Brevard Public Schools ‘News In A Minute’
By Space Coast Daily // March 1, 2015
BPS Students Participate in Model Student Senate
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – For the 35th consecutive year, nearly one hundred students from 12 high schools participated in the annual Model Student Senate Government Study Program held at the end of January.
Under the guidance of their school sponsor, students were assigned a U.S. senator to portray and conducted research on their assigned senator’s positions on political issues, their state’s history, parliamentary procedures, debate, and the nuances of writing legislation.
Through hands-on learning, the simulation mimicked the legislative process for participating students and provided them with a practical application of the common core standards.
To commemorate the event, Judge Lisa Davidson of the 18th Judicial Circuit swore the students in as mock senators and Dr. Brian Binggeli delivered the keynote address.
This year’s award recipients were:
• West Shore Jr./Sr. High; School Commendation Award
• Sergio Carlos (West Shore Jr./Sr. High); Most Effective Senator
• Nicholas Spencer (Viera High); Most Effective Freshmen Senator
• Sean Casey (West Shore Jr./Sr. High); Most Influential Senator
• Kenion Brown (Titusville High); Judges’ Commendation Award
For more information, please contact Chris Spinale, high school social studies resource teacher, at 321-633-1000 ext. 318 or spinale.christopher@brevardschools.org.
Parents of Children with Disabilities Survey – Now Open!
BREVARD COUNTY, FLA. – The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) invites parents of children with disabilities to complete its annual survey, which is open from February 1 – May 31, 2015.
Each year, the FLDOE surveys parents of children with an individual educational plan (IEP) to determine how well the child’s school is partnering and promoting involvement in the child’s education.
All states must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The feedback is important in helping the state and local school systems continue improving educational programs for children with special needs.
The survey is available online at Esesurvey.com or a paper survey may be requested from your school.
Paper surveys will be available in both English and Spanish.
For more information, please contact Heather Theobald, learning resource teacher, at 321-633-1000 ext. 562 ortheobald.heather@brevardschools.org.
First Lady Scott Visits Audubon Elementary
MERRITT ISLAND, FLA. – Audubon Elementary had the pleasure of hosting First Lady Ann Scott on January 29, during Celebrate Literacy Week.
Accompanied by Florida’s Teacher of the Year, Christie Barrett, Ms. Scott was treated to student displays and a welcome committee in her honor.
During her visit, Ms. Scott spent time in classrooms reading to students, reviewing student art projects and participating in teacher led lesson plans. BPS was honored to have such a dignified guest visit one of our schools!
For more information, please contact Bonnie Wakefield Speicher, teacher, at 321-431-1599 orspeicher.bonnie@brevardschools.org.
Edgewood Jr./Sr. Dually Enrolled Student Selected for 2015 All-Florida Academic Team
MERRITT ISLAND, FLA. – Leonia Hunt, an Edgewood Jr./Sr. High student who is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree on the Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) Cocoa campus, was selected to join the prestigious 2015 All-Florida Academic Team for her outstanding scholarship and work in the community.
EFSC nominated Hunt and two other students as candidates based on their high achievement in the classroom, leadership on campus and service to the community.
The All-Florida Academic Team consists of 124 students from the 28-member Florida College System that includes Eastern Florida State College.
Members of the All-Florida Academic Team will be formally recognized during an awards ceremony held on April 9, in Tallahassee.
For more information, please contact Dr. Ken Winn, principal, at 321- 454-1030 orwinn.kenneth@brevardschools.org.
Astronaut High Chamber Choir Performs at Amway Center
TITUSVILLE, FLA. – The Astronaut High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Michael Coppola, performed the “National Anthem” at the Amway Center Arena prior to the Magic game on February 22.
This performance marked the eighth consecutive year the group has performed the “National Anthem” for the Orlando Magic team, dating back to 2007. The students were thrilled to sing in front of such a large crowd, and very honored to represent their school and community.
For more information, please contact Cheryl Shivel, athletic/activities director, at 321- 264-3000 ext. 4003 orshivel.cheryl@brevardschools.org.
Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. Students Get Creative at Book It Bake
COCOA BEACH, FLA. – Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High held their tenth annual Book It Bake on February 17.
Book It Bake is an annual contest that the media center organizes to celebrate reading in a fun, creative way.
Students and staff are asked to bake and submit a cake that relates to reading and judges evaluate the cakes according to certain categories.
The categories are: best book cover, best book theme, best book character, best overall and judge’s choice. There were over 30 tasty entries with over 60 students and staff members participating.
This year’s Book It Bake winners are:
• Best Cover – Chemistry, by Mrs. Lengyel’s 7th period class team project
• Best Character – Paddington Bear, by Mekenzie Bradley & Nate Roop
• Best Theme – Fairy Tales/Disney, Natalie Moticska
• Judge’s Choice – Peter Pan, Hannah Lyons & Nicole Demoret
• Overall Winner – Chemistry, by Mrs. Lengyel’s 7th period class team project
For more information, please contact Shelley Colburn, media specialist, at 321-783-1776 ext. 3008 orcolburn.shelley@brevardschools.org.
MILA Elementary Families Learn New Math Standards
MERRITT ISLAND, FLA. – MILA Elementary held a Title I Math Night for students and families to share educational ways to implement math strategies.
The event consisted of grade level sessions in which parents were able to visit their child’s classroom and learn about the Florida State Standards. Grade level teachers shared information about the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) Parent Portal, showed video clips about what math looks like in the classroom today and provided parents with helpful math websites that they can use at home with their students. The event concluded with students and their families participating in hand-on math games to reinforce math practice at home.
For more information, please contact Danielle Carter, teacher, at 321-454-1070 ext. 5805 orcarter.danielle@brevardschools.org.
Jackson Middle Receives BSF Check to Grow their Garden
TITUSVILLE, FLA. – School Board member, Ms. Misty Belford, presented a check to Jackson Middle teacher, Christine Ryba, who was selected as a “Bright Ideas” Mini-Grant Winner.
Ryba was selected as a “Bright Ideas” winner for writing a grant to plant and preserve a school garden.
The “Bright Ideas” Mini Grant program is coordinated through the Brevard Schools Foundation and provides teachers with the funds to add innovative projects, hands on experiences and study trips to engage students in learning at the highest levels.
A number of special sponsors have helped support the program including: the Viera Women’s Club, Brevard Art Educators, Sun Trust Foundation, Northrop Grumman, Jacobs Technology, Health First, Ambika and Ravi Palaniyandi, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, and License for Learning specialty tags.
For more information, please contact Annetha Jones, principal, at 321- 269-1812 orjones.annetha@brevardschools.org.
Quest Elementary to Present “An Evening with the Activities”
MELBOURNE, FLA. – On March 4, Quest Elementary will hold an event for students and families to showcase their activity teachers and their programs.
During the event, Quest’s activity teacher’s programs will be featured through displays, performances and interactive opportunities.
Art teacher, Mrs. Monahan, will have student work displayed throughout the cafeteria for guests to do a gallery walk.
Music teacher, Mrs. Foote, will lead a musical performance highlighting students bringing picture books to life through song, dance, and instruments.
Parents and students can conclude the night with a stop by the media center to visit the Book Fair.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Monahan at 321-242-1411 or monahan.karen@brevardschools.org.
Suntree Elementary Gets Innovative at Family STEAM Night
MELBOURNE, FLA. – Suntree Elementary students, families and local business partners were invited to attend the school’s Family STEAM Night to engage in interactive activities, on February 5.
For the past five years, Suntree has dedicated a night to provide families with an event that brings students, parents, community partners and teachers together for an evening of active learning focused on science, technology, engineering, math and now art.
During this year’s Family STEAM Night, the event focused on the added art component and its emphasis and influence on the other component’s elements of innovation, design and right brain development.
Not only does the addition of art offer a more inclusive opportunity for all students and interests, but it further enhances a wide variety of 21st century learning skills.
The event was a huge success due to the support of faculty and local business partners, Lockheed Martin and Mathnasium.
For more information, please contact Patty Roissier, bookkeeper, at 321-242-6480 orroissier.patty@brevardschools.org.
Guest Readers Surprise WMSS Students during Literacy Week
WEST MELBOURNE, FLA. – To support Celebrate Literacy Week, West Melbourne Elementary School for Science students enjoyed their favorite books read aloud by local school, government and organization officials.
Media specialist, Rebecca Shary, hosted the guest readers who shared about the role reading plays in their career success.
G uest readers included:
•Ms. Diaz, BPS’ South Area Coordinator
• Ms. Menezes, a General Electric engineering supervisor
• Mr. Fenech, a Lieutenant Commander with the U.S. Navy
• Ms. Britto, a criminal defense lawyer
• Mrs. Chrieki, a church lector
• Ms. Schuck, representative from Runner’s World
• Ms. Miles, Executive Director of Children’s Home Society of Florida
• Ms. Cornejo, a professional blogger
• Mr. Lorente; a retired surgeon
For more information, please contact Shary at 321-956-5040 or shary.rebecca@brevardschools.org.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit I to Hold Family Day Event
TITUSVILLE, FLA. – All north area students and their families are invited to attend a Family Fun Day event to be held at the American Legion Post in Titusville on February 28, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Titusville American Legion, the event will celebrate veterans, children, family, and community by providing kid friendly activities, informational booths for parents and contests for all attendees.
In addition to all the festivities, author Jamie Engle will be on site signing copies of her book about bullying, Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light.
Local county organizations supporting the event include the Sheriff’s department, the fire department and SPCA. All proceeds of the event will go towards a veteran in need.
For more information, please contact Cathie McMullin, president of the American Legion I, at 610-715-2237 orcathiemcmullin@yahoo.com.
Indialantic Teacher Selected to Participate in 2015 Florida Supreme Court Justice Teaching Institute
Indialantic, FLA. – Sixth grade teacher, Michelle Olinger, was selected to participate in the 2015 Florida Supreme Court Justice Teaching Institute to be held in Tallahassee from March 22 – 26.
The Florida Supreme Court hosts the Justice Teaching Institute (JTI) each year and brings twenty-five middle and high school teachers, all expenses paid, for five days to work with members of the Florida Supreme Court. Those participating in JTI will interact with all Justices and attend a court session for an actual case after researching and reviewing the law independently. The program aims to benefit students in the following ways: promote an understanding of Florida’s justice system and our laws, develop critical thinking abilities and problem solving skills, and demonstrate the effective interaction of our courts within the constitutional structure.
For more information, please contact Maria Greco, secretary, at 321- 723-2811 orgreco.maria@brevardschools.org.
BPS-TV is Moving Channels: 198 to 496
BREVARD COUNTY, FLA. – Effective March 2, 2015, Bright House Networks will be standardizing the channel lineup for Public, Education and Government programming across Central Florida.
Due to this alignment, BPS-TV’s channel will be moving from channel 198 to channel 496.
For more information about this new alignment, please contact Bright House at 321-259-3762.
2014-15 BPS Parent Survey Available in March
BREVARD COUNTY, FLA. – Parents are invited to participate in the annual BPS parent survey available March 9 – 22.
Available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole, the parent survey provides schools with information that will help identify areas of strengths and areas in need of additional attention.
Ultimately, the survey provides information that will guide both individual school and district efforts to improve the level of service to students, parents, and the community through School Improvement Plans and the District Strategic Improvement Plan.
The survey is available online and in a paper version. If you do not have access to an electronic device, you may take the survey on any BPS campus. Paper surveys will be available upon request from the front office.
For more information, please contact Dianna Hetzel, parent involvement resource teacher, at 321-633-1000 ext. 564 or hetzel.dianna@brevardschools.org.
