The 411 - News You Can Use About Broward Schools

Students, Coaches and Teams Honored at Annual Ceremony

The Broward County Athletic Association recently honored more than 175 athletes representing 26 area high schools for their athletic and academic excellence at two Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremonies. The Scholar Athlete Program is designed to recognize high school seniors who have achieved excellence in the classroom and on the field or court of play. More than $100,000 in scholarship awards was also presented.

Daniel Grunwald of J.P. Taravella High School and Danielle Barnett from South Plantation High School – two distinguished scholar

“Through athletics, students learn the importance of teamwork, cooperative learning and problem-solving.”
– Dr. Frank Till,
Superintendent of Schools

athletes – gave keynote speeches at the event and Superintendent of Schools Frank Till also recognized the students. “I believe a comprehensive athletics program complements a rigorous instructional program,” said Dr. Till. “Participation in sports and athletic competitions help prepare students to become productive citizens. Through athletics, students learn the importance of teamwork, cooperative learning and problem-solving.”

Andrew Mosely, a senior at Coral Springs High, was one of the students honored at the Scholar Athletic ceremony. Andrew carries a 4.9 GPA and is considering college offers from the University of Florida and University of Illinois. During his high school career Andrew played varsity football, soccer and track for the Colts. “I am so pleased that there is a program that recognizes the importance of being both a scholar and an athlete,” said Andrew. “Participation and involvement in academics and sports provide for a well-balanced life.” According to Andrew, the two complement one another, too. “Athletics relaxes me and allows me to focus on my academics.”

Distinguished coaches and players of the year were also honored, including: Northern Division Coach Laura Roundtree (state champion Class 6A Girls' Soccer); Southern Division Coach Abby Ward (state champion Class 5A Girls' Basketball); Northern Division Player of the Year Andrew Bain (All-American offensive lineman for State 5A Football champion Blanche Ely High School and a scholar athlete); and Southern Division Player of the Year Amanda Ray (scholar athlete and four-year member of Dillard High's basketball and flag football teams).

The Broward County Athletic Association also recognized high school teams that won 2002-2003 state championships, including: Blanche Ely (Class 5A Football); Cardinal Gibbons (Wrestling); Deerfield Beach (Class 6A Girls Basketball); Dillard (Class 6A Boys Basketball); South Broward (Class 5A Girls Basketball); St. Thomas (Boys and Girls Swimming and Girls Tennis); Stoneman Douglas (Class 6A Girls Soccer and Boys Golf); and Taravella (Class 6A Boys Soccer).

BCAA

2,000+ New Teachers Needed
for Next School Year

Based on attrition, student growth and the new class size amendment, the District estimates it needs 2,077 new teachers for the start of the 2003-2004 school year. That’s more than double the number of new educators needed for the last school year! How do we plan on recruiting those teachers? Very good question.

In anticipation of these needs, the District has expanded its alternative certification program, established the Broward Teacher Corps program to assist paraprofessionals in earning a degree in education and have begun some aggressive marketing and recruiting measures.

As we market "Live and Teach in Paradise" across the nation, we target regions where there are potential teacher layoffs, large urban areas and cold spots where our weather and lifestyle are most attractive. A promotional CD and brochure were produced and public service announcements are airing on BECON to attract young people and individuals considering a career in teaching.

Our efforts span the country, but are greatest within the state of Florida. We visit our local colleges and universities and talk to education interns and students who are pursuing degrees in other fields, encouraging them to consider education. We also hosted “Experience Broward,” a local recruitment fair held in late May at the Broward County Convention Center. Experience Broward provided candidates with the opportunity to learn about our District and meet our principals.

If you know a potential candidate who did not attend our fair, please encourage him or her to access our Web site at www.browardschools.com/teacher. An on-line application and information about alternative certification, salaries, benefits and much more is available there. For further information about our recruitment efforts or teacher opportunities, please contact the Instructional Staffing Department at (954) 765-6397.

Bit of History

In 1920 Deerfield Beach's "old school house" was constructed replacing its
wood-frame structure. A bond issue of $12,000 provided construction funding for the new masonry building which was constructed in what was the center of Deerfield at that time.

A school day in Deerfield School mirrored the experience of many students of that time in Broward County. Desks were made of wood and wrought iron and were placed in rows in front of the teacher's wooden desk. School hours were 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. School was called to order by a large hand-tolled bell and discipline maintained with the help of rulers and paddles. Upper grades met in one room and lower grades in another separated by a folding divider.

Learn more about the history of Broward County Public Schools by visiting the District’s Web site (www.browardschools.com). Click on “About Us” and select “Our History.”

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