught other students the importance of making a difference in the world.  Sami’s determination to help others and raise global awareness is inspirational,” said Kelly Bruce, the school guidance counselor.

According to the event organizer, the 10 National Honorees, who range in age from 12 to17, were selected from 102 State Honorees and more than 26,000 applicants based on the initiative, effort, impact and personal growth demonstrated in the course of their volunteer service. The recognition ceremony was part of a four-day celebration that brought the top two youth volunteers from each state to Washington, D.C., with their parents, to be recognized for their outstanding acts of community service.  These 102 State Honorees – one middle level and one high school student from each state and the District of Columbia – were personally congratulated by New York Giants quarterback and 2012 Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning at a gala dinner reception at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

About The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities.

For additional information, please contact Kelly Bruce at kelly.bruce@palmbeachschool.org.

[Editors: Full-color pictures of the Spirit of Community Awards program logo and medallions are available at http://spirit.prudential.com. Digital photos of the National Honorees are available by calling Harold Banks of Prudential at 973-802-8974 or 973-216-4833.]

With the help of generous scholarships which were provided by Gold Coast Federal Credit Union and Gold Coast’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Delaney, Royal Palm Beach High School had fifteen students competing, as well as three delegates.

These students and their areas of competition are listed as follows:

Tyler McGrath (10^th grade) – Accounting I

Kevin Abinader (12^th grade) and Mahendra “Randy” Deoroop (11^th grade) – Accounting II

Lionel Muñoz (12^th grade) and Jennipher Castillo (12^th grade) – Business Law

Christopher Miccieche (10^th grade) – Business Mathematics

Quincy Jeanty (11^th grade), Bryan Baker (11^th grade), and David Alves (11^th grade) – Business Plan

Nicholas Spigarelli (12^th grade) – Economics

Thuy Tu (12^th grade) and Louis Hernandez (12^th grade) – Entrepreneurship

Gabrielle Marionakis (11^th grade) and Erica Lloyd (11^th grade) – Global Business

Kevin Deal (11^th grade) – Health Care Administration

Austin Lombardi (12^th grade), Makeshia Johnson (12^th grade), and Domingo Reyes (12^th grade) – Delegates

All of the students performed very well and were extremely dedicated participants in their respective events. In many cases, the students opted to miss the senior prom to compete at the state level.  One such senior was Lionel Muñoz, who placed third in the competition for Business Law.

For the second year in a row, Royal Palm Beach High School has had a student place in one of the top five positions for the Business Law division. Lionel Muñoz was the only Palm Beach County student to place in this division, and will represent both Royal Palm Beach High School and the State of Florida at the upcoming National Leadership Conference on June 29- July 2, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas.

Lionel, who will attend Florida International University in the fall, is the second national competitor in the last three years from Royal Palm Beach High School. “I promise to do my best and  bring back a national trophy to all my friends here in Florida,” said Lionel.

For more information contact Tiffany Taylor at (561) 753-4000 or via email at tiffany.taylor@palmbeachschools.org.  

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 Public Affairs Contact: Natalia Arenas – (561) 357-7662 – natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools.org