SCHOOL BOARD IN ACTION
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA (GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY)
An agreement with the University System of Georgia will provide Georgia State University students with the opportunity to intern in our schools, under Board supervision. Students in the university's Master of Arts and Master of Science degree programs in speech-language pathology are required to participate in a field experience/internship program.

AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITIES OF SUNRISE, PEMBROKE PINES, COCONUT CREEK AND CORAL SPRINGS
These agreements allow the use of drug sniffing dogs on school campuses in these four cities. Similar to agreements with other cities and the Sheriff's Office, police departments' drug sniffing dogs will be available to these schools. The police will follow established Board procedures as to the use of the dogs, including inspecting lockers, book bags, cars and other areas where students store items - no students will be searched by the dogs. The goal is to increase student safety and well being while on school grounds.

SPECIAL DETAIL OFFICER AGREEMENTS WITH FOUR BROWARD CITIES
The Board approved Special Detail Agreements with the Cities of Margate, Plantation, Hallandale Beach and Miramar to contract for police officers to provide security for 17 elementary schools, three middle schools, five high schools, three centers and any additional facilities that are added for the term of the contract. Unlike School Resource Officers, the Special Detail Officers provide security for after-school activities, such as sporting events, dances, and meetings. Special Detail Officers will ensure the safety and security of students, staff and visitors at these events.

DISTRICT TO WORK WITH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER AND KEYS TO SAFER SCHOOLS
The District's Special Investigative Unit (SIU) is dedicated to working together with the community and agencies to encourage safety and security in Broward County Public Schools. Through the Crisis Management & Emergency Response Grant and with the Board's approval, SIU will work with the National School Safety Center and Keys to Safer Schools to provide first responder and emergency management staff development to the District's area directors. Keys to Safer Schools will also provide train-the-trainer staff development to the SIU Prevention Team and Bus Transportation Trainers who will in turn train bus drivers in the areas of preventing bullying, fighting, hijacking, drugs and alcohol.

Donna Bonavia
Art Teacher

Work location:
Palmview Elementary School

Started working for Broward County Public Schools in:
1996, then left in 2000 only to return again this year

First job with the District:
Palmview Elementary School

Most memorable work experience:
The day the space shuttle Challenger exploded because I was at an overnight science camp watching it with a sixth-grade class. I also distinctly remember teaching a fifth-grade class when the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place.

Most memorable personal experience:
The birth of my son 14 years ago

I painted the murals you see around our school because:
When I returned to Palmview this year, I was amazed to see the old murals that I painted nine years ago where still on the walls. I wanted to replace the old murals in the media center with new ones that would make the room fun, colorful and inviting for our students.

Greatest work accomplishment:
When my students tell me that they want to grow up and be an art teacher just like me - there could be no greater compliment!

What I like most about my job:
The joy and excitement on the children's faces when they enter my room

I'm currently reading:
Speaking My Mind by Tony Campollo

My motto:
Treat others how you want to be treated

If I won the lottery, I would:
Pay off all my debts, update my house, put some away for retirement and then do the same thing for all my brothers and sisters

Favorite food:
Ice cream!

Something you probably didn't know about
me:
I'm a fourth generation teacher

If I could pick someone out of history to have lunch with, I would choose:
Jesus and would ask him about life

Three words that describe me best:
Hard working, dedicated and caring

Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry:
Vanilla

Favorite movie:
Lord of the Rings

Best advice I ever received:
I was an art major in college and my mother (who was a teacher) advised me to get a degree in education (just in case); it was excellent advice!

Nominated for this profile by:
Hudson Thomas, Principal -
Palmview Elementary School