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 student productions were selected as the top media productions in their school, then District, and will now move on to the State Competition. First, second, and third place winners of the State Competition will be honored at an awards ceremony at the FAME Annual Conference in November. Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) sponsors the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival to encourage students of FAME members to communicate through media production and to recognize and reward outstanding presentations.

Click for Jim Harbin Winners and productions.

For more information please contact Madeline Miller, Media Specialist Jupiter High School, at Madeline.miller@palmbeachschools.org.

Chris Wan with his Grand Award Trophy in the State Science and Engineering Fair competition.

Christopher Wan, age 17, from Wellington, has been working on similar projects modeling salinity for two years.  He was recognized by the Siemens Foundation in their prestigious STEM competition earlier in the year; was named a ‘MAD (Making A Difference) Scientist’ by Junior Achievement at their Watch a Rising Star event at the Kravis Center; and this past May Christopher was unable to attend the prestigious Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Awards where he was named The Pathfinder winner for Science because he was competing in the Intel science fair. 

Speaking about the 1^st place project Wan submitted, he explains that he put in substantial time and effort into the research. “The first year (11^th grade) I spent about 400 hours on my research. This year I continued my research project with an additional 800 hours in the same field of study. The goal was to develop a model to simulate salinity in the Loxahatchee River as a performance tool. My project allows engineers and environmentalists to predict salinity at any given moment in the river. Currently the South Florida Water Management District has three dimensional models to predict this and they require days to run. My model works instantaneously.”

 Christopher, a Dreyfoos piano major, graduated number one in his class and will be attending Yale University in the fall with plans to major in biochemistry and music performance. For details, contact Magnet Coordinator Jane Grandusky, 561.805.6203 or jane.grandusky@palmbeachschools.org.

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

This year marks the 21^st year of CAFCI’s student assistance program recognizing students’ achievement in Palm Beach County schools and colleges. To date, CAFCI has given 96 monetary awards totaling $45,890. The theme for this year’s ceremony was, “Beyond the Finish Line.” 

The eleven students awarded 2013 scholarships are:  

Kaitlyn Cameron – Graduated from Wellington High School and plans to attend Palm Beach State College 

Rachelle Eloizin – Graduated from Atlantic High School and plans to attend University of South Florida 

Brad Lewis – Graduated from Seminole Ridge High School and plans to attend Palm Beach State College 

Gillian Strowbridge – Graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School and plans to attend Florida A&M University 

Vinnet Douglas – Graduated from Atlantic High School and plans to attend University of Miami 

Darius Hodges – Graduated from Palm Beach Lakes High School and plans to attend University of Alabama 

Sara Pengelley – Graduated from Suncoast High School and plans to attend University of Florida 

Sashia Thompson – Graduated from Seminole Ridge High School an plans to attend Barry University 

Robert Simms – Graduated from Palm Beach Central High School and plans to attend Palm Beach State College 

David Gouge – Graduated from Suncoast High School and plans to attend University of Florida

Brandon LaRosa – Graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts and plans to attend Florida State University 

Recipients left to right: Seated – Brad Lewis, Vinnet Douglas, Gillian Strowbridge, Brandon LaRosa, David Gouge. Standing – Kaitlyn Cameron, Rachelle Eloizin, Sara Pengelley and Sashia Thompson. Absent - Robert Simms and Darius Hodges.

Lifetime members of CAFCI Mr. and Mrs. Lauriston Simms partnered with CAFCI and presented the award to Sashia Thompson who plans to pursue studies in nursing. Mr. Simms who is the owner of an assisted living facility, is passionate about nursing and donates annually to the award. The Amanayea Abraham Award went to Rachelle Eloizin. The late Amanayea Abraham was one of CAFCI’s strongholds and was very instrumental in the organization’s activities.

Dr. Colette Brown-Graham presenting an award to recipient, Sara Pengelley

Vice-Mayor of Royal Palm Beach presenting award to recipient, Brad Lewis

The Vivian A. Ferrin Scholarships were awarded to two Eagle Scouts, David Gouge and Brandon LaRosa by Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, daughter of the late Vivian Ferrin. These scholarships were made as a tribute in Vivian Ferrin’s honor to graduating seniors who are from CAFCI’s Boys Scout Troup 111 and who have attained the very prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. 

Daughter of the late Vivian Ferrin and CAFCI member, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis presenting awards to Eagle Scouts David Gouge and Brandon LaRosa

Requirements for the scholarships include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, a letter of acceptance from the college of choice and an essay to demonstrate interest and knowledge of Caribbean culture and affairs. 

Recipient Gillian Strowbridge sharing her dreams and plans for the future

Students who meet the requirements are invited to an interview after which the selection for awards is made. This year’s interviewing was conducted by committee members, Dr. Elaine Ealy, Junette Powell, Nadine White-Boyd, Esq. and Dr. Cedric Lynch. 

Mayor Matty Mattiolli of the Village of Royal Palm saluted the recipients and wished them success. Past award recipients Tiffany Williams (2012), Vasthi Ciceron (2011) and Nico Brown (2005) shared their experiences with the audience. Williams and Ciceron are both current students at the University of Florida (UF) and have just completed their first and second year respectively. They both volunteered as hostesses at the ceremony. Nico Brown graduated from University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2010 with a degree in mechanical engineering and is currently working as a resident engineer for the physics department at UCF. Rochele Brown, another past recipient and who will graduate from Darmouth College this year participated in the ceremony via Skype and shared experiences of her journey. 

Guest speaker at the ceremony was Dr. Stephanie Nance, principal at Crestwood Middle School. With the creative infusion of poetry, “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes at the start of her address to the awardees and “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley at her closing,  Dr. Nance did more than deliver support and advice. She strongly urged the prospective college students to realize that each of them will have his or her own race to run. She reminded them that there may be obstacles along the way.

Dr. Nance addressing the students

“Your will to succeed,” she stressed, “will determine if that obstacle remain an obstacle or if that obstacle becomes an opportunity.” A life-long lesson from which all could learn was very ably put by Dr. Nance, “Life is also about sacrifice, we must always remember and reflect upon those that helped to pave the way for our growth and success.”  

Walmart Foundation representatives Darlretha Patillo and Ashley Harris from Sam’s Club # 8157 presenting the $1500 check to CAFCI Student Assistance Program Chair, Dr. Elaine Ealy

For more information contact Dr. Elaine Ealy at (561) 753-5000 or via email at elaine.ealy@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.

• 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.

Acquille Dunkley will attend Digital Media Arts College in Boca Raton, Florida and Taylor Goldenberg will attend Rhode Island School of Design. 

“PBCATA wishes to offer our congratulations to these students and their art teachers Scott Armetta and Cindy Oakes,” said Kim Pilla, PBCATA President.

Acquille Dunkley

Taylor Goldenberg

PBCATA MISSION

It is the mission of the Palm Beach County Art Teachers Association to support art education and to promote art as a means of communication for each individual. It is the right of each individual to develop his own creativity and aesthetic potential. It is our purpose to strengthen the position of art education in Palm Beach County. We support programs in art, which meet the needs, interests and abilities of each individual student. We will promote and maintain the highest quality of art education in Palm Beach County.

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.

Students playing Jeopardy at the Science Fair

The Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair is one of the largest academic competitions in the state. 

 The following special awards, sponsored by community partners, were presented: 

• Aviation Award – Sponsored by FlightSafety International
• Energy Award – Sponsored by Florida Power and Light Company
• Green Earth Award – Sponsored by the Palm Beach Science Educators Association 

Click here to view the complete listing of award winning projects of the Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair. 

“The Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair provides young learners with an opportunity to investigate the things they are curious about, design and execute their own experiments, practice how scientists and mathematicians do their work, and begin making choices about what they might want in their future,” said Thomas Medcalf, Elementary Science Resource Teacher and District Fair Coordinator. 

Over 1,200 elementary students from across Palm Beach County visited the fair to view the projects and learn from them.  They also had the chance to participate in a wide variety of interactive mathematics and science activities such as Mathematics and Science Jeopardy.  Teachers from several elementary schools such as Addison Mizner and Rolling Green conducted hands-on activities with the participating students. 

Wendy Spielman King, K-12 Science Manager for the School District of Palm Beach County, stated, “It is important that students acquire mathematical and scientific knowledge, but the application of this knowledge is the key to true understanding.  The Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair challenges our students to use their knowledge and apply it to solve problems.  That’s why this event is so important for student learning.” 

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.

At the One Blood luncheon held on May 2, the Academy was awarded trophies for the Largest Blood Drive of the Year, the Largest Average Drive  Public, the Largest Increase – Public, and the Student Committee of the Year. Their advisor, Jacqueline Burgess-Malone, was awarded the Contact of the Yearplaque.

 The following John I. Leonard Medical Academy students received scholarships as a result of the blood drive:  John Arias, Brenda Castillo, Maria Cobo, Samantha Hinkle, Othaniel Navia, Jessica Quinter, Roshni Ramdat, Angelica Rodriguez, Alex Rubio, and Logan Weber.

Left to right in the back: Alexander Rubio,Angelica Rodriguez, John Arias, Brenda Castillo, Natalie Garcia, Samantha Alexander, Roshni Ramdat, and Lainey Poole. In the front, Aileen DeLeon.

For more information, contact Principal, Edward Tierney, at Edward.tierney@palmbeachschools.org  or call 561- 641-1200. 

John I. Leonard student Alex Rubio

John I. Leonard senior Alexander Rubio  is headed to Anaheim, California and will represent the State of Florida at the National Leadership Conference of the Future Business Leaders of America. 

Rubio outscored all the other competitors in the state in his category at the Florida Future Business Leaders of America Leadership Conference held in Orlando in late April. The John I. Leonard Medical Academy student was awarded First Place for his competition in the area of Health Care and Administration.

The Future Business Leaders of America Leadership Conference will convene hundreds of students from across the nation when they meet for  three days in  Anaheim, California at the end of June.

For more details contact Principal Edward Tierney at 561- 641-1200 or by email at edward.tierney@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.

• Christopher Wan from Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts received a FIRST Place Grand Award in the category of Environmental Sciences and $3,000 for the overall competition.  Christopher had already received First Place and the Grand Award in the Physical Sciences division at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair.  He also won First Place at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair earlier this year and Best of Show last year. 
• Maria Elena Grimmett from Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches received a THIRD Place Grand Award in the category of Environmental Sciences and $1,000 for the overall competition.  Maria Elena had already received Second Place at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair.  She also won First Place and Best of Show at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair earlier this year. 

“We are very proud of all of our ISEF finalists, who represented Palm Beach County very well at the International competition,” added Greg Goebel, District Science Program Planner. 

The judging, awards, exciting special events, and unique opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with their peers all make the competition an event to be remembered.  “We look forward to another exciting year of Regional, State, and International Science and Engineering Fair competitions in 2013-14!” 

• Christopher Wan attends Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts as a Senior; His project was “Modeling Estuarine Salinity using Artificial Neural Networks”.
• Savannah Flak also attends Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts as a Senior; Her project was “Synthesis of Monodisperse Superparamagnetic FePt Nanoparticles”.
• Ryan Meingasner attends Seminole Ridge Community High School as a Senior; His project was “Developing a Purification Strategy to Aid Structural Characterization of the S1P1 Receptor”.
• Alexandra Kaye attends Palm Beach Lakes Community High School as a Senior; Her project was “Wear and Tear or Genes in Gear? Single Neuron Age-Dependent Gene Expression in Aplysia californica”.
• Zachary Solloway attends Park Vista Community High School as a Junior; His project was “Can Parsing Google and Twitter Reliably Reflect Political Trends?”.
• Andrew O’Neill attends Suncoast Community High School as a Junior; His project was “Infrared Energy”.
• Maria Elena Grimmett attends Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches as a Freshman; Her project was “H20h No: Pharmaceuticals Are in My Groundwater! Removal of Sulfamethazine by Hypercrosslinked Adsorbent MN250 in Simulated Groundwater”. 

For more information contact Greg Goebel at 561-357-1128 or via email gregory.goebel@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.

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.