PET THERAPY DOGS GET OFFICIAL BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD PHOTO ID BADGES

An ID badge signifies that each pooch is an "official listener" and students will have fun checking out their furry friend's badge before settling in to read to them.

The Wags & Tales Program enables children between the ages of 5 -12 years old to read an age-appropriate short story of their choice to a Pet Therapy Dog.  The intent of the program is to make reading fun and boost the child's confidence in reading out loud.  Children are selected by reading specialists at participating schools. 

In order to expand the program to additional schools, the program needs more teams -- volunteers and dogs. Volunteers and their dogs must attend a Humane Society of Broward County Volunteer Orientation and a mandatory two-hour pre-requisite pet therapy-training course.  Dogs must be one year or older; spayed/neutered/ current on vaccinations; non-aggressive in all situations; interested in people; well-behaved and able to maintain a down stay position for long periods of time.  A Pet Therapy Dog needs to be able to walk well on a leash, not jump, and be able to adhere to basic commands.  Potential volunteers must be 18 years of age.

Those interested in learning more about the program should call 954-266-6853 or send E-mail to
petherapy@hsbroward.com

Employee Discounts Offered:  Membership Has its BENEFITS

Being a part of Broward County Schools in any capacity certainly has advantages. Since the District employs over 30,000 individuals, businesses are eager to offer deals and discounts from ten to fifty percent.  Whether you are applying for a loan, joining a gym, buying a computer, sending flowers, or seeking daycare or tutoring services, be sure to check the Benefits Department's Web site for special offers and promotions.  When the Library of Benefits graphic appears on the Web page, just click the last book entitled "Employee Discounts," for specific categories and begin to enjoy the many benefits of membership.

www.browardschools.com/benefits


Articles or Ideas?
Submit them to the 411!
Three more issues of the 411 - News You Can Use About Broward Schools employee newsletter will be published during the 2004-05 school year.  The 411 is your publication and we encourage the submission of story ideas and articles.  Articles or ideas should be sent electronically to Marsy Smith in the Communications & Media Relations Department via CAB E-mail.

Articles should be no longer than one typed page, double-spaced, and should be of interest to a wide audience. (The 411 reaches all 27,000+ school-based and District employees.)  All articles are subject to editing and due to space limitations, not all articles submitted may be published.

Questions about the 411 should be directed either to Marsy Smith or to Keith Bromery, Director, Communications & Media Relations Department, 754-321-2300.

411 DEADLINES
Winter Issue
Monday, November 1, 2004

Spring Issue
Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Summer Issue
Tuesday, April 12, 2005


ONLINE INTERVIEW WITH NEW CIO
FEATURED ON DISTRICT WEB SITE
The District's

Vijay Sonty, Chief Information Officer (CIO)

new Chief
Information Officer (CIO) Vijay Sonty is being introduced to employees and community members in a unique way - an audio interview on the District's Web site.  The Audio Channel, a recent addition to the award-winning Web site, currently features an interview with the new CIO.  During the interview, Mr. Sonty shares his perspective on the importance of technology in Broward County Public Schools and his vision for the future.  Also currently featured on the Audio Channel are highlights of the 2004 Superintendent's Leadership Summit.  To access the Summit highlights and the interview with Mr. Sonty, go to the District's Web site (www.browardschools.com), click on the Multimedia Page and then Audio Channel.  New items will be added to the Audio Channel on a regular basis.